Join us on Tuesday, May 23rd for the Spring 2023 Explore! Talent Show! Mr. Rand has been hosting auditions for Explorers and we’re excited to share this performance with you!
8:30-9:15 - Kindergarten and 1st Grade
9:30-10:15 - 2nd and 3rd Grade
11:30-12:30 - 4th Grade
1:30-3:00 - 5th-7th Grade
The Family Advisory Council (FAC) is looking for caregivers to RISE UP and volunteer to be an officer for the 2023-24 school year. Positions to be filled include: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, along with heads of committees for Events, Teacher Appreciation, Fundraising and Community Care. Please fill out the following form to express your interest or email explorefamilies@gmail.
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Explore! Families,
As we prepare for the final year of our K-8th Grade buildout, there is strong momentum to make the 2023-24 school year a special year for our community! Prior to accepting additional Explorers, we must know how many current families plan to return.
The Google Form linked below is an official record which confirms or declines your Explorer's seat for the 2023-24 school year. W e need 100% of current families to complete the form on or before Wednesday, February 1st. Please complete this Google Form for EACH of your current Explorers. Families who decline their Explorer's seat, or do not complete the form, are at risk of not being able to enroll for the upcoming school year.
If you have an incoming Kindergartener, please provide that information when requested. There is also space to share the names of prospective families who would like more information about Explore!
https://forms.gle/
If you have any questions while completing the form, please reach out to Ms. Booker at jbooker@explore.school or call the front office at 615-784-8222. You may also contact Mr. Gish at cgish@explore.school with other enrollment-related questions.
Rise Up, Explore! Rise Up!
Cameron Gish
Executive Principal
Explore! Community School
Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)
Explore! Families,
Happy New Year! We enjoyed a terrific start to 2023 and look forward to welcoming Explorers back for a full week of learning tomorrow. I am especially proud of the way Explorers showed cr aftsmanship in meeting expectations in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria and other spaces. As a reminder, Explorers are marked tardy after 7:45 AM. Daily, on-time attendance is an important part of your Explorer’s academic success!
Don’t forget! Our FAC has their monthly meeting this Thursday, January 12th with a special guest and “Wait Until 8th” presentation. We highly encourage families to attend! Food is served at 5:30 PM and the presentation begins at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria. Please read the flier for more information.
We also invite you to join us for our first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Friday, January 13th. In addition to the community event after school (3:30-5:30 PM in the gym), we will have in-school celebrations during Morning Program and Family Meeting. Please read the flier for more information and contact Ms. Knight with any questions at jknight@explore.school.
Community Celebrations:
We are so proud to announce that our Music Teacher, Ms. Frank, has been named a finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award! Ms. Frank is one of ten finalists from across America who are vying for the prestigious awa rd. Read more information at https://www.grammy.com/
Our 4th Grade Poetry Slam was recently highlighted by News Channel 5 in their “School Patrol” segment. Check it out! https://www.newschannel5.com/
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, January 12th - Lifetouch Class Pictures
Friday, January 13th - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration (3:30-5:30 PM)
Monday, January 16th - No School for Explorers
Monday, January 30th - First Day of the Book Fair
Thursday, February 2nd - Lower School Math Academics Night (5:00-7:00 PM)
School Tours for 2023-24
The recruiting season is upon us! As we look toward next school year, many families with rising Kindergarten students or those seeking a different environment are planning school tours. Explore! is hosting school tours every Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM and Thursday afternoon at 3:30 PM throughout January. Interested families should visit http://www.explore.
Book Fair
Save the date! The Book Fair is returning to Explore! from January 30th through February 3rd. Explorers will have scheduled time during lunch and recess to purchase items, in addition to after school hours. Lower School families may also purchase during the Academics Night on February 2nd. More information will be shared next week!
Athletic Director Update
We are proud to announce that Grayson McGinnis will serve as our Athletic Director for the Spring semester! Mr. Grayson will support our 6th and 7th Grade Explorers participating in Basketbal l, as well as Boys Soccer and Track this semester. If you have any questions or want to receive information about these opportunities, please contact gmcginnis@explore.school.
