News for the Nest

THIS WEEK

Sunday, Dec. 8 - last day to submit opt-in Google Form for human sexuality and responsibility lessons

Monday, Dec. 9

• New Giving Tree GoFundMe donation deadline (Link to donate HERE)

Tuesday, Dec. 10

• New Giving Tree gift delivery deadline
• 8:00 -11:00 Divine Canines (dyslexia groups)
• 12:00 virtual session about STAAR (see below)

Wednesday, Dec. 11

• 4:00-8:00 PTA Spirit Night at Torchy's (mention Clayton at register)

Thursday, Dec. 12 🎂Happy Birthday Ma, Cafeteria Assistant!🎂

• PTA Presents: Clayton Staff Cookie Exchange (see below for cookie donation details)

• Wear Clayton spirit wear
• 7:45 am Schoolwide Assembly & Sing-Along (families welcomed, check in from 7:30-7:45)
• Clayton Staff Luncheon (donate/sponsor a teacher HERE, details below)

Looking Ahead

Dec 19 - PK-2nd Grade Winter Parties

Dec 20 - 3rd-5th Grade Winter Parties

Dec 23-Jan 6 - Winter Break

Jan 7 - Welcome back to school

Jan 16 - Science Fair

Jan 20 - No School

We are so fortunate to have had Lloyd Bachrach visit Clayton yesterday to share his amazing program, Yes You Can. Lloyd told his powerful story of overcoming others' assumptions of his abilities. He taught us that we are each "differently abled" and worthy of respect and opportunities. Our PTA provided this program that made such a positive impact on our students and staff. Thank you, PTA!

We're almost to our donation goal, just 15 more donations to go!

THANK YOU to all that have already donated and also to those signed up to watch classes while teachers take the opportunity to gather for lunch on Dec 13th.

*Please sponsor a staff member's lunch through our My School Central payment store HERE (choose the "Donation" category). We have 90 staff members and that's a lot of mouths to feed!

STAAR is the State of Texas Assessment for Academic Readiness. Join us to learn more about the assessment for 3rd through high school students in Texas public schools. We will answer your questions and also...What's on the STAAR test? How is the data used? What is Clayton's culture around STAAR and "test prep"?

Date - Tuesday, Dec 10

Time - Noon

Location - Virtual link

Last week we learned about the Zones of Regulation as a way to tune into our bodies and understand how we are feeling so that we can regulate appropriately. The Blue Zone is the lowest level of energy and alertness. It serves us well when we want to fall asleep or relax, but can be challenging when we need to focus or work. Some examples of emotions we might experience while in the Blue Zone as tired, sad, or sick.

How to spot the Blue Zone:

• Heavy limbs or muscles

• Lower energy level

• Slow heart rate or breathing

• Difficulty focusing

• Foggy thinking

When we need to move from Blue into Green because the environment requires more focus and energy, we use strategies that up our energy levels to accomplish this.

Strategies to try in Blue Zone:

• Get a drink of water or have a snack

• Stretch

• Go for a walk

• Talk with a friend or trusted adult

• Do a preferred activity.

This Week in Counseling, we're talking about Teamwork! Ask your student how they were a good teammate this week!

Come show your Clayton Cardinal spirit at Torchy's Tacos Spirit Night on Wednesday, December 11! Dine in OR take out from 4-8pm. Make sure to mention Clayton Spirit Night!

Yep, It is finally here! For those business owners out there, please sign up today for our sponsorship program and reach out to over 800 families in and around Circle C while supporting the Cardinals Education. This program year closes Nov 30th, 2024 to meet all deliverables so grab your spot today!

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Cardinal Corner: Clayton Elementary Parents Page Facebook Group