The Bulldog 1.23.25

Note from Mrs. Lockwood

Clairemont family, what a week!! Parents/Guardians, thank you all for making the necessary adjustments at home to make the pivot to virtual learning this week smooth. You ensured your student(s) were available and ready for learning each day and for that I am grateful. Shout out to our amazing teaching staff for creating opportunities to engage and have fun learning on the screen. While nothing can replace being in the building together, it was nice to see all the Clairemont kiddos navigate virtual learning like real pros! I look forward to seeing everyone back in the building tomorrow! Until then, stay safe and warm.

City Schools of Decatur recognizes the challenges this week's virtual learning days have caused to families and the disruption to education. However, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. Essential personnel were on-site today to warm up buses, inspect routes, clear ice and snow, and evaluate all facilities. These actions are part of our standard operating procedures for recovery after a winter storm.

DeKalb County has lifted the state of emergency. CSD looks forward to welcoming students and staff back tomorrow, Friday, January 24, 2025, as we will resume normal operations. However, bus riders please be patient, as some buses will experience delays due to icy conditions at Hillcrest Dr., Mt. Vernon at Glendale, Missionary at Inman, North Decatur Rd. going East, and Clairemont at Maediris. These bus routes will be adjusted to ensure they can safely transport students. Families should use the Stopfinder app for updated pick-up and drop-off times and information. Late bus riders will have the chance to eat school breakfast.

Walkers should be cautious on sidewalks and dress warmly. Car riders are encouraged to drive slowly. Athletics and after-school activities will resume as scheduled.

As a reminder, elementary students should return to school with the Chromebooks and chargers that schools provided last Friday.

Be safe and stay warm, CSD!

Events at a glance:

• Wednesday, January 29: Talent Show Auditions - Last names A-L **New Date**
• Thursday, January 30: Talent Show Auditions - Last names M-Z **New Date**
• Tuesday, February 11: Spirit Night at Benchwarmers - All day!

CSD will host five hearings in January for the public to learn more about the district's plans to exercise the one-time option for local governments to opt out of Georgia House Bill 581, which establishes a statewide floating homestead exemption and cap on property taxes.

The schedule for the remaining public hearings is:

Thursday, January 30, 10 a.m. (virtual only, access the meeting here)

Thursday, January 30, 6:45 p.m. (virtual only, access the meeting here)

Passed during the 2024 Legislative Session, HB 581 impacts property taxes for cities, counties and school districts by capping the annual increase in property values for tax purposes, effective January 1, 2025. The bill aims to provide property tax relief for local residents, using the Consumer Price Index as an inflationary index. Since school districts rely heavily on property taxes for funding, this cap could impact the availability of CSD schools' resources and programs.

The Board of Education will follow the legal procedures to opt out of the exemption, including holding the three virtual public hearings. Following the hearings, the board will vote to adopt an opt-out resolution at the February Board of Education meeting and file the resolution with the Secretary of State by March 1, 2025.

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 Wednesday, January 29th and Thursday, January 30th, divided by last names. Wednesday, January 29th is for students with last names beginning with A-L. Thursday, January 30th 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. If you have a music file for your act, please send it to Ms. D at whitney.derosa@csdecatur.net.

Talent show rehearsals will take place from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, February 5th-6th, and 12th-13th. 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.

Last Friday, our second grade students had the opportunity to show off all their learning and hard work from the first semester exhibition about insects and spiders! They all did extensive research and created books with the information they found. Many of these books will be distributed through the neighborhood in little free libraries. If you see one, take a look and use the QR code to give them your feedback!

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.

Plans are underway for another amazing event to raise money for Decatur Athletics – The Bulldog Bash! Save the date for this year's event on Saturday, March 22, at Independent Distilling Company. The event will feature a live online auction that includes everything from artwork and experiences to trips, restaurant gift cards, sporting event tickets, self-care, and more.

Do you have a connection, talent, vacation home or something unique that can help us raise money for our student-athletes? If so, please fill out this form! More information to come!

The Decatur Prevention Initiative (DPI) seeks the community's help in learning more about community perceptions and concerns regarding underage drinking and substance misuse among Decatur's youth. Please take this anonymous survey to help DPI plan, implement, evaluate and sustain programming.