Dear Clemson Elementary School Families,

There are several exciting happenings in February and March. Our fourth and fifth grade students are working hard on their science experiments and will be sharing their final results and displays with us during our school science fair. PTA is hosting a STEAM night on February 23rd. We hope to have many of you join us for this interactive experience.

Please note that there is no school on February 13th and 14th. We hope you and your family enjoy this short break. The school office will also be closed on these dates.

We are excited to have the return of our Clemson Elementary 5K race on Saturday, March 4th. This is an opportunity for you and your family to come out, enjoy time with friends, and help support our fifth graders going to Washington, DC in April. Later that morning, we invite you to join our school community for our annual International Festival. This is an exciting event PTA hosts each year where we celebrate and highlight the many cultures of our Clemson Elementary families. During the festival, you can also visit the gym to view the amazing artwork created by our students. We know you will be impressed.

Our students have met several milestones this past month. The kindergarteners celebrated being 100 days smarter since they have now attended elementary school for 100 days while our fifth graders have had 1000 days of school. We continue to celebrate the many accomplishments our students are making showing good character and academic growth in the classroom.

Ten years ago I joined a team of educators committed to student success to work and serve in a community where education is valued and high expectations are held for all. During my time at Clemson Elementary School, I have had the privilege to work with fantastic teachers and support staff, amazing students, and incredibly supportive families. We have worked together to continue growing and improving. Our school's being recognized as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence will always be a highlight of my time at Clemson and a reminder to me of what is possible when we all work together.

I will begin transitioning to my new position as Executive Director of Human Resources in June. While I look forward to this new challenge, I will miss this school community. Clemson Elementary will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children's lives. It was my honor and privilege.

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 make everyday a great day to learn.

Best Regards,

Michelle Craddock

Mrs. Craddock had lunch with the students that won the drawing for November (Respecting Others) and December (Learning Independently).

Fifth graders Sophie Ayers, Paige Duncan, and Zara Espinoza have been chosen to represent Clemson Elementary School in the South Carolina State Elementary Honor Choir this year. Elementary singers from all over South Carolina will come together to present a concert on Saturday, February 4th at 10:00am in Lexington, SC. This is an exciting opportunity for our students, and we are very proud of them!

Clemson Elementary PTA is excited to announce STEAM night! Please join us for this free event at the school on the evening of Thursday, February 23rd from 6-7:30pm where students will be able to explore interactive stations provided by multiple departments from Clemson University as well as other surrounding businesses. There will be science, technology, engineering, art and math activities galore for everyone to enjoy! This is one event CES families will not want to miss!

All proceeds support the Clemson Elementary PTA, which provides supplies, grants and programming for students and teachers. An Art Show, featuring student art that can be purchased by parents, will also take place during the festival, with proceeds supporting the art program.

To host a table or craft representing a country you have connections with or admire, contact Cary Kaye (cary@aya.yale.edu). To purchase tickets in advance, visit https://clemson.memberhub.com/store by March 1. Tickets will also be sold at the event and through flyers sent home with students.

The Fifth grade is hosting the Clemson Elementary 5k and Fun Run on March 4 at Clemson Elementary. The 5K Race starts at 8:00AM. The 300m Fun Run (5 years and younger) starts at 8:45AM. All proceeds from this event will support the 5th grade Washington D.C. field trip. The goal is not only to raise money, but also promote a healthy lifestyle in the Clemson community. There will be race awards for the top 3 overall female runners and top 3 overall male runners as well as a prize for the top 3 overall female and male Clemson Elementary students. Fun Run participants will get a small medal for participating.

There are 3 Ways to Pay/Register for the event.

1.) Go to myschoolbucks and register HERE

2.) Go to Clemson Elementary’s front office and pay by cash or check

3.) On site race morning from 7am-7:45am participants can pay by cash or check

The registration Fee is $30 for the 5K. The 300m Fun Run is free. The 5k Registration includes a race entry, a ticket for the door prize drawing and a race goodie bag.

We hope to see many of you at the race!

Daily Breakfast Charge: $1.50

Daily Lunch Charge: $2.10

Click HERE for the February lunch menu.

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

Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is in full swing!

Registration for rising 5K students can be completed on the School District of Pickens County website.

For any rising 5K students that are interested in applying for school choice to Clemson Elementary School, a separate online application must be completed. General school choice information can be found on the SDPC website, and the online application for Clemson Elementary School can be found here.

Students that are currently enrolled at Clemson Elementary School on school choice do not need to fill out a new application. All students that have either applied for new school choice or are up for renewal will receive a letter from the district later in the spring indicating whether school choice has been approved or not.

4K registration looks a little different this year. Instead of directly registering as one would do for all other grades, a 4K interest form will need to be completed first. After documents have been reviewed and students have been screened, parents will receive a letter from the district informing them if their child (a) qualifies and will be enrolled, (b) has been placed on a waiting list, or (c) does not qualify. Information about 4K is on the SDPC website link here.