Clay Academy Bulldog Bulletin

Dear Clay Academy Families,

As we approach the winter holidays, I want to take a moment to reflect on the amazing season we've experienced at Clay Academy. Our students and staff have been busy with exciting projects, creative activities, and celebrations which truly capture the spirit of community and joy. Whether it is through program-wide projects, holiday performances, or classroom traditions, we've seen our students grow and shine in incredible ways.

As we prepare for a new year, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities ahead. Together, we’ll continue to support our students as they learn, achieve, and grow. The staff at Clay Academy are eagerly anticipating the new year and all possibilities and success!

Over the winter break, I encourage all families to prioritize healthy habits. The colder months often bring a rise in seasonal illnesses, so let’s work together to keep everyone safe and well. Remind your children to practice good hygiene by washing their hands often, staying active, and making healthy choices. Our Nurse’s Notes section in the newsletter provides additional suggestions for healthy habits which are encouraged and implemented at school.

Thank you for being an integral part of the educational process as we work with your child. Your support and involvement make all the difference. I wish you all a safe, restful, and joyous holiday season.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Dan Palombit
Principal

ART

Elementary art has been busy working on Texture Corn art photos and cupcakes and has started working with clay to do holiday-themed 3D projects.

STEM

Students in Mrs. Hagen’s class are working on another coding unit. We have discussed online safety and cyberbullying. We will be working on making apps in code.org. Students in Ms. Krzeski’s class are currently learning about matter and heat transfer. We’ll have a cool science experiment to see which classroom building materials might stop an ice cube from melting. Students in Mrs. Pickering's class have been practicing their “waiting” skills with bubbles, taking turns with games, and chocolate chips. As winter break approaches, we will be doing more holiday-themed building projects.

CLASSROOMS

We have been hard at work with our winter-themed writing projects! The WHS Madrigals recently came to share some holiday cheer. Students enjoyed watching the performance and asking questions. Looking forward, we will be cozying up to watch Polar Express and do winter-themed activities. Even though he has quite a busy schedule, we made a special call and we received a positive response. Santa is coming to Clay!

Mr. Polnow, Physical Education Teacher

Students are working hard to cope during competitive games and be good teammates. They are practicing volleyball skills through the New Year along with improving components of fitness - Cardio, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, and Flexibility.

Mrs. Adams, School Social Worker

Preventing Holiday Stress Anxiety in Children

The holidays are a fun and joyous time but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in children can happen. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that means that schedules are often out of whack, bedtimes get pushed back, and routines are disrupted. As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress and anxiety.

Set a Calm Example - The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. The way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and feeling anxious is more likely. To minimize anxiety in children during the holidays, parents need to take steps to handle their own stress and anxiety.

Set up Conditions for Good Behavior - Avoid taking your child to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when they are hungry or tired. It’s hard even for grown-ups to deal with noise and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best. When children become hungry or tired, they may have a tough time being on their best behavior. Children are more likely to experience holiday stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.

Remember the Importance of Routine - The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over. For instance, if a school holiday concert or a church gathering goes past your child’s bedtime, try to stick to quiet, calm activities the next day and get your child to bed on time the next night.

Watch What They Are Eating - Another thing that can fall by the wayside during the holidays is healthy eating. Sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals can make it too easy for children to eat less healthy foods and contributes to holiday stress and anxiety in children. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shopping or run other holiday errands and try to minimize the number of sweet treats at home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks options, such as air-popped popcorn, apple slices or cheese and crackers while limiting cookies and candy.

Get Your Child Moving - Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Make sure you schedule some time to get your child outside to run around and play.

Avoid Over Scheduling - As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to holiday stress and anxiety in children.

Have Your Child Help You - Big kids love to help, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look for an item at the store. Giving your child a task will not only boost their self-esteem, but it’ll also distract them and help prevent holiday stress and anxiety.

Schedule Some Quiet Time - Having some quiet time with your child is important during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for the family. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

Remember What the Holidays Are About - A great antidote for holiday stress and the commercialism of the season is helping others. Whether it’s shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or wrapping presents for needy children at your local church, helping your grade-schooler become a charitable person will alleviate holiday stress and anxiety.

Happy Holidays!

Information courtesy parents.com

Middle school art has been learning all about the principles of design and art, and we did a virtual escape room; we worked on masks and are working on inspired Andy Warhol Snowmen and creating different snowflakes.

