Parent Updates

We have a few additions to our staff. We have been wheeling and dealing improving our school. After four years we have finally been approved to have a kiln and kiln room on our campus. The district is paying for that, so we had the opportunity to tie in our core values with more signage around the campus. The campus is looking beautiful, and the new signs add a nice touch.

We have better news. We have been hounding our district about a full renovation to our media center. We are getting a total remodel, and they are installing a new news station for our students to broadcast. This will begin in the spring and should be finished over the summer. We are very excited for our students and staff to have all these new things on our campus.

We also welcome our new 5th grade teacher Ms. Thomas. She is phenomenal. She has taught and coached, Math/Science in the district and she comes to us with rave reviews. Welcome Ms. Thomas as our sixth fifth grade teacher. She will team with Ms. Colon. We are very excited to have her.

I am asked about different ways parents can help with Math. Some simple things you can do is show your child how math is important in their lives. When they are at the grocery store is a great way to get them involved. Cooking is another great way. If a child can tangibly see the size of a cup compared to 1/2, or 1/4 cup that pays of huge. No matter the school decimals and fractions will be areas that kids need additional support. Automaticity in math in my opinion is very imporant. That means your child needs to know how to add or subtract two numbers within two seconds in their head. We have some students waste so much time writing out tally marks that they forget the question they are answering in the first place. Get a 100 pack of index cards and write a problem on the front and the answer on the back so they can practice in the car or at home. Get them off the screens and have them interact with the world. Studying is an essential skill for all. As your child gets to third and fourth grade, we expect them to know their multiplication facts up to 12 within a second. Kids will automatically know their 0's, 1's, 2's 5's and 10's. Focus the index cards on the 3's 4's 6's, 7's, 8's, 9's, 11's and 12's Again relate it to life. I remembered my 7's as a kid because I loved football, and a touchdown/extra point were worth 7 points. There are different ways to remember things, but you have to make them study the work for them to improve. I hope this helps and it makes sense.

We have a busy Friday next week. We have our annual Character Book Parade that culminates our Red Ribbons Week. Your child can change into their favorite book character and take part in our annual parade. Our parade now goes along the outer sidewalk of the school. Bring your camping chairs and find a spot to enjoy the parade. This is always a fun event for everyone involved. It is definitely one of my favorite days. Please remember that your child will dress back into their uniform once the parade concludes.

Trick or Treating on campus. We like to provide a safe opportunity for our little ones to experience this on campus. Our staff does a great job dressing up their areas as the students walk through and collect candy. The event is from 5:30-6:00, so please don't be late. (We DO TEILL NEED CANDY DONATED TO HAND OUT : ) The candy goes quick. We follow up our trick or treating with our Boo Bash. This community loves to party. Come out and enjoy fellowship from 6:00-7:30. These are both free events. There are refreshments for purchase if you choose.

Let's have some fun. Only positive vibes are allowed on our campus. We are doing this again around the perimeter of the sidewalk of the school. Our parade will start coming out of the Shillington doors. It ends at the Northdale doors. There is no need for anyone to sign in because you are not coming on to our campus. Feel free to set up your chairs in the grass and have fun. Please feel free to bring me a coffee if you find it in your heart.

Student costumes

No accessories such as swords, guns, etc.

Nothing scary. The way we do this is when we get to the end all our K students sit in the hallway to see all the costumes, so we don't want them to have nightmares after or during the event.

Students will dress back into their uniforms after the character book parade.

Students should also have the book of the character they are trying to emulate.

Creativity scores points at Claywell. You don't need to spend a lot of money to be creative with your outfits.

Tuesday- Wear hats/sunglasses

Wednesday- Wear red uniform shirt

Thursday- Wear your pajamas

Friday- Wear your costumes and change back into uniform after parade.

These students have read at least five ofthe SSYRA books and were treated to an ice cream social. Wonderful job. We want to see more students at the next event.

• We begin at 8:00 AM- Character Book Parade
• 5:30-6:00 Trick or Treating
• 6:00-7:30 Boo Bash- Covered Court

November 1st (Students that received academic awards) (You will be let in and exit through the cafeteria)

• 2nd Grade- 7:45-8:15
• 4th Grade- 8:00-9:00
• 3rd Grade- 9:15-9:45

November 2nd (Students that received academic awards)(You will be let in and exit through the cafeteria)

• Kindergarten- 7:45-8:15
• 1st grade- 8:30-9:00
• 5th grade- 9:15-9:45

• November 4th- Science Olympic Finalists at Mosi
• November 9th- Veteran's Day Assembly (Covered Court)
• November 10th- No school
• November 14th- Picture Retakes and Kindergarten vision screening
• November 15th- Middle School Night- Fifth grade parents and students we have various middle schools come to Claywell so you can get all the information in one place. We will see you there.
• November 17th- Bring desserts for the staff. (Please show our staff how much you appreciate their work by bringing in a pie or other goodies. Thank you in adance.
• November 17th- Turkey Trot for the students
• November 26th- Ms. Hill's birthday
• November 18th- November 26th- Thanksgiving Break
• November 28th- Third grade health screening
• November 29th- Third grade fieldtrip to the aquarium
• November 29th- Fourth grade fieldtrip to the History Center
• November 30th- Club pictures for the yearbook
• November 30th- 5th Grade- USF fieldtrip and basketball game