https://claycountysdfl.edurooms.com/engage/clay-hill-elementary/newsletters/bulldog-bark-parent-newsletter-february-1-2026

A big thank you to Mrs. Samples for visiting Miss Carnes’ class this week. She treated the students to a wonderful reading of "Snow Day" by Lester L. Laminack. There’s no better way to celebrate Literacy Week than with a great story and a friendly face!



We are proud to recognize Black History Month, honoring the history, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans that shape our community and country every day.
At the same time, we are celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! From hands-on trades to high-tech digital skills, our programs ensure that our students are prepared to "Start Here. Go Anywhere." 🛠️💻🩺
We invite our entire community to join us this month in celebrating the talent and dedication that make us #OneClay.
#OneClayCelebrates #BlackHistoryMonth #CTEMonth #ClayCounty #FutureReady #MakeAnImpact

The transition to junior high is a big step—and we're here to help! Join us for a Junior High Expo Night to explore your future home.
We encourage all families to attend the event at their zoned neighborhood school. It’s the perfect chance to meet the teachers, staff, and peers you'll be with next year!
Why attend? 🍎 Meet your future teachers & staff 🏫 See the campus 🏀 Discover clubs, sports, and elective programs
Event Schedule:
Feb 17: Lakeside Junior High | 6:00 PM (Courtyard)
Feb 19: Wilkinson Junior High | 5:30 PM (Gym)
Feb 24: Green Cove Springs Junior High | 6:00 PM (Cafeteria)
Mar 03: Orange Park Junior High | 6:00 PM (Cafeteria)
Mar 10: Lake Asbury Junior High | 6:00 PM (Gym)
📍 Find your zone: oneclay.net/zone
See you there! 🏫👋
#OneClay #JuniorHighExpo #ClassOf2032 #ClaySchools

🎶 A Night of Harmony: Celebrating our 26th Annual All-County Elementary Chorus!
Last night, the stage was set for a milestone of melody as Clay County District Schools presented our 26th Annual All-County Elementary Chorus concert. Under the masterful direction of our amazing Clay County Elementary Music Teachers, hundreds of our brightest young stars filled the air with music that touched every heart in the audience.
Our students rose to the occasion, performing a challenging repertoire that spanned from the classical beauty of Mozart’s "Alleluia Canon" to the rhythmic energy of "Thula Klizeo." They truly lived up to the evening's finale, proving that they really do "Shine Like Stars."
Highlights of the Evening:
Artistry in Motion: From the wisdom of "Three Quotes by Mark Twain" to the uplifting spirit of "If You’re Happy/Amen," our students showcased incredible talent.
Special Guest Performance: We were honored to host Alex Kirk, whose performance of the "Concertino in Eb Major" on trombone was a masterclass in musicality for our young performers.
Exceptional Accompaniment: We were privileged to have Rachel Letter Clifton as our 2026 Accompanist. Her performance provided a wonderful foundation for our students' voices and was a joy to witness.
Teachers Leading by Example: One of the most touching moments was the performance of "This is Why We Sing" by our very own Clay County Elementary Music Teachers. Seeing our educators share their own voices was a powerful reminder of the passion that fuels our arts programs every day.
To our students: Your dedication, practice, and courage on that stage were inspiring. You represented your schools and our district with such talent and grace!
To our music educators: Thank you for the countless hours of preparation and for your unwavering commitment to student success. You don't just teach music; you give our children a voice.
#ClayCounty #ArtsEducation #AllCountyChorus #StudentSuccess #ShineLikeStars #MusicInOurSchools #OneClay







The transition to junior high is a big step—and we're here to help! Join us for a Junior High Expo Night to explore your future home.
We encourage all families to attend the event at their zoned neighborhood school. It’s the perfect chance to meet the teachers, staff, and peers you'll be with next year!
Why attend? 🍎 Meet your future teachers & staff 🏫 See the campus 🏀 Discover clubs, sports, and elective programs
Event Schedule:
Feb 17: Lakeside Junior High | 6:00 PM (Courtyard)
Feb 19: Wilkinson Junior High | 5:30 PM (Gym)
Feb 24: Green Cove Springs Junior High | 6:00 PM (Cafeteria)
Mar 03: Orange Park Junior High | 6:00 PM (Cafeteria)
Mar 09: Oakleaf Junior High | 5:30 PM (Cafeteria and Gym)
Mar 10: Lake Asbury Junior High | 6:00 PM (Gym)
📍 Find your zone: oneclay.net/zone
See you there! 🏫👋
#OneClay #JuniorHighExpo #ClassOf2032 #ClaySchools

The optional Literacy Week Scavenger Hunt for Families is due on February 2nd. This scavenger hunt is all about getting to know readers and writers. Your task is to find SOMEONE who matches or a BOOK that matches each expression below. When you find someone who fits, write their name or title in the blank space. Try to fill out as many boxes as possible for February 2nd. Ready, set, go!

🗓️ Friday, January 30, 2026 🕖 7:30 PM 📍 Thrasher-Horne Center (Main Stage)
Bring the whole family for a night of musical joy! 🎵
#ElementaryChorus #ClayCountyFineArts #YoungPerformers #OneClay

The OneClay VPK Lottery is ALMOST here!
The 2026-2027 VPK Elementary Lottery for Clay County District Schools officially opens on February 15th!
REMINDER: Don’t wait until the last minute! You MUST have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) ready to upload when you apply. This is Step 1 in the VPK Lottery process.
Detailed VPK Lottery Registration Steps can be found at OneClay.net/vpk-registration.
For additional general information on VPK in OneClay visit OneClay.net/VPK.
We're here to help! If you have any questions concerning the VPK Lottery application process, please contact the District Registration Office at 904-336-9627, or email Registrations@MyOneClay.net.
The lottery window is short and runs from February 15 - 28, 2026. We recommend beginning Step 1 now so you don't miss out!
#OneClay #VPK #EarlyLearning

The Book Fair begins next week! Please only return the opt-out form if you DO NOT want your child to attend the Book Fair.

Get ready to bring your favorite stories to life! 📚✨
To celebrate Literacy Week, we are hosting the optional Storybook Tissue Box Contest. Turn an ordinary tissue box into your favorite book character for a chance to showcase your creativity in the Media Center.
Here is how you can join the fun:
The 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: Choose your favorite book character.
Step 2: Grab a new, unopened tissue box (any size). Make sure the tissues stay inside and are accessible!
Step 3: Get crafty! Use any art materials you like, but please no food items.
Step 4: Write your first and last name on the bottom of the box.
Step 5: Drop off your masterpiece at the Media Center by tomorrow, Friday, January 30th.
Participation is optional, but we can't wait to see which characters show up! Check out the examples below for some "character-spiration."

🗓️ Thursday, January 29, 2026 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 Thrasher-Horne Center (Main Stage)
#HonorBand #ClayCountyMusic #FineArts #OneClay

Join us for an exciting afternoon of hockey and community spirit as the Jacksonville Icemen welcome all of Clay County! ⛸️ The Jacksonville Icemen are partnering with Clay County District Schools to provide a wonderful afternoon full of family, hockey, and fun. 🏫✨
Grab your discounted tickets here: 🔗 www.jaxicemen.com/claycounty26
Bonus: Be sure to stay after the game to come onto the ice for Shots on Net! 🥅🏒
Get your tickets today! 🙌

https://forms.gle/zvoWhst8GHFSAK6n7

We want to see our students reading in the 'wild’! Whether it’s in a cozy blanket fort, reading to a pet, or sharing a book at the park, upload a photo (January 26th - January 30th) of your child enjoying a book. We may feature these on our school news, social media, or in the yearbook! https://forms.gle/DY992CttCKpkfV7f6

It is time to celebrate the incredible service, sacrifice, and commitment found right here in our community! The Clay County Board of County Commissioners is officially seeking nominations for two prestigious awards:
Veteran of the Year — Presented by VyStar Credit Union.
Volunteer of the Year — Presented by VyStar Credit Union.
📅 Mark Your Calendars
Nomination Deadline: Submit your heroes by Monday, March 16, 2026.
The Big Reveal: Honorees will be recognized on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The Event: Join the celebration at Touch A Truck: Saluting Those Who Serve, a free community event at the Clay County Fairgrounds.
🔗 Nominate Now!
Don't miss the chance to give these local legends the recognition they deserve. Use the links below to submit your nomination:
🎖️ Veteran of the Year: bit.ly/ClayCo2025Vet
🤝 Volunteer of the Year: bit.ly/ClayCo2025Volunteer
ℹ️ General Info: bit.ly/ClayCo2025Nominate

💌 Valentine’s Dance Reminder! 💌
Check those Tuesday folders! Information for our upcoming 4-6 Valentine’s Dance is coming home today.
Here are the key details to keep in mind:
When: Thursday, February 12th from 2:40 PM – 4:00 PM.
Cost: $5.00 (includes pizza and a drink).
Deadline: All entry fees and forms are due by Tuesday, February 10th. Please note that entry fees will not be accepted on the day of the dance.
💳 Paying via My School Bucks?
You can pay the admission fee online ($5.50), but we still need the paperwork! Even if you pay online, please make sure to sign and return the bottom portion of the flyer to your child's teacher so we have your contact information and emergency details.
📸 Extra Fun
Don't forget to send a little extra "Snack Shack" money on the day of the dance for the concession stand and the $3 Photo Booth!
We can't wait to see our 4-6 students there! ❤️🎉

Students received the optional Literacy Week Scavenger Hunt for Families in today's Tuesday folders. This scavenger hunt is all about getting to know readers and writers. Your task is to find SOMEONE who matches or a BOOK that matches each expression below. When you find someone who fits, write their name or title in the blank space. Try to fill out as many boxes as possible for February 2nd. Ready, set, go!

