Clay Academy Bulldog Bulletin

Clay Academy’s Elementary wing is having a blast, gearing up for the holidays. Students are learning about other cultures and traditions from around the world. On December 8, 2023, the WHS Madrigal Singers performed for us, our upcoming annual pancake breakfast will surely be a big hit, and even the big man himself is supposed to make an appearance. Happy holidays!!!

In Mr. Hartwig’s STEM class, students have been learning about parallel and series circuits, how parts in a circuit connect to illuminate a light bulb, and how to use their knowledge of paper circuitry to illuminate a light bulb on cardboard houses. We will finish up the electricity unit with our cardboard house builds and begin the next unit where we will look at waves, how waves connect to energy, weathering, and erosion. In Ms. Stewart’ STEM class, we will continue our biome unit as we discover ecosystems, animal adaptations, and how the food chain works. The ending activity will consist of a biome ‘triarama’ with creatures students have invented with adaptations that will allow them to survive in a specific environment. In Ms. Krzeski’s class, we will be working on social skills.

In Art, Elementary students have been busy creating scarecrows and turkeys for fall. They have been working across mediums, using a combination of paints and crayons or pastels in their projects. Most recently, we have moved onto snowman, as we start to explore winter themes.

Mr. Achey, Physical Education Teacher

In physical education and wellness, students are currently in the middle of a badminton unit. They are learning and practicing how to strike with an implement using the four different strokes: overhead forehand, overhead backhand, underarm forehand, and underarm backhand, as well as the rules of the game. Before winter break starts, the students are going to go over the basics of pickleball and understand the skills, rules, and gameplay. After winter break, students will continue pickleball for a week or two, and then floor hockey will start.

Every day, all students are still focusing on the health-related components of fitness to improve their muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance, which will eventually have an effect on their body mass index (BMI). All students have a daily routine of warm-ups and exercises. Once they are done with them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will transition into a fitness activity to improve their social, mental, emotional, and physical health.

Just a reminder: your child's safety is the most important thing in physical education, and this is consistently reiterated to them. Not only that, but they continue to work on life skills such as sportsmanship, cooperative learning, respect, listening, and following directions.

Mrs. Adams, School Social Worker

How to Reduce Holiday Stress and Anxiety in Children:

By Katherine Lee, Medically reviewed Carly Snyder MD.

December 5, 2020

The holidays are a fun and joyous time but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in children can and does happen. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that all that hustle and bustle means schedules are often out of whack and routines are disrupted. As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress.

Tips for reducing Anxiety:

1. Set a calm example. The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. As with so many situations, the way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and child anxiety is more likely to be a problem in your house. To minimize anxiety in children during the holidays, take steps to handle your own stress and anxiety.

2. Set up conditions for positive behavior. Avoid taking your child to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when he is hungry or tired. It’s hard even for grown-ups to deal with noise and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best; kids get hungry more often and become tired more easily, and may understandably have a tough time being on their best behavior and are more likely to experience holiday stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.

3. Remember the importance of routines. The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress in your kids, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over. For instance, if a school holiday concert or a church gathering goes past your child’s bedtime, try to stick to quiet, calm activities the next day and get your child to bed on time the next night.

4. Watch what he/she’s eating. Another thing that can fall by the wayside amidst the holiday hubbub is healthy eating. Between all the extra sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals, it can be all too easy for kids to eat less healthy foods, which can contribute to holiday stress and anxiety in children. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shopping or run other holiday errands and try to minimize the amount of sweet treats at home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks, such as air-popped popcorn or apple slices with cheese and crackers and limit cookies and candy to after-snack treats.

5. Get your child moving. Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and re-setting the spirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Make sure you schedule some time to get your child outside to run around and play.

6. Avoid over scheduling. As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to holiday stress and anxiety in children.

7. Have your older children help you. Big kids love to help mom and dad, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look for an item at the store (fun stocking stuffers for cousins, for example). Giving your child a task will not only boost her self-esteem, it’ll distract her and help prevent any holiday stress and anxiety.

8. Schedule some quiet time. Having some peace and quiet with your child is more important than ever during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for grandma and grandpa. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

9. Remind your child -- and yourself -- what the holidays are really all about. A great antidote for holiday stress and the bloated commercialism of the season is helping others, whether it’s by shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or by wrapping presents for needy kids at your local church. Helping your grade-schooler become a charitable child will help alleviate her holiday stress and anxiety.

Happy Holidays from the Clay Academy School Counselor/Social Worker Team!

We made it to December! What a year it has been. We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the short time off.

The Grinch has arrived in the middle school wing! Ms. Hall or as the students have begun to refer to her, Ms. Grinch, has Grinchified her classroom. In addition to their normal classes and academics, students will also spend some time reading books, making crafts, and watching movies related to the Grinch.

The middle school also has a field trip coming up on December 14th. All middle school students on level yellow or higher that have displayed good behavior recently will be going to the Challenger Center. While at the Challenger Center students will engage in role play related to NASA and spacecrafts as well as a variety of STEM activities. This is an all day field trip, so any student attending will need to bring a sack lunch. Be on the lookout for additional information coming home with your student.

This group of Middle School art students started their art journey at the trimester, and began by exploring the works of Yayoi Kusama and her wildly popular dotted pumpkins. The students are currently working on exploring line with a multimedia holiday themed project that features the choice of Santa, the Grinch, or a snowman.

Mr. Achey and Mr. Mickey, Physical Education Teachers

In physical education and wellness, students are currently in the middle of a badminton unit. They are learning and practicing how to strike with an implement using the four different strokes: overhead forehand, overhead backhand, underarm forehand, and underarm backhand, as well as the rules of the game. Before winter break starts, the students are going to go over the basics of pickleball and understand the skills, rules, and gameplay. After winter break, students will continue pickleball for a week or two, and then floor hockey will start.

Every day, all students are still focusing on the health-related components of fitness to improve their muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance, which will eventually have an effect on their body mass index (BMI). All students have a daily routine of warm-ups and exercises. Once they are done with them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will transition into a fitness activity to improve their social, mental, emotional, and physical health.

Just a reminder: your child's safety is the most important thing in physical education, and this is consistently reiterated to them. Not only that, but they continue to work on life skills such as sportsmanship, cooperative learning, respect, listening, and following directions.

Ms. Sarich, School Counselor

How to Reduce Holiday Stress and Anxiety in Children:

By Katherine Lee, Medically reviewed Carly Snyder MD.

December 5, 2020

The holidays are a fun and joyous time but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in children can and does happen. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that all that hustle and bustle means schedules are often out of whack and routines are disrupted. As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress.

Tips for reducing Anxiety:

1. Set a calm example. The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. As with so many situations, the way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and child anxiety is more likely to be a problem in your house. To minimize anxiety in children during the holidays, take steps to handle your own stress and anxiety.

2. Set up conditions for positive behavior. Avoid taking your child to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when he is hungry or tired. It’s hard even for grown-ups to deal with noise and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best; kids get hungry more often and become tired more easily, and may understandably have a tough time being on their best behavior and are more likely to experience holiday stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.

3. Remember the importance of routines. The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress in your kids, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over. For instance, if a school holiday concert or a church gathering goes past your child’s bedtime, try to stick to quiet, calm activities the next day and get your child to bed on time the next night.

4. Watch what he/she’s eating. Another thing that can fall by the wayside amidst the holiday hubbub is healthy eating. Between all the extra sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals, it can be all too easy for kids to eat less healthy foods, which can contribute to holiday stress and anxiety in children. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shopping or run other holiday errands and try to minimize the amount of sweet treats at home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks, such as air-popped popcorn or apple slices with cheese and crackers and limit cookies and candy to after-snack treats.

5. Get your child moving. Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and re-setting the spirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Make sure you schedule some time to get your child outside to run around and play.

6. Avoid over scheduling. As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to holiday stress and anxiety in children.

7. Have your older children help you. Big kids love to help mom and dad, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look for an item at the store (fun stocking stuffers for cousins, for example). Giving your child a task will not only boost her self-esteem, it’ll distract her and help prevent any holiday stress and anxiety.

