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

For another language, click "Translate Newsletter" tab and select the language of choice in the upper right-hand corner.

Spanish

Para otros idiomas, haga clic en Traducir Newsletter y elija el idioma que prefiera.

Korean

다른 언어의 경우 뉴스 레터 번역을 클릭하고 원하는 언어를 선택합니다.

Chinese

对于其他语言，请单击翻译新闻通讯，然后选择所需的语言。

Urdu

دوسری زبانوں کے لئے ، نیوزلیٹر کا ترجمہ کریں پر کلک کریں اور اپنی پسند کی زبان کا انتخاب کریں۔

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

September

• 6 - PTA Back-to-School Picnic - 5:00-7:00pm on the playground/blacktop
• 9 - Back-to-School Night - 6:30-7:30pm - Grades K, 1, 2
• 11 - Band/Strings Info Session - 6:30-7:00pm
• 11 - PTA Meeting - 7pm
• 12 - GT Info Session - 6:00-6:30pm
• 12 - Back-to-School Night - 6:30-7:30pm - Grades 3, 4, 5
• 18 - 3 Hour Early Dismissal, Professional Work and Wellness Day, 12:55pm

October

• 1 - Fall Picture Day
• 3 - Schools and Offices Closed
• 9 - PTA Meeting, 7:00pm
• 18 - Schools Closed for Students - Professional Work Day
• 30 - End of 1st Marking Period
• 30 - PTA Trunk or Treat, 5:00 - 8:00pm
• 31 - Schools Closed for Students - Professional Work and Development Day

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

There will be no printed 2024-2025 calendars. Staff, students, and families may add our online calendar to their own mobile/online calendar by

1. Going to https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
2. Scrolling down to Subscribing to a Calendar
3. Right-clicking on the calendar you wish to subscribe to
4. Selecting Copy Link Location/Address/Shortcut
5. Adding to your calendar of choice (See your calendar for specifics on adding a new calendar)

You also may view and/or download printable PDFs of the full calendar and/or important dates only. Updates to the PDFs will be noted on the HCPSS calendar page.

PLEASE NOTE! The calendar is subject to change. The online calendar reflects the most recent version.

Calendars in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean

Calendario en español

西班牙语日历

스페인어로 된 달력

Dear Families,

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the PTA Picnic tonight! And, be sure to join the PTA! It is a great way to support our school and get involved! The first PTA Meeting of the year is next Wednesday, September 11th at 7pm in the Media Center. More info is below in the PTA section of our newsletter.

Mrs. Leader, Principal

Mrs. Gittleson, Assistant Principal

5th Grade GT Seminar Information

4th Grade GT Seminar Information

3rd Grade GT Seminar Information

2nd Grade GT Seminar Information

Each year, families update/complete their child's Family File with all emergency information. Please complete this info ASAP so that we have this information prior to school starting. This is required EACH year. We appreciate your assistance! Anyone who has it completed by Wednesday, August 21st will be able to access their child's teacher information later that day.

So far we have 76% of families who have completed their Family File! Let's get to 100%!!

https://www.hcpss.org/connect/

Family File Directions.pdf

In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019) and COMAR (2021), all Howard County Public School System kindergarten students will be screened to identify potential reading difficulties using the Amplify mClass with DIBELS 8 th Edition assessment. Please click below to read the full notification.

As part of the HCPSS strategic planning process, 5th grade students, staff and families are being

asked to provide input about their values for our school system. Parents/Guardians: Please complete

this HCPSS Strategic Planning Input Survey by 9/20/2024 and share the student version with

your Grade 5-12 student(s).

This survey is anonymous and available in multiple languages. If you have students at more than one

school, please complete the survey one time, and indicate each school your students attend.

If your student needs assistance completing the survey, please contact our front office for assistance.

Health Services information can be found online and will be continually updated. All students, staff and visitors should perform daily health checks and may not enter an HCPSS bus or building if they exhibit any signs of a communicable disease. Details, including infection control protocols for communicable diseases like COVID-19, are available online.

The CA (Columbia Association) Points Program is offered to students in grades 3-12 enrolled in the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) program at participating schools. Students can earn a free CA membership for themselves and their immediate family through their grades and attendance.

To enroll your student, please complete the CA Points Enrollment Form. Online enrollment will close on Friday, September 27, 2024.

For more information, visit CA Points Program or email CAPoints@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

The HCPSS Bus locator will be updated no later than August 21. Please be sure to check your child's bus stop location, bus time, and bus number as they may have changed from last year. Please be sure to arrive at your bus stop at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.

https://www.hcpss.org/schools/transportation/

With nearly 500 students at Clemens Crossing Elementary, it is important to be patient during arrival and dismissal. The carefully planned logistics of arrival and dismissal help us keep our students, staff, parents, and visitors safe. If you are in a non-transportation zone (walker or car rider) it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with our routines for arrival and dismissal.

As adults, we must follow predictable patterns and routines, because children can be unpredictable. Parking in a wrong or illegal place creates unpredictable situations, and those types of situations can put students at risk during arrival and dismissal.