Nashville PROPEL E vent
A local organization is hosting a school recruiting event on Saturday, January 14th from 12:00-2:00 PM at Eloisa Salazar Event Center. This event is specifically geared toward Nashville charter schools and Explore! will be represented! If you have friends and neighbors who are interested in learning more about Explore!, please encourage them to attend!
TCAP Dates
Our annual TCAP assessment for 3rd-7th Grade Explorers is scheduled for April 17-21 (week 1) and April 24-28 (week 2). Daily, on-time attendance is required for Explorers. Please avoid scheduling any appointments or other conflicts during this time frame.
Make it a great day,
Cameron Gish
Executive Principal
Explore! Community School
Explore! Families,
Thank you to all of the parents and caregivers who joined us for conferences on Friday! The collaboration between home and school is an important part of each Explorer's success in the classroom. A special “shout out” to 7th Grade for their Exhibition of Learning on Thursday! We look forward to celebrating with 5th and 6th Grade this week. Please review the communication from Ms. Smith if you’re planning to attend either event.
Believe it or not, there are only four school days before Winter Break! Dismissal is at 2:45 PM on Thursday, December 15th and there is no school for Explorers on Friday, December 16th.
Upcoming Dates:
K-2nd Grade Reading Resources
If your Explorer is in Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd Grade, free reading resources are available through the Tennessee Department of Education! Visit https://readingresources.mybrightsites.com/products">https://readingresources.mybrightsites.com/products for more information!
Lost and Found Reminder
To ensure lost and found items can be returned to Explorers, please label jackets, water bottles, and other personal items with your Explorer’s name. If items cannot be returned to their owner, they will be donated.
Compassion for Community
The Family Advisory Council (FAC) is proudly hosting our annual “Compassion for Community” campaign again this year. One of the goals for this holiday season is for Explore! families to meet the needs of other Explore! families who may be in need. No amount is too big or too small! Our FAC’s goal is to have at least 100 families donate $50 toward this important cause. To donate money, Venmo @explorefamilies (memo: Compassion + child’s grade/teacher). Class participation will be tracked and the top 3 classes will receive a special donut party before Winter Break!
January 12th FAC Meeting - “Wait Until 8th”
Save the date! Our Family Advisory Council has invited a guest speaker and licensed counselor to share about the “wait until 8th” movement, which encourages families to limit social media usage until 8th Grade. Join us on Thursday, January 12th for more information! Dinner is served at 5:30 PM and the meeting begins at 6:00 PM.
Make it a great day,
Cameron Gish
Executive Principal
Explore! Community School
Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)
Explore! Families,
As we approach the end of the first semester, we look forward to welcoming caregivers to campus on Friday for parent/teacher conferences! As a reminder, there is no school for Explorers on Friday. Please check Bloomz for informat ion about scheduling a conference with your Explorer’s teacher. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how your Explorer is progressing this year!
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, December 8th - 7th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Friday, December 9th - Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School for Explorers)
Monday, December 12th - 5th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Wednesday, December 14th - 6th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Thursday, December 15th - 2:45 PM Dismissal
Friday, December 16th - PD Day (No School for Explorers)
Wednesday, January 4th - Explorers Return t o School
K-2nd Grade Reading Resources
If your Explorer is in Kindergarten, 1st, or 2nd Grade, free reading resources are available through the Tennessee Department of Education! Visit https://
Lost and Found Reminder
To ensure lost and found items can be returned to Explorers, please label jackets, water bottles, and other personal items with your Explorer’s name. If items cannot be returned to their owner, they will be donated.
Compassion for Community Update
The Family Advisory Council (FAC) is proudly hosting our annual “Compassion for Community” campaign again this year. One of the goals for this holiday season is for Explore! families to meet the needs of other Explore! families who may be in need. No amount is too big or too small! Our FAC’s goal is to have at least 100 families donate $50 toward this important cause. To donate money, Venmo @explorefamilies (memo: Compassion + child’s grade/teacher). Class participation will be tracked and the top 3 classes will receive a special donut party before Winter Break!
Thus far, the Explore! community has raised almost $3,000 from 25 families. Let’s keep pushing toward our goal of 100 families this week!
