Posts by Dawn Fornear
Recognizing Black History Month and our Ongoing Commitment to Equity
This Black History Month, we are reminded of the importance of honoring Black communities’ rich history, contributions, and resilience. This year’s theme is African Americans and Labor. February has fewer in-class days than other months in the school year, which means fewer opportunities to celebrate Black history in class. However, teachers are incorporating specific lessons…
Read MoreTeaching for Black Lives Reading Group
Since last fall, our faculty and staff have been coming together for a monthly reading group facilitated by the inspiring Mary Louise, an educator from Giddens School. This group is part of our broader commitment to equity and inclusion, offering a space to reflect, learn, and take action toward creating anti-racist classrooms and school communities.…
Read MoreSpecial Family Event: Making Kinship Circles
This December, while we take a break from our usual Family Network meetings, we’re excited to offer a very special opportunity to come together and create something meaningful. On Wednesday, December 11, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, join us for an evening of art, food, and connection with Britt Rynearson, a local Indigenous artist and…
Read MoreWhat Makes an Explorer West Falcon?
A Place for All Kinds of Learners This is my sixth year leading admissions at Explorer West. I love watching fifth graders grow into confident young people, ready to embrace the challenges of high school and beyond. Prospective families always ask me, “what are you looking for in an Explorer West student?” At Explorer West,…
Read MoreWhat Does Success Look Like? Redefining Achievement for Middle School Students.
At Explorer West, we constantly discuss student success and how to define it. Middle school is a time of enormous growth and self-discovery, and success here isn’t just about grades or test scores—it’s a pivotal time for students to develop skills to take on high school and life with curiosity, resilience, and an open mind.…
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