CH School News & More - 12.17.24
If you've ever visited Claypit's cafeteria you've likely noticed the beautiful display of flags hanging from our ceiling. Seeing the United States of America's flag flying in the center gives us all pride. In addition, many of our students love pointing out their flags. The adults like seeing their flags too. We want to make certain that all of our children and adults are represented by the flags hanging at Claypit. Please consider sharing the flag(s) that you feel represent your family so that we can make sure it/they hang(s) at Claypit.
We'd also like to understand the holidays observed/celebrated by our Claypit families. Please consider sharing.
Earlier this year we previewed some Smart Technology Policy language. At a recent School Council meeting, the following language was approved and added to our Claypit Hill
Elementary Student and Family Handbook.
Please do not send your student to school with smartphones or smartwatches. If you must send a phone as a matter of safety, it must be turned off and stored in the backpack at all times. Please establish a family policy that states that the phone can only be used in the case of an emergency. Please define "emergency" with your child in a way that is appropriate for their age/maturity. Please let them know that forgetting an instrument, etc. is NOT an emergency. Students can always use school phones to communicate when there is a serious need that is non-emergent in nature.
As it goes with rules, you may see that there are children who wear smartwatches. Please know that we work to understand and meet the unique needs of each child and family and for reasons we will not explain, a very small number of exceptions will be made. Thank you for understanding and supporting a learning environment that is free from these high-tech distractions.
Free breakfast is offered daily at Claypit. Marie recently met with district and school food service leaders to share caregiver and staff concerns. Cheryl Judd and Gayle Gledhill were very open to implementing some changes. Moving forward, all items offered at breakfast will contain 9 or less grams of added sugar. Cheryl and Gayle will be replacing some of the high-sugar items with new healthier choices.
You can monitor the meals your child is accessing in My School Bucks. (www.myschoolbucks.com) Simply click on your child's name and then click on "Cafeteria Purchases". We are always happy to provide meals however, if you would like to prohibit your child from receiving meals at school, you can do so by emailing Chery at Cheryl_Judd@Waylandps.org.
Save the date for our annual Science Fair and STEAM Discovery event. which includes:
Science Fair and STEAM Discovery Night from 5-7pm on Wed 2/5, where kids can share science fair projects (on any topic that inspires them) and enjoy interactive activity stations featuring experts on this year’s theme: Weather!
In-school STEAM lessons/activities in each classroom to dive deeper into this year’s weather theme
Ways to get involved:
Sign-up: Click here to learn more about the science fair and read project ideas/guidance, and sign-up to participate now (if your child wants to work on a project over the break) or anytime in January.
Share your expertise or time: Please reach out to the STEAM team at ClaypitSTEAM@gmail.com if you:
Have weather-related expertise that you can share with kids at the science fair, or if you have a connection who does
Are interested in volunteering at the science fair or helping lead in-class STEAM activities with multiple classes (at the end of January or early February)
Watch for more information in January.
Thanks!
STEAM team (April, Elaine, Gigi, Heather and Janice)
Thank you to so many who have volunteered to spread joy this month!
Staff appreciation - Thank you to the many volunteers who brought baked goods, coffee and gift cards to create a fun and festive celebration for our staff Friday! Special thanks to Allison Bellingrath, Jen Wright, Kristin Smith, Katie Leyden, Kattie Harris, Laura Mellen, Lindsay Hanson and Marissa Davis for making it happen!
Holiday gift drive - Thank you to our incredibly generous community for your contributions toward the holiday gift drive! Last Friday, the team filled 3 SUVs with hundreds of gift bags full of toys, clothes, gift certificates and gorgeous homemade cards to the Framingham DCF to deliver to 79 foster kids. Special thanks to Danielle Flynn, Amanda Gale, Devin Murphy and Molly Kaufman for organizing this year’s gift drive!
