First-grade students in Mrs. Martin’s and Mrs. Torian’s classes at Clays Mill Elementary recently explored the exciting world of computer science as they prepared for the upcoming Hour of Code. With guidance from Mrs. Lewis, the school’s Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT), students learned the basics of computer science through fun and engaging activities.
The lessons introduced students to fundamental concepts like sequencing, problem-solving, and logical thinking—skills that are essential for coding. Using interactive tools and hands-on activities, students practiced breaking down tasks into smaller steps, thinking like computer scientists.
Today was Grinch Day! Mrs Cassada’s Kindergarten Class enjoyed dressing like the Grinch. They had fun making and reading CVC words so that his heart would grow three sizes. To end the day, they enjoyed making green edible Christmas trees. It was a fun treat for snack.
Winter break for students will be December 23, 2024 - December 31, 2024. The New Year’s holiday is January 1, 2025. January 2, 2025 and January 3, 2025 are professional development/teacher workdays. Students return to school on Monday, January 6, 2025.
We hope that you have a very happy and safe holiday season.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at Clays Mill!
Ms. Laughorn's Pre-K class was in the Christmas spirit. Students decorated magnetic tiles in the shape of Christmas trees, used dot paints to create candy cane patterns, and designed ugly sweaters using various craft items. It was a very fun and festive day!
Please see the following letter from the Southside Health District in regards to Pertussis (whooping cough).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dGrj9xNE67mPywlsn9-uZ_AfckmPzdR2/view?usp=sharing
Please see the link below for the required notifications.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f7w8nmwnkEtycVTBiBo5057ztotG9-_F/view?usp=sharing
Last week Clays Mill Elementary School staff had a little fun participating in some Secret Spirit Days. The staff dressed up for different themes throughout the week without the students knowing what was going on. So the staff had fun dressing up while the students had fun trying to guess what the adults were really up to.
Anything-but-a-cup day. Staff drank from some odd containers, from teapots to watering cans, as they used “Anything-but-a-cup” all day.
Teachers are Royalty Day. Staff is school royalty so they showed it by wearing they royal crowns.
Favorite Holiday Day - staff dressed in their favorite holiday attire and we had everything from Rudolph to a total holiday conglomeration.
Twin Day students were seeing double as teachers dressed alike throughout the building.
Mrs. Martin’s 1st graders used patterns to make candy canes using pipe cleaners and beads. They used the candy canes as ornaments for their class Christmas tree.
Whew! Mrs. Cassada's kindergarten group was able to save Tom Turkey from Farmer Brown! What fun and creative disguises! We saw ballerinas, crayon boxes, popcorn bowls, and astronauts (just to name a few), but no turkeys this past Thanksgiving.
Mrs. Melissa Waller from the Halifax soil and water conservation district did a lesson with Mrs. Torian's first grade class yesterday. They learned about the layers of the soil, the importance of the soil, and made a soil buddy that they can take home.
Today, Mrs. Slabach's students created their own Turkey Name Craft. They used the turkey feathers to practice their color identification and letter recognition skills. After the activity, they were able to enjoy the M&M's or Fruit Loops.
As a reminder, all schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 through Friday, November 29, 2024 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
We hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
We did it!! Our Book Fair was a huge success and one our students will always remember! Sales were even better than last year! Our fair grossed a little over $9,700 and our library gets to keep 25% of that to buy new books!
Thank you all for making this happen!
Mrs. Weddle, Guidance Counselor, read the book “Out of My Mind,” by Sharon Draper with 5th graders. On Friday, students watched the movie and were able to compare and contrast the movie and the book.
"Breakfast and Book Fair with Grandparents" is THIS WEEK from 8 AM to 9:30 AM!
Tuesday: Pre-kindergarten classes
Wednesday: K - 2nd Grades
Thursday: 3rd - 5th Grades
We can't wait to see you all!
Mrs. Powell's class at Clays Mill Elementary had a spook-tacular time celebrating Halloween while diving into computer science with Mrs. Lewis! 👻 Using Ozobot robots, students coded their mini-robots to navigate a trick-or-treat maze, stopping at each “house” along the way. This hands-on activity brought coding concepts to life, making learning both fun and festive!
Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Cassada's classes enjoyed a special Halloween treat by learning computer science with the Code and Go Mouse! Students used their coding skills to guide the mouse through a maze of Halloween characters and treats to find its cheesy prize. This hands-on activity helped them practice directional skills while having a spooky good time!
Mrs. Powell's 3rd-grade class at Clays Mill Elementary went on an unforgettable virtual field trip with our Instructional Technology Resource Teacher, Mrs. Lewis! Using VR headsets, students took a tour around the globe, exploring continents, oceans, and some of the world’s most famous landmarks.
From the bustling streets of Washington, DC to the vast African grasslands, the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Bear Mountains, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, students dove into an interactive learning adventure they won’t soon forget. This immersive experience helped reinforce their knowledge of geography in an exciting and engaging way! 🌐🌄🌉 They followed their VR experience with a computer science activity.
Ms. McCraw's class proudly acknowledges the incredible sacrifices made by our veterans and extends our sincerest thanks for their service.
“Although my hands are very small. I made this flag to fly for you all. I might be too young to understand but I know these colors are something grand. The red, white, and blue, forever stand!”
