The Bulldog, December 18, 2025
12.18.25
Principal's Message
Note from Mrs. Lockwood:
We just wrapped up a wonderful first semester of teaching and learning at Clairemont! Thank you all for your commitment to the success of our students. During this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate all the things that are special to you and your family. The entire Clairemont community holds a special place in my heart. I will be thinking of you over this break and wishing you all happiness and joy.
The family survey rate is rising. This week, 11% 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 survey. Georgia School Climate Survey
School will be closed for students from Monday, December 22, to Monday, January 5. Students will return on Tuesday, January 6. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!
Events at a glance:
- Friday, December 19: CSD Early Release Day
- Monday, December 22 - Monday, January 5: Holiday Break No School
- Tuesday, January 6: Students return to school!
- Friday, January 16: Community Crew
Highlights of the Week
Bigham and Bermudez Book Buddies
This week, Ms. Bigham's first-grade class paired up with Ms. Bermudez's kindergarten class to read together and share stories. Reading out loud is a wonderful way for our first graders to practice their fluency and to build connections between grade levels.
Winter Literacy Event from Communities in Schools
Thank you to Communities in Schools for sponsoring and running today's fun literacy celebration! Students got to choose a book they wanted to give to someone they love. They wrapped the book and addressed it to the recipient. Everyone also got to enjoy some tasty hot chocolate!
Winter Reading Fun
Did you know that your child has access to some amazing and free resources? During the break, we encourage you to help your child practice their skills. CSD Launchpad is the website where these resources are linked:
CSD Launchpad (https://myapps.classlink.com/home) is also linked on the Clairemont Elementary website.
Access:
You are receiving a personalized flyer in your student's Thursday folder with their specific login information. However, they all follow the same formula:
User name: last two digits of student number + first four letters of first name + first four letters of last name@csdecatur.net
Password: student[student number]
Or use the QR code on the sheet in your student's Thursday folder.
For example: Whitney DeRosa with student# 12345 would have a username of 45whitdero@csdecatur.net with password student12345.
Use CSD Launchpad to access these websites:
- PebbleGo- information about different topics
- Sora- Ebooks and Audiobooks
- Renaissance- use your child’s CSD login or Quick Card for practice in Math and ELA with Freckle. Students who are not yet reading can try Lalilo.
- Typing Club- for practice with keyboard skills
- Get Epic- access to ebooks and audiobooks between 7am and 3pm during the weekday.
- Starfall- fun activities for each grade level
Other Resources:
Storyline Online- streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.
The DeKalb County Public Library- with your library card and pin number you have access to audiobooks, ebooks, many different free websites, and of course books for checkout.
Your student also received a Winter Reading Bingo sheet to encourage reading over 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.
District News
Take GaDOE's Annual School Climate Survey
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.
PTA News
Support PTA with your holiday cards!
Shop with Minted and Save while Giving Back!
The PTA is partnering with Minted this holiday season. Support Clairemont Elementary by using our unique promo code FUNDRAISECLAIREMONT to purchase holiday cards and gifts from Minted.com. You’ll receive 20% off your order, and 10% of each purchase will be donated back to us at the end of the year. Happy Holidays!
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.
Future Bulldog Apparel Makes Great Holiday Gifts!
Decatur Education Foundation News
Help DEF Lighten the Load for Decatur Families
Decatur Education Foundation provides food assistance to families in Decatur. We have a bin in front of the school to collect items listed on the flyer above. Other ways you can help: click on the image above to order directly from their Amazon wish list, or click THIS LINK to donate funds they will use to purchase grocery gift cards. If you have any questions, please email info@decatureducationfoundation.org.