EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Announcements

• Important Explore! Back-to-School Dates

  Explore! Families,

  We hope you are enjoying a terrific summer vacation and looking forward to the start of a new year together.  Though we still have a few weeks before students return to campus, we wanted to share the important back-to-school dates for the 2022-23 school year.  We will continue sending reminders as the first day of school inches closer!

   

  1st-7th Grade Parent Orientation

  Parents of Explorers in 1st-7th Grade should attend one of the sessions listed below to complete required paperwork and learn more about the upcoming school year.

   

  Saturday, July 16th from 8-10 AM or 12-2 PM

  Tuesday, July 19th from 5:30-7:30 PM

  Wednesday, July 20th from 5:30-7:30 PM

   

  Kindergarten Parent Orientation

  Parents of Explorers starting Kindergarten should attend the session listed below to complete required paperwork and learn more about the upcomin g school year.

   

  Thursday, July 21st from 5-6 PM

   

  Kindergarten Discovery

  New Kindergarten Explorers are invited to campus on the days listed below to join their peers and teachers in classroom activities to get ready for the new year!  Additionally, parents of Kindergarten Explorers are invited to the "Boo Hoo Woo Hoo" Breakfast after arrival on Tuesday, July 26th.

   

  Monday, July 25th from 8 AM-12 PM

  Tuesday, July 26th from 8 AM-12 PM 

   

  Meet the Teacher Nights

  All Explore! families are invited to meet their child's teacher for the 2022-23 school year.  Families may attend either evening, but should attend their respective grade band and th e mission/vision session.

   

  Wednesday, July 27th

  4:30-5:30 PM (Lower School)

  5:30-6:30 PM (Mission/Vision)

  6:30-7:30 PM (Middle School)

   

  Thursday, July 28th4:30-5:30 PM (M iddle School)5:30-6:30 PM (Mission/Vision)6:30-7:30 PM (Lower School)

   

  First Days of School

  It's time to OFFICIALLY begin the 2022-23 school year!  Please remember that our updated school times are 7:45 AM - 3:15 PM.  Student arrival begins at 7:30 AM.

   

  Monday, August 1st (Grades 2,4,6)

  Tuesday, August 2nd (Grades 1,3,5,7)

  Wednesday, August 3rd (Grades K-7)

   

  Cameron Gish - Executive Principal (Explore! Community School)

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• 5-6 Project Based Learning Units

  Hi Families!
   

  I am excited to share with you our 5th grade Project Based Learning Unit, as well as, our very first 6th grade Project Based Learning Unit.

  
   In the 5th grade unit, Explorers will answer the generative question, “How can we elevate the indigenous stories and voices of history?”

  Explorers will begin the unit by identifying the key differences between elementary school and middle school Project Based Learning Units. In middle school, Explorers will have two Project Based Learning Units. The first unit focuses heavily on Social Studies and the second unit focuses on Explorers’ passions. 
   

  Explorers will dive right into learning about the key geographic features of Tennessee and the first inhabitants of Tennessee. They will study the four cultures of the major indigenous settlements of Tennessee (Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian). Going deeper, Explorers will also study four indigenous tribes of Tennessee and where they inhabited (Chickasaw, Cherokee, Shawnee, and Creek).

  Some key areas of focus will be tracing European exploration to Westward expansion and the significance of the Proclamation Line of 1763, Cumberland Gap, Wilderness Road, and the Watauga settlement, and Trail of Tears.
   

  Once an expert, Explorers will choose a tribe they would like to study more in depth and split into smaller groups. During the initial weeks of working in small groups, Explorers will spend time learning about a specific tribe’s culture.
   

  In the 6th grade unit, Explorers will answer the generative question, “What is the importance and role of biodiversity in our world? How can we work together to preserve Earth’s biodiversity?”
   

  Explorers will begin the unit by identifying the key differences between elementary school and middle school Project Based Learning Units. In middle school, Explorers will have two Project Based Learning Units. The first unit heavily focuses on Science and the second unit focuses on Explorers’ passions.
   

  Using the Engineering Design Process, Explorers will study what an ecosystem is and why maintaining a biodiverse ecosystem is important. We will study the five primary drivers of biodiversity degradation, pollution, climate change, invasive species, habitat change, and overexploitation of resources. Explorers will also research who is doing advocacy work aligned with preserving Earth’s biodiversity, and what that work looks like on a local and international level.  
   

