Students of the Month February 2026
If you heard a "bump" or a "thump" echoing through the hallways of Clays Mill Elementary this week, don’t worry—it wasn’t Thing 1 and Thing 2 causing genuine chaos. It was simply our Cat in the Hat Spirit Day!
In honor of Dr. Seuss and the joys of literacy, our students and staff traded their usual school attire for a sea of red-and-white stripes, oversized bowties, and, of course, those iconic gravity-defying stovepipe hats.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nm4OG4rtTOlQ9tBw75f1rLAaGy5HuAsm?usp=sharing
🍀 🌈Finding Digital Gold – Smart Internet Searching🌈🍀
Not everything online is as good as gold — especially on social media! This month, focus on helping your child become a smart digital detective. Teach them to pause, think, and check before they believe or share something they see online.
✨ Tech Tip:
Encourage your child to double-check information by looking at more than one source. Talk about how likes and shares don’t always mean something is true.
For younger learners, guide them to kid-safe websites where they can explore and learn with confidence.
🌐 Helpful Websites:
PBS Kids – www.pbskids.org
National Geographic Kids – www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
Both offer fun, safe, and educational resources and videos for curious minds!
💚 Remember:
When kids learn to question, compare, and verify what they see online, they strike digital gold — building lifelong skills for safe and smart internet use!
Not everything online is as good as gold — especially on social media! This month, focus on helping your child become a smart digital detective. Teach them to pause, think, and check before they believe or share something they see online.
✨ Tech Tip:
Encourage your child to double-check information by looking at more than one source. Talk about how likes and shares don’t always mean something is true.
For younger learners, guide them to kid-safe websites where they can explore and learn with confidence.
🌐 Helpful Websites:
PBS Kids – www.pbskids.org
National Geographic Kids – www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
Both offer fun, safe, and educational resources and videos for curious minds!
💚 Remember:
When kids learn to question, compare, and verify what they see online, they strike digital gold — building lifelong skills for safe and smart internet use!
PreK Screening - 3 Year Old Program
PreK Screening - 4 Year Old Program
Kindergarten students at Clays Mill Elementary School recently explored foundational coding concepts thanks to a mini-grant funded by the Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation.
Students were introduced to coding through an interactive “Simon Says” activity, where they acted as robots and practiced following step-by-step directions. Through this experience, students learned about sequencing, the importance of clear instructions, and how computer “bugs” can interrupt a program—and how debugging helps fix mistakes.
Students then applied their understanding by programming Coding Critters. As they tested commands and revised their instructions, they strengthened problem-solving skills and learned that mistakes are part of the learning process.
The lesson was facilitated by Khaela Powell, ITRT.
Students were introduced to coding through an interactive “Simon Says” activity, where they acted as robots and practiced following step-by-step directions. Through this experience, students learned about sequencing, the importance of clear instructions, and how computer “bugs” can interrupt a program—and how debugging helps fix mistakes.
Students then applied their understanding by programming Coding Critters. As they tested commands and revised their instructions, they strengthened problem-solving skills and learned that mistakes are part of the learning process.
The lesson was facilitated by Khaela Powell, ITRT.
Oh, The Places We’ll Go… Right Here in the Library!
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go!"
This March, Clays Mill Elementary is diving headfirst into the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America. We’re celebrating the power of imagination and the lifelong habit of reading. Join us for a week of "Seuss-tastic" fun!
When: March 3-6
Spirit Week: Check out our daily dress-up themes (from Crazy Socks to Cat in the Hat!).
Grab a book, find a cozy nook, and let’s get reading!
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go!"
This March, Clays Mill Elementary is diving headfirst into the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America. We’re celebrating the power of imagination and the lifelong habit of reading. Join us for a week of "Seuss-tastic" fun!
When: March 3-6
Spirit Week: Check out our daily dress-up themes (from Crazy Socks to Cat in the Hat!).
Grab a book, find a cozy nook, and let’s get reading!
Mrs. Martin's class recently celebrated the 100th Day of School by creating projects to show off 100 items. Everyone did a great job!
Interim reports for the third nine weeks are available for viewing on the Campus Portal. If you need assistance with the portal or need a paper copy of the report, please contact your child's school.
Recently, students in Mrs. Torian's class celebrated the 100th Day of School!
Clays Mill Elementary School held a very special family literacy night to celebrate Valentine's Day. The theme of the event was "Spreading Kindness" to everyone in our community. Students listened to the book, "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch", which is a heartwarming story about connection and friendship.
After the story discussion, students either made a Valentine's card or a heart painting. These crafts were donated to the residents of both South Boston Health and Rehab and Commonwealth Assisted Living as a way to "spread kindness" in our community.
More Photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i4sJknz8NJBtVCG6HXS31j-L4MA9Q0Gn?usp=drive_link
After the story discussion, students either made a Valentine's card or a heart painting. These crafts were donated to the residents of both South Boston Health and Rehab and Commonwealth Assisted Living as a way to "spread kindness" in our community.
More Photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i4sJknz8NJBtVCG6HXS31j-L4MA9Q0Gn?usp=drive_link
All schools and offices will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents' Day.
January Students of the Month!
The Halifax County School Board voted last night to make the originally scheduled early release dates of March 19, 2026 and April 3, 2026 full instructional days.
Building Clean Out
♥️ Show Love and Kindness Online ♥️
This Valentine’s season, remind your child that what they share online lasts longer than candy hearts! Even if something is deleted, unkind words or images can stay online and continue to hurt others.
✨ Tech Tip:
Encourage your child to spread kindness online by sending a positive message or compliment to a friend, classmate, or family member.
Remind them that small, kind actions online can brighten someone’s day—just like a real-life Valentine!
🌐 Helpful Website:
Canva for Kids – www.canva.com
Your child can create and send free digital valentines to friends and family while learning how to share love and creativity responsibly online.
💖 Remember:
Digital footprints last forever, but so does kindness. Let’s fill our feeds with encouragement, positivity, and love this month!
This Valentine’s season, remind your child that what they share online lasts longer than candy hearts! Even if something is deleted, unkind words or images can stay online and continue to hurt others.
✨ Tech Tip:
Encourage your child to spread kindness online by sending a positive message or compliment to a friend, classmate, or family member.
Remind them that small, kind actions online can brighten someone’s day—just like a real-life Valentine!
🌐 Helpful Website:
Canva for Kids – www.canva.com
Your child can create and send free digital valentines to friends and family while learning how to share love and creativity responsibly online.
💖 Remember:
Digital footprints last forever, but so does kindness. Let’s fill our feeds with encouragement, positivity, and love this month!
Halifax County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026. Twelve -month employees follow code 2, report two hours late.
All after school and evening activities are cancelled for today, Friday, February 6, 2026.
Music Program Showcase
