News for the Nest
November 8, 2024
A newsletter for Clayton families from school leadership and the PTA
News from School Leadership
THIS WEEK
Monday, Nov. 11
Tuesday, Nov. 12 🎂Happy Birthday Susan Stevens, Library Asst!🎂
- 2:00 Bowie Theater Children's Show: The Velveteen Rabbit (PK-2 invited)
Wednesday, Nov. 13
- 6:30 PTA General Member Meeting with Clayton Counselors (details below)
Thursday, Nov. 14
- Second Grade Culture Fair (all day, times vary by teacher)
- 9:30-11:30 3rd Grade Field Trip to Laguna Gloria (Alvarez, Desikan, Franklin)
- Noon - Principal Chat: What are special education and Section 504? (info below)
Friday, Nov. 15
- 9:30-11:30 3rd Grade Field Trip to Laguna Gloria (Cotton, Crenshaw)
- 10:30-1:15 Feeding Souls Music Performance in cafe during lunch
- 5:30-7:30 Clayton Culture Night (details below)
Saturday, Nov. 16
- 8:00-12:00 Campus Clean Up Day at the Butterfly Garden (details below)
Looking Ahead
Nov 20 - Dowser Dan Show (1st Grade)
Nov 20 - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Pioneer Farms
Nov 25-28 - 🦃Thanksgiving Break🦃
Original Works Art Fundraiser Ends Friday, November 15!
You can purchase professionally-made products with your child’s artwork on them and a portion of the sales will benefit the art program at Clayton. Kids love to see their artwork on the products and they make great gifts as well. So grab your gift list and place your order before the fundraiser is over!
If you have questions about the Art Fundraiser, or difficulty placing an order, please contact Ashlea Cedrone at ashlea.cedrone@austinisd.org or the Customer Service Team through Original Work’s website.
Appreciation from the Clayton library
Our school SEL focus this month is "gratitude" - and I have lots of gratitude for the Clayton community. First, we really appreciate everyone who made a literary pumpkin. Our entire school loves seeing the creativity, humor and hard work displayed in these wonderful creations - it helps make October! I'm also very thankful for everyone who supported the book fair. We raised about $4,000 for the Clayton library. Most of that profit funds our library clerk position, and we will also be able to select extra books and materials from Scholastic. Many thanks to everyone!
I wanted to let you know that the Austin Public library recently completed a program to simplify the process of obtaining a library card for AISD students. Using APL's resources can be a valuable expansion of your child's reading options. Even if you don't typically visit a library, they own an impressive collection of ebooks and other digital materials. Students will have a card if families "opted in" during registration. (If you opted out and have changed your mind, please let me know and I will help make the adjustment.)
To log in and explore some of APL's offerings, use this link:
https://library.austintexas.gov/
Username: AISD######## (where #= AISD Student ID Number) (ex: AISD10123456)
Password: aisd4books
With gratitude,
Dana Sposeep
Help needed for Nov 16 Clean Up Day, Garden Club
Here are some ways you can be involved:
Sign up here to join Mrs. Walker & Mrs. Phillips 1-2 Fridays per month after school. Student & parent volunteers are welcome. Sign up slots are limited.
Purchase items from our Clayton Garden Club wish list or drop snacks off at the front office & label them ATTN: Mrs. Phillips / Clayton Garden Club. Non-perishable items are preferred.
Sign up for our November 16th clean up day! We are looking for a few Clayton parents and 4th-5th grade students to get dirty weeding & removing old plants.
November Butterfly Garden Clean Up Questions? Contact Mrs. Walker, annie.walker@austinisd.org
Upcoming Principal Chats
Nov 14 - What are special education and Section 504? CAREGIVER INFO SESSION
This is an introductory session for caregivers curious about section 504 and special education.
We will also offer a session for caregivers of students already identified as having a disability in a few months.
Date - Thursday, Nov 14
Time - Noon
Location - Virtual link
Hosts - campus 504 coordinator, campus special ed administrators
List of topics we will discuss:
- What is the purpose of special education?
- What is a Section 504 plan with accommodations?
- What are the differences between special ed and 504?
- Questions and answers
Want to learn ahead of time?
Special ed basics for caregivers - link
Section 504 basics for caregivers - link
We hope you can join us!
Dec 10 - What is the STAAR test?
STAAR is the State of Texas Assessment for Academic Readiness. Join us to learn more about the assessment for 3rd through high school students in Texas public schools. We will answer your questions and also...What's on the STAAR test? How is the data used? What is Clayton's culture around STAAR and "test prep"?
Date - Wednesday, Dec 10
Time - Noon
Location - Virtual link
News from PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION!
PTA General Member Meeting 11/13 @ 6:30PM, Clayton Counselors as special guests!
Culture Night is Friday Nov. 15th @ 5:30pm
Sign your child up for the Parade of Nations and don't let them miss out on kicking off our Culture Night! Don't forget to also sign up to bring a dish to the Culture Night Potluck, it is your delicious ticket to the event!
Sign up for a country booth and be a part of Clayton's Culture Night! We look forward to seeing all the amazing countries represented on Culture Night!
Clayton And Perez Alliance Thanksgiving Fundraiser
Nan Clayton PTA '24/'25 Sponsorship Program
Support the Nest TODAY!
Yep, It is finally here! For those business owners out there, please sign up today for our sponsorship program and reach out to over 800 families in and around Circle C while supporting the Cardinals Education. This program year closes Nov 30th, 2024 to meet all deliverables so grab your spot today!
NEW opportunities this year for families to sponsor with the "Family Sponsor" level at $50!
Join our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
We are looking for people to join our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Come be part of a group that is focused on making Clayton a place where people continue to feel like they belong! Reach out to dei@nanclaytonpta.org to get involved!