Mr. Polnow and Mr. Mickey, Physical Education Teachers

Students are working hard to cope during competitive games and be good teammates. They are practicing volleyball skills through the New Year along with improving components of fitness - Cardio, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, and Flexibility.

Ms. Sarich, School Counselor

Preventing Holiday Stress Anxiety in Young Adults

The holidays are a fun and joyous time but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in young adults can happen. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that means that schedules are often out of whack, bedtimes get pushed back, and routines are disrupted. As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress and anxiety.

Set a Calm Example - The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in young adults during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. The way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and feeling anxious is more likely. To minimize anxiety in young adults

during the holidays, parents need to take steps to handle their own stress and anxiety.

Set up Conditions for Good Behavior - Avoid taking your young adult to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when they are hungry or tired. It’s hard even for adults to deal with noise and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best. When young adults become hungry or tired, they may have a tough time being on their best behavior. Young adults are more likely to experience holiday stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.

Remember the Importance of Routine - The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in young adults. To minimize holiday stress, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over.

Watch What They Are Eating - Another thing that can fall by the wayside during the holidays is healthy eating. Sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals can make it too easy for young adults to eat less healthy foods and contributes to holiday stress and anxiety. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shopping or run other holiday errands and try to minimize the number of sweet treats at home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks options, such as air-popped popcorn, apple slices or cheese and crackers while limiting cookies and candy.

Get Your Child Moving - Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety. Make sure you schedule some time to get outside to run around and play.

Avoid Over Scheduling - As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your young adult are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to holiday stress and anxiety.

Have Your Child Help You - Kids of all ages love to help, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look for an item at the store. Giving your child a task will not only boost their self-esteem, but it’ll also distract them and help prevent holiday stress and anxiety.

Schedule Some Quiet Time - Having some quiet time with your child is important during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for the family. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

Remember What the Holidays Are About - A great antidote for holiday stress and the commercialism of the season is helping others. Whether it’s shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or wrapping presents for needy children at your local church, helping your kid become a charitable person will alleviate holiday stress and anxiety.

Happy Holidays!

Information courtesy parents.com

BIOLOGY

Students in Biology have been working on Mendel heredity, genetics, and pedigrees. The students practiced virtual lab simulations to make Punnett squares and pedigrees. To close the genetics unit, students were assigned a genetic disorder to research and present on to the class. Some of the genetic disorders that were chosen include: Autism, ADHD, ADD, and Down Syndrome.

PRE-VOCATIONS

Students in pre-voc have been working on life skills related to taxes and paychecks. They have been analyzing pay stubs, learning the differences between net and gross income, and deductions they might see. The students have also learned how to fill out an I-9, 1040, W-2, and W-4 forms.

READING STRATEGIES

Students in Reading Strategies have been working out of the Read180 textbook and online software component. Additionally, the students have been using the assessment tool, FastBridge CBM, as a form of progress monitoring biweekly to assess their growth. To end this workshop in Read180, the students will be constructing their first essay with the support of graphic organizers and editing templates.

ENGLISH

High school students are getting ready to finish up their novels: The Maze Runner and Graduation Day. Freshman English class is going to continue with Divergent into the second semester! Right now they are all working on using a site called Storyboardthat.com to create a pictoral summary, much like what we know to be a comic strip, to retell the story.

FORENSIC SCIENCE

Hair analysis is our current focus when solving crimes. Hair shafts, structure, melanin…..who done it?

ADULT LIVING

Students looked into how to rent an apartment and set up utilities. What about owning your own home? Lots involved in this process…this is what students are working on now!

GEOGRAPHY

Our high school geography students are diving into the fascinating topic of population density. Through maps, case studies, and interactive activities, they’re exploring how and why populations are distributed across the globe. From bustling cities to remote regions, students are analyzing the factors that shape where people live and how density impacts communities and resources.

WORLD HISTORY

In World History, students are journeying through the transformative Renaissance era! They’re exploring the rebirth of art, science, and culture that shaped modern Europe. From Leonardo da Vinci's masterpieces to the printing press revolution, students are uncovering how this pivotal period sparked innovation, individualism, and new ways of thinking that continue to influence the world today.

