A Message from the Principal 

Dear Families,

As we head into December, I want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing learning happening across our school. Our students have been working hard every single day, and it shows. From our 4K learners building early reading and play skills to our 5th graders tackling big ideas in math and writing, every grade level has made real growth already this year.

We are continuing to focus on one of the core parts of the Cougar Way — Be Respectful. It’s easy, especially when feelings are big, for hurtful words to slip out. Please help us teach your children that it’s okay to feel angry, and it’s okay to not get along with everyone, but it is not okay to say cruel things or speak in ways that hurt someone’s heart. We are practicing how to pause, use kind words, and choose language that lifts others up instead of tearing them down — or to keep unkind thoughts in their heads. They have the power to think what they want, but not to say everything they think. Thank you for supporting this message at home.

December may be a shorter month, but it is still full of chances to learn and grow. Thank you for sending your child to school ready to do their best each day. We are grateful for your partnership and proud of what our students have accomplished so far this year.

Have a wonderful December, and thank you for sharing your children with us.

Sara Markee

Principal

Email Sara Markee

 
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• Tuesday, December 9 | Clay PTO Meeting | 5 PM PLC Room

• Friday, December 12 | 1st Grade Gingerbread House Party

• Wednesday, December 17 | 1st & 5th Grade Concert | 5 PM

• Wednesday, December 17 | Family Night | 5:45 PM - 6:30 PM | All Families Welcome!

• Tuesday, December 23 | Pajama Day 

• December 24 - January 2 | NO SCHOOL | Winter Break

 
 

Food Drive + Family Night + Concert

This holiday season we will be doing a Food Drive when you join us for the concert and/or family night. We're collecting a variety of items to share with those in need. Please consider bringing items such as:

- Granola Bars 

- Pretzels 

- Veggie Straws 

- Individual packs of trail mix or nuts 

- Beef jerky or snack sausages 

- Applesauce 

- Canned goods with a pop top (would not need a can opener) 

- Juice boxes 

- Bottled Water 

- Microwavable cups of Mac and Cheese 

- Microwavable cups of Beef- a-Roni or Spaghetti O’s 

- Microwavable cups of soup (or Ramen cups) 

- Fruit snacks 

- Individual boxes of cereal 

- Crackers

Your generosity truly makes a difference, and we thank you for supporting this cause with us!

 
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Even when the weather turns chilly, our students will keep enjoying the great outdoors. Please make sure your child is ready for the cold by sending them with warm coats, hats, mittens, snow pants, and boots. Let’s embrace the winter weather together!

 

This winter, Clay Lamberton families are invited to join Mrs. Markee for a parent book study on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Together, we’ll explore how technology use and the loss of play impact children’s well-being and discuss ways to help kids grow up more connected, confident, and joyful. Meetings will be held every other Thursday at 6:00 p.m. starting January 19, with childcare provided. Books are free for participants—please RSVP using the link below, or call the office by December 5 to reserve your copy for pick-up beginning January 5. 

The Anxious Generation Book Study
 

Honoring Veterans Day

The 2025 BASD Veterans Day Program was both meaningful and heartfelt. Students, staff, family members, veterans, and visitors gathered in the gym to honor those who have served. Before the event, veterans enjoyed a delightful breakfast prepared by our amazing food service staff.

Thank you to everyone who attended and joined us! 

 

The Cherished Tradition of Stone Soup

For three decades, the tradition of Stone Soup has been cherished in 1st grade! This special stone has been handed down through numerous teachers over the years. Surprisingly, it creates a delicious soup! Both 1st grade students and teachers add ingredients to whip up a warm meal, all enjoyed on their handmade Thanksgiving placemats! We are so grateful for these little turkeys! 

 

Thanksgiving Parade

Two adorable little turkeys paraded down the hallway for an Early-Learners Thanksgiving celebration!

It was so fun to watch the children line up in the hallways, spreading kindness and cheering for their friends.

 

Recess Fun

Proof that Wisconsin kids can make a snowman out of literally anything! 

The first snowfall is always magical for the students! Their smiles are priceless! 

 

O Christmas Tree

First grade students bundled up and walked to Nathan Strong Park to admire the beautifully decorated Christmas trees, including the one sponsored by the school's PTO! They also had a great time playing in the park.

Sharing the holiday spirit with your children is truly a joy!

 

Library Laughter and Mrs. Johnson's Surprise

Giggles filled the library as the children listened to "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves."

The real surprise came when Mrs. Johnson appeared, hilariously dressed in everything the old lady had swallowed!

 

New Sports Equipment at Clay

A big thank you to Mr. Kouba, the American Heart Association, and the Kids Heart Challenge for enabling us to purchase brand new sports equipment! We were thrilled to receive a grant that allowed us to replace our older physical education gear and expand the units we offer at Clay. This exciting news means our students can stay active and have even more fun!

 

Clay Lamberton Yearbooks Available for Purchase

Simply copy our school's passcode:

101723489392749

Special for 5th Grade: All 5th grade students will receive a free yearbook from the PTO. No need to order—just enjoy!

Don't miss out on capturing the memories!

Order Today!
 

Winter Swim Lessons

Winter Session will be on Saturdays from January 24-March 14 in the mornings.

Registration will open on January 3rd! More info on available sessions still to come.

 
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We are excited to announce the launch of our new YouTube channel for BASD!

We invite you to subscribe! Watch the Veterans Day Program, School Board Meetings, Graduation Ceremonies, and much more.

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Check out the Community Events & Programs in our Area!

Berlin Backcourt Basketball Club

 
 

School Board Newsletter

Would you like to receive a quarterly E-Newsletter from our School Board?

To stay informed, please click on the link below to subscribe.

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