Dear Clay County Parents and Guardians,
As October begins, our fall routines are established and our schools are in full stride! Even if Florida weather still feels very much like summer, our classrooms, athletic fields, and campuses are filled with strong energy and great progress. As we move deeper into the first semester, I want to share a few important updates and celebrations to keep our school community connected.
First, I want to share a brief educational overview regarding the One Mill Referendum Renewal. On the November 3rd General Election ballot, the Clay County District Schools Millage Referendum will be the final item listed on the back. This measure is a proposed renewal of our existing funding, and it is not a new tax. By design, 100% of these local funds stay right here in Clay County and are dedicated to two critical operational priorities: ensuring school safety by funding a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) on every campus, and providing competitive employee compensation to retain and attract high-quality teachers and staff. To ensure absolute transparency, all expenditures are subject to review by an independent citizen oversight committee. You can find comprehensive, factual information about this measure by visiting the official Clay County District Schools Referendum Renewal page.
Academically, a key milestone is right around the corner: Quarter 1 report cards will be available in Focus on Friday, October 16th. This is a perfect time of year to review your child's progress and, if needed, reach out to schedule a parent-teacher conference to support their academic growth.
To stay fully connected throughout the school year, please make sure you are regularly utilizing our district mobile tools: Focus: Your main hub to monitor real-time attendance, track daily assignments, and view official report cards.
The OneClay App: Check the live district feed for photos of vibrant school events, and use Rooms for direct communication and updates from your child’s teachers, coaches, and sponsors.
Additionally, October is a special time across our district as we celebrate National Principal Appreciation Month. Our school principals work tirelessly, both behind the scenes and on the front lines, to ensure our campuses run smoothly, safely, and effectively. I want to extend my deep gratitude for their steadfast dedication to our students and staff. I encourage you and your children to take a moment this month to thank the incredible principals who lead your school communities!
Finally, I want to note that October is also National Bullying Prevention Month. In Clay County, we remain deeply committed to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusion on every single campus. We encourage you to partner with us by having open conversations at home with your children about the importance of lifting others up, treating peers with respect, and reporting any concerns to a trusted adult. Our district continues to move forward with historic momentum, anchored by our long-standing A-rating, record-breaking point totals, and exceptional graduation rates. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and for entrusting us with your children's education every day. Respectfully, David Broskie
Superintendent of Schools |
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October Celebrations: National Principals Month; National Bullying Prevention Month; Cybersecurity Awareness Month; and Hispanic Heritage Month (Ends on the 15th) |
October 1 - 14: Disability History & Awareness Weeks (FLDOE) October 2: National Custodian Appreciation Day
October 4 - 10: Fire Prevention Week October 5: World Teachers Day October 6: National Coaches Day October 9: End First Grading Period October 12: Planning Day/Student Holiday October 12 - 16: National School Lunch Week October 16: Report Cards Posted October 18 - 24: Teen Driver Safety Week October 19 - 23: National School Bus Safety Week October 21: Unity Day for Anti-Bullying October 23 - 31: Red Ribbon Week October 30: Early Dismissal Day - Elementary Schools |
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The Five Official OneClay Apps You Should Know
Stay connected and informed all school year long! Clay County District Schools uses five key apps to help parents manage communications, grades, payments, and transportation. Pick and choose the ones that fit your family’s daily routine: FOCUS (Academics & Attendance): View your student’s real-time grades, class schedules, and attendance records.
OneClay App (School & District Communications): Receive official district and school news, club or team announcements, and send direct messages to school staff. Chipmunk Bus Tracker (Transportation Updates): Track your child’s school bus in real time, view estimated arrival times, and get notifications for delays or emergency alerts.
My School Bucks (Fees & Payments): Manage meal account balances, athletic fees, club dues, field trip payments, and yearbook purchases online. GoFan (Event Tickets): Purchase digital tickets for athletic games and school events.
To access web portals, setup guides, and download links, visit OneClay.net/5Apps. |
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🍴October School Meals & National School Lunch Week! |
Celebrate National School Lunch Week with us from October 12–16! We are proud to serve nutritious, delicious meals every day to support your child’s learning.
Easily view monthly menus, check meal pricing, or submit a free and reduced-price meal application online at oneclay.net/fns.
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The 25th Annual Nutrition & Exercise Challenge! |
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From August to April, CCDS Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) is hosting a monthly challenge to keep our students moving and eating healthy!
Every month a student participates, their name goes onto the "Cafeteria Circus" display in their elementary cafeteria. The Prizes: Monthly prizes will be awarded, and one lucky student will win the grand prize bicycle at the end of the year! The more months they participate, the better their chances.
