Clay County School District -

Let’s Gear Up for GMAS Spirit Week!

On March 5, motivational speaker Marquis Hill spoke with our 5th–8th grade students about self‑esteem and believing in yourself. Mr. Hill used props to provide excellent examples of how our students can block out their insecurities, doubts, and fears in order to reach their full potential.

In Loving Memory

Due to severe weather moving through our area, the Clay County School System will operate on a delayed start schedule. Buses will begin running at 9:00 a.m. Please continue to monitor our district and school websites, as well as our Facebook pages, for any additional updates. Thank you for your cooperation, and please remain safe.

We would like to issue a correction regarding the Spring Break dates listed in our recent newsletter. Please disregard the incorrect information that was shared. The correct dates for Spring Break are April 6–10. We apologize for the oversight and appreciate your understanding.

We would like to issue a correction regarding the Spring Break dates listed in our recent newsletter. Please disregard the incorrect information that was shared. The correct dates for Spring Break are April 6–10. We apologize for the oversight and appreciate your understanding.

Our CCES Basketball and CCMS Baseball schedules are now available! Check out the attachments and make plans to cheer on our athletes this season. Let’s go, Hawks!

Don’t forget! Our Black History Program begins at 1:30pm. We’re excited to welcome our parents and community for an afternoon of celebration, learning, and student performances. Come support our kids as they honor the legacy of Black history.

Apologies to all, I failed to include this flyer on the previous reminder post.

Just a reminder of upcoming events.

We’re excited to host our Milestones Made Simple parent workshop this evening at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria. This session is a great opportunity to learn more about your child’s developmental milestones and how to support their growth at home.
We hope to see you there and look forward to a great turnout!

Please find attached the flyers that were sent home with students yesterday.

Spelling Bee Spotlight!

Our January 16, 2026 Spelling Bee was a wonderful success, and we’re so proud of all our participants!

A huge congratulations to our 1st place winner, Carneka Gibbs (6th grade), and our runner‑up, Ariel Richardson (7th grade), who will serve as alternate. These students worked hard and it truly showed.

Next stop: the Regional Spelling Bee in Bainbridge, GA on February 28, 2026!
Let’s cheer on our talented Wordsmiths as they prepare for the big stage.

Show them some love and encouragement as they continue studying and shining bright!

School Closure January 26, 2026

Book Vending Machine Rewards!

We love celebrating our readers at Clay County Schools! Our top readers in each grade level for the 2nd 9 weeks—the students with the most books and/or pages read—earned the opportunity to choose a book from our Book Vending Machine!
This exciting reward is part of our schoolwide 25 Books Campaign, which encourages every student to set reading goals, build stamina, and grow a lifelong love of reading. Keep turning those pages, Hawks—your hard work is paying off! 💙💛

#ClayCountySchools #25BooksCampaign #ReadersAreLeaders #BookVendingMachine #ReadingRewards #BuildingBetterReaders

Parent of the Month

Clay County Schools is excited to launch a new program that celebrates the vital role families play in student success. Through Parents Taking the Initiative, one parent is selected each month from each grade band — K-2, 3–5, and 6–8 — based on engagement points.

Teachers from each grade level submit the name of the student with the highest points for their class. The parent of that top‑earning student for each hall is then recognized as the Parent of the Month.

During our 2nd Nine Weeks Honors Day Program, we proudly recognized the following parents for their outstanding involvement and support:
• K-2 Parent of the Month: Mary Merkison
• 3–5 Parent of the Month: Cameshia Curry
• 6–8 Parent of the Month:
In addition, we celebrated other parents for the kickoff:
Brittany Reynolds, Valencia Nunnally, Cassandra McFadden, and Samantha Phebus

These parents were honored for their involvement in school activities, volunteering, attending events, supporting learning at home, and helping maintain consistent student attendance. Their dedication strengthens our school community and inspires others to get involved.

Today we celebrated the hard work, growth, and achievements of our outstanding students during our 2nd Nine Weeks Honors Day Program. Their dedication to excellence continues to make us proud, and we are grateful for the families, teachers, and staff who support them every step of the way.
Congratulations to all of our honorees. Keep striving, keep growing, and keep shining!

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church out of Decatur, GA, traveled to Clay County Elementary and Middle Schools to share some love with our students by giving them backpacks filled with school supplies and other items to take home. We truly appreciate the partnership that has been created.
Thank you to Beulah Missionary Baptist Church for all the love and support.

Clay County Schools held its school-level Spelling Bee on December 17. Congratulations to our K–8 1st place Spelling Bee winners!

Kindergarten - Bray'Lei McClendon (not pictured)
1st Grade - Ryann Nunnally
2nd Grade - Jaiden Wright
3rd Grade - Kylan Jones
4th Grade - Ke'Andre Williams
5th Grade - Shawn Roseborough
6th Grade - Carneka Gibbs
7th Grade - Arial Richardson
8th Grade - Treasure Jackson

🏀 Game Day + Senior Night!
Come cheer on the CMS Hawks and celebrate our Seniors!
Tip-Off: 5 PM
Don’t miss it—we want to see YOU in the place!