8. Schedule some quiet time. Having some peace and quiet with your child is more important than ever during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for grandma and grandpa. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

9. Remind your child -- and yourself -- what the holidays are really all about. A great antidote for holiday stress and the bloated commercialism of the season is helping others, whether it’s by shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or by wrapping presents for needy kids at your local church. Helping your grade-schooler become a charitable child will help alleviate her holiday stress and anxiety.

Happy Holidays from the Clay Academy School Counselor/Social Worker Team!

Art

Students have been working on clay coil pots, which hopefully have made their way home already. We discussed line as we created a multimedia leaf. Currently, art students are exploring watercolor and creating a gingerbread themed landscape. High School Photo students have continued to explore photo editing and created some very unique projects out of the photographs that they have taken. We have discussed the qualities of black and white photography versus color at length, and have been preparing their best photographs for the upcoming district art show.

Pre-Vocational

Students have been building resumes, practicing job interview skills, and learning how to fill out job applications. The students have also heard from career speakers in the Coast Guard and volunteer outreach.

Biology

Students have been learning the difference between mitosis and meiosis and all parts of the cell cycle. The students were able to demonstrate their knowledge through project based learning. The students are currently studying genetics and learning how to complete Punnett squares and probability.

Geoscience

Students have been studying the rock cycle. They have learned the impact that weathering and erosion has on the environment. High School students have also explored different sources of energy and identified renewable resources that can be used.

US History

Students are continuing their learning about the founding of the United States. The first semester is all about colonization and starting a new nation. The students will finish covering the American Revolution and move ahead to conflicts in the 1800s right before the semester ends. The second semester begins with the Civil War.

Economics

Students are finishing up their semester-long class. They have learned all about supply and demand as well as the different factors that affect them. Students were able to graph and plot various supply and demand factors to see how greatly price points can be affected.

Film Studies

Students are finishing the semester with a final project. Students will learn about Foley Art and then create their own scene using Foley Art as the soundtrack.

Mr. Tschappat, Physical Education and Health Teacher

In physical education and wellness, students are currently in the middle of a badminton unit. They are learning and practicing how to strike with an implement using the four different strokes: overhead forehand, overhead backhand, underarm forehand, and underarm backhand, as well as the rules of the game. Before winter break starts, the students are going to go over the basics of pickleball and understand the skills, rules, and gameplay. After winter break, students will continue pickleball for a week or two, and then floor hockey will start.

Every day, all students are still focusing on the health-related components of fitness to improve their muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance, which will eventually have an effect on their body mass index (BMI). All students have a daily routine of warm-ups and exercises. Once they are done with them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will transition into a fitness activity to improve their social, mental, emotional, and physical health.

Just a reminder: your child's safety is the most important thing in physical education, and this is consistently reiterated to them. Not only that, but they continue to work on life skills such as sportsmanship, cooperative learning, respect, listening, and following directions.

Mrs. Kraneman, School Counselor

How to Reduce Holiday Stress and Anxiety in Children:

By Katherine Lee, Medically reviewed Carly Snyder MD.

December 5, 2020

The holidays are a fun and joyous time but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in children can and does happen. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that all that hustle and bustle means schedules are often out of whack and routines are disrupted. As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress.

Tips for reducing Anxiety:

1. Set a calm example. The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. As with so many situations, the way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and child anxiety is more likely to be a problem in your house. To minimize anxiety in children during the holidays, take steps to handle your own stress and anxiety.

2. Set up conditions for positive behavior. Avoid taking your child to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when he is hungry or tired. It’s hard even for grown-ups to deal with noise and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best; kids get hungry more often and become tired more easily, and may understandably have a tough time being on their best behavior and are more likely to experience holiday stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.

3. Remember the importance of routines. The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress in your kids, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over. For instance, if a school holiday concert or a church gathering goes past your child’s bedtime, try to stick to quiet, calm activities the next day and get your child to bed on time the next night.

