Remodel in Progress

You've all heard about how the sprinkler system in the music/computer building exploded in the freezing weather during the break. Thanks to our insurance (and some other funds) we have been repairing and improving the rooms in that building. Odyssey Builders, our former landlord and general contractor, is doing the work. At the last work party, I snapped a few pictures. We will have a new kitchen (the old computer room) and the old music room is being split up into separate music and art rooms.

Our Friend Uncle Peteza

After a brief fling with Costco pizza, we've had a very satisfying relationship with Uncle Peteza's in Bothell for two years now. He gives us a great price, and since the pizza lunch program has started this year we have raised $700.

This year, the school has used the money to buy Magic cards (as in Magic the Gathering), melty craft beads and a video game engine program, and is planning on buying gymnastic tumbling mats.

In addition to making pizza the people love, Uncle Peteza is also providing employment for one of our students.

Uncle Peteza's is at

22624 Meridian Ave S
Bothell, WA 98021

(425) 487-9100

Game Day

On Saturday there was a great turnout for Game Day. Kids and adults swarmed the school and played all sorts of board and card games, and a rousing game called "Murder" that was as much fun to watch as it was to play. Three hours flew by.

Clearwater and Matt Garrity on AM1090 Talk Radio

Tune in at 10:00 AM Sunday, January 25, to AM1090 (KPTK--progressive talk radio) for the “The Soul of Seattle” show. Jacques, the host, will broadcast taped interviews with Matt Garrity, Clearwater staff member, as well as Clearwater students and other staff members. Jacques initially contacted Matt to talk about Matt's band, 17th Chapter, and during the course of their conversation found out about Matt's job as Clearwater staff member and driver of Clearwater's bus. The interviewer rode the bus one morning recently, then hung out on campus interviewing students and staff members.

The show tomorrow will feature some of those taped interviews. Thanks for making this radio broadcast about Clearwater possible, Matt! It will be fun to hear Jacques’ take on the school tomorrow morning.

If you can't listen live, you can access the podcast after the show airs. To hear the podcast, go to “The Soul of Seattle” podcast page.

Students Maximize Snow

Early in the week prior to Clearwater's Winter Break and the region's monumental December 18 snow fall, a couple of inches of snow fell in southern Snohomish County. There was enough snow at school that a number of students brought snow saucers from home hoping to sled from the upper pasture to near the play yard gate.

Heading out to sled

The snow was a little thin, so students decided to move snow from other parts of the field to the sledding hill. They coordinated their efforts, spending most of the day moving snow and placing it in spots that would maximize the sled run, packing it down and testing the run. This effort took much of the day and involved up to 15 students.

Communicating the plan

Gathering snow

Gathering more snow

After several hours of working and testing, they made a sled run that worked.

Clearwater Games Day

The Community Building Community wants you to SAVE THE DATE for the triumphant return of Family Games Day!*

When: Saturday, January 31, 1:00-4:00 PM.

Who: Clearwater parents, kids, and staff

What: Games, games, games! Parlor games, board games, card games, outdoor games if it is nice--and, yes, computer games too. Experience intergenerational telepathy in Apples to Apples! See an adult play Magic the Gathering! Best your offspring at Bite-the-Bag!

*formerly known as Family Games Night in bygone years

Pledge Forms Now Available

Forms are now ready to be filled out and sent in with your family's pledge for the year. Some pledges have already been made, as have some donations. The total raised so far this year, including pledges and donations already made, is almost $12,000. We are almost one-third of the way there!

Forms will be emailed to everyone shortly. If you'd like one now, contact the school, Kylie or Karen.