The Bulldog, January 8, 2026

Note from Mrs. Lockwood:

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season with loved ones. We accomplished a great deal together last semester, and I look forward to all of our achievements in the second semester.

The family survey rate is improving. Currently, 18% of families have completed the family survey. This year's goal is 75%. Clairemont's family perspective is important. Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the Georgia School Climate Survey.

This week, our school-wide attendance for Tuesday through Thursday is 96%. Let's aim for 100% attendance on Friday to finish the week strong!

Events at a glance:

• Friday, January 9: School Crew (students and staff only)
• Friday, January 16: Community Crew
• Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
• Wednesday, January 21; 5:30: PTA Meeting
• Friday, January 23: School Crew (students and staff only)
• Wednesday, January 28: CSD Early Release Day
• Friday, January 30: Community Crew

Teachers and students were all excited to be reunited after the long break. We are all ready for a meaningful, educational, and fun-filled second semester!

The Friday before the break our students celebrated their hard work and good behavior with a K-Pop party! All students who had at least 25 Dojo points during specials were invited to a party with karaoke, dancing, bracelet making, temporary tattoos, and a photo booth! Thank you to Ms. Castillo, Ms. Howell, Ms. Nelson, and Coach Jolly for celebrating our students this way!

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 9 and human trafficking prevention in grades 6 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.

We hope you had some time to read during all your family fun over the break! Your student should have received a Winter Reading Bingo sheet in their red Thursday folder the week before the break.

Mark off each square as you complete the challenge. Complete five in a row in any direction to win a prize! OR you can fill in all the squares to get blackout bingo to be invited to a popsicle party and earn three checkouts at a time for the rest of the year!

Turn in your bingo sheet to Ms. D by Friday, January 16th.

If you need another copy of the bingo sheet, click on the file below.

Read the January 8, 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.

An ongoing speaker series from DEF, Decatur Prevention Initiative and the Decatur Parents Network returns Thursday, January 22, with a documentary viewing and panel discussion on "Navigating the Changing Drug Landscape: Talking to our Kids About Dangerous Substances." This event is free and open to any adult. Find more information and register in advance here.

Thursday, January 22, 6:30-8 p.m., DHS Learning Commons (Library/Media Center). Enter the bus drop-off area off of Commerce Drive.