Arrival and dismissal safety is everyone's responsibility. Please review the map below and listen to our staff members who are outside to assist your children when they enter and leave school daily.

NOTE: Please follow the posted signs along Quarterstaff Road. Traffic engineers studied the road and placed signs to help maximize sight lines for drivers. This helps to reduce risks and provide a safe crossing of Quarterstaff Road for walkers who live on the other side of the road.

Do not park along Quarterstaff Road where signs state "No Parking or Standing." Howard County Police will ticket drivers who park or drop-off/pick-up students where no parking signs are posted.

Car Riders - All car riders are dismissed on the parking lot side of the building.
Car riders are expected to be dropped off and picked up in the car loop (school parking lot). We do not allow students to cross the bus parking lot and load into their car along Quarterstaff Road. Please do not tell your children to meet you along Quarterstaff Road.

• During arrival and dismissal, we expect car traffic to enter the car loop from the Martin Road side of Quarterstaff Road (right turn only into the parking lot). Exiting the car loop is a right turn only as well. Please plan your trip accordingly (see information below). Left-hand turns into the car loop are not permitted during arrival and dismissal. Left-hand turning traffic creates back-ups in addition to making it difficult to see blind spots.
• It is suggested that you enter Quarterstaff Road from Martin Road.
• If you do park legally along Quarterstaff Road, your child is considered a walker and will be dismissed with walkers.

Walkers - Walkers who cross Quarterstaff Road must cross the street with the crossing guard.
Please never cross Quarterstaff Road near the car rider traffic. It is unsafe!

It is everyone’s responsibility to be safe during arrivals and dismissals.

Below, you will find a helpful graphic for arrival and dismissal.

Find answers to all of your questions here in our Family Guide.
https://cces.hcpss.org/news/2024/08/cces-family-guide

The HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Those eligible for Free and Reduced Meals receive both breakfast and lunch for free.

Parents/guardians must submit a new application every school year to maintain their student’s eligibility. Click the button below to apply.

There is no limit to the number of a la carte items a student can buy. Parents are encouraged to discuss acceptable a la carte purchasing for their children, and parents have the right to restrict a la carte purchasing for their students. Parents may contact the Food and Nutrition Service office at 410-313-6738 or 410-313-6744 to add restrictions to their child's meal account, including placing a limit or blocking the student's account for a la carte items.

Beginning Friday, August. 9, families with students new to HCPSS and whose registration has been finalized will begin to receive emails from security_notifications@hcpss.org with the subject “Technology account information for new HCPSS student.” The communication will be sent to the parent/guardian email address used during the student registration process and contains personalized and important information regarding new students’ technology accounts.

Families with a child new to HCPSS that do not receive the email and/or cannot locate the email in the junk/spam folder of the email account they used during registration can use the Forgot Password or Username button on the hcpss.me student landing page to retrieve both their child’s username and password.

Direct questions to TechSupport@hcpss.org with any questions.

Here are some translated messages for new Synergy families:

English

Chinese

Korean

Spanish

CCES Band and Orchestra registration: https://forms.gle/YMDAZPyNWadDTqkJA

Band: Wind & Percussion Instruments - 4th & 5th Grade
Orchestra: String Instruments - 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade

Back to Music night: 9/11 @ 6:30p (right before the PTA meeting)

Registration deadline: 9/13

Email Mrs. Yeager with any questions! elizabeth_yeager@hcpss.org

Howard County Health Department

8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045

Sep. 10

4:00pm-7:00pm

Varicella, Tdap, MenACWY, HPV, MenB, COVID19

Age 18 and younger

No registration needed. Walk-ups are welcome!

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. Our administration and staff have been trained and made aware of this policy as well as preventative and responsive measures.

We know how important your role is in not only supporting your children, but also reporting possible incidents as you become aware of them. The Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimication (BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report all alleged incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation that occur at school or have a connection back to the school setting that create a risk of harm to other students while they are at school, or interfere with the educational environment. An online version is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. Hard copies of this form are available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office. If you believe your child has been bullied, please complete and submit this form as soon as possible and/or assist your child in doing so.

Once the form is submitted, school administrators will ensure the parent/guardian of both the alleged target and alleged offender are aware of the report and will begin an investigation within two school days of receiving the report. Parents/guardians can expect a school administrator to reach out to them during the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, parents/guardians will be provided written notice of the outcome of the investigation within fifteen days of receiving the compaint, excluding extenuating circumstances.

There are times when incidents of peer conflict or code of conduct offenses may occur that may not be bullying, but may need follow up action. If you become aware of something that falls under conflict and/or a code of conduct offense, please notify a school administrator via email or phone call so that they can become aware and follow up as needed.

Lastly, we want to take a moment to specifically lift up cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying using electronic media like computers, cell phones, and game systems. Our digital interconnectedness makes bullying different and more damaging than it’s ever been before. It allows hatred and publicly humiliating gossip or photos to be instantly far-reaching and inescapable as electronic media is everywhere. It can NOT simply be ignored. In October 2013, the State of Maryland enacted Grace’s Law, making misuse of interactive computer services a criminal offense. Its purpose is to prohibit anyone from using electronic media (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) to maliciously engage in conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor and/or places that minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines.

