Clay Academy Bulldog Bulletin

Dear Clay Academy Families,

I hope this letter finds you well and energized as we settle into the school year! The excitement in the building is palpable, and I’m thrilled to share some of the wonderful things happening around campus.

First, I want to acknowledge the energy our students bring to our school each. Our teachers have been hard at work, planning activities focusing on both academic growth and personal development. Whether it's through cooperative activities, challenging independent work, or creative projects, students are demonstrating determination and perseverance throughout the day.

This season brings with it a special focus on transitions and future planning. Our high school students are participating in a class focusing on transition activities, designed to help prepare for life beyond high school. From career exploration to financial literacy, we are setting our students up for success in whatever path they choose after graduation.

As we move further into the school year, I want to remind everyone about the importance of staying connected. Communication between school and home is key to student success. Please continue to check in with your child’s case manager, therapist, and teachers, review their progress, and encourage them to take ownership of their learning.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to seeing what the rest of the school year holds as we continue to grow, learn, and make this year unforgettable for everyone!

Warm regards,

Dan Palombit

Principal

Students in Elementary art have been working on their free draw journals and all about me papers. They also are learning about the elements of art, and made line Monsters.

Our youngest Bulldogs have been getting right back into the groove of school. Our Bulldogs of the Week are Kat (9/2-9/13), Hunter (9/16-9/27) and Milo (9/30-10/11). We are also looking forward to a special Field Trip to All Seasons Orchard on 10/8/24. More information will be coming home soon.

Students in Mrs. Stewart’s class are using code.org to learn basic coding skills. We will be using a variety of computer and paper-based coding during this time. Students in Ms. Krzeski’s class are learning about the engineering design process, how to read basic maps, and measuring length and weight. Students in Mr. Hartwig’s class are practicing basic directions. We will be moving into solids, liquids, and gasses next.

Mr. Polnow, Physical Education Teacher

All students are working on their five dimensions of wellness and how they can affect one another - Physical, Mental, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual.

Mrs. Adams, School Social Worker

Welcome back to school! It has been fun catching back up with all the students and hearing about their summer adventures. Please don’t forget to complete the new releases of information sent home for this school year. If you would prefer a paper copy sent home please let us know. The releases are necessary for coordination of care with any outpatient providers to ensure the best care possible for your child. We will continue to work on social skills and coping skills this year. Attached are the links to the curriculum used by the elementary school. Your students have used these in the past and are familiar with the content.

- Social Thinking

- Zones of Regulation

Mrs. Jennifer Adams, LCSW

Elementary Counselor (K-4)

jadams@wcusd200.org

In Middle School Art, students have been working on their free draw journals, and their free time journals. They learned their first art lesson on Reggie Laurent, and have made shape collages to replicate his work.

Middle school is back in full swing, and we are so happy about it! The students have jumped right back into learning with math, reading, science, social studies, life skills and PE. This truly has been a great start to the school year. The middle schoolers started the year off by making tie-dye school spirit shirts! They learned how to tie-up and rubberband their shirt and even did all the dying themselves! Once they are rinsed and washed, you should see them coming home.

Mr. Polnow and Mr. Mickey, Physical Education Teachers

All students are working on their five dimensions of wellness and how they can affect one another - Physical, Mental, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual.

Mrs. Sarich, School Counselor

Welcome back to school! It has been fun catching back up with all the students and hearing about their summer adventures. Please don’t forget to complete the new releases of information sent home for this school year. If you would prefer a paper copy sent home please let us know. The releases are necessary for coordination of care with any outpatient providers to ensure the best care possible for your child. We will continue to work on social skills and coping skills this year. Attached are the links to the curriculum used by the middle school. Your students have used these in the past and are familiar with the content.

- Social Thinking

- Zones of Regulation

Ms. Beth Sarich, LCPC, CADC

Elementary/Middle School Counselor (5-8)

bsarich@wcusd200.org

ART

In high school art, students worked on name Graffiti. Students have learned the principles of design. They learned a lesson on Paul Klee, and made their own interpretation of Castle and Sun. They also did an art project on the emotions of line, and elements of using lines. In photography students have been learning history of photography, went on a photography scavenger hunt, Learned the elements of photography and the basics of using photoshop.

