News for the Nest
September 26, 2025
One of our treasured Fall traditions at Clayton is the "Literary Pumpkin" project. This is a family project in which you choose a book and then decorate a pumpkin to represent that story or one of its characters. Then, bring it to the library and we'll display for all to enjoy. Here are a few guidelines:
This is not a contest. We do a "lucky drawing" of 5 names, and those students/families receive a $20 gift card to redeem at our book fair.
We'll welcome pumpkins between September 29 and October 23.
(The drawing will be on October 28.)
Artificial pumpkins are preferred (real ones tend to rot!); if you use a real pumpkin, please don't puncture any holes.
Have fun creating yours and admiring them all!
Warmly,
~ Dana Sposeep
Clayton Librarian
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.
