Exploremore

Exploremore 2013 information

Info sheets, a schedule, and volunteer list are attached at the bottom of this page.

What is Exploremore?

Exploremore is an incredible event sponsored by the Parent Associations for the lower school children. It is KCD’s version of a field day, but it is not a traditional day of games and races. For Exploremore, children in Junior Kindergarten through fourth grade get to choose six different classes in which to participate.  A picnic lunch is held on the playground, and all parents are encouraged to attend (and they usually do). Younger siblings are invited to attend the picnic lunch only.

When does this all happen?

Exploremore will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013.  Your child will bring home a packet of Exploremore information on Friday, March 22.  All forms are due back in the lower school office by Thursday, March 28. Together, you and your child will fill out the course request form and you will fill out the volunteer form. The t-shirt and box lunch order form will also come home at that time. All forms should be returned to the teacher by the date listed. Volunteers will receive their assignments a week prior to Exploremore. T-shirts are delivered the day before Exploremore, and student schedules are distributed the day of Exploremore. Mark your calendars now and get ready to spend a wonderful and wacky day with your student(s) at KCD!

What are the classes?

The courses are a mixture of sports activities, crafts, non-traditional science, and just plain fun. The 2013 theme is KCD Invasion: Close Encounters of the Exploremore Kind. Some of the class offerings are: Water Slide, Flag Football, Putt Purr, Wacky Relays, Hard Core Fitness Track and Field, Tennis, 4 Kicks 4 Kids Soccer, Frisbee Golf, Louisville Equestrian Center Horseback Riding, Candy Creations, Makeup & Nails, Slimy Concoctions, Dad’s Construction Crew, Archery, Shrinky Dinks, GPS Scavenger Hunt, Cool Critters, and many more. The Course Selection forms are attached below.

Who teaches the classes?

Another element of Exploremore that makes it so special is that all of the classes are led by parent volunteers—like you! Parents are given the opportunity to sign up for the classes that they are interested in teaching or assisting. No experience is necessary—just a commitment to spend the entire school day in the class to which you have been assigned.

Do I go to the classes with my children?

No! Parent volunteers stay in the class to which they are assigned. The children change classes and will see you when they take your class. You will also see them during our picnic lunch on the playground. If you want your child to rotate through your class, volunteer for any of the classes they are placing in their top 8 choices.  While we can’t guarantee placements, we do try our best. We have a full team of security volunteers who help escort the kids to their different classes and parent volunteers take role at the beginning of each class.

Can I bring my younger children?

While younger siblings are invited to attend the picnic lunch, we do not have the space for them to participate in other activities of the day. Because this is a special day for KCD students, we do request that parents make other arrangements for younger siblings while volunteering.

Do I have to volunteer?

With approximately 350 students in almost 30 classes taught across an 85-acre campus, it takes about 150 parent volunteers to pull this off! The children do look forward to having at least one parent somewhere on campus on Exploremore Day. Volunteer forms are distributed in your Exploremore packet which comes home with your child.  Every bit of help is appreciated, and it’s fun!

Do I bring my own picnic?

Lunch for KCD students will be provided by the Parent Association. Box lunches can be ordered for nonstudents (order forms will be included in the Exploremore packet and are also below). Of course, you are always welcome to bring your own lunches. Be sure to bring chairs and/or a tarp or blanket! In the event of rain, the picnic will take place in the back gym.

What do we wear?

Things can get really messy on Exploremore Day, so t-shirts and athletic shorts are best. Each year, the Exploremore Committee works hard to come up with a festive theme and design for the day. T-shirts and sack packs (to carry towels, clothes, and crafts) with the year’s design can be purchased for both students and volunteers. The order form will be included in the Exploremore packet and can be found below. While it is not mandatory to purchase a t-shirt or sack pack you will notice that most children do and your child might feel left out if they don’t. Please adhere to our deadlines as we do NOT order many extras and we don’t want your child left out!

How is Exploremore funded?

Exploremore is funded by the Parent Association. They spend the year hosting various fund-raising events, such as the Father-Daughter Dance and the Lad & Dad Scavenger Hunt, to support Exploremore. Funds are also raised from the sales of the t-shirts, sack packs, and adult box-lunches. We also receive donations from individuals and companies who help to make Exploremore a huge success!

Why is this day so special?

Exploremore is special for many reasons. First and foremost is the community created by so many parents on campus. The children absolutely love to have their parents at school, even if they are not with them the entire day. Parents get to meet other parents and they get to meet other students and see them in action! Exploremore is a day of learning “outside the box” for all lower school students. The activities offered give the kids a chance to try something new or look at something “old” in a “new” way! It is also a celebration for the fourth grade students who will be moving on to Middle School. The day begins with an assembly to fire up the kids and to honor the “seniors” of the Lower School. The assembly features a video and special song performed by the fourth grade class. Fourth grade parents will not want to miss the assembly!