While all of this information will be reviewed with students at school, we are asking you to do the same at home. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring all of our students feel a sense of safety and belonging in their school communities! More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

The single most important thing you can do to support PTA this year is to join! Your $15 membership goes a long way to help us run programs like the Science Fair, International Night, Talent Show, Trunk or Treat, the Book Fair, Holiday Shop and so much more. Did you know that our PTA helps reduce the cost of school field trips through direct sponsorship? PTA also offers scholarships for students to participate in after school activities. All of these things and more are made possible through families and staff joining our PTA!

Our CCES PTA makes a big contribution to our school through family events, student enrichment and staff appreciation. Be part of it! Becoming a member does not obligate you to volunteer your time. There are many ways big and small to be involved in PTA throughout the year but if there is only ONE thing you're able to do for PTA , simply become a member and make a contribution to the excellence of our Clemens school community.

Join here: https://clemens.givebacks.com/

**GIVEAWAY ALERT! We are giving away a free Clemens fridge magnet for the first 150 families who join PTA this year! Every parent/guardian who signs up by Sept 15th will also go into the draw to win a $25 Meadows Frozen Custard gift card! (those who have already signed up are included in the draw!)

Don't miss the annual kick off to family fun this school year! Bring your own dinner and a blanket or some chairs to sit on. Get to know our Clemens community! Don't forget some cash to buy a snoball!

You may recall - our Spring Carnival was rained out back in May.The silver lining? This year's back to School Picnic will have a free inflatable obstacle course and bounce house!!!! Don't miss all the fun. Each child will simply need their adult to sign a waiver at the event on the day, and get a wristband, and then get jump away!

PTA Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month - 7pm in the CCES Media Center. All are most welcome to attend! Come and find out the events and activities we have on the program for this year. There are many open roles and different ways to get involved. Get to know - and get known in - our school community!

Our kick-off meeting for the year is Wednesday September 11th, 2024 at 7pm in the Media Center.

Can't make it in person? Join us online - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89742359688?pwd=dUocmXWOqHx1mRaSGyy3LtvRf4BofM.1

Meeting ID: 897 4235 9688
Passcode: 324837

Find out more about CCES PTA here:

https://clemenscrossingpta.org/

iCook - Mondays starting Sept 16

10 week session at $270 + registration fee

Pick up 5:15pm

https://www.icookafterschool.com/events/clemens-crossing-monday-2

iCook Flour Power 🍰 🍮 In this baking course, our chefs-in-training will learn how to make delicious and nutritious desserts. We will explore ingredients familiar and new to bake savory and sweet dishes. Students will make Key Lime Pie, Little Orange Cakes, Avocado Brownies, and so much more! Foundational cooking skills will be taught, including proper techniques for measuring, mixing, slicing, dicing, and of course, kitchen safety! We hope to see you in the kitchen soon.

Chess - Tuesdays starting Sept 24

12 week session at $252

Pick up 4:55pm

https://chessacademy.com/collections/howard-county-chess

Learn chess with Magnus Academy, the five time world champion’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 outside of club time, which may have an additional fee. All chess supplies provided. We welcome all grades and skill levels!

Free Online Extras

ChessKid Gold membership (normally $49/year)

Weekly evening practice tournament

Bonus event with a BIG guest once per season - last year's guests were Magnus (the world champion) and Judit Polgar (the best female chess player of all time)!

KidzArt - Thursdays starting Sept 26

6 week session at $159

Pick up 5:15pm

https://campscui.active.com/orgs/KidzArtMaryland?orglink=camps-registration

KidzArt is a FUN, art-enrichment program designed to enhance drawing skills and build each child’s confidence. By using our simple drawing method and specialized format, students will learn to focus, relax and think creatively. Our Certified Instructors help students create original works of art, take risks and think outside of the box. Within each session, students will explore a variety of artist grade materials, such as oil and chalk pastels, watercolor, charcoal, clay, copper, textured papers and much more. Younger children practice following directions and using fine motor skills. Older children love having the creative freedom and guidance to further their skills. KidzArtists will bring home a new masterpiece each week with a kid-tested and educationally rich curriculum that NEVER REPEATS!

We hope your first couple weeks of school went smoothly, and now that everyone is settled, it's time to figure out what new activities the kids should do this year! Cub scouts checks all the boxes, as it is both fun and educational, AND a great value for your hard-earned dollar. We provide weekly meetings on interesting topics, plus monthly events all school year long, including camping, rockets, the Pinewood Derby and much more. There's no better group for having fun with friends new and old! Come check us out and float a boat in our Raingutter Regatta at the PTA's Back to School Picnic today at 5pm, or join us at our annual Fall Picnic on 9/14. To find out more, contact us at Cubmaster@pack618md.com or go to our website at www.pack618md.com.

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