  In both the 5th and 6th grade units, our learning will culminate with an exciting exhibition of learning! We can’t wait to get started with this Explorations unit! 

  
  Warmly,

  Ms. Hunter

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Learning while at home - What to do in case of Quarantine!

  Good Afternoon Explore Families, 
  
  Thank you for your partnership this week as we navigate these challenging times! Your curiosity and compassion are inspiring. We are the luckiest to serve this community. As we move forward through this year it may be necessary for different students and families to quarantine. We want to ensure that everyone experiences continuous learning when at all possible. 
  
  Attached to this email you will find the quarantine learning guide. Please take a moment to reset your Explorer's email and accept the invitation to your teacher's Google Classroom. Completing these two steps will ensure that your child can access all learning materials they may miss while in quarantine! Materials moving forward will be posted on Monday to be completed by Friday. 
  
  Please ensure that you are connecting with the main office and NOT your child's teacher if you are waiting to be tested, in quarantine, or have tested positive. The front office will also be able to track families who are unable to access Google Classroom during their quarantine time. 
  
  The main office will direct quarantined students to learning packets on google classroom. These are not for students who are absent or out for other reasons. Students not in quarantine will work with the teacher to make up missed work. Quarantined work on google classroom is for extended absences only. 
  
  Thank you again for your partnership! Remember that together all hearts and minds will rise! 
  
  With love, 
  
  Explore! Leadership 

  • Quarantine Learning Guide 2021-2022(2).pdf

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• [School Health Updates]

  Dear Explore! Families, 

  
  I am writing to inform you that 2 additional members of our community have tested positive for COVID. They were on the school premises and did have direct exposure with a limited number of other members of our community. We have conducted our contact tracing using the process outlined by the Metro Health Department. We have made contact with the individuals who are considered close contacts to these parties. If you have not had a direct call from a representative from the school, there is no further action for you to take. 

  
   Fortunately, our mitigation strategies will allow Explore! Community School to remain open during this time. Parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of your entire family for COVID-19 symptoms. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough. When it doubt, sit it out! Stay home if you are unsure and communicate with the front office. 

  
  Please know the community members were very proactive in reaching out to notify us. As such, we were able to work quickly to notify the close contacts. We will continue to implement our health and safety protocols as outlined for the duration of this school year.

  Some families have asked for more details about our mitigation plan. Please see the list of proactive strategies we will use to keep our school safe. 

  1. Universal masking.

  2. Daily Temp Checks for all.

  3. Staff Self Screener.

  4. Accountability Log for staff tracking.

  5. Hand Washing/Sanitizing when moving through spaces in the building.

  6. Frequent Building Cleaning.

  7. Nightly sanitation.

  8. Frequent cleaning in the cafeteria and other shared spaces.

  9. Spot cleaning of high-touch surfaces (door handles, stair rails, etc.).

  10. Assigned Seating.

  11. Symptom Look-Fors Guidance for Staff.

   

   

  How you can help!

  1. Read Bloomz regularly for updates.

  2. Ensure we have a current phone number and emergency contact information on file at the front desk! If not, please complete the following. https://forms.gle/pBEAP9YNn1geRcEo7

  3. Donate kids-sized masks to Explore! 

  4. Donate a new plastic water bottle so that all Explorers can have a water bottle and not use the water fountain (we will be ordering some as well)

   

  We are showing community and craftsmanship each day! Thank you all for your support and cooperation during these dynamic times. 

   

  In partnership,

  Stephanie “ Ms. JT” Jarrett-Thorpe, Executive Principal

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• [Community Health Update]

  Dear Explore! Families,

   

  I am writing to inform you that 2 individuals have tested positive for COVID. They were on the school premises and did have direct exposure with a limited number of other members of our community. We have conducted our contact tracing using the process outlined by the Metro Health Department. We have made contact with the individuals who are considered close contacts to these parties. If you have not had a direct call from a representative from the school, there is no further action for you to take. 

  
  Fortunately, our mitigation strategies will allow Explore! Community School to remain open during this time. In general, parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of your entire family for COVID-19 symptoms. Please see the family screening questions attached below to monitor for these symptoms. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. When it doubt, sit it out! Stay home if you are unsure and communicate with the front office. 

