You’re Invited to Our Inaugural Gala
- Date: May 7, 2026
- Time: Event starts 6:00 PM
- Location: CALE Collective
- RSVP by April 30, 2026
Join us on May 7th for the very first CALE Impact Foundation Gala! It’s an evening filled with great food, live music, student art, and meaningful connection.
This special event supports our mission to remove barriers and expand access to a CALE education, both for our students and students in the community. It also helps fund ongoing needs and enrichment opportunities right here at our school.
When you attend, you’re investing in students today and opening doors for tomorrow. Because every child deserves a learning environment where they can truly thrive.
We’d love to see you there! And please help us share this invite with the community! It’s a great opportunity for businesses in town to learn more about the Foundation! 
How You Can Help Us Bloom
- JOIN US! Purchase your tickets today and enjoy a night out with our community of educators, parents, and supporters.
- BE A CONNECTOR: Our Foundation Board is looking to partner with local businesses and individuals who believe in "the CALE difference." Do you know a business owner or a community leader who values personalized education? Please introduce us or share our sponsorship packet! For more information, please contact caleimpact@gmail.com.
- SPREAD THE WORD: We want to introduce the Columbia community to the CALE Impact Foundation. Please share our event on Facebook and Instagram. Your personal "Impact Story" is the most powerful way to show others why CALE matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a kid-friendly event?
No, this is an adults-only evening.
What is the attire?
Cocktail attire is recommended.
How do I RSVP?
Please RSVP by completing our online form.
What is the RSVP deadline?
Kindly respond by April 30, 2026.
Who is hosting the event?
The CALE Impact Foundation is hosting.
What can I expect at the event?
An immersive literary evening featuring: light dinner and drinks, live music, class project raffles with one-of-a-kin student creations, interative experiences.
At CALE, science isn’t just something students read about — it’s something they experience.
Recently in our elementary classrooms:
Kindergarten: Making Bouncy Balls
Students created their very own bouncy balls, mixing ingredients, observing changes in texture, shaping their creations, and of course — testing the bounce! Along the way, they asked questions, made adjustments, and eagerly tried again.
Lower Elementary: Exploring Heat Energy
Students investigated heat transfer by experimenting with ways to make a spinner move. They discovered how air movement — even heat rising from an incandescent light bulb — could create motion. Instead of simply reading “heat rises,” they watched it happen.
Upper Elementary: Building Electrical Circuits
Students designed working circuits to light a bulb. Then they took it further — creating switches to turn the light on and off, just like a real flashlight. There were wires that didn’t connect, bulbs that didn’t light at first, and plenty of problem-solving before that exciting moment when the lights came on!
Why Hands-On Learning Matters
When learning moves beyond a textbook, something powerful happens:
- Students ask deeper questions.
- They learn it’s okay to make mistakes.
- They build perseverance and confidence.
- They don’t just memorize concepts — they understand them.
At CALE, we take complex ideas and teach them in steady, meaningful ways. Because we know each child deeply, we teach to mastery — not just exposure. Our classrooms are calm, joyful spaces where curiosity is encouraged and growth is intentional.
We’re not just preparing students for a test.
We’re preparing them to think, explore, problem-solve, and thrive in the real world.
Everything we do is built to spark curiosity — and nurture growth.
Sometimes the best learning starts with a simple conversation.
Recently, two CALE middle school students decided to turn their love of baking into something more. What began as an idea quickly grew into G&G Café — a student-run café serving homemade cookies, brownies, cakes, coffee, and other delicious treats before school.
A few weekends each month, these students are in the kitchen baking from scratch. On café mornings, they arrive early to set up, welcome customers, and serve students, parents, and teachers with confidence and pride.
CALE Co-Director Dr. Jill Brown smiles as she watches it unfold:
“Our students are running the show and absolutely nailing it. I’m so proud of these kids!”
And they truly are running it.
From researching material costs and creating a menu, to shopping for ingredients, pricing items, promoting the café, managing orders, counting funds, and reimbursing expenses — every step has been student-led. They’ve learned what it feels like to sell out on opening day, adjust a menu based on demand, invite others to contribute baked goods, and even navigate “personnel” challenges when more students want to join the team.
In other words — they’re learning what real business owners learn.
Even more meaningful? The funds raised from G&G Café are donated to the newly launched CALE Kindness Club, helping spread kindness throughout our school and community.
At CALE, this is what learning looks like.
We believe education should go beyond textbooks. When students take an idea and bring it to life, they build confidence, communication skills, problem-solving ability, leadership, collaboration, and resilience. These are the skills they will carry into future jobs, secondary education, volunteer work, and everyday life.
It’s been incredible to watch our students, families, and staff rally around these young entrepreneurs. What started as two students with a passion for baking has become a living example of what makes CALE unique.
Real ideas. Real responsibility. Real growth.
And we can’t wait to see where it leads next.