Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments

Michelle Leader - Principal

Jaime Gittleson - Assistant Principal

Website: cces.hcpss.org
Location: 10320 Quarterstaff Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 313-6866
Facebook: facebook.com/ClemensCrossingElementary
Twitter: @hcpss_cces

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Spanish

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Urdu

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Dear Families,

As you know, we had inclement weather earlier this week and had to close early. With many weeks of winter weather still ahead of us, it's important that you check your child's emergency early dismissal directions in Family File. You can log into HCPSS Connect to review your child's unscheduled early school closing plans. Unscheduled (emergency) early closing includes early dismissal due to weather or snow. Please do not select that you will pick your child up at CCES if you are unable to provide transportation during the middle of the school day. When an unscheduled closing occurs, school staff will send students home using the dismissal method that is indicated in Family File. And, due to the timing of the early closing decisions, school staff are unable to call you to confirm preferences. It is vital that this info is kept up-to-date. In addition, please make sure your child knows what these plans are as well.

This is also a great time to make sure your child's emergency contacts are up-to-date. If you have any questions, please contact the CCES office at 410-313-6866. You can also view the Family File directions online.

Thank you for ensuring that your Family File is updated and ready for any unscheduled early closings!

Thank you!

Michelle Leader, Principal

Jaime Gittleson, Assistant Principal

For a complete list of dates and events visit cces.hcpss.org/calendar.

January

• 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Schools Closed
  
• 16 - Chorus Concert, 6:30pm in the Atholton High School Auditorium
• 17 - 3 Hour Early Dismissal, Professional Work & Wellness Day, 12:55 p.m.
• 19 - End of 2nd Marking Period
• 22 - Schools Closed for Students - Professional Work Day
• 25 - PTA Science Fair, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
• 30 - Q2 Report Cards Issued, 4:00 p.m.
• 30 - PTA Restaurant Day at Shake Shack (Columbia Mall), 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

February

• 1 - Unity Day - Celebrate Black History: Wear red, black, yellow and/or green.
• 7 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 3 Hr. Early Dismissal at 12:50 p.m.
• 8 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 3 Hr. Early Dismissal at 12:50 p.m.
• 9 - Schools Closed for Students, Professional Learning Day
• 13 - PTA Restaurant Day, Chick-fil-a Johns Hopkins Rd.
• 16 - PTA Bingo Night, 6:30 p.m.
• 19 - Schools and Offices Closed, Presidents' Day

To subscribe to the CCES calendar on your smartphone, electronic device, or email system use the calendar ID sqspkjkbr6v6arss44js3n21eg@group.calendar.google.com.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our first Literacy Night! We had so much fun! Thank you to our Literacy Committee for their amazing planning and our PTA for purchasing all of the materials for the night!

Starting this week, students in grades 1-5 will take the Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. The MAP window runs through February 16th. Each grade level team will send out messages letting parents know the exact dates for testing. The data from the MAP assessment will help schools and teachers measure your student’s academic progress. The MAP test does not affect grades and the difficulty adjusts depending on how your child responds. It is normal for students to only answer about half the questions correctly. To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/. Please make sure your child has headphones at school since they will be used for testing throughout the school year.

If you wish to “opt-in” to receive CCES and HCPSS texts with emergency information or reminders, please follow the directions below:

Send a text to the number: 67587

Text “Yes” in the message.

Reply “Yes” when prompted if you want to “opt-in”

We are proud to announce the winners of the 2023-24 Howard County Young Author's Contest!

Poem Category:

Grade 1- no submission

Grade 2- "The Trees Sway to the Wind" by Alex Heyne

Grade 3- "Believe" by Anna McDonald

Grade 4- "Starry Night" by Sinclair Evelyn

Grade 5- "Seasons" by Amy Kikanzira

Short Story Category:

Grade 1- "The Diary of Kindness" by Lucy McDonald

Grade 2- "Little Piece of Dust" by Emma Rhee

Grade 3- "The Magic Puppy" by Avery Levine

Grade 4- "The Heart" by Ivy Tobiason

Grade 5- "Concept of Kindness" by Kate Rhee

We would also like to congratulate all the participants.