January 12th FAC Meeting - “Wait Until 8th”
Save the date! Our Family Advisory Council has invited a guest speaker and licensed counselor to share about the “wait until 8th” movement, which encourages families to limit social media usage until 8th Grade. Join us on Thursday, January 12th for more information! Dinner is served at 5:30 PM and the meeting begins at 6:00 PM.
Make it a great day,
Cameron Gish
Executive Principal
Explore! Community School
Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)
Explore! Families,
We are excited to welcome back Explorers tomorrow morning after a relaxing Thanksgiving Break with friends and family! It’s always good to slow down for a few days and reflect on all of the blessings around us. We are so glad that your family is part of ours!
When Explorers return on Monday, there are three weeks before Winter Break. This is an important stretch where Explorers can focus on improving grades in their classes prior to the end of the grading period. Please reach out to your Explorer’s teachers with any questions or concerns!
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, December 1st - Tornado Drill
Thursday, December 8th - 7th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Monday, December 12th - 5th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Wednesday, December 14th - 6th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Thursday, December 15th - 2:45 PM Dismissal
Friday, December 16th - PD Day (No School for Expl orers)
Tornado Drill
Throughout the year, Explorers practice the appropriate response in a variety of emergency situations. On Thursday morning, Explorers will practice our tornado drill procedures after morning arrival. We know this can be triggering for some Explorers, so our Culture Team will be available for any Explorers who need or request support.
Compassion for Community
The Family Advisory Council (FAC) is proudly hosting our annual “Compassion for Community” campaign again this year. One of the goals for this holiday season is for Explore! families to meet the needs of other Explore! families who may be in need. No amount is too big or too small! Our FAC’s goal is to have at least 100 families donate $50 toward this important cause. To donate money, Venmo @explorefamilies (memo: Compassion + child’s grade/teacher). Class participation will be tracked and the top 3 classes will receive a special donut party before Winter Break!
If your family is experiencing food insecurity during Winter Break, please contact TaBoya Holman at tholman@explore.school
Boys and Girls Basketball
Explorers pla ying boys and girls basketball are off to a great start to the season! Games continue through January and weekly athletic calendars are added to our social media sites on Monday morning. Come cheer on these hard-working athletes representing Explore!
Possip Feedback
A special “thank you” to everyone who shared feedback via Possip in our first “pulse check!” When asked if families were happy with Explore! that week, 80% of respondents said “yes” and 17% of respondents said “mostly.” Within the 107 responses, there were many areas of celebration, as well as areas of growth. As a leadership team, we will reflect on these comments and adjust our procedures to better serve the commun ity. In future Bloomz posts, I’ll provide a summary of the feedback and also share more about how the feedback is being used by our leadership team.
Make it a great day,
Cameron Gish
Executive Principal
Explore! Community School
Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)
Explore! Families,
A special “thank you” to everyone who boarded the plane and joined for our first Exhibition of Learning last Friday! Explorers in our lower school worked to answer the question, “How are schools around the world similar and different?” We had over 300 caregivers join on Friday and look forward to our middle school Explorers sharing their learning in December!
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, November 21st - Progress Reports Go Home with Explorers
Tuesday, November 22nd - 2:45 PM Dismissal
Wednesday, November 23rd - Friday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 8th - 7th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Monday, December 12th - 5th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Wednesday, December 14th - 6th Grade Exhibition of Learning
Thursday, December 15th - 2:45 PM Dismissal
Friday, December 16th - PD Day (No School for Explorers)
Thanksgiving Break
As a friendly reminder, dismissal for Explorers is 2:45 PM on Tuesday, November 22nd. Explore! Community School is closed from Wednesday through Friday, for Thanksgiving Break.
Media Coverage of Ms. Frank and Music Class
Recently, our music teacher, Ms. Frank, was named one of 25 Semifinalists nationwide for Grammy Educator of the Year. As part of an effort to share this story with our greater comm unity, beginning Monday, November 21st, local news media will visit Explore! Community School to capture photos and video of Ms. Frank and Explorers during music class. In addition to these currently scheduled visits, we anticipate there may be additional visits in the near future.
