Clayton Public School District

Congratulations to Clayton High School's Clippers of the Month for September! We are proud of your achievements and the positive impact you have on our school community. Keep working hard and striving for excellence!

HERMA SIMMONS students and staff are wearing PINK TODAY in support of the fighters, survivors, and those affected by breast cancer.

The Clayton HS Guidance Department has created a Senior College Planning Video that can be viewed on the Guidance Department webpage under the college information tab. The video has important information for families and students regarding the college admissions process. As always, our counselors are available to support you in navigating the college admissions process.

Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. It occurs in October to overlap with the federal holiday of Columbus Day, which is celebrated on the second Monday of each October. Italian American Heritage Month was first celebrated in 1989 by a special proclamation of both Congress and President George H. W. Bush.  Over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States between 1820 and 2000. Currently, there are over 26 million Americans of Italian descent residing in the United States. This makes Italian-Americans the fifth largest ethnic group in our nation. Each year Italians around the country take time to celebrate their heritage, history, and culture with festivals and parades. (Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America (https://www.osdia.org/commission-for-social-justice/italian-heritage-month/)

A note from the Herma Simmons Elementary School Principal: Mrs. Alicia Fragoso.

Clayton Clippers 2024 Homecoming Game! Visit Clayton's Facebook page or use the following link to view the amazing images captured by Rebecca Thibault Photography & Design. Link: https://rebeccathibaultphotographyanddesign.pixieset.com/claytonclippershomecomingfootball2024/ To download the pictures, kindly enter the PIN 5510.

HELP US REACH 100% COMPLIANCE! This year, the State has new guidelines requiring all families to submit an application for the Free and Reduced lunch program. SUBMIT YOUR FORM ONLINE TODAY! https://mealapp.lunchtimesoftware.net/ Note: If you do not wish to be considered for reduced meals, you are still required by the State to return your signed form with the option of “checking the box” that indicates you do not wish to be considered. Please have your form completed by 10/13/24.

Congratulations to Lorenzo Valles, High School Senior, for his Exceptional Academic Achievement, honored by the College Board's National Hispanic Recognition Program and the National First-Generation Recognition Program!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Schedule your screening now- Early detection saves lives!

Clayton, NJ -- Yesterday, Assemblyman Dave Bailey Jr. announced that he had successfully procured $250,000 in additional funding for the Clayton Model Pilot Program in the FY 2025 state budget. The Assemblyman joined administrators, teachers, and students from throughout Gloucester County in celebrating the occasion at Herma Simmons Elementary School in Clayton. The Clayton Model is a trauma-informed social-emotional learning program that was developed by the Clayton Public School District. The program focuses on early intervention for students struggling with mental and behavioral health issues, and provides them with emotional support and learning strategies to help them succeed. “One of the first local meetings I held after joining the legislature was at the Child Connection Center at the Herma Simmons Elementary School,” said Assemblyman Bailey. “When the district staff presented me with the data supported by the Walter Rand Institute for Public Policy and showed me the testimony from teachers and parents, I knew this was a program I needed to support. I have spent my professional career working with youth who have experienced trauma and struggle with mental health, and early intervention is so crucial in helping these young people succeed. I want to thank Senator John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Heather Simmons for joining me in support of this resolution.” “I’m proud of the work that our teachers and administrators have done to build a social emotional learning program that is inclusive, agile, and most importantly, empowers our staff, students and families,” said Clayton Public Schools Superintendent Nick Koutsogiannis, “I am grateful that our legislative partners recognize the importance of supporting educational models that meet the social and emotional needs of students.” “Educators, parents and communities are seeing how our children are in need of mental health services more than ever,” said Clayton Model Program Coordinator Kate Hallinan. “It is through state funding that not only are we able to sustain the work we have been doing the last 12-plus years throughout Gloucester County, but we are able to expand.” The Clayton Model began at Herma Simmons Elementary School in 2009, and is now used in ten elementary schools throughout Gloucester County. Legislation passed in 2021 by then-State Senate President Steve Sweeney created the Clayton Model Pilot Program with the intention of expanding the program into public schools throughout New Jersey.

Come watch the Clayton HS Marching Band competition 6:30pm tonight at Haupt Field.

Tonight's Football Game, Friday 9/20/24, is postponed to Monday 9/23/24 at 6pm, Haupt Field.

Tonight's Football Game, Friday 9/20/24, is postponed to Monday 9/23/24 at 6pm, Haupt Field.

September 15 - October 15 marks Hispanic American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. At Clayton Public School District, we honor the diverse backgrounds and achievements of our students, staff, and community members of Hispanic heritage. Join us as we celebrate and learn from these vibrant cultures that continue to enrich our school and society.

September 17th is “IT Professional Day!” On this day, we take a moment to recognize and appreciate our dedicated IT Professional team! Their efforts support teachers and administrators alike, ensuring that technology runs smoothly and efficiently in our educational environments. As technology continues to enhance education, it fosters innovation and fuels creativity, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for all learners. Thank you to our Clayton IT Professional Team!

Come in and visit the Student Connection Center (Room 113) during Clayton Middle School's Back to School night! Thursday, September 19th starting at 6:30.

Please join us for Herma Simmons Annual Back to School Night! Wednesday, September 25th 6:30-7:45 Grades PreK3, PreK4, K, 1st, 2nd, and Computers, Phys Ed, & Library Thursday, September 26th 6:30-7:45 Grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th, and Music, Art, & Health Details of the evening schedule are in letter below. Please Note: You are also invited to attend the Simmons Home & School Association Meeting which will be held at 5:30 pm on both Wednesday and Thursday in the Simmons Library.

Today, in accordance with state law, Clayton High School/Middle School conducted a security drill in the manner that we conduct all emergency drills, with seriousness and with sensitivity to our students and staff. Everyone responded appropriately and instruction resumed immediately thereafter. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

Creating memories! Clayton’s Class of 2025 kicked-off the year with enthusiasm during their senior sunrise event held on the football fields!

CLAYTON FIRE DEPARTMENT is hosting a Fire Prevention Night! Monday, October 7th, 6:30-9:00. Clayton High School 55 Pop Kramer Blvd. Clayton, NJ Learn about fire safety, meet local firefighters & first responders and visit the fire truck display. JeffSTAT Helicopter will be onsite from 6:30-8:30. Parking by the Clayton High School gymnasium and on Howard Street.