GEOGRAPHY

Over the past few weeks, our students have embarked on a journey to understand the world we live in, starting with the basics of physical and human geography. We began by exploring the Earth's continents, oceans, and major physical features, such as mountain ranges, rivers, and deserts. Students have been learning to read and interpret different types of maps, including political, physical, and thematic maps, which is a crucial skill for understanding geographical data.

WORLD HISTORY In World History class, Clay Academy students are delving into Ancient Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilization. They are studying the rise of Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria, and learning about key innovations like cuneiform writing and the Code of Hammurabi. Lessons focus on how the Tigris and Euphrates rivers shaped early societies, fostering agriculture, trade, and governance, and their lasting impact on the modern world. ENGLISH Three novels are being read at the high school level are: The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Divergent by Veronica Roth and Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau. All of these books are done through bibliotherapy with Mrs.Kraneman, our counselor. Mrs. Pedersen leads students through the curricular portion of reading and writing, while Mrs. Kraneman uses techniques to pull into the lessons that focus on social skills and personal growth and development. Challenge your student by asking about the main character of the book they're reading and find out what the setting of the novel is as well!! PRE-VOCATIONS

In Pre-Voc, students are learning about careers and what employers are looking for during the hiring process. They started the semester by researching different colleges that they are interested in. Students looked at tuition rates, the application process, and admission requirements of each college. The students recently took a career survey and researched careers that interest them. This month they will be working on writing resumes for their future careers.

BIOLOGY

In Biology, we jumped right in and learned about the scientific process and the difference between living and nonliving things. Students are currently learning about the parts of plant and animal cells. We will move right into photosynthesis and students will understand the chemical reactions that happen in the plant cells.

Mr. Tschappat, Physical Education and Health Teacher

All students are working on their five dimensions of wellness and how they can affect one another - Physical, Mental, Social, Emotional, and Spiritual.

Mrs. Kraneman, School Counselor

We have had a great start to the 2024-2025 school year! It was so wonderful to see all of our high school students back at school! Please contact me if you ever have any questions or concerns. Your child does better emotionally, socially and academically when home and school are on the same page with a plan for their success. If there are any changes with your child’s outside services that would require a consent for myself or Clay Staff to communicate with them, please contact me and I will email or send home the appropriate consent forms.

My contact information is:

Dawn Kraneman, LCPC, High School Counselor

dkraneman@wcusd200.org, 815-206-3816 or

815-527-6368 (Google Voice # if you prefer to text).

The 2024-2025 school year is off to a fast start! Please make sure all of your child’s health records and medication orders are up-to-date..

• October 15th is the last day to submit required health forms in order to avoid school exclusion beginning October 16th per IDPH.

• Updated school physicals and up-to-date immunizations are required for students:

• New to Illinois and for students entering Kindergarten, 6th, & 9th grades

• 2nd dose of Menactra vaccine is required for 12th grade

- Dental exams are required by May 15th for Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th and 9th grades.

• Medication Authorization Forms and Emergency Action Plans need to be completed and submitted to school every school year.

• October 9, 2024: Early Release @ 12:00pm
• October 9, 2024: Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00pm-9:00pm
• October 10, 2024: No Student Attendance Day
• October 10, 2024: Parent/Teacher Conferences 9:00am-11:00am; 12:00pm-4:00pm; and 5:00pm-9:00pm
• October 11, 2024: No Student Attendance Day; School Closed
• October 14, 2024: No School; Columbus Day
• October 24, 2024: Early Release @ 12:00pm
• November 5, 2024: No School; Election Day
• November 6, 2024: Picture Retake Day
• November 11, 2024: No School; Veterans 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: ca.woodstockschools.org
Location: 112 Grove Street, Woodstock, IL, USA
Phone: (815) 337-2529
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayacademywoodstock