The Bulldog, January 29, 2026

Note from Mrs. Lockwood:

Clairemont families, what a week!! Thank you all for making the necessary adjustments at home to make the pivot to virtual learning this week as smooth as possible. You ensured your student(s) were available and ready for learning on Monday, and for that I am grateful. Shout-out to our amazing teaching staff for creating opportunities to engage and have fun during Morning Meeting on-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!

This week, our school-wide attendance for last Friday through today is 97%. Let's finish the week strong with 100% attendance! Over the last two weeks, I've monitored students who had 1 or fewer absences. To celebrate this achievement, they received ‘Clairemont Shining Star’ certificate of recognition. Families, thank you for ensuring our Clairemont Bulldogs are at school!

I see the progress, let's keep going! Currently, 31% (45 families) have completed the family survey. This year's goal is 75%; we're getting closer. Clairemont's family perspective is important. Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey. Georgia School Climate Survey.

Community Crew is this Friday. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Please join us as Ms. Smiley's class leads Community Crew!

Families, mark your calendar for my Spring semester Principal Coffee Chat on Friday, February 27, immediately following Community Crew. I look forward to sharing our first-semester accomplishments and second-semester priorities. I hope to see you there!

Events at a glance:

• Friday, January 30: Community Crew
• Monday, February 2: Kindergarten registration opens
• Friday, February 6: School Crew (students and staff only)
• Friday, February 6: 1st Grade field trip to Fernbank
• Friday, February 13: Community Crew
• Monday, February 16 - Friday, February 20: Winter Break - No School
• Monday, February 23 - Tuesday, February 24: Talent Show auditions (see below for details)
• Wednesday, February 25: PTA Meeting; 5:30-7:00
• Friday, February 27: Community Crew
• Friday, February 27: Principal's Coffee Chat following Community Crew

As is tradition on early release days, all students who had reached their Class Dojo goal during specials and recess were treated to a Specials Spectacular. This month, we ushered in the winter Olympics with ice skating, dog sledding, snowman bowling, igloo building, snowball scooping, and more! Students had a blast!

Last Friday, all students who completed the Winter Reading Bingo challenge were invited to enjoy a popsicle party in the library and got to choose a prize from the treasure box. Even better, they'll all get to check out an extra book every week for the rest of the school year! We love to see our students so fired up for more books!

Clairemont's annual talent show will be on Friday, March 20, during the school day. We look forward to celebrating our talented students! Auditions will be held after school from 3-4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, February 23-24, divided by last names. Monday, February 23 is for students with last names beginning with A-L. Tuesday, February 24 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 Monday and Tuesday, March 2-3 and 9-10. (With possible rehearsals as needed March 16-17.) The talent show will be during the day on Friday, March 20.

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

A21

We all share a common goal for our children to be safe and protected from all things harmful. Related to that goal, Georgia Rule 160-4-2-.12 Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Program (HB 287) and Erin's Law (SB401) require annual age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention in kindergarten through grade nine and human trafficking prevention in grades six through 12. The A21 K-12 Human Trafficking Education Curriculum is a research-based, evidence-informed program that City Schools of Decatur (CSD) uses to teach the importance of healthy relationships and their connection to personal safety. Click the link below to find additional information about the A21 program.

This school year CSD launched Naviance for Elementary. This program is designed to cultivate College, Career, and Life Readiness (CCLR) skills in our youngest learners, fostering confidence and sparking curiosity about their futures. CL students will have the opportunity to explore this exciting new program. Click the link below to find additional information about Naviance for Elementary.

Read the January 29, 2026, issue of CSD Weekly, the district-wide newsletter.

Please take a moment this week to make your voice heard and participate in the Georgia Department of Education climate survey for your school! Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated. The data collected will help determine the School Climate Star Ratings for the 2026-27 school year, which will enable schools to improve or build upon their successes.

Clairemont Elementary School Family Survey

Signing up as a member allows you to fully access our website and add your bulldog to the directory, along with classes and groups/clubs. This membership supports our school and the National and State PTA by paying annual dues that help us operate. We use PTA funds to support teacher grants and school events. A portion of the $10 serves as dues paid to the National and State Parent Teacher Association, which is our governing organization.