MARKETING

Students are diving into the exciting world of advertising strategies! They’re learning how to craft persuasive campaigns, analyze target audiences, and explore real-world examples of effective branding. Through creative projects and discussions, students are developing skills to communicate impactful messages and build connections between products and consumers in today’s dynamic marketplace.

ART

High School Art has been busy, making Starry Night photos, working on creating album covers, and painting album covers on vinyl records. We are moving to the holidays and working on Vincent Van Gogh-inspired holiday drawings. In photography, we have been learning how to crop photos, have done a Thanksgiving dinner plated food session, have been working on our social commentary project, and our artist research project.

Mr. Tschappat, Physical Education and Health Teacher

High School PE students start Volleyball. Students will learn skills, strategies and participate in games. All this leads up to the final game which will be against the Clay staff.

Mrs. Kraneman, School Counselor

Preventing Holiday Stress Anxiety in Young Adults

The holidays are a fun and joyous time but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxiety in young adults can happen. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities and events going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality is that means that schedules are often out of whack, bedtimes get pushed back, and routines are disrupted. As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress and anxiety.

Set a Calm Example - The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in young adults during the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. The way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and feeling anxious is more likely. To minimize anxiety in young adults

during the holidays, parents need to take steps to handle their own stress and anxiety.

Set up Conditions for Good Behavior - Avoid taking your young adult to places such as the mall or holiday gatherings when they are hungry or tired. It’s hard even for adults to deal with noise and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best. When young adults become hungry or tired, they may have a tough time being on their best behavior. Young adults are more likely to experience holiday stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.

Remember the Importance of Routine - The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in young adults. To minimize holiday stress, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over.

Watch What They Are Eating - Another thing that can fall by the wayside during the holidays is healthy eating. Sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to regular meals can make it too easy for young adults to eat less healthy foods and contributes to holiday stress and anxiety. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shopping or run other holiday errands and try to minimize the number of sweet treats at home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks options, such as air-popped popcorn, apple slices or cheese and crackers while limiting cookies and candy.

Get Your Child Moving - Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety. Make sure you schedule some time to get outside to run around and play.

Avoid Over Scheduling - As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your young adult are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to holiday stress and anxiety.

Have Your Child Help You - Kids of all ages love to help, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look for an item at the store. Giving your child a task will not only boost their self-esteem, but it’ll also distract them and help prevent holiday stress and anxiety.

Schedule Some Quiet Time - Having some quiet time with your child is important during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for the family. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

Remember What the Holidays Are About - A great antidote for holiday stress and the commercialism of the season is helping others. Whether it’s shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or wrapping presents for needy children at your local church, helping your kid become a charitable person will alleviate holiday stress and anxiety.

Happy Holidays!

Information courtesy parents.com

As we enter winter cold and flu season, we want to remind everyone to focus on healthy winter habits such as:

• Getting the appropriate amount of sleep each night,
• Washing your hands often to avoid spreading germs,
• Drinking plenty of water,
• Avoiding contact with others who are feeling ill, and
• Dressing appropriately for the weather.

D200 guidelines for when a student is too ill for school include:

• Fever of 100.4 degrees or greater,
• Vomiting or Diarrhea,
• New skin rash, and/or
• Red, watery eyes with crusting or drainage.

If your child will be absent from school for illness, please notify the school before 10:00 AM and report your child’s symptoms, so illness trends can be monitored through the school. Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea symptoms must be resolved for 24 hours prior to students’ returning to school. Clay’s attendance line is 815-337-8610.

If your child is well, it is important they are in attendance at school. Chronic Absenteeism has been linked to increased negative outcomes such as increased risk taking behaviors, increased physical and mental health challenges, and difficulty sustaining employment throughout the lifespan. Per State of Illinois Law, Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of school days (18 school days) over the course of a school year with or without a valid excuse. Please encourage your child to maintain strong school attendance.

Mission

To provide a learning environment which fosters individual growth, lifelong learning and social accountability to meet future responsibilities and challenges of adulthood.

Core Foundations

• Character Building

• Social Skills Development

• Living Skills Development

• Relationship-Building

• Coping Skills Development

• Academic and Vocational Training

• Recreational and Activity Skill Development

Website: https://ca.woodstockschools.org/
Location: 112 Grove Street, Woodstock, IL, USA
Phone: (815) 337-2529
Attendance Phone: (815) 337-8610

Fax: (815) 337-2140

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayacademywoodstock