Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments
Volume 44, Issue 1 Summer News and Information - August 2022
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Jaime Gittleson, Assistant Principal
Website: cces.hcpss.org
Location: 10320 Quarterstaff Road, Columbia, MD, United States
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۔
Welcome from School Administration
Welcome to the 2022-23 school year! We hope you are enjoying the summer and making wonderful memories with family and friends. We are so excited to welcome you back to school in a few weeks. Now that we are less than a month from the first day of school, we thought this would be a good time to send out some information and updates to our school community so you can begin to plan for a suCCESsful school year. Please take the time to review the information in this summer newsletter. The information will help you as you plan for the upcoming school year.
For those of you who are new, The Cougar Comments school newsletter will be published weekly throughout the school year through email and social media. Be sure to look for this newsletter on Friday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in your email inbox starting in September. Please be sure not to mark emails from CCES or HCPSS as junk or spam. We find out that a number of people get blocked from all CCES and HCPSS communication when you mark the email as spam or junk. In addition to important school information, our PTA has a section in the weekly newsletter. They do not publish their own newsletter, so please be sure to look for PTA information in each newsletter. If you ever miss an issue of the newsletter or need to review a previous issue, all Cougar Comments will be available on the main page of the CCES website. We hope you find the information helpful. Additionally, be sure to follow CCES on Facebook and Twitter. We often post information and reminders on social media in addition to fun posts sharing what's going on in our school.
We hope you enjoy the next few weeks of summer, and we look forward to seeing you later this month. If we can help in any way, please reach out to us by email or call us at 410-313-6866.
Mr. Cosentino, Principal
Mrs. Gittleson, Assistant Principal
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
August
- 14 - Maryland Tax Free Week starts
- 24 - Class Assignments open in Family File
- 26 - Open House - Kindergarten, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- 26 - Open House - First and Second Grades, 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
- 26 - Open House - Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades , 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
- 29 - First Day of School
- 30 - Gifted & Talented Information Session, 6:00-6:30 p.m.
- 30 - Back-to-School Night for Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades at 6:30 p.m.
- 30 - Band & Strings Information Session, 7:30 p.m.
September
- 1 - AHS & WLHS Back-to-School Night (feeder high schools)
- 5 - Labor Day - Schools and Offices closed
- 6 - Band/Strings Information Session, 6:00 p.m.
- 6 - Back-to-School Night for Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade at 6:30 p.m.
- 8 - HCMS & WLMS Back-to-School Night (feeder middle school)
- 9 - PTA Welcome Back Family Picnic, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- 14 - PTA Kick-Off Meeting, 6:30 p.m., social and 7:00 meeting
- 15 - National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month begins
- 22 - Fall Individual Picture Day
- 26 - Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices closed
To subscribe to the CCES calendar on your smartphone, electronic device, or email system use the calendar ID sqspkjkbr6v6arss44js3n21eg@group.calendar.google.com.
HCPSS Calendars
There will be no printed 2022-2023 calendars. Staff, students, and families may add our online calendar to their own mobile/online calendar by
- Going to https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
- Scrolling down to Subscribing to a Calendar
- Right-clicking on the calendar you wish to subscribe to
- Selecting Copy Link Location/Address/Shortcut
- 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 españolAugust 2022
September 2022
October 2022
August 2022
September 2022
October 2022
Related Arts
Students participate in related arts daily for one hour. There are five related arts classes: Art, Media, Music, Physical Education, and Technology. During the pandemic year, we moved from a set or fixed daily related arts schedule to a rotating related arts schedule. The rotating schedule is called the Related Arts Color Calendar. We rotate days using the color calendar because there are a disproportional number of days off on Mondays and Fridays. This used to mean students would have up to 6 fewer Monday or Friday related arts versus the other classes and days of the week. Your child's teacher will share their specific color calendar schedule with you and your child. You can refer to the color calendar below. It is very important to make sure your child dresses appropriately for the classes he/she has for related arts, especially for physical education.
Staffing Updates
Farewell and Thank You!
We thank the following staff members for their service to our Clemens Crossing learning community and wish them well as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
- Mrs. Christy Marshall - (former media specialist) Mrs. Marshall retired.
- Mrs. Marybeth Graham - (former instrumental music teacher) Mrs. Graham retired.
- Mrs. Cheryl Shockey - (former 2nd grade teacher) Mrs. Shockey is on childrearing leave for the year.
- Mr. Jason Fischer - (former .5 GT Resource Teacher) Mr. Fischer is now the full-time GT Teacher at Atholton ES.
- Mrs. Lindsey Reibach - (former special education teacher) Mrs. Reibach moved to Atholton ES because we lost a special education position for this school year.
- Ms. Grace Potkovac - (former Speech Language Pathologist) Ms. Potkovac moved out of state.
- Mr. Hakim Jones - (former 3rd grade teacher) Mr. Jones moved to Forest Ridge ES where he will be teaching Physical Education.
- Mrs. Nicole Lyerly - (former special education paraeducator) Mrs. Lyerly moved to Bushy Park ES.
- Mrs. Bailey Jo Oehler - (former music teacher) Mrs. Oehler moved out of state.
- Ms. Julie Lazer - (former art teacher) Ms. Lazer decided to work in a different district.
Welcome new staff to CCES
Please join us in welcoming the following individuals to the Clemens Crossing Elementary family. These new staff members bring a variety of experiences that will only enhance what we offer our students:
- Mrs. Lisa Scata, Grade 3 Teacher
- Miss Brittany Atkins, Grade 2 Teacher
- Miss Brenda Reyes, Kindergarten Teacher
- Mrs. Stephanie Greene, Media Specialist
- Mrs. Elizabeth Yeager, Instrumental Music Teacher
- Ms. Amanda Aristidou .4 Art
- Mrs. Tasha Maglocci, .4 Music
- Mrs. Jhonna Seifert, .5 GT Resource Teacher
- Mrs. Tamara Braxton-Cheek, .5 School Counselor
- Ms. Antonia Simmons, Speech Language Pathologist
- Ms. Danielle Tobin, Pupil Personnel Worker
- Mrs. Ruth Macdonald, .5 Teacher's Secretary
Internal Moves/Changes within CCES
- Mrs. Angie Haube moved from 1st grade to 5th grade. She is now the instructional team leader for 5th grade.
- Mr. Dale Allen is now the instructional team leader for 4th grade.
- Mrs. Amanda Rausch moved from 5th grade to 4th grade.
- Mr. Ryan Toland moved from 5th grade to 3rd grade.
- Mrs. Leah Halvorson moved from 3rd grade to 2nd grade.
- Mrs. Jane Choi is now our second full-time Reading Specialist.
Family Guide - The ABCs of CCES
Job Opportunities at CCES
Lunch and Recess Monitor Positions
We are seeking monitors to support our students during lunch and recess. Lunch and Recess Monitors support and assist students and paraeducators during multiple lunch and recess shifts. Below, please find some details regarding the position of Lunch and Recess Monitor.
Lunch and Recess Monitors are considered temporary HCPSS employees
Lunch and Recess hours are 11:05 AM - 2:05 PM each day
Compensation is $14.00 per hour
Communication, initiative, and flexibility are important attributes for those interested in the Lunch and Recess Monitor position. Interested applicants can use this link to begin the application process. Please contact Jaime Gittleson at Jaime_Gittleson@hcpss.org or at 410-313-6866 when you have completed all parts of the application.
Temporary Employee Positions
We are looking for caring and compassionate individuals to assist students with disabilities who require direct adult supervision throughout the school day. The position works under the daily supervision of the school administration and the direction of a special education teacher and/or a classroom teacher. Some experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred. Below, please are details regarding the position.
Temporary Employee (TE) positions are with Social Service Consultants, Ltd.
Compensation is $13.00 per hour
The hours are 9:15 AM – 3:45 PM Monday-Friday.
To apply, please email Robert Tencher at Rtencher@gmail.com to request an application packet. Please specify the school you are interested in. You can also apply using this link. Please contact Jaime Gittleson at Jaime_Gittleson@hcpss.org or at 410-313-6866 when you have completed all parts of the application.
Donations Needed for Staff Welcome Back Breakfast
The PTA needs your help throwing a “Welcome Back” Breakfast for our amazing staff on Thursday, August 18. Use the Sign-up Genius link below to donate items for the breakfast. Thank you for your support in this annual CCES tradition! Questions: email Jen Nwosu at president@clemenscrossingpta.org
Back-To-School Nights
Family File Emergency Form is Open in HCPSS Connect
It is time to update your child's emergency contact information in HCPSS Connect! This is the most important step as we prepare for the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Your Family file needs to be updated every school year. This must be done for new and returning families.
HCPSS Connect is open to update your Family File. This information is very important! Please take the time to do this now. It is very important to have your Family File information complete prior to the first day of school.
You will be asked to update or provide the following information:
- Parent/guardian contact information. Please provide the most current contact information.
- Emergency contacts: Who do you want to pick up your child in case you cannot?
- Medical information: Your child's health information.
- Arrival and dismissal procedures. How will your child arrive to school and be dismissed on a daily basis? Additionally, provide what procedure your child should follow in case of an unscheduled early closing of schools.
- Media coverage. This includes students being photographed for the Cougar of the Week awards.
- Data confidentiality. Permission to release your child’s information to various organizations.
- PTA directory. What information do you want to be included in our CCES PTA Directory?
You can access HCPSS Connect here http://www.hcpss.org/connect/
Changes of address may not be made through Family File. If you have recently moved, please contact our CCES office at 410-313-6866 as soon as possible.
Parents who have forgotten their login credentials for Family File may click the “Forgot Password” link on the sign-in page. If you need additional assistance, please fill out this Connect Help Form.
Information and Application for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs)
Over the past two years, all students were able to access meals through the school. Federal Funding for free meals for all students ended on June 30. Therefore, to qualify for Free and Reduced Meals, families will need to apply for that benefit.
HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, which provide families with significant benefits to help save money. 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 reduced-price lunch pay $0.10 and breakfast is free.
Free and Reduced Meals eligibility provides discounts for summer programs, SAT, recreation programs, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and internet programs
Bus Routes... Coming Soon
SUMMER PLAY DATES
The PTA has planned the following play dates for kids & families to connect before the school year begins. We are looking forward to seeing new and returning friends!! Make sure you’ve joined the class Facebook groups for updates (search for your Child’s class “CCES Class of….2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028)! Please contact Lisa Scata if you have any questions (scatalisa@gmail.com).
Who is my child's teacher?
Kindergarten, Here We Come
Supply List for 2022-23
We encourage you to drop off your school supplies during Open House on August 26. Please be sure to clearly label your child's supplies with his/her name.
Arrival and Dismissal Information
With 600 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 into the parking lot). Exiting the car loop is right turn only as well. Please plan your trip accordingly. Left-hand turns into the car loop are not permitted during arrival and dismissal. Left-hand turn 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.
Car Loop Visors
The car loop procedures above help facilitate a smooth arrival and dismissal each day. Again this year, we will identify cars with Car Loop Visor Name Tags as shown here.
If your child is a regular car rider, please make sure you have a visor sign. Use a permanent marker to write your child’s last name in the orange section and the grade in the white section. When not in use the sign can be moved to the inside of the closed visor. For families with more than one student, please write all grade levels on the sign. Feel free to pick up the visor at Open House or in the car loop on the first day of school.
“What Your Child Will Learn” Guides
What Your Child Will Learn guides provide an overview of the instructional program for your child’s grade, as well as student goals and expectations. The guides include information to help parents monitor and support their child’s progress during the school year.
Individual guides are provided for each grade level. Each grade level guide provides information categorized by curriculum area, e.g., Language Arts, Science, etc.
The guides are available online only; print versions are no longer distributed. Specific guide webpages may be printed from the website.
Specific student programs may differ depending on instructional needs.
*These may not be available. The HCPSS Curricular Offices are updating the guide.
Connect with CCES and Stay Informed
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.
- 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.
- 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 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
More Summer Learning
Summer Reading Lists
As part of the A+ Partnership with the Howard County Library System, summer reading lists developed by HCPSS library media specialists and Howard County Library System Children’s Instruction and Research staff are available for students in all grade levels. Books included are just a sampling of what students may enjoy reading during the summer. Students are encouraged to check out other books by the authors included as well as explore additional book topics at the library.
Recommended lists for all grade levels are available both in schools and online. Don’t forget to sign up for the library system’s Summer Reading Club online or at your nearest branch.
A+ Student Card
All HCPSS students received an A+ Student Card account number at the beginning of the 2017–2018 school year. With it, they have access to all HCLS eContent by using their account number to login via hcpss.me. Using their A+ Student Card, students can place holds and check out physical materials, as well as take advantage of all the library’s digital resources.
MackinVIA
All students have access to their school’s digital MackinVIA eBook and audiobook collection all summer long by logging in through hcpss.me with their active directory credentials.
Students continue to have access to all the digital tools they used during the school year. This includes databases available from the “Databases” tab in MackinVIA, such as:
- CultureGrams, which offers country reports on over 200 cultures of the world.
- World Book Online Reference Center, which includes encyclopedia, multimedia, e-book and primary source databases.
Summer Activities
Students can use their digital tools, available at hcpss.me, to document and celebrate their summer activities. Elementary students can use Wixie to create a summer postcard or travel journal. All students can utilize G-Suite to create a slideshow of their favorite summer day.
Message from the PTA President
I hope you all are having a wonderful summer. The PTA has been working hard this summer to plan activities for you once school begins. We hope to see you at all of our school events this year!
We have several open positions for the upcoming year. The Clemens Crossing PTA is a warm, open, friendly, and relaxed group of people. New families, new members, and new ideas are always most welcome. Don’t be shy – please volunteer! We welcome all levels of involvement, big or small - whether it’s joining the occasional signup genius, giving an hour of your time here or there; or rolling up your sleeves and getting really involved in running an event - and everything in-between.
Join the Clemens PTA here:
https://clemenscrossingpta.org/get-involved/family-membership/
If you are interested in getting more involved please email me at president@clemenscrossingpta.org to find out more. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions or suggestions throughout the year. I would love to hear from you!
Jen Nwosu, CCES PTA President
Back to School Picnic
Friday, September 9 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on the school grounds. We will have playground games for the kids. You can pack a picnic dinner or buy food from our food vendors. This fun event is for both families and staff.
PTA Kickoff Meeting and Dinner
Clemens Crossing Elementary School Media Center.
Please come and share your knowledge and ideas!