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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Korean

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Chinese

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Urdu

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

Dear Families,

On Monday, November 6th, families will be able to log in and schedule a conference with their child's homeroom teacher. More information and the directions to set up conferences can be found here. We look forward to partnering with you!

The week of November 13th is American Education Week. Parents/guardians are invited to come in to school to see instruction in action! Monday is the offiical visit day. We encourage you to choose an hour chunk of time (or less if needed) for your visit. In addition, if you need to come a day other than Monday, please email your child's teacher so that he/she knows to expect you. We look forward to seeing you!

Thank you!

Michelle Leader, Principal

Jaime Gittleson, Assistant Principal

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

November

• 6 - Parent/Teacher Conference Scheduling Opens at 8am
• 8 - Q1 Report Cards Issued
• 8 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Media Center
• 10 - Veterans Day - wear red, white & blue
• 13 - American Education Week begins
• 13 - World Kindness Day - wear your favorite hat, or a shirt with a kind message
• 20 & 21 - Schools Close 3 hours early at 12:50 p.m. for Parent/Teacher Conferences
• 20 & 21 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 1:15 p.m. - 7:35 p.m.
• 22 - Schools Closed for students, Parent/Teacher Conferences
• 24 & 25 - Schools and Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Holiday
• 28, 29, 30 - PTA Holiday Shop after school, 4:30p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

December

• 4 - Inclusive Schools Week begins
• 5 - Spirit Day: Be a hero for inclusion. Dress up as someone you look up to.
• 5 - PTA Restaurant Day, Chick-fil-a (Johns Hopkins Rd.), 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• 6 - Spirit Day: Exercise your right to be different. Wear athletic wear.
• 6 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
• 7 - Hanukkah Begins
• 7 - Spirit Day: Acceptance Day. Wear a shirt with an inclusive/kind message.
• 8 - Spirit Day: Rainbow Kindness Day. Wear something with rainbows.
• 13 - 3 Hour Early Dismissal, Professional Work & Wellness Day, 12:55 p.m.
• 21 - Ugly Sweater Day
• 21 - CCES Winter Concert, 6:30 p.m. at Atholton HS
• 22 - Pajama Day
• 25 - Christmas
• 25 - Winter Break December 25 through January 1, Schools Closed.
• 26 - Kwanzaa

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

The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 1-5 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please see the attached Young Authors’ Contest Guidelines for information about the rules and guidelines. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet sent as a PDF. Submissions may be emailed to jane_choi@hcpss.org by December 11, 2023. Contact Jane Choi with any questions. All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website.

Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page for information about joining.

We are collecting gift cards to support some of our families in need this holiday season. If you would like to contribute, please bring gift cards to the front office. (Do NOT send then in with your child.) There will be a donation box available during American Education Week or on the first day of parent conferences. Please select gift cards from the following stores in $25 increments:

~Safeway

~Giant

~Target

~Walmart

If you are a family in need of support, or have any questions, please contact Ann Rogers: ann_rogers@hcpss.org

Thank you for your generosity!

We recently held a parent information night about the updated report card for our primary grades. If you were unable to attend or wish to review the information again, you can find the PowerPoint on Canvas at the link below along with many other resources.

Parent/Family SBIR Canvas Course

The MAP window has now closed, and MAP reports should be available for you to view on Friday, October 27th. Please use these directions to view indivual student reports. Teachers can discuss scores with you at the November conferences and answer any questions you may have about MAP. Please remember that MAP testing is just one data point about your child.

Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures

ENJOY 10% OFF your order!

CODE: F202310OFF

EXPIRES: May 1, 2024

Redeem Now

Please use this link for guidance should your child test positive for COVID:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html

The following Howard County Parks and Rec classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students, benefitting both the child(ren) and parents!

Clemens Crossing ES Class Registration Link

Clemens Crossing ES Class Flier

November/December Classes at Clemens Crossing ES:

• Learn Now Music After School - Groovy Guitar
• Learn Now Music After School - Poppin' Piano
• Cats & Dogs Veterinarian After School with Medical Me

*Some classes have met minimum enrollment; other classes are shy of the minimum number of students needed to run the class.

Art with KidzArt, Thursdays starting Nov 16, Open to K-5

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!

https://campscui.active.com/orgs/KidzArtMaryland#/selectSessions/3391044

If your child is registered for bus service and rides a Zum bus, you now have access to use the Zum App, which will allow you to track your child’s bus and receive notifications.

Zum App
Using the app will allow you to track your child’s bus in real-time, receive pick-up notifications if you choose, and view the driver for each ride.

To start using the Zum app, please follow these instructions:

1. Download the app
2. Log in to your account with the phone number or email address you have listed on your child’s record in Family File in HCPSS Connect
3. Verify your access by entering the one-time code sent to your device
4. Check the notification settings to ensure you’re receiving Zum notifications, if desired, so you’ll know when the bus is approaching and when your child has arrived at school

Additionally, HCPSS will continue to work with Zum to improve the parent/guardian app experience as needed.

Bus Delay Notifications
Effective Monday, Sept. 11, bus delays will no longer be posted to the HCPSS website. Parents/guardians with a child served by Zum may utilize the app to receive push notifications when their child’s bus is running more than 10 minutes late. These notifications will be sent only via in-app notifications if enabled to the parent/guardian who has downloaded and logged in to the app. Parents/guardians are encouraged to use the app in real-time to monitor their child’s bus status during school arrival and dismissal. Due to the larger than usual volume of delayed buses each day, it is likely that school-level email and texts may be delayed and the Zum application will provide the most up-to-date information.

Data Privacy
In order to create routes, issue timely notifications and updates, and provide the level of service HCPSS expects of our transportation contractors, some student/family data is shared with the contractors. This information sharing is vetted through our Office of Data Privacy, and a data privacy agreement is signed to require that contractors do not use this information for any reason beyond what is agreed upon.

This is not uncommon and occurs with contracted companies who provide services related to transportation, food and nutrition services, and other student and family supports. Only the necessary information to adequately provide the expected services is provided.

Answers to frequently asked