Posts by Dawn Fornear
Special 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.…
Read MoreFinancial Aid Information Webinars with Clarity
Our financial aid platform, Clarity, offers several Family Information Webinars this year. From Clarity: We are proud to have offered two Family Information Webinars so far. Together, we had over 500 families in attendance and responded to over 350 questions! The recording links can be found on the Resources wiki, which is accessible via the…
Read MorePreparing for Middle School: Is your Fifth Grader Ready?
As fifth graders approach the end of elementary school, many families wonder how to best prepare for the transition to middle school. Explorer West’s Head of School, Barbara Frailey, shares her top tips to help students and families navigate this exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking transition with confidence. Middle school brings significant changes—new teachers, classes, and…
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