Thunderbolt Elementary
8:30 AM-2:42 PM | Grades: K-6th | Phone: 904-336-3675
Did you know it's Music in Our Schools Month?!
To the casual observer, an elementary music classroom may look like lots of fun activities and games and a period which allows homeroom teachers time to plan. To be fair, it IS a fun place to be and yes, this time is when our amazing colleagues get their planning time… but there is SO much more to it!
Studies show that children who participate in rhythm playing activities are more likely to be successful at early reading and decoding, and later, more successful at life!
MUSIC USES THE WHOLE BRAIN!
Sensory and Motor Systems:
Actively playing music links auditory feedback with motor control. When musicians play an instrument, their brain creates a link between hearing the notes and the fine motor skills needed to produce them.
Left and Right Hemispheres:
Musical activities stimulate BOTH hemispheres of the brain at once!
Memory and Emotion:
Music has a powerful effect on memory! The emotional impact of a song can cause related memories to be stored more vividly. This is a phenomenon that is leveraged in music therapy for conditions like dementia and recovery from traumatic brain injury.
Music Education isn’t a luxury or a bonus activity for our students. Music Education is Essential to the growth and development of every student’s brain!
To the casual observer, an elementary music classroom may look like lots of fun activities and games and a period which allows homeroom teachers time to plan. To be fair, it IS a fun place to be and yes, this time is when our amazing colleagues get their planning time… but there is SO much more to it!
Studies show that children who participate in rhythm playing activities are more likely to be successful at early reading and decoding, and later, more successful at life!
MUSIC USES THE WHOLE BRAIN!
Sensory and Motor Systems:
Actively playing music links auditory feedback with motor control. When musicians play an instrument, their brain creates a link between hearing the notes and the fine motor skills needed to produce them.
Left and Right Hemispheres:
Musical activities stimulate BOTH hemispheres of the brain at once!
Memory and Emotion:
Music has a powerful effect on memory! The emotional impact of a song can cause related memories to be stored more vividly. This is a phenomenon that is leveraged in music therapy for conditions like dementia and recovery from traumatic brain injury.
Music Education isn’t a luxury or a bonus activity for our students. Music Education is Essential to the growth and development of every student’s brain!
Today is Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day, and we are sending a massive shout-out to the incredible crew at Clay County District Schools! 🛠️✨
From fixing HVAC systems and repairing facilities to ensuring our campuses are safe and beautiful, these dedicated professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes. They are the "gears" that keep our district moving, ensuring our students and teachers can focus on learning in a comfortable environment every single day.
Give this post a ❤️ to help us show our maintenance team how much their hard work means to the CCDS community!
#OneClay #MaintenanceWorkerAppreciationDay #CCDS #ThankYou #BehindTheScenes
From fixing HVAC systems and repairing facilities to ensuring our campuses are safe and beautiful, these dedicated professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes. They are the "gears" that keep our district moving, ensuring our students and teachers can focus on learning in a comfortable environment every single day.
Give this post a ❤️ to help us show our maintenance team how much their hard work means to the CCDS community!
#OneClay #MaintenanceWorkerAppreciationDay #CCDS #ThankYou #BehindTheScenes
🏫 We want to hear from you: 2026-2027 School Bell Times!
Clay County District Schools is considering three options for school start times for the 2026-2027 school year, and your feedback is essential to this decision.
In 2025, Florida law (SB 296) granted our School Board the flexibility to decide the best bell times for our community. We are currently weighing three possibilities:
Option A: Keep bell times exactly as they are now.
Option B: Elementary schools start first (7:20 AM), High Schools start last (9:40 AM).
Option C: Swap Elementary and Senior High times (High School starts at 8:30 AM).
Each option has different impacts on transportation costs, extracurriculars, and student sleep patterns. We want to know what works best for your family!
👉 Review the details and take the survey here: oneclay.net/starttime
Clay County District Schools is considering three options for school start times for the 2026-2027 school year, and your feedback is essential to this decision.
In 2025, Florida law (SB 296) granted our School Board the flexibility to decide the best bell times for our community. We are currently weighing three possibilities:
Option A: Keep bell times exactly as they are now.
Option B: Elementary schools start first (7:20 AM), High Schools start last (9:40 AM).
Option C: Swap Elementary and Senior High times (High School starts at 8:30 AM).
Each option has different impacts on transportation costs, extracurriculars, and student sleep patterns. We want to know what works best for your family!