  Please know the community members were very proactive in reaching out to notify us. As such, we were able to work quickly to notify the close contacts. We will continue to implement our health and safety protocols as outlined for the duration of this school year.

  
  Here are a few other reminders for families about ways you can help:

  Household Contact: Please remember that if a member of your household test positive for COVID, then the household members also need to quarantine. Household members are considered close contacts so siblings or other family members need to remain at home. This is also true if an older sibling or household member tests positive, please keep the children at home until 10 days and a negative test.

  Water Bottles: Explorers are not able to use the spigot portion of the water fountain for germs during the Pandemic. Please send Explorers with a water bottle. We have filling stations at the water fountain which are more hygienic. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you need help with a water bottle

  Testing Sites: Some families have been seeking testing and having a hard time finding places to test. The CVS on Murfreesboro Rd in Antioch had some times as did Walgreens on Murfreesboro Road near the Dollar General Market. 

   

  Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our community safety.

   

  Sincerely,

  Stephanie “Ms. JT” Jarrett-Thorpe

  • TN Department of Health.pdf

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• K-4 Project-Based Learning

  Dear Families! 

  We are so excited to share with you our first Project-Based Learning Unit for K-4 learners: Homes around the World. In this unit Explorers will work to answer the generative question, “How can we support the access and protection of the right to a home for both people and animals?” 

   

  In this unit Explorers will learn about what a home is. They will discover the places where people and animals live. Next they will discover animal habitats around the world. They will build habitats and will explore the threats to animal homes including policies, natural disasters, and human economic pressures. 

   

  We will learn more about the ways that people in our own community are working to preserve and take care of animal habitats and animals that are without a home. Some classrooms will explore animal habitats of classroom pets, building the habitats and learning about what different animals need to survive. 

   

  Having thoroughly investigated animal homes we will move into thinking and learning about the homes that people have around the world. We will discover the ways that we build homes differently to represent the different climates and raw materials in different parts of the world. Explorers will work to answer the question How does climate and geography impact a home's design. They will use the engineer and design process to construct a model home based on a region of the Earth they feel inspired by. 

   

  In the next stage of the unit Explorers will explore what it means to be without a home. They will explore again the reasons why people lose their homes including policies, natural disasters, and economic pressures. We will compare and contrast the similarities with animal homes. 

   

  Explorers will discover individuals who at one point were without a home and who have very successful careers. We will look at stories of hope and will think about organizations in our community that is working to help individuals find homes. We will think about the ways that we can partner with these organizations and raise awareness for both people and animals who are without homes. 

   

  Our learning will culminate with an exciting exhibition of learning! We can’t wait to get started with this Explorations unit! 

   

  Warmly, 

   

  Ms. Talbot 

  Jessica Talbot - Director of Academic Operations and Project-Based Learning

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Family Bulletin 8/23

  Dear Explore! Families, 
   

  I am writing to inform you that 2 members of our community have tested positive for COVID. They were on the school premises and did have direct exposure with a limited number of other members of our community. We have conducted our contact tracing using the process outlined by the Metro Health Department.. We have made contact with the individuals who are considered close contacts to these parties. If you have not had a direct call from a representative from the school, there is no further action for you to take. 

  
  Fortunately, our mitigation strategies will allow Explore! Community School to remain open during this time. In general, parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of your entire family for COVID-19 symptoms. Please see the family screening questions attached below to monitor for these symptoms. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. When it doubt, sit it out! Stay home if you are unsure and communicate with the front office. 

  
   Please know the community members were very proactive in reaching out to notify us. As such, we were able to work quickly to notify the close contacts. We will continue to implement our health and safety protocols as outlined for the duration of this school year.

  
   Here are a few other reminders for families about ways you can help:

  Water Bottles: Explorers are not able to use the spigot portion of the water fountain for germs during the Pandemic. Please send Explorers with a water bottle. We have filling stations at the water fountain which are more hygienic. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you need help with a water bottle

  Parent Meetings: All parent meetings large and small will be held via Zoom or phone call. In person meetings will be rescheduled for virtual meetings. Please stay tuned for updated invites for planned meetings

  Building Access: Just a reminder that we will be limiting access to the building only to staff/providers, Explorers, and Martha O’Bryan Staff who work in designated areas. We will continue to share updates on the visitation access for the building as things develop.