Grade 1 Participants:

Attila Elbeyli

Alice Yang

Grade 2 Participants:

Nitya Katragadda

Valen La Bash

Forrest McGarity

Luke Scata

Grade 3 Participants:

Emily Ball

Andie Bush

Amos Monroe

Julia Samuel

Grade 4 Participants:

Peter Champion

Lacey Harris

Ruari Hodgins

Samuel May

Grade 5 Participants:

Laura Ball

August T. Gottwig

Maisie Monroe

There were so many wonderful short stories and poems, and we enjoyed reading every one of them. May your writing inspire those around you, for "Writing is the painting of the voice.” – Voltaire

Processes for Parent Empowerment:

The next HCPSS and The Council of Elders (TCOE) Community Academy will take place on January 27 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Parents and families are invited to attend a virtual session regarding parent advocacy topics include: Bullying, Parent Concerns, Special Education, Advanced Placement. Representatives from HCPSS will provide resources. This session is for families of students at the elementary, middle, or high school levels and will be held virtually. To register, please complete the registration form linked here. More information can be found in the TCOE Processes for Parent Empowerment Flyer. If you have any questions, please contact Sheree Tilley at sheree_tilley@hcpss.org.

• The annual Black History Expo sponsored by the National Panhellenic Council of Howard County and the Howard County Public School System will be held on February 17 at Long Reach HS from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The theme of this year’s event is “African Americans and the Arts.”
  

  HCPSS student organizations are invited to participate with exhibits that speak to the theme "African Americans and the Arts" (exhibit fee is waived), as assistants in various areas, or provide program performances. Students can receive community service hours for their participation. Registration forms for exhibitors, vendors and program performances are included in the Black History Expo packet. The deadline to register to participate is January 20,

  For more information please contact Muriel G. Mitchell, Black History Expo Coordinator at (410) 461-4717 or blackhistoryexpo@gmail.com.

Why: Our school will be participating in the “Pull Tab Program” to help benefit the Maryland Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Who: Everyone! Led by our very own 5th Grade Eco-Leaders.

Where: Send your tabs in with your student and have them place them in the bin in their pod area.

When: We will collect tabs through the first week of June.

Our Eco-leaders would like to remind you that our Earth is important!

For more details visit https://rmhcmaryland.org/pull-tabs/.

Please email Mrs. Seifert with any questions. jhonna_seifert@hcpss.org

Spirit wear sale extended until January 15th! Don’t miss out! https://clemens-crossing-winter-23-24.spiritsale.com/

CCES PTA is offering 5 scholarships for students to participate in the school play! This wonderful after school activity is filling fast. Simply contact Jen Nwosu at president@clemenscrossingpta.org

Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS!

Open to 3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders

Rehearsal Dates: 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 4/4, 4/11, 4-6pm

Tech Rehearsals: 4/16 & 4/17 - 5:30-8pm

Show Date: Thursday 4/18 - 7pm

Tuition: $225.00 Scholarships available - email PTA below

Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. When the monstrous Cruella de Vil plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat, the dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue!

REGISTRATION Now OPEN!!

1. Go to https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?class=dralc and click"Register Now"

2. Select the "SEASON 2023-24 WINTER CLASSES"

3. Scroll down to class 4A. Clemens Crossing Elementary School

QUESTIONS? Contact president@clemenscrossingpta.org or call DLC directly at 470-997-9352.

Volunteering:

We're still in need of additional volunteers to judge, set up/clean up, and bring items to the bake sale. Every bit of help ensures the event runs smoothly and is enjoyable for everyone involved. If you are interested or know someone who would be, please sign up here

Science Fair Schedule:

5:00 PM: Set Up

6:00 PM: Participant Arrival

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Science Fair Exhibition & Judging

7:20 PM - 7:30 PM: Raffle Prize Awards

7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Cleanup

We are looking forward to an evening of scientific discovery and community spirit! If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact us at ccessciencefair@clemenscrossingpta.org

Additional Information:

The bake sale will be running concurrently with the science fair from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This is a perfect chance to enjoy some treats while exploring the projects.

Who doesn't feel a bit peckish throughout the workday? And who wouldn't get excited to find something tasty or fun in the lounge? For sure our CCES teachers & staff love a good pick-me-up and we want to give it to them!

Please consider helping the PTA "Stuff the Staff Lounge" with goodies throughout the year. It's an easy way to show our appreciation for all the hard work that goes on in our school! You can signup here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49AEAE2DA5F8C07-45327230-stuff

Chess Club with Magnus Academy: Tuesdays starting January 30 (open K-5)

https://chessacademy.com/products/clemens-crossing-chess-club

Learn chess with Magnus Academy, five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen’s academy! We’ve taught 100,000 children to play including state & national champions, but most students are beginners looking to learn a new skill and have FUN. Class time is divided between lessons and practice games. Lessons range from the basic rules to advanced tournament strategies.

