EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Announcements

• Explore! Families Update - July 29, 2023

  Explore! Families,

  In less than a week, Explorers return to campus for the 2023-24 school year!  Classrooms are getting decorated, lesson plans are being drafted, procedures are being finalized, and soon enough, our smiling Explorers will be walking the hallways.  Our staff has been on campus all week ensuring we are ready to start the 2023-24 school year with a unified commitment to our mission, vision and values.

  Each week, I’ll send an update with school-wide information to guide the week ahead.  Moving forward, this will be sent via PowerSchool.  Please review this information carefully.  Teachers will also send grade level information each week via PowerSchool to share announcements, homework, assessments and other important information.  We hope this communication plan provides transparency and also gives you the information necessary to support your Explorer this year.

  Love,

  Explore! Leadership

   

  Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Explore! Summer Update - July 21, 2023

  Explore! Families,
  
  Believe it or not, the 2023-24 school year is quickly approaching! New and returning teachers join us on-campus for Professional Development next week to prepare for an exciting, engaging, and energetic school year. The Explore! team includes over 90 staff members, each of whom brings individual skills and expertise that make our community special. We can’t wait for you to meet our newest faces and greet our returning faces, too!
  
  We invite all Explore! families to join us on Monday, July 31st from 5:00 - 7:00 PM for our “Back to School Night!”  Explorers will meet their teacher, unload school supplies, meet new friends, etc. 7th and 8th Grade Explorers will also receive their locker assignment. Our K-8 enrollment will exceed 600 for the first time this year and we encourage all families to attend!
  
  As we have previously shared, PowerSchool is replacing Bloomz as our school communication system. We expect PowerSchool to be operational very soon. A new “Back to School” section is on the Explore! website and information is also being shared on our social media pages. Please monitor these sites until PowerSchool is fully operational.
  
  We are looking forward to a GREAT school year together! It’s almost time to RISE UP!
  
  Love,
  Explore! Community School Leadership

   

  Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Looking Forward to 2023-24 at Explore!

  Explore! Families,

  We hope that summer vacation has been a great opportunity to spend time as a family, play with friends, and travel to new places.  Many of our Explorers have been building their academic skills at Promising Scholars and we are so proud of their hard work!  While you enjoy the remaining days of summer vacation, our leadership team is busy planning for an exciting 2023-24 school year.  This letter provides some new information, frequently asked questions and important dates.

  As we shared in the Spring, there are a number of exciting updates that we believe will better serve Explorers and families this school year.  One important change is that PowerSchool is replacing Bloomz as our school communication system.  We anticipate that PowerSchool will be operational by mid-July.  Information will continue to be shared in Bloomz through the summer for returning families, but will transition to PowerSchool in mid-July.  To ensure clear communication for all families, a new “Back to School” section will be added to the Explore! website in early July and information will also be shared on our social media pages.  Please monitor these sites until PowerSchool is fully operational.

  We are looking forward to a GREAT school year together!  It’s almost time to RISE UP!

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Talent Show

  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

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• FAC Officers for 2023-24

  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.com with any questions.

  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fkLInj4btkG_x0zf5VJMwcvTKcg2deZSVlkHem6qp5A/edit

   

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Intent to Return Form for 2023-24 School Year Due February 1st

  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/tPutTKQXzvhg6YhU9 

   

  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! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• This Week at Explore! - January 8

  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/news/music-educator-award-finalists-announced-2023-grammys-65th-grammy-awards-grammy-week">https://www.grammy.com/news/music-educator-award-finalists-announced-2023-grammys-65th-grammy-awards-grammy-week 

  • Our 4th Grade Poetry Slam was recently highlighted by News Channel 5 in their “School Patrol” segment.  Check it out!  https://www.newschannel5.com/news/education/school-patrol/school-patrol-fourth-grade-slam-poetry">https://www.newschannel5.com/news/education/school-patrol/school-patrol-fourth-grade-slam-poetry 

   

  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.school/">www.explore.school and click the link to schedule a tour.  Spread the word!

   

  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! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Post: This Week at Explore! - December 11

  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:

  • 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 to 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://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! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• This Week at Explore! - December 4th

  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://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 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! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• This Week at Explore! - November 27th

  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! COMMUNITY SCHOOL