While this is a unique opportunity for your young musician’s talent and hard work to be showcased, we understand that not all families may want their Explorer to participate. If you would like your Explorer to be opted out from participation in music class while news media crews are present, please let us know ASAP by calling our front desk at (615) 784-8222, texting Ms. Frank directly at (615) 944-9817, OR returning this form by Monday morning (11/21) at 7:45 AM. This will allow us time to make alternate arrangements for your Explorer during their regularly scheduled Music Class.
Cold and Flu Season
As we enter the peak holiday season, we know that cold, flu and other illnesses tend to increase as well. Please encourage Explorers to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and stay home if they have a fever or are feeling ill. Additionally, w e encourage Explorers to wear a mask if they’re experiencing symptoms to limit any possible exposure to other Explorers or staff.
Make it a great day,
Cameron Gish
Executive Principal
Explore! Community School
Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)
Post: This Week at Explore! - November 13th
Explore! Families,
Fall has quickly faded to Winter in Nashville! Take a few moments to dig out your heavy coats, gloves and hats for the week ahead. Our weather looks chilly and we want Explorers to stay warm!
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday, November 16th - End of Progress Report 2
Thursday, November 17th - Spirit Night at Boombozz Pizza
Friday, November 18th - Lower School Exhibition of Learning
Monday, November 21st - Progress Reports Go Home with Explorers
Tuesday, November 22nd - 2:45 PM Dismissal
Wednesday, November 23rd - Friday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Break
Updated Breakfast Process
Beginning on Monday, November 14th, Explorers will notice a new process for eating breakfast. Instead of serving food in the classrooms, cafeteria staff will have serving stations at the car-rider, bus and walker entrances. Explorers who want breakfast will grab a bag and continue to their classroom. Additional staff will be available to support Explorers tomorrow and we hope this new process makes it even simpler to enjoy a healthy breakfast at school!
Spirit Night at Boombozz
Join our Family Advisory Council on Thursday, November 17th at Boombozz Pizza in East Nashville! All proceeds will benefit our Community Care Fund, supporting the needs of families in our community.
Lower School Exhibition of Learning - Schools Around the World
We invite all lower school families to Explore! on Friday , November 18th from 9-11 AM for our first Exhibition of Learning! This is an important part of the academic experience at our school and gives Explorers the opportunity to showcase their hard work in front of peers, staff and families. This year, Explorers have worked to answer the question, “How is learning around the world similar and different?”
If you plan to attend, please bring a photo ID for entry. All guests will enter and exit through the main entrance. Explorers must remain with their teacher at all times, so if you choose to check out your Explorer early, return to the main entrance and our Operations Team will assist. Ms. Talbot has posted additional information on the lower school Bloomz channel!
Cold and Flu Season< /u>
As we enter the peak holiday season, we know that cold, flu and other illnesses tend to increase as well. Please encourage Explorers to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and stay home if they have a fever or are feeling ill. Additionally, we encourage Explorers to wear a mask if they’re experiencing symptoms to limit any possible exposure to other Explorers or staff.
Middle School SAC Elections
Last week, middle school Explorers had the unique opportunity to cast their ballot in our Student Advisory Council (SAC) elections. Thank you to Ms. Smith and Ms. McIntyre for making it happen! E xplorers who ran for office displayed immense courage, so we want to give a special shout-out to everyone who made posters and speeches last week. The following six Explorers were elected by their peers to serve on this year’s SAC!
5th Grade - Cedar Lacy and Damien Cochran
6th Grade - Ada Hill and Asher Outlaw
7th Grade - Molly Darrow and Trevin Johnson
Possip
Explore! Community School recently partnered with Possip, a digital family engagement tool that is used by many schools across the country, including Nashville. The goal of this partnership is to increase opportunities for caregivers to provide feedback to school leadership about areas of strength, as well as areas of concern. Beginning later this month, caregivers may receive a text from Possip with a short survey. These “pulse checks” are designed to take less than 60 seconds to complete and are translated into nearly 100 languages. We invite you to share your feedback to help make Explore! Community School the best charter school in Nashville!
Make it a great day,
Cameron Gish
Executive Principal
Explore! Community School
Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)
Dear Explore! Families,
Jessica Talbot - Director of Academic Operations and Project-Based Learning (Explore! Community School)
If you need access, please contact your student's teacher.