   

  In partnership,

  Stephanie “ Ms. JT” Jarrett-Thorpe, Executive Principal

  • TN Department of Health(1).pdf

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• [Today and Next Week at Explore!]

  Dear Explore! Families,

   

  Can you believe we are at the end of week two! Today is a very special day. It is the school’s 7th birthday!! We were happy to sing Happy Birthday to Explore! In English and Espanol. Thanks to Mr. Rand, Maestra Hernández, Ms. Talbot, and our teachers for coordinating a fun activity for us to celebrate this milestone. 

   

  Here are some updates related to transportation and buses:

  - Remember, Friday dismissal starts at 1:45pm

  - Cleveland Park Boys and Girls club stop has been added to North bus for Fridays

  - We will no longer offer early drop off as of this Friday

  - Bus Route times have been updated. We will share the latest version in a separate post

   

  Explore! Conduct in the Community

  We know that the adjustment to being back at 100% capacity, plus the transportation challenges, have added to the natural stress that many feel as we are coming back to school. We are all members of the community who are governed by our shared core values. There are a few areas where we can show more community and compassion to our school and neighbors. Please read below:

  - We use ALL HANDS ON DECK for dismissal. Staff members have active duty posts to make sure all Explorers are safe and accounted for. - Be kind to our team

  - Sometimes, unexpected things happen. Assume the best and be patient and supportive while we are working through (i.e. a car breaks       down in the line. That happened yesterday!)

  - Use kind words when addressing staff, even with concerns. It would never be okay for a staff member to yell at a family and it is never         okay for a family member to yell at a staff member. Ever. Take a mindful moment and respectfully share your concerns

  - Be kind and patient with each other as well, obey the traffic patterns and show courtesy to other drivers and other Explore! families

  - Please DO NOT block the driveways of neighbors on Dew, 11th and 12th Streets. Please leave that space so they can access their                  driveways

   

  We understand that there are a lot of variables to manage. We are making adjustments to our systems each day based on our observations and your feedback. We want and value your feedback. However, If our team gets reports of inappropriate behavior from a family member to a staff or community member, we will follow up with that family directly as outlined in the Community Conduct portion of our handbook. 

   

  COVID Concerns

  Another topic that has been surfacing is that families are wondering about our response to COVID in schools. I will attach our handbook addendum that outlines our approach that we reviewed at our July orientation sessions. We are still working towards our high fidelity approach with several mitigation strategies in use to prevent the spread of COVID. 

   

  Things you can do:

  - Make sure your Explorer(s) has several masks that fit well over nose and mouth and are comfortable for use throughout the week

  - Donate kids sized masks at school! We give out nearly 80-100 masks a day for students and visitors coming to do business on campus

  - If possible, send your Explorer(s) with a water bottle so they will not use the shared water fountain

  - Notice any new symptoms that your Explorer may have. When in doubt, sit it out! Stay home and communicate with the school

  - If your Explorer or someone in your household has been exposed, please communicate via the Front Office team as soon as possible. This  team is trained to manage the tracking and communication for all things COVID related

   

  So much happening but we are persevering like the Phoenix rising!

   

  This will serve as our bulletin for the upcoming week!

   

   

  Have a great weekend and we will see you all on Monday!

   

   

  Love,

  Stephanie “Ms. JT’ Jarrett-Thorpe

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• [Video to Accompany the Post]

  Good Afternoon,
  
  Last year, we made some videos so that we could make the communications more clear and details. 
  
  https://zoom.us/rec/share/uMZlgeqbLgPf-otjWTAThZolMjtwoJu2t17ojUdgg_N3BH3L0_Ol90uf53E_uNQJ.fRmqXMJAGEbq8E7W?startTime=1629474739000
  
  Please see the video for more details and clarity.
  
  
  Thank you,
  Ms. JT

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Universal Mask Policy

  Dear Explore!

  Families, I want to reinforce that the safety of our entire community is our highest priority. As such, we are going to continue with our current mask policy at Explore! Which is all community members are masked when on campus. This is in accordance with MNPS’s decision announced last night, based on recommendations from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. We continue to implement a variety of mitigation strategies to make the school environment as safe as possible and masking is one that has helped us keep our Explorers consistently at school. We ask for your continued support and cooperation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions or concerns.

  In partnership,
  Stephanie “Ms. JT” Jarrett-Thorpe

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Alert: Exhibition of Learning Location Change

  Dear Families,

   

  As you know our Exhibition of learning is scheduled for Friday, May 6th. In looking ahead at the weather there is an 86% chance of thunderstorms. Cornelia Fort Airport is an outside venue that has very little shelter. In order to ensure that our community is safe and remains dry, we will shift our Exhibition to the school. We will need to split the grade level times in half to allow for everyone to fit in the space. 

   

  Please read carefully below for updated information. 

   

  Third and Fourth graders will have their exhibition from 9:00 - 9:45. Kindergarten through Second grade will have their exhibition of learning from 10:30 - 11:15. 

   

  Please plan to arrive early and sign in through the front office. A member of our team will escort you to the exhibition of learning! Any guardian that wishes to pick up their explorer from the Exhibition will need to bring their placard. In dividuals who bring their placards will be able to sign out their child directly from the exhibition. 

   

  Those guardians that do not have a placard and hope to sign their child out early will need to show an ID to a member of the operations team before signing out. 

   

  I know this is a change in our plans but we are really excited about this special event! Please reach out if you have any questions. We are excited to see you there. 

   

  With excitement,

   

  Ms. Talbot 

   

  Jessica Talbot - Director of Academic Operations and Project-Based Learning (Explore! Community School)

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• This week at Explore! 4/4

  Dear Families,

   

  We have MANY updates this week. Please read carefully! 

   

  Academics:

   

  TNReady Testing is right around the corner! Please see the school-wide schedule linked here. This year's state testing will occur entirely on paper - no technology-based testing will be offered this year. Testing starts promptly at 8:30 am each day. It is imperative for Explorers to be at school on time each day to be ready to begin testing at 8:30 am.

   

  To ensure a successful testing season we encourage the following:

   • Prioritize consistent attendance and come to school every day on time (Students in their seat ready to learn by 8:00 am)

   • Ensure your Explorer gets 8 hours of sleep each night. (Now is a great time to start scaling back screen time, to help Explorers get a good night sleep.)

   • Explorers should eat a hearty, healthy, balanced breakfast in the morning.

   • Have a positive, calm start to the morning

   • Talk to your Explorer about State Testing by sharing words of encouragement and the benefits of testing

  Here is a great article from Edmentum that gives strategies to support your Explorer during high-stakes testing! If you are still curious about TNReady we will have an informational meeting on April 11th from 5:00 - 6:00 at the school, primarily for families of students in grades 3-6. 

   

  On April 13th we will have a TNReady Pep rally with our community! We are looking forward to doing a value check with our Explorers and getting them ready for this important event! 

   

   

  Community Connections:

   • Monday April 4th Executive Principal Panel 5:30 - 6:30. 6:30 - 7:30 in the cafeteria. We hope to see you there! 

   • Tuesday April 5th Parent Project Team from 6:00 - 7:15 in the family room at Explore! 

   • Wednesday April 6th 4:00 - 5:00 Mandatory Informational meeting for all those who have previously signed up to go camping! 

   • April 8th +9th Explore! Camping Trip!

   • April 11th TNReady Parent Informational Meeting

   • April 19th Middle School Parent Meeting, for current 4th-6th grade families.

   

  Reminders:

   • April 4th will begin the first mask optional week at Explore. We will continue to monitor the spread of Covid 19 virus in our community and will make modifications as necessary. Please remember our core value of community in respecting each individuals choice to wear masks. 

   • Please use the designated pick up routes for dismissal. This is 12th to Dew to the drive way. Please do not come up 7th to Dew as this causes delays in our dismissal line. 

   

  Thank you for you continual support! It’s going to be a great week! 

   

  Love, 

   

  Ms. Talbot and Ms. Smith 

   

  Deirdra Smith - School Admin of Explore! Community School

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Executive Principal Moderated Panel

  Greetings Explore Families!

   

  We are reaching out with an exciting opportunity. On Monday, April 4th we invite all Explore families to attend a moderated Executive Principal Panel in the school cafeteria. We have two capable finalists to become our next Executive Principal and are excited for you to learn more about them. The first finalist panel will be 530 - 630pm and the second finalist panel will be from 630-730pm. We hope you can attend and RSVPs are not required.

   

  The panel structure will include 5 - 6 parents who represent the grade range of our community and will ask questions of the finalists. This interaction will be moderated by Renée Hamilton, our Chief Talent Officer. Renée will preserve time to ask a few selected questions provided by those in attendance who are not on the panel.  

   

  Child care will not be provided so please come prepared to supervise your children if you choose to bring them. We look forward to you joining us as we learn more about our two finalists.

   

  Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission and our community! 

   

  With Excitement, 

  Ms. Smith & Ms. Talbot

   

  Deirdra Smith - School Admin of Explore! Community School

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Week of 3.28

  Dear Explore! Families,

  
  Spring is in the air! I just love seeing our city in full bloom. Please see below for this week's updates.

  
  Health and Safety:

  -Please remember that we will continue to wear masks this week. Beginning on 4/4 the wearing of masks will be left to individual families.

  
   Academics:

  - TNReady is scheduled for April 18th - April 29th. Please mark your calendars and plan to have your children in school and on time. This is a very important time for our community! We will have a parent informational meeting on Monday, April 11th from 5:00 - 6:00. This meeting will share more about the ways your can support your Explorer during this important time!

  
  Community Outreach:

  - Ms. Smith will be holding a meeting to discuss plans for our Middle School. This meeting will be for rising 4th through 6th-grade families. Please be on the lookout for a date and time to be shared in this week’s mid-school post.

  
  - Monday, April 4th will be the camping informational meeting. If you are signed up to go camping you must attend. Families who do not attend will not be able to go.
   

  Volunteers:

  - On April 3rd we will have a recruiting event for prospective families. In order to ensure it is a success, we need family volunteers. If you are interested in helping out please email kellyschummbacher@gmail.com.
   

  - We are almost ready to launch our milestone project. Please help us prepare by helping us to create buttons.

  - We will be scheduling a community workday to help prepare the building for its next stage. Please stay tuned for the next date!

  
   Thank you for your partnership! We look forward to a strong week of learning!

  
   Best,

  Ms. Talbot and Ms. Smith

   

  Jessica Talbot - Director of Academic Operations and Project-Based Learning (Explore! Community School)

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Alert: MNPS Promising Scholars Summer Program 2022 (Immediate Response Required)

  Greetings E!CS Families!

  MNPS is offering a summer learning loss camp, the Promising Scholars Program, for students who will be in 1st through 8th grades in the 22-23 school year. They recently made this program available to charter schools. Eligibility for participation is based on students testing below proficient on MAP and/or TNReady Data. Eligible students will be assigned an attendance site based on their home addresses. 

  
   The Promising Scholars Program for summer 2022 will be:

           ○ Monday - Friday, June 2-30 with June 20 as a holiday. 

           ○ Elementary school camps will be 8am-3pm

           ○ Middle school camps will run 9am-4pm. 

  
  If you are interested in your child participating please complete the form linked below no later than this Friday, March 11 @ 9am. No applications will be accepted after that time, no exceptions. If your child is eligible MNPS will contact you with additional information.

   

  If you have more than one student at Explore, please complete the form for each child individually.
  
  Warmest regards,
  Ms. Smith & Ms. Talbot
  
  https://forms.gle/tmHA2gfHN582eQpH6

   

  Deirdra Smith - School Admin of Explore! Community School

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Post: This week at Explore! 3/7/22

  Dear Families, 

   

  Wow, only five more days until a well deserved break for all! We had a busy week this past week. Between Sprit Week, Lower School Exhibitions and the induction of our new student and staff Pathfinders! We had a lot to celebrate!!!!

   

  As we head into spring break here are a few important updates and reminders you should be aware of: 

   

  Calendar Reminders

  As previously mentioned we will make up our snow day this week. Here is a reminder of the adjustments to our schedule this week:

   

  - On Thursday, March 10th students will be in school and we will have a 1:45 dismissal. 

  - On Friday, March 11th students will be in school and we will have a 1:45 dismissal. 

   

  Spring Break for Explorers will begin on Monday, March 14th and end on Tuesday, March 22nd. Explorers are not in attendance. 

   

  Explorers return to school on Wednesday, March 23rd.