How to Verify: Once your student completes the monthly challenge, just send in a confirmation note from a parent/guardian, PE teacher, or YMCA Director. October Nutrition & Exercise Challenges Nutrition: In celebration of National Farm to School Month, choose 5 foods and learn about where they come from. Exercise: Did you know that games like tag count as physical activity? Play tag with friends or family for 10 minutes, 2 times a week as part of your 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
Look for the challenges posted in your school cafeteria or on the FNS website at oneclay.net/fns. |
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🏆 School of the Month Nominations Are Open!
Community First Credit Union and Clay County District Schools have partnered to recognize our outstanding schools and the positive impact they have on our community! Thanks to our partners at Community First Credit Union, TWO winning schools will receive: $1,000 toward a school initiative
A custom trophy to display at the school October’s Theme: Showing Up Strong Show how your school demonstrates a commitment to attendance, engagement, and showing up ready to learn every day. Highlight the ways your students, staff, and families prioritize being present, engaged, and ready to make the most of every school day.
👉 Visit oneclay.net/schoolofthemonth to nominate a school now through October 22nd!
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Clay Virtual Academy: Flexible Learning, Local Support |
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There’s more than one way to learn in Clay County! Clay Virtual Academy (CVA) is Clay County District Schools’ virtual school, giving students and families flexible learning options while keeping them connected to certified Clay County teachers. Students in grades 6–12 can enroll full-time at CVA for a complete virtual school experience, while students who attend their zoned school can take one or more CVA FLEX courses alongside their traditional schedule. Home Education students can also enroll in individual CVA courses and receive support from local teachers.
Whether a student is looking for a full-time virtual option, greater schedule flexibility, or access to an additional course, CVA provides another pathway to learning and success right here in Clay County. Explore your options at oneclay.net/cva. |
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Ready for Your Next Chapter?
CCDS Adult & Community Education is Here for You. |
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Whether you want to launch a new career, learn English, or finish your high school diploma, Adult & Community Education (ACE) makes taking that next step affordable and convenient around your family's schedule. Featured Programs: • GED® Preparation & • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Tuition: Only $30.00
Don't wait to invest in yourself. Secure your spot today at oneclay.net/ace or call us at (904) 336-4450. Your Community. Your Family. Your Future. |
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OneClay Culture is our way of unifying the ways schools and students are supported in positive behavior support, behavior interventions, mental health supports, character education, required instruction, and discipline practices by focusing on developing positive school and classroom culture and building our students' resilience skills. For additional information and upcoming topics, please visit our OneClay Culture website.
Students at all K-12 levels will have weekly lessons tied to each of the 7 cultural characteristics that align with the Florida-required instructional components. To see the state description of these required instructional components, visit the FLDOE Required Instruction page. October: Accountability
In October, the weekly OneClay Culture lessons center on helping students develop a sense of accountability for themselves by 1) understanding their own behavior, 2) developing a sense of how their accountability impacts others, 3) understanding the pressures that make being accountable difficult, 4) discussing specific issues or circumstances that accountability and responsible decision making can have on their future goals.
Week of 9/29 - What is Accountability? Week of 10/6 - Decision Making Under Pressure Week of 10/13 - Friends, Influence, and Boundaries Week of 10/20 - Accountability for Healthy Living (substance abuse)
Week of 10/27 - Understanding My Own Behavior We encourage parents to continue these conversations at home as we all work together to build resilient students.
Check out the Resiliency Florida parent resources on Responsibility and Responsible Decision Making to follow along with this month’s topic. |
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Xello: Building Future Ready Skills & Goals |
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The Florida Department of Education in partnership with other community organizations provides access to a great Career readiness program called Xello. All K-12 students can access this tool through their OneClay Portal. We encourage all parents to have their students log into their Xello account and explore together. |
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Attention Senior Parents: FAFSA Is Now Open!
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is officially open! All current 12th graders are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to see what financial assistance they qualify for after high school. Why complete the FAFSA?
It’s not just for 4-year colleges: FAFSA unlocks funding for trade schools, vocational programs, career certificates, and community colleges. Access to aid: Completing it connects your student to grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal aid. Need Help Completing the FAFSA?
SJR State Assistance: St. Johns River State College offers free help for local families, even if your student plans to attend a different school! School Counselors: Reach out to your high school counselor if you have questions or need step-by-step assistance getting started. |
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We are so proud to partner with you. Wishing all of our students, families, and staff a safe, happy, and successful school year! |
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