4. Watch what he/she’s eating. Another thing that can fall by the wayside amidst the holiday hubbub is healthy eating. Between all the extra sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals, it can be all too easy for kids to eat less healthy foods, which can contribute to holiday stress and anxiety in children. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shopping or run other holiday errands and try to minimize the amount of sweet treats at home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks, such as air-popped popcorn or apple slices with cheese and crackers and limit cookies and candy to after-snack treats.

5. Get your child moving. Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and re-setting the spirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Make sure you schedule some time to get your child outside to run around and play.

6. Avoid over scheduling. As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to holiday stress and anxiety in children.

7. Have your older children help you. Big kids love to help mom and dad, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look for an item at the store (fun stocking stuffers for cousins, for example). Giving your child a task will not only boost her self-esteem, it’ll distract her and help prevent any holiday stress and anxiety.

8. Schedule some quiet time. Having some peace and quiet with your child is more important than ever during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for grandma and grandpa. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

9. Remind your child -- and yourself -- what the holidays are really all about. A great antidote for holiday stress and the bloated commercialism of the season is helping others, whether it’s by shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or by wrapping presents for needy kids at your local church. Helping your grade-schooler become a charitable child will help alleviate her holiday stress and anxiety.

Happy Holidays from the Clay Academy School Counselor/Social Worker Team!

Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep kids safe and healthy during winter activities

1. Dress children in thin layers with a wicking layer beneath to help children keep dry. Start with the snugger layers on the bottom, like long-sleeved bodysuits or long underwear. Then add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater or thermal-knit shirt. A thin fleece jacket over the top is a good option. As a general rule of thumb, younger children should wear one more layer than adults. Top it off with warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.

2. Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Have children come inside periodically to warm up.

3. Allow children to ice skate only on approved surfaces. Advise your child to skate in the same direction as the crowd, avoid darting across the ice and to never skate alone.

4. Sledders should be kept away from streets, crowded areas, ponds, lakes and obstructions, such as trees. Make sure young children are supervised. Avoid loose scarves that can get caught while sledding.

5. Use steerable sleds, not snow disks or inner tubes. Make sure the sleds are structurally sound and have no sharp edges or splinters. The steering mechanism should be well lubricated.

6. If your children want to learn to ski or snowboard, look for a qualified instructor in a program designed for children. Older children’s need for adult supervision depends on their maturity and skill. If older children are not with an adult, they should always at least be accompanied by a friend.

7. Using alcohol or drugs before any winter activity, like snowmobiling or skiing, is dangerous and should not be permitted in any situation.

8. When skiing, bindings should be properly adjusted. Rental or sales professionals can help choose equipment that is the right size and fit.

9. Use only helmets that are specifically made for skiing or snowboarding. They should be professionally fitted to your child. Wearing wrist guards and knee pads are a good way to help prevent bruises and fractures while snowboarding.

10. AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles. It’s important to wear the right gear, including goggles and a safety helmet approved for use on motorized vehicles such as motorcycles. Travel at safe speeds, stay on marked trails and never snowmobile alone or at night.

https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/aap-offers-10-tips-to-keep-children-warm-and-safe-outdoors-in-winter/

• December 20, 2023: End of Semester 1; last day of school for December
• January 3, 2024: No School/No Student Attendance; Staff School Improvement Day
  
• January 4, 2024: Classes resume; start of Semester 2
• January 15, 2024: No School; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• February 1, 2024: 12:00pm dismissal; school improvement day in afternoon
• February 15, 2024: 12:00pm dismissal
• February 15, 2024: Parent/Teacher conferences 2:00pm-9:00pm
• February 16, 2024: No Student Attendance; Parent/Teacher conferences 8:00am-12:00pm
• February 19, 2024: No School; Presidents' Day

Mission

To provide a learning environment which fosters individual growth, lifelong learning and social accountability to meet future responsibilities and challenges of adulthood.

Core Foundations

• Character Building

• Social Skills Development

• Living Skills Development

• Relationship-Building

• Coping Skills Development

• Academic and Vocational Training

• Recreational and Activity Skill Development

Website: woodstockschools.org/clay
Location: 112 Grove Street, Woodstock, IL, USA
Phone: (815) 337-2529
Fax: (815) 337-2140

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayacademywoodstock