Claypit Hill News and More, June 9

Dear Claypit Hill Caregivers,

As we move through these final weeks of the school year, our community has been celebrating both the accomplishments of our students and the enduring connections that make Claypit Hill such a special place.

At Friday's All School Meeting, we had the privilege of recognizing five outstanding fifth graders with the Eliza Norton PAWS Awards. These awards honor students who embody the values that Eliza lived every day: showing HEART through practicing empathy, acting responsibly, working heart and spreading kindness. What stood out most was that selecting just one recipient from each fifth-grade class was incredibly difficult. Our educators shared that so many students consistently model Claypit's values that choosing a single recipient was no easy task. That challenge speaks volumes about the character, leadership, and compassion of this year's fifth-grade class.

Earlier last week, our Boston resident students and staff gathered to celebrate each member of the fifth grade. As younger students and staff reflected on our fifth-graders, they named the values and qualities they see modeled by these students every day at Claypit. It was a powerful reminder of the positive impact our oldest students have on our school community.

Last week also marked the beginning of a wonderful new Wayland tradition: the first-ever Wayland High School Senior Clap Out.

For those who have taught, supported, and cared for these students throughout their years in Wayland, the experience served as a powerful reminder that the time spent with children matters deeply. Before the ceremony, we had the opportunity to speak with several graduating seniors, and their reflections gave us tremendous hope for the future. They eagerly asked about former teachers and whether they were still teaching in Wayland. The smiles on their faces when they learned that many of those educators were still here were unforgettable. Many of the names they mentioned were familiar to us. Even when we shared that some teachers had retired or moved on, it reinforced an important truth: the impact of a caring educator lasts far beyond a school year and often far beyond a career.

As the seniors walked through our halls, they shared memories with one another. They reminisced about the time they spent at Claypit and commented on how familiar the building still felt. There was a clear sense of comfort in returning to a place that had played such an important role in their childhood. When the clap out concluded and conversations with their classmates began to wind down, many students lingered. Some even wandered back into the building, eager to spend just a few more moments in a place that still felt like home.

Years after leaving Claypit Hill, these students continue to feel a deep sense of belonging here. That enduring connection is a testament to the community we build together every day, students, families, and staff alike.

On June 23 at 10:45 a.m., we will hold our own Fifth Grade Clap Out as we celebrate the Class of 2033 and wish them well as they prepare for middle school. While it is hard to imagine, in what will feel like the blink of an eye, many of these students will return to Claypit Hill wearing the regalia of Wayland High School graduates. In a few short weeks, we will say goodbye to them as elementary students, but we know it is really just "see you later."

Thank you for your partnership, support, and for helping make Claypit Hill a place where children feel known, valued, and connected, both now and for years to come.

Sincerely,

Marie, Kate, and Naomi

Reminder, the lost and found is full again! Please claim any items by the end of the day on June 23. Any unclaimed items will be donated after that time