Students will have the opportunity to play in tournaments (in-person and online) outside of club time. This in-person club includes free online extras including weekly practice tournaments, a Chesskid Gold membership ($69 value!), and an event with a chess celebrity. Last year's guests were World Champion Magnus Carlsen and Judit Polgar (the best female chess player of all time). All chess supplies provided. All skill levels are welcome. For more information please visit chessacademy.com.

iSTEAM AFTER SCHOOL : Wednesdays starting January 31 (Open to 1st to 4th)

https://www.isteamafterschool.com/event-details/clemens-crossing-wednesday

WINTER 2024: Secret Agent Academy 🕵️

"Secret Agent Academy" is a STE(A)M-focused after school class with a spy-themed curriculum. The class will include a range of hands-on activities and challenges that will encourage students to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will learn about the science of encryption and code-breaking, as well as the physics of motion and energy. Students will also explore the world of forensic science, analyzing fingerprints, DNA samples, and other evidence to solve mysteries. Led by experienced instructors, students will work collaboratively and have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a final mission. The class aims to excite and inspire students about STE(A)M and encourage further studies in science and technology.

The Family Guide - The ABCs of CCES is a lengthy document that provides information about our school. Click below to download the CCES Family Guide. The guide is also located on the main page of the CCES website.

The Student & Parent Handbook can be found online and outlines districtwide practices and policies related to parents and students, including the Student Code of Conduct, school procedures, student responsibilities and more.

Do you want to get a head start on the school year? We encourage all parents/guardians to visit the link below to learn what your child will learn this year in grades PreK-5! Once you click on your child’s grade level, use the yellow “course navigation” box in the top right corner to navigate standards, free games, and family activities for each subject area. Happy learning!

https://www.hcpss.org/academics/what-your-child-will-learn-guides/

The Howard County Public School System is committed to providing a safe, engaging and supportive learning environment where all policies are enforced fairly and consistently. HCPSS policies and regulations emphasize instruction and rehabilitation rather than punishment and are designed to foster and reward appropriate behavior and keep students connected to school so they can graduate college and career ready. Please read and review the HCPSS student code of conduct with your child(ren) before the school year begins:

https://www.hcpss.org/f/aboutus/student-handbook/student-code-of-conduct.pdf

HCPSS parents/guardians are required by Board of Education Policy 9000 Student Residency, Eligibility, Enrollment and Assignment to notify HCPSS if they move to a new home address by submitting residency documentation to their student’s current school. Students who have a change of residence on or after the first day of the 2023-2024 school year must request a student reassignment in order to complete the school year at their previous school.

Listed below are the many ways to stay informed at Clemens Crossing Elementary School.

Twitter

• Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/hcpss_cces
• We use Twitter to inform, celebrate, and engage our community.
• Twitter is used to share what is going on in our school, our community, and throughout the Howard County Public School System.
• Turn on notifications to get information the second it is tweeted.
• We live-stream our concerts on Periscope through Twitter.

Facebook

• Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ClemensCrossingElementary
• We have found that Facebook is the social media most used by our parents so we are now on Facebook, too!
• Our Facebook page is updated automatically from our Twitter feed.
• Please use Facebook to share the good news from CCES with your friends and families.

Instagram

• We use Instagram periodically. We do post pictures and information there.

Website

• Our website, cces.hcpss.org, is updated regularly.
• Important news and information is located on the main page of the site including an archive of our weekly newsletter, Cougar Comments.
• Staff information and email is located under the "Our Staff" tab.
• A subscribable google calendar is located on the "Calendar" tab.

Email

• Email is our main form of communication.
• You will receive news and information automatically to the email address you provide in your Family File. We will not inundate your inbox with email. Look for the weekly Cougar Comments on Friday mornings.
• If you would like email sent to different email addresses, update your email in Family File with the email address you prefer.
• You can subscribe additional email addresses by visiting the HCPSS News site here. http://www.hcpss.org/hcpss-news/
• Weekly announcements, important information and updates, and more will primarily be sent through email.
• You also have the opportunity to opt-in for text messaging

Cub Scout Pack 618 has enjoyable and educational activities planned every month, where your child can learn fun facts, life skills, and how to get along with kids of all ages. Coming up in January we have an awesome day of STEM exploration on the 20th and the Klondike Derby on the 27th! Intrigued yet? We are open to girls and boys in all grades K-5. If you're interested in checking us out, find out more on our website at www.pack618md.com and contact us at Cubmaster@pack618md.com.