News for the Nest
September 19, 2025
Clayton is bringing a wonderful program called Best Buddies Friendship Program to our campus! Best Buddies Friendship Program is an international initiative that builds friendships between students with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities. At the elementary level, we’ll create community through inclusive activities and social-emotional learning that promote acceptance and one-to-one connections.
We’re looking for two parent volunteers to join our advisory team and help plan at least four events (two in the fall, two in the spring), plus the Central Texas Friendship Walk at Westlake HS on April 18. Events can be during or after school—anything from games and crafts to pizza parties and gardening—to encourage friendships.
Interested? Please email Teacher Ellie Herrmann at elizabeth.herrmann@austinisd.org. Be sure to include your child's name and grade level, please. Advisory team members will contact families to confirm participation. We look forward to a fantastic pilot year of Best Buddies at Clayton!
Our Campus Advisory Council is seeking one additional member:
One Business Representative - a person who owns or operates a local business in the greater SW Austin area
Campus Advisory Council is a committee of parents, business and community representatives, teachers, principals, and other campus staff. The formation of CACs is required by state law (Texas Education Code, §11.251). Specific functions of CACs include providing review and comment on campus budget, academics, and operations. We meet once per month, on a Monday afternoon from 3:30-4:30 pam.
Please contact Principal Karen McCollum with any questions, at karen.mccollum@austinisd.org.
Please compete the short application below if you are interested in being a Business Rep or Community Rep at our CAC.
This week in counseling students will:
- Learn how to tell the difference between a mean moment and bullying.
- Learn that an Upstander is a person who stands up and does something about it if they see someone being hurt or bullied.
- Understand to tell a trusted adult right away if they see meanness or bullying happening.
Books we're reading this week are:
- Llama Llama and the Bully Goat
- The Pout Pout Fish and the Bully Bully Shark
- Lucy and the Bully
- One
- My Secret Bully