   

  Report Cards & Conferences

  Quarter 3 ends on Friday, March 11. Please make sure your Explorer has turned in all assignments due by that date.  

   

  Report Card Conferences

  We recommend attending virtually, however in person conferences are an option. Please arrange that directly with your Explorer's teachers. 

   

   • Lower School will have report card conferences on Tuesday, March 22nd

   • Middle School will have report card conferences on Monday, March 21 and Tuesday, March 22nd

    ○ Middle School Teachers will be sending out a link and reaching out to families directly to schedule conferences.

   

  Hard copies of report cards will be sent home on Wednesday, March 23rd for both Lower and Middle School.

   

  Let's Celebrate

  Please help us congratulate our 2022 Pathfinders:

   

  Students:

  Virginia Winn - Community

  Cheldriana Conley - Community

  Gracie Chapman - Craftsmanship

  James Gibson - Curiosity

  Devon Rogers - Courage

  Lilah Susi - Compassion

   

  Staff:

  Caesar Melchor - Community

  Antoinette Walker - Courage

  Marvetta Norris - Community

  
  Enjoy a few photos from our ceremony on Friday!

   

  Special thank you for all the love and support from our community this past week. It was great seeing so many of you at our Lower School Exhibition and at our Pathfinder Ceremony! 

   

  We hope you continue to enjoy the beautiful weather! 

   

  Have a great week!

   

  Love,

   

  Ms. Talbot and Ms. Smith

   

  Deirdra Smith - School Admin of Explore! Community School

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Week of November 22nd

  Dear Families, 

   

  As we head into the break I want to share my deep gratitude to this community. Working with our Explorers, Staff, and Families this past week for the Exhibition reminded me again of what we can accomplish if we work together. 

   

  Academics:

   

  For those of you who might have missed the virtual exhibition of learning you can find the slide deck on Bloomz. Please do not post via social media as this is meant to be shared internally only! It was a heartwarming experience. 

   

  Next week Explorers will begin taking their second round of MAP. Please ensure that Explorers are well rested so that they can do their best and drain their brains on the test! 

   

  Community Connection: 

   

  There are many upcoming events and opportunities to become involved. Please see below for more information! 

   

  On Tuesday, November 30th we will have our K-4 Curriculum Summit. The summit is a chance for families to collect their ideas and give voice to our curriculum. This event will be in person at the school. 

   

  On Thursday, December 2nd we will have our annual title one meeting. It will be held virtually from 5:30 - 6:30 via zoom. This meeting will help participants understand how Title 1 funds are allocated. 

   

  On Tuesday, December 7th we will have a virtual parent project team meeting. 

   

  Thank you for all you do to support our community! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

   

  Love,

   

  Ms. Talbot 

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Exhibition Planning Details

  Dear Families and Friends,

  We are overjoyed to announce our first exhibition of the school year Homes Around the World. Our community has worked hard to answer the question “How can we support the access and protection of the right to a home for both people and animals?” This exhibition will be a two-part Exhibition.
  
  On November 17th we invite you to join us virtually to hear the story of the learning of this unit. You will hear Explorers share their public service announcements and will learn about the work of organizations in our community who are supporting those people and animals without a home. This Virtual Exhibition of learning will take place from 12:30 – 1:30. Please see below for details on the zoom link.
   

  November 17th Meeting Link Details:  Please reach out for details! 

  
  On November 18th and 19th, we invite you to participate in a service project to benefit Safepaw, Park Center, and The Village at Glenncliff.

  Upon arriving at school please sign in at the main office. We will have volunteers that will show you to the service project location. The following are individual class times. Please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow for parking as you don't want to miss out on your classes window. 
   

  November 18th:

  
  Time: 8:30 – 9:15 Knight/Bennett and Bohannon/McGee

  Time: 9:30 – 10:15 Beckham and Junod

  Time: 11:10 – 11:55 Hawkins/Boggs

  Time: 12:00 – 12:45 Titus and Risley

  Time: 1:00 – 1:45 Kelley and Brown
  
  

  November 19th:
  
  Time: 8:30 – 9:15 Bishop and Weinberg

  Time: 9:30 – 10:15 Ecton and Jasko

  Time: 12:00 – 12:45 Hubrins and Offut

  Time: 12:45 – 1:25 Graham
   

  We sincerely hope that families will be able to attend both parts of the exhibition. You can help us make the most of this opportunity by contributing to our community drive or gofundme links! Please look for the gofundme links soon! We look forward to celebrating this day with you!
   

  Love,

  Ms. Talbot and the Project Team

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• Week of November 1st

  Dear Families,

  It was amazing to see so many of you at parent-teacher conferences! If you were unable to attend a conference please try to reschedule with your teacher! Thank you for your partnership! 

   

  At parent-teacher conferences, several families expressed a need for the Bloomz access codes. You can find those attached to this post! Thank you for helping us exercise craftsmanship! 

   

  Next week we have a full week of instruction. Grades K-4 will begin their drives to support local organizations that support those who are without a home in our community. Please see the attached fliers for more information.  

   

  Please join our Project-Based Learning Parent meeting on November 2nd from 6:00 - 7:15. Your participation helps us bring our EXHIBITIONS and learning to life! 

   

  Join Zoom Meeting - please reach out for link

   

  Meeting ID: 829 261 8712

  Passcode: 7DeiVJ

   

  The middle school will be hosting Spirit Week this week. Please see the attached fliers for ways they can demonstrate community! Middle School would love your support! If you have, or are willing to donate any of the following please reach out to Ms. Smith @ dsmith@explore.school or 917-622-7304. Here is a list of what is needed:

   

   

  * Photo Booth

  * Hay bales to sit on

  * Fall themed backdrop 

  * Arts & Craft Room

  * Small white pumpkins

  * Paints & brushes

  * Glue

  * Fall items and fall colored paper to create Fall Collages

  * Fall Ball Decorations

  * Financial donations for pizza and drinks

  * Candy for candy bags 

   

   

  We are thankful to report that we had less than 5 cases of covid i n our community this week. As we move into flue season we will be encouraging all community members to wash their hands and use practice hygiene! 

   

  Thank you to everyone who has reached out to provide an opportunity to connect. Your insight is invaluable as we grow. Please know that Ms. Smith and I are available and willing to meet if you have not yet had the opportunity! We look forward to another great week!

   

  Love,

   

  Ms. Smith and Ms. Talbot 

   

  Reminders: 

   

  - Please refrain from parking on South 8th street to walk up to the school for arrival or dismissal. 

  - If you arrive to Explore before 7:45 please remain to supervise your Explorer. Explorers who walk should form two lines to enter the building. 

  - Please do not enter the school pick-up line from South 7th Street. This disrupts our communication systems and makes pic k up longer for everyone. Please use Shelby to 12th to dew. Please also do not approach from south 11th. 

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• [Health Updates and COVID FAQs]

  Dear Explore! Families, 

  I am writing to inform you that 2 additional members of our community have tested positive for COVID. They were on the school premises and did have direct exposure with a limited number of other members of our community. We have conducted our contact tracing using the process outlined by the Metro Health Department. We have made contact with the individuals who are considered close contacts to these parties. If you have not had a direct call from a representative from the school, there is no further action for you to take. 

  
  Fortunately, our mitigation strategies will allow Explore! Community School to remain open during this time. Parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of your entire family for COVID-19 symptoms. Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough. When it doubt, sit it out! Stay home if you are unsure and communicate with the front office. 

  
  Please know the community members were very proactive in reaching out to notify us. As such, we were able to work quickly to notify the close contacts. We will continue to implement our health and safety protocols as outlined for the duration of this school year.

  
  Rest assured that we are working diligently to keep our community safe. We currently have ~1% of our students as confirmed positive and 5% of all students in quarantine which is better than most schools in Middle Tennessee which empowers us to have stronger continuity in our instructional programming. 

  
  I know many families had questions about our quarantine and communication processes. 

  
  Please see the attached document for responses to FAQs about our school’s COVID response.

   

  See the video here for more context: https://zoom.us/rec/share/TYsN6DjmB7CGl8EHUZ2lv_lPBa6WWT62aOTlo2Gbp0gHYeHLYOPEwRO17DCX7c0W.FU6V-c0w7D9UgrQ2?startTime=1630085635000

  
  Have a good weekend!

  Stephanie Ms. JT Jarrett-Thorpe

  • 21-22 COVID FAQs.pdf

  EXPLORE! COMMUNITY SCHOOL