The Bulldog 1.9.25

Note from Mrs. Lockwood

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season with loved ones. We accomplished a lot together in the semester and I look forward to all that we will do in the second semester.

We are closely monitoring this week’s weather pattern. School is closed tomorrow, Friday, January 10th. Please check your students’ backpacks as we have sent home Chromebooks, chargers, Quickcard/login information, and grade level activity sheet. All of these items are in case school closure extends beyond Friday. Please use the Chromebooks responsibly at home, and return them and the power cords to school on our first day back.

Another activity to consider is to have your child enter the 2024-2025 Young Georgia Authors (YGA) Writing Competition. See the blurb below for details. The deadline for submissions is January 17.

• IT help links: Access to Chromebook+ Google Meet and Google Classroom Help and At Home Google Workspace and Chromebook Support
• Friday: School will be closed. No remote learning.
• If necessary, Monday: Remote Learning
• K-5 students have learning packets to work on at home.
• If necessary, beyond Monday:
• Students K-12 will be able to access learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Lailio, Freckle, and others as usual.
• Teachers will be available via email or Google Meet at scheduled times to support students and families. Teachers will communicate their availability for both morning and afternoon sessions.
• We understand that power outages or connectivity issues may affect your ability to access online learning. We will be flexible with expectations and will do our best to accommodate any challenges families or staff may face.

Families, I will send an eblast Sunday with school updates. Please be on the lookout. Stay warm, stay safe, and I look forward to seeing everyone one day next week!

Events at a glance:

• Friday, January 10: CSD closed due to inclement weather
• Tuesday, January 14: Spirit Night at Bad Daddy's Burgers; 4-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 15: PTA Meeting, 5:30-7 p.m.
• Friday, January 17: 2nd Grade Celebration of Learning, 9:15-10:30 a.m. *NEW DATE*
• Friday, January 17: Young Georgia Authors Submissions Due
• Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
• Wednesday, January 22: CSD Early Release Day

Clairemont's annual talent show will be on Friday, February 14, during the school day. We look forward to celebrating our talented students! Auditions will be held after school from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 23, divided by last names. Tuesday, January 21 is for students with last names beginning with A-L. Thursday, January 23 is for students with last names M-Z. If you need to switch days, or cannot make it after school, please let Ms. DeRosa know and we can make accommodations. Students should come prepared with about one minute of their act to show off at auditions.

Talent show rehearsals will take place from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, January 29 and 30 and February 12 and 13. (The week of February 3 will be for students to practice at home.) The talent show will be during the day on Friday, February 14.

If you have any questions, please direct them to Ms. Nelson or Ms. DeRosa. We can't wait to see your talented students!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Clairemont is committed to supporting the emotional and mental well-being of all our students. We are offering a small counseling group for second grade students who may be experiencing anxiety or stress. This group will provide a safe, supportive space where students can learn coping skills, build emotional resilience, and connect with their peers in a structured environment led by Ms. Pratt, school counselor and the school counseling intern.

Details of the Small Group:

• Who: Second grade students who could benefit from learning more about managing anxiety.
• When: Sessions will be held once a week for 30 minutes during Specials or WIN time. The group will start at the end of January and conclude prior to Spring Break.
• How to Join: If you believe your child may benefit from this group, please use the following link to complete the group sign up form: https://forms.gle/FrQSokAtGXqAQHww7

If you would like more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Ms. Pratt at cpratt@csdecatur.net or 404-370-4450 ext. 4181.

Calling all K-2 storytellers, writers, and authors!!

Do you have a story to tell?

Here’s your chance to share your story with the world!

We’re looking for poems, short stories, narratives, informational writing pieces, or any other original student writing that highlights your amazing skills as a writer.

Here are a few guidelines to help you through the process:

• The writing piece can be no longer than 1,900 words.

• The writing needs to be original student work, created without the help or support of others, including adults.

• The writing piece can be handwritten on 8 ½ x 11 paper or typed. Handwritten and typed pieces must be on only one side of the paper.

• Submit only the writing - no staples, binding, cover, or lamination is allowed. Use a paperclip for multiple sheets, do NOT staple your writing.

To submit: ALL ENTRIES DUE BY Friday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m.

• Drop off at the media center at Mrs. DeRosa’s desk

• Give to your homeroom teacher

• Email to whitney.derosa@csdecatur.net

One writing entry from each grade level will be selected to move on to the district-level competition. Please adhere to the deadlines, as there are no exceptions for this process. All participating students will be recognized, and parents will be contacted the week of January 31 if their student’s entry is selected to move forward.

Stay up-to-date with all the Clairemont PTA news and see pictures of our fun events by following the PTA on Facebook and Instagram. You can find all things Clairemont PTA, as well as the form to join, at the Clairemont PTA website.

Run With the Dogs 5K and Pup Trot, presented by Green Orthodontics, is a 21-year tradition supporting Decaturs Bulldog Boosters. In addition to being a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and a great community event, all proceeds support 19 sports programs at DHS and BHMS, which include 57 teams and over 1,100 student athletes.

Grab your friends and your pups and join this fun event on January 25 to support an amazing cause. All 5K and Pup Trot participants who register before Saturday, January 11 will receive our iconic long-sleeved t-shirt designed by artist (and Decatur lacrosse coach) Adam Pinsley. Register early for the best rates!