Dear Clemson Elementary School Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back to school! We hope that each of you had a wonderful winter break and enjoyed special times with family and friends.

December was a festive time in our building. Our students did an amazing job of entertaining us during the month. Our fourth grade, fifth grade guitar ensemble, and chorus hosted an incredible winter concert at Clemson Elementary and we also enjoyed our traditional holiday luncheon as we were treated to the musical talents of students and staff. Opportunities for our students to showcase their talents are always a good time.

Second semester will have many important dates to remember. As a reminder, yearbooks are on sale until Friday, February 3rd. They can be purchased online until this time. Also, as you plan, please remember that state testing will be conducted during the last 20 days of school. Attendance is always important as we know it promotes student success but it is especially important during the testing window. In addition, attendance and behavior are major considerations in approval of school choice so please be sure to monitor your child's attendance closely and help us promote good behavior.

On Monday, January 16th, we will celebrate MLK Day. There is no school on this date. Class pictures will be taken later that week on Friday, January 20th. We hope your child will be present to be part of this.

As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. We will continue to update you through classroom communications, our newsletter, social media and via our website.

Thank you for all you do to help us provide world-class learning and make everyday a great day to learn at Clemson Elementary.

Best Regards,

Michelle Craddock

Clemson Elementary, creating a child-centered community where each student, inspired by a love of learning and rigorous educational experiences, is empowered to positively impact the global community.

Each month we recognize students who exemplify certain qualities and characteristics. In December, students who "were caught" learning independently were recognized. Showing healthy habits is what we are looking for in January, and if your student is "caught", he/she will earn a small treat.

Tiny Tiger Tots will be back at Clemson Elementary this semester! Tiny Tiger Tots is a preschool literacy program sponsored by Women United Preschool Pages. Preschool pages is a partnership with local elementary schools to support the development of early literacy skills in preschoolers throughout the Pickens County community. Each session will include a reading of a picture book and guided activities and crafts. Your tot will receive a copy of the book to bring home! Our sessions will be held one Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at Clemson Elementary School. The dates for sessions are; January 24th, February 21st, March 21st, and April 18th. Please email the reading coach, Melinda Schmidt, at melindaschmidt@pickens.k12.sc.us to RSVP. I hope to see you in with your Tiny Tiger Tot!

You may order a yearbook online through the link found under the NEWS section of our school website or by using this YEARBOOK LINK. Yearbooks cost $28 each and will be on sale until February 3, 2023. Yearbooks will be distributed at the end of the school year.

The Clemson Elementary website has a new feature. You can now go to the Clemson Elementary website menu, scroll down to parents and community and click on absence excuse notes. With this online feature, you can turn in excuse notes and pictures of the documentation. A link to the website is HERE.

The Clemson Elementary Chorus under the direction of Ms. Mindy Allen performed at Tillman Hall on Clemson University's campus on December 7th.

On December 12th and 16th, the Clemson Elementary Chorus had their winter concert along with the 5th grade guitar ensemble and the 4th grade class. The chorus sang, We Wish You a Happy Holiday and Candlelight. The guitar ensemble played, Jingle Bells, Carol of the Bells, and Ode to Joy. The fourth grade class sang, Deck the Hall, Miracle of Lights, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Jump at the Sun and A Peaceful Round.

We had a fabulous Holiday Luncheon this year. Several students and teachers used their musical abilities and played the piano, cello, flute, clarinet and sang. The students were dressed up and enjoyed the special lunch and ate by tea lights while listening to the musical performances.

Several fifth grade students dazzled us with their whit and singing of songs they created about math. The singing and lyrics were amazing!

Students and Staff had a blast dressing up various days the last week before winter break. The days included peppermint day, holiday character, pajama day, Whoville and festive holiday.

Daily Breakfast Charge: $1.50

Daily Lunch Charge: $2.10

Click HERE for the January lunch menu.

Add money to your student's lunch account by visiting MySchoolBucks.