👉 Review the details and take the survey here: oneclay.net/starttime
Attention TBE Families:
Yearbook sales are coming to a close. Be sure to place your order as soon as possible. Once the preorders are sold out, there will not be extras available. The cost is $33 and the school ID is 729410. Use the link below or the QR code in the attached advertisement.
https://www.buytheyearbook.com/en/bty/findmyschool
Hear ye, hear ye! 🏰 The quest for the ultimate morning fuel is about to begin at Clay County District Schools!
This week, March 2–6, we are celebrating National School Breakfast Week with a special theme: "The Quest for School Breakfast." We believe every student deserves a heroic start to their day, and our cafeterias are ready to serve up the nutritious "treasure" they need to stay energized and focused in the classroom.
From fresh fruit to whole grains, our breakfast "knights" are ready to fuel your student's academic journey! 🍎🥛✨
Give this post a ❤️ if your student is ready to join the quest!
#OneClay #NSBW26 #QuestForBreakfast #SchoolBreakfast #FuelForLearning
This week, March 2–6, we are celebrating National School Breakfast Week with a special theme: "The Quest for School Breakfast." We believe every student deserves a heroic start to their day, and our cafeterias are ready to serve up the nutritious "treasure" they need to stay energized and focused in the classroom.
From fresh fruit to whole grains, our breakfast "knights" are ready to fuel your student's academic journey! 🍎🥛✨
Give this post a ❤️ if your student is ready to join the quest!
#OneClay #NSBW26 #QuestForBreakfast #SchoolBreakfast #FuelForLearning
It’s School Social Work Week, and this year’s theme is "Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact"!
From March 1–7, we are honoring the dedicated professionals at Clay County District Schools who work tirelessly to support our students' emotional and social well-being. These amazing individuals are truly igniting change and inspiring futures every single day.
School social workers bridge the gap between home, school, and the community to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. We are so grateful for the heart and dedication they bring to our campuses! 💙✨
How you can show support:
Give this post a ❤️ to help us celebrate our incredible social work team!
Share this post to help us spread awareness about the vital role they play in our schools.
#OneClay #SSWWeek2026 #UniteToIgnite #SchoolSocialWork #CCDS
From March 1–7, we are honoring the dedicated professionals at Clay County District Schools who work tirelessly to support our students' emotional and social well-being. These amazing individuals are truly igniting change and inspiring futures every single day.
School social workers bridge the gap between home, school, and the community to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. We are so grateful for the heart and dedication they bring to our campuses! 💙✨
How you can show support:
Give this post a ❤️ to help us celebrate our incredible social work team!
Share this post to help us spread awareness about the vital role they play in our schools.
#OneClay #SSWWeek2026 #UniteToIgnite #SchoolSocialWork #CCDS
March is officially here, and #OneClay has A LOT to celebrate! 🌟 From the arts to our health and the history that shaped our world, we are diving deep into a month of learning and growth.
Here is what’s on the calendar for March 2026:
📜 Women’s History Month: Honoring the trailblazing women who inspire our students every day.
🍎 National Nutrition Month: Fueling our bodies to empower our minds!
📚 National Reading Month: Get lost in a good book and celebrate the power of literacy.
🎨 Arts, Music, & Theatre: Celebrating Arts Education Month in Florida, along with Music and Theatre in Our Schools! 🎶🎭
We are so proud of the incredible range of talents and interests our students show every day. Give us a ❤️ if you're ready for an amazing month of learning!
#OneClay #ClayCounty #WomensHistoryMonth #NationalReadingMonth #ArtsEducation #FloridaSchools
Here is what’s on the calendar for March 2026:
📜 Women’s History Month: Honoring the trailblazing women who inspire our students every day.
🍎 National Nutrition Month: Fueling our bodies to empower our minds!
📚 National Reading Month: Get lost in a good book and celebrate the power of literacy.
🎨 Arts, Music, & Theatre: Celebrating Arts Education Month in Florida, along with Music and Theatre in Our Schools! 🎶🎭
We are so proud of the incredible range of talents and interests our students show every day. Give us a ❤️ if you're ready for an amazing month of learning!
#OneClay #ClayCounty #WomensHistoryMonth #NationalReadingMonth #ArtsEducation #FloridaSchools
🚨 LAST CALL for VPK Registration!
Today, February 28th, is the final day to enter the OneClay VPK Lottery for the 2026-2027 school year. 🎒✨
Make sure you have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) ready to submit and head over to our website to secure your spot in the lottery before the window closes tonight.
🔗 Apply Here: OneClay.net/vpk-registration
#OneClay #VPK #ClayCounty #Education #RegisterNow
Today, February 28th, is the final day to enter the OneClay VPK Lottery for the 2026-2027 school year. 🎒✨
Make sure you have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) ready to submit and head over to our website to secure your spot in the lottery before the window closes tonight.
🔗 Apply Here: OneClay.net/vpk-registration
#OneClay #VPK #ClayCounty #Education #RegisterNow
How safe is your family’s digital world? 🌐
Clay County District Schools, in partnership with the Clay County Sheriff's Office, invites you to Connected & Protected: Safety in a Digital World. We’re pulling back the curtain on digital risks and giving you the "armor" you need to stay secure.
This FREE event is dedicated to mastering your digital environment with experts covering:
🛡️ Cyberbullying & Threats
📱 Dangerous Apps & Inappropriate Content
🔐 Privacy, Scams, & Identity Theft
🛑 Child Exploitation Awareness
📅 When: March 26th | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 pm)
📍 Where: Fleming Island High Teacher Training Center (TTC)
🚚 Bonus: Visit with local agencies and grab a bite from the food trucks on-site!
⚠️ Note: * Mature content may not be suitable for youth. We highly recommend parent, caregiver, or guardian attendance-only.
Register today by scanning the QR code in the image or following this link: https://forms.gle/rHH7pS13gD4dj7Lv8.
#OneClay #CCSO #ClayCounty #DigitalSafety #ConnectedAndProtected
🏃♂️ BACK ON THE TRACK FOR DAY 2! 🏃♀️
It’s time to lace up those sneakers! Clay County’s best elementary athletes are ready to shine as we kick off Day 2 of the Clay County Elementary Track Meet this Saturday, February 28th, at Orange Park High School!
Get ready for an incredible day of speed, sportsmanship, and future champions representing their schools with pride.
📣 SCHOOL ROLL CALL! Who are you cheering for?
Tynes | Spring Park | Orange Park | Charles E. Bennett
Ridgeview | Swimming Pen | Lakeside | St. John’s Classical Academy
W.E. Cherry | Fleming Island | Grove Park | Paterson
S. Bryan Jennings | Thunderbolt | Doctors Inlet | Clay Charter
🤝 A HUGE THANK YOU to our Co-Title Sponsors:
Gordon Chevrolet of Orange Park & Kim Tracanna-Breault
Their support does so much more than sponsor an event—it provides a first-class experience for our students, creating lifelong memories and investing in the future of our youth. We are beyond grateful for your continued commitment to Clay County athletics!
📍 Where: Orange Park High School
📅 When: Saturday, Feb 28th
👟 Event: Clay County Elementary Track Meet — Day 2
Let’s pack the stands and show these athletes some love! See you at the finish line! 🏁
#ClayCountySchools #ElementaryTrack #FutureChampions #ClayCountyAthletics #CommunitySupport #OneClay
Saving for college just got easier!
Florida Prepaid’s annual Open Enrollment is now live, and new tools make planning simple and affordable.
Here’s what’s new:
A redesigned website to help you build a personalized plan in minutes
Flexible Prepaid Plan options — pay for one year at a time or choose what fits your budget
Low monthly payments starting at just $29
The sooner you start, the more you save. Lock in today’s college costs and take the first step toward your child’s future with a Florida Prepaid 529 Plan.
Enroll now at https://bit.ly/4a5ol0C
Florida Prepaid’s annual Open Enrollment is now live, and new tools make planning simple and affordable.
Here’s what’s new:
A redesigned website to help you build a personalized plan in minutes
Flexible Prepaid Plan options — pay for one year at a time or choose what fits your budget
Low monthly payments starting at just $29
The sooner you start, the more you save. Lock in today’s college costs and take the first step toward your child’s future with a Florida Prepaid 529 Plan.
Enroll now at https://bit.ly/4a5ol0C
Ready to make a difference in a child’s journey? 🚌✨ Join the OneClay team!
We are hosting a Bus Driver Hiring Event TOMORROW, Feb 25th, and we want to meet you! If you’re looking for a rewarding career with great benefits and a $500 sign-on bonus, this is your sign.
🗓 When: Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
⏰ Two Sessions: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Where: 3674 County Rd. 220, Middleburg, FL 32068
Why join us?
✅ Competitive pay & career advancement
✅ Paid training (we help you get ready!)
✅ $500 Sign-on Bonus!
Don't wait—apply online today at oneclay.net and come see us tomorrow!
#OneClay #ClayCounty #HiringEvent #BusDrivers #JoinOurTeam #FloridaJobs
We are hosting a Bus Driver Hiring Event TOMORROW, Feb 25th, and we want to meet you! If you’re looking for a rewarding career with great benefits and a $500 sign-on bonus, this is your sign.
🗓 When: Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
⏰ Two Sessions: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Where: 3674 County Rd. 220, Middleburg, FL 32068
Why join us?
✅ Competitive pay & career advancement
✅ Paid training (we help you get ready!)
✅ $500 Sign-on Bonus!
Don't wait—apply online today at oneclay.net and come see us tomorrow!
#OneClay #ClayCounty #HiringEvent #BusDrivers #JoinOurTeam #FloridaJobs
March Lunch Sign-Ups 🍀🌈🍴🧃
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ABAC2FABFAC43-62494784-march
Why Clay County District Schools is the #1 Choice for EVERY Student! 🍎✨
This Public Schools Week, we’re celebrating what makes us an "A" rated district and the premier destination for families in our community. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, we provide a level of service and opportunity that others simply can't match! 🏆
What sets Clay County District Schools apart?
🎓 Proven Success: A powerhouse 97% graduation rate that shows we don't just enroll students—we lead them to the finish line.
🚀 College & Career Ready: Elite academic rigor through AICE and IB programs, plus industry-certified CTE programs that jumpstart careers.
❤️ Support for All: Robust VPK programs to start your child’s journey right, and comprehensive ESE services with specialized staff and resources that charter and private schools often don't provide.
🎭 The Full Experience: We offer the activities that build character and community—from championship Athletics and award-winning Fine Arts to vibrant student clubs and leadership programs.
When you choose Clay County District Schools, you aren't just choosing a school—you're choosing a district that invests in the whole child, from their first day of Pre-K to their walk across the graduation stage. 🎓💪
We are #publicschoolproud!
#PSW26 #ClayCountyProud #PublicSchoolsWeek #ChooseClay #ARated #97PercentGradRate #AICE #IB #CTE #ESE #VPK #Athletics #FineArts #OneClay
This Public Schools Week, we’re celebrating what makes us an "A" rated district and the premier destination for families in our community. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, we provide a level of service and opportunity that others simply can't match! 🏆
What sets Clay County District Schools apart?
🎓 Proven Success: A powerhouse 97% graduation rate that shows we don't just enroll students—we lead them to the finish line.
🚀 College & Career Ready: Elite academic rigor through AICE and IB programs, plus industry-certified CTE programs that jumpstart careers.
❤️ Support for All: Robust VPK programs to start your child’s journey right, and comprehensive ESE services with specialized staff and resources that charter and private schools often don't provide.
🎭 The Full Experience: We offer the activities that build character and community—from championship Athletics and award-winning Fine Arts to vibrant student clubs and leadership programs.
When you choose Clay County District Schools, you aren't just choosing a school—you're choosing a district that invests in the whole child, from their first day of Pre-K to their walk across the graduation stage. 🎓💪
We are #publicschoolproud!
#PSW26 #ClayCountyProud #PublicSchoolsWeek #ChooseClay #ARated #97PercentGradRate #AICE #IB #CTE #ESE #VPK #Athletics #FineArts #OneClay
Paint Night, hosted by our PFA, and led by our very own fabulous art teacher, Mrs. McQuain, was a hit!! Check out these artists and their masterpieces! The proceeds from this awesome event will benefit our art program. 🖌️🎨🖼️🐶
Attention 6th Grade Families attending Green Cove Springs Junior High
GCJ is hosting a Rising 7th Grade Expo Night
Tuesday, February 24 from 6:00-7:15pm
6:00-6:10 Begin your evening in the GCJ Cafeteria, then rotate to the breakout sessions listed below and on the attached flyer.
6:15-6:30 Choice of Media Center, Gym, or Band Room
6:35-6:50 Cafeteria
6:55-7:10 Choice of Media Center, Gym, or Band Room
-Cafeteria - Academic Courses (core and electives
-Media Center - Clubs
-Gym - Athletics
-Band Room - Band, Chorus, and Drama
GCJ is hosting a Rising 7th Grade Expo Night
Tuesday, February 24 from 6:00-7:15pm
6:00-6:10 Begin your evening in the GCJ Cafeteria, then rotate to the breakout sessions listed below and on the attached flyer.
6:15-6:30 Choice of Media Center, Gym, or Band Room
6:35-6:50 Cafeteria
6:55-7:10 Choice of Media Center, Gym, or Band Room
-Cafeteria - Academic Courses (core and electives
-Media Center - Clubs
-Gym - Athletics
-Band Room - Band, Chorus, and Drama
Hip hip hooray for these awesome SOAR award recipients!! Well done! 👏👏
We are so proud of these SOAR award recipients! ✈️
🎉 IT’S GO TIME! The OneClay VPK Lottery is NOW OPEN! 🎉
The wait is finally over! You can officially enter the lottery for the 2026-2027 school year.
Before you click "submit," make sure you have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) ready to submit. This is a required step to complete your application!
📅 Lottery Window: February 15 – February 28, 2026
🔗 Apply Here: OneClay.net/vpk-registration
❓ Need Help? Call 904-336-9627 or email Registrations@MyOneClay.net
Don't wait! Please remember that the lottery is not first-come, first-served, but you must apply by February 28th. The window is short, so head over to our website today to secure your spot in the lottery.
#OneClay #VPK #EarlyLearning #ClayCounty #NowOpen
The wait is finally over! You can officially enter the lottery for the 2026-2027 school year.
Before you click "submit," make sure you have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) ready to submit. This is a required step to complete your application!
📅 Lottery Window: February 15 – February 28, 2026
🔗 Apply Here: OneClay.net/vpk-registration
❓ Need Help? Call 904-336-9627 or email Registrations@MyOneClay.net
Don't wait! Please remember that the lottery is not first-come, first-served, but you must apply by February 28th. The window is short, so head over to our website today to secure your spot in the lottery.
#OneClay #VPK #EarlyLearning #ClayCounty #NowOpen
Your Future Campus Awaits! 🎒🎓
Big steps are coming, and we want you to feel right at home! Join us for an Expo Night to explore your future campus, meet your teachers, and discover the clubs and programs waiting for you.
📍 Reminder: We encourage families to attend the Expo at their zoned neighborhood school to connect with the specific staff and peers you'll be with next year!
Final High School Expos! 🎓
Don't miss the last two 9th Grade Expo Nights:
Tuesday, Feb 17: Middleburg High
Thursday, Feb 19: Keystone Heights High
Junior High Expos Kickoff! 🎒
Feb 17: Lakeside JH | 6:00 PM (Courtyard)
Feb 19: Wilkinson JH | 5:30 PM (Gym)
Feb 24: Green Cove Springs JH | 6:00 PM
Mar 03: Orange Park JH | 6:00 PM
Mar 09: Oakleaf JH | 5:30 PM
Mar 10: Lake Asbury JH | 6:00 PM
Why attend?
✅ Meet your future teachers & staff
✅ See the campus firsthand
✅ Discover clubs, sports, and elective programs
🔍 Not sure where to go? Find your zone here: oneclay.net/zone
See you there! 👋
#OneClay #JuniorHighExpo #9thGradeExpo #ClaySchools
Big steps are coming, and we want you to feel right at home! Join us for an Expo Night to explore your future campus, meet your teachers, and discover the clubs and programs waiting for you.
📍 Reminder: We encourage families to attend the Expo at their zoned neighborhood school to connect with the specific staff and peers you'll be with next year!
Final High School Expos! 🎓
Don't miss the last two 9th Grade Expo Nights:
Tuesday, Feb 17: Middleburg High
Thursday, Feb 19: Keystone Heights High
Junior High Expos Kickoff! 🎒
Feb 17: Lakeside JH | 6:00 PM (Courtyard)
Feb 19: Wilkinson JH | 5:30 PM (Gym)
Feb 24: Green Cove Springs JH | 6:00 PM
Mar 03: Orange Park JH | 6:00 PM
Mar 09: Oakleaf JH | 5:30 PM
Mar 10: Lake Asbury JH | 6:00 PM
Why attend?
✅ Meet your future teachers & staff
✅ See the campus firsthand
✅ Discover clubs, sports, and elective programs
🔍 Not sure where to go? Find your zone here: oneclay.net/zone
See you there! 👋
#OneClay #JuniorHighExpo #9thGradeExpo #ClaySchools
