Clays Mill Elementary

Exploring the fundamentals of electricity and energy, the 5th graders at Clays Mill Elementary School engaged in a scientific endeavor by building bristle bots. Each student crafted their own bot from the bristle end of a toothbrush, a small vibrating motor, a battery, and vibrant pipe cleaners. This project not only reinforced concepts such as circuits, series circuits, and the differences between open and closed circuits, but also illustrated principles of kinetic and potential energy. Thanks to a generous mini-grant from the Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation, this project was a success. Thank you to the Halifax Public School Education Foundation for this wonderful learning opportunity. Christie Lewis, ITRT, expertly led our students through this innovative learning experience.

Clays Mill Elementary third graders in Mrs. Powell's class honored Mr. Duffer with cards for National Principal's Day.

Students in the kindergarten classes at Clays Mill Elementary had an exciting few weeks! Both kindergarten classes received caterpillars to show the life cycle of a butterfly in their classrooms using funds from the Halifax County Education Foundation mini grant. Students tracked the number of days it took for the caterpillars to change into their chrysalis and then again to hatch into butterflies. After feeding and taking care of the butterflies for a few days in the classroom both had their release day outside. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to see nature up close and the metamorphosis from caterpillars to butterflies.

Spring SOL tests for grades 3-5 will be given May 7th through May 16th. Please be sure students are at school on time on their designated testing days.

Clays Mill Elementary's third graders from Mrs. Powell's class recently demonstrated their growing expertise in computer science with a hands-on activity led by Christie Lewis, ITRT. Using ozobots and their Chromebooks, the students engaged in an interactive lesson where they applied their year-long learning of computer science vocabulary and computational thinking. They used 'Ozoblocky', a block-based coding platform, to program their ozobots to navigate various challenges.

The Kindergarten classes at Clays Mill Elementary School recently enjoyed a field trip to the Danville Science Center. The classes enjoyed many hands-on learning opportunities, a classroom activity, and a movie in the dome theater. This fun learning experience was made possible by a mini grant received from the Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation.

Clays Mill Elementary proudly announces Teacher of the Year, Natalie Long, and the Excellence in Service Award recipient, Mrs. Mariln Colin for the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Long currently teaches 4th and 5th grades after teaching 3rd for two year. Mrs. Colin has served as our 4th and 5th grade Paraprofessional for two years.

The Title 1 PAC at Clays Mill Elementary School recently sponsored a special event for families called Expedition: Dino Squad. This traveling museum-style event featured four favorite and iconic dinosaurs; T-Rex, Triceratops, The Long Neck Sauropods like Diplodocus, and the Velociraptor. Students and their families had the opportunity to engage in several unique learning experiences including examining and touching fossils using magnifying glasses and digital microscopes. The evening was a huge success and enjoyed by all the participants. We hope to be able to invite Mark Daniel, who is a well-known children’s performer, back to Clays Mill for another exceptional event.

Summer Basketball Camp Opportunity

Students have gotten the opportunity to watch the life cycle of butterflies in their library classes for the past few weeks. They were amazed to see the caterpillars slowly transform into beautiful butterflies. This activity was funded by a mini-grant provided by Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation.

Report cards for the third nine weeks may be viewed on the Campus Portal. If you need assistance with the portal or need a paper copy of the report card, please contact your child's school.

Attention Families! Due to the overwhelming response to our Expedition: Dino Squad Family Night the schedule for the event has been revised as follows: Group #1: 5:00-5:35 pm: Visit exhibit first (ticket holders from 1-85) 5:45 pm: Eat pizza and return home Group #2: 5:00 pm: Eat Pizza in Cafeteria (ticket holders 86- 170) 5:45 - 6:20: Visit exhibit and return home Group #3 6:00 pm Eat pizza in cafeteria (ticket holders 171-260) 6:30-7:00 pm: Visit exhibit and return home Tickets will be distributed upon arrival. Please be sure to come at the time that you originally signed-up to attend. Dinner will consist of 1 slice of pizza, bag of cookies, and a bottle of water. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on March 22nd. For questions contact Elizabeth McLaughlin or Natalie Long.

First grade students in Mrs. Martin’s class have been studying animal habitats. They completed projects to display an animal of their choice and that animal’s habitat. Everyone did a wonderful job!

Hats off ( well ON) to Dr. Seuss!

Tuesday was "Dress like a NERD day" since Clays Mill students are so smart and love to read!

Kindergarten registration is being conducted at all elementary schools on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 and Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you have a child who will be five years old by September 30, 2024, please register the child at the elementary school in your school zone. You will need to bring your child’s birth certificate for registration. The student demographic information form may be downloaded from the following address and completed prior to registration. https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3536/HCPS/3304994/Census_Verification_Form_Blank_24-25_Fillable_.pdf

To celebrate Leap Day students and staff were encourage to "leap into" (dress from) a different decade.

FREE self-paced online course for families of young children (birth through age six) with disabilities or developmental delays. Registration Link for Families of Young Children https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1160549 In this FREE 5-week online program, families of children with disabilities learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development - from developmental milestones to tips on our most frequently asked questions, including information on making the transition from early intervention to school services easier. Early Childhood Academy is designed so busy families can learn on their own schedule, with new sessions opening weekly and available anytime – day or night - during these dates: April 26, 2024 - May 31, 2024. Participants who complete all sessions receive a certificate of completion with 9 contact hours. Learn about – • Key roles in parent engagement • Parents as first teachers • Importance of accessible and inclusive early education • Developmental milestones *with updated guidelines • Supporting language development and encouraging positive behaviors • Benefits of Assistive Technology • Preparing children with disabilities for school • Early intervention and early childhood special education services

Mrs. Weddle's third grade guidance class decorated the school's front sidewalk with positive and encouraging message for "Kindness Week".

Ants, ants everywhere! For the next few weeks, students get to observe LIVE ants in the library. It's a cool sight to watch them work together to build tunnels in the sand, as well as eat their food. This activity was made possible through a mini-grant from the Halifax County Public Schools Education Foundation.