Odyssey of the Mind

     Odyssey of the Mind is an international program that allows a small group of students to use their creativity to solve unique problems.  The problems range from building objects to presenting their own plays.  The students are responsible for all the work, there is no teacher work done.  This is a challenging, yet very rewarding experience for the students.

     This is Clear Run’s first year involved with Odyssey of the Mind.  There are 7 students participating on Clear Run’s team.  Ms. Goll and Ms. Smith are looking forward to a successful adventure with the team!

     The students will work on their problem from October until March.  The team will compete on March 1^st, 2008 at Abington Heights School District against all other 4-5^th grade students that worked on the same problem as we did.

Ski and Snowboard Club

 
     Fifth grade students can ski or snowboard at Camelback Ski Area starting January 9^th every Wednesday from 4:00-7:45 PM. Permission slips and money should be returned to Mrs. Simpson. Small payments are accepted; however, the total amount is due by Tuesday, November 6^th. Camelback personnel will be presenting information about the program at Coolbaugh Elementary Center on October 23^rd at 7:00 PM. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting. Payments can be made at this time. Questions about the program can be directed to Mrs. Simpson by calling 839-7121 ext. 28440.

Morning Announcement Club

 
     The morning announcement club is for fifth grade students who have an interest in public speaking, and audio visual equipment.  The students generate a script each morning and produce the entire show.  The students also practice public speaking and learn how the equipment is used to create the broadcast.  The club currently has forty students.  

Mexican Exchange Program

 
     Clear Run Elementary Center has been very lucky to participate in a successful exchange program with Colegio Bueno Tierra in Toluca, Mexico.  The exchange program has been going on for over ten years.  The students who are selected for this program complete an application.  Past and present teachers were consulted to discuss the character traits of each of the applicants, and the students needed to complete a self-description to help the teachers learn more about them.  After the students were selected they began to fundraise to help defray some of the costs of the trip.  In January, CREC will host to seven or eight students and their teacher from Mexico.  While here, the students will have the opportunity to participate in our school day.  They also will visit Great Wolff Lodge, go skiing at Camelback with our ski club, tour New York City, go to a Scranton Wilkes-Barre Penguins game, go horseback riding, and visit the Camden Aquarium.   

     In May the students from CREC went to Mexico.  While there, the students will have the opportunity to visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan, a shopping center in downtown Metepec, downtown Toluca, a water park, the City of the Kids, and the Garden Botanicals.  The students will also take part in school activities and a special family weekend.  During the farewell party the students will perform a special modern dance for the students of Mexico.