The Bulldog 1.16.25

Note from Mrs. Lockwood

Another great week at Clairemont! As we kick off the second semester, I would like to invite all families to Community Circle. This is a special time to celebrate our accomplishments for the week and come together as a Clairemont family. Community Circle starts every Friday at 8:20. See you there!

The final day to submit for the Young Georgia Author’s writing competition is tomorrow. See below for details. Students still have time to submit an amazing piece of work!

Next Wednesday, January 22nd, we have an Early Release day. Students will be dismissed at 12:45.

Events at a glance:

• Friday, January 17: 2nd Grade Celebration of Learning, 9:15-10:30 a.m. *NEW DATE*
• Friday, January 17: Kindergarten Celebration of Learning. 1:30-2:30
• Friday, January 17: Young Georgia Authors Submissions Due
• Monday, January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
• Tuesday, January 21: Talent Show Auditions - Last names A-L
• Wednesday, January 22: CSD Early Release Day
• Thursday, January 23: Talent Show Auditions - Last names M-Z

CSD continues to monitor the weather due to the potential of severe weather conditions next week. The safety of our staff and students is always our top priority. Staff and families should check email, the CSD website, and social media channels for updates.

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:

Tuesday, January 21, 6:45 p.m. (virtual only, access the meeting here)

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.

CSD has shared new Standard Response Protocols (SRP) posters and documents with schools to educate students, families and staff about best practices for responding to a crisis. Schools will display posters in highly visible areas, handouts will be sent home for families, and students will receive small reference cards to keep with them. English and Spanish versions are available for these documents.

What is SRP?

Developed in collaboration with law enforcement and the I Love U Guys Foundation, SRP is a set of terms and actions that students, CSD staff and first responders can incorporate into a school safety plan to train school communities to respond more effectively to emergencies.

SRP Terms and Actions:

• Lockdown: Secures a room and keeps people quiet and in place

• Evacuate: Moves people from one location to another

• Shelter: States the hazard and safety strategy

• Hold: Students stay in their classroom or area until the "All Clear" is announced

Secure: Students get inside and lock outside doors

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. 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, 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.

The snow stuck around long enough for students to enjoy it during recess! We are having so much fun in our (temporary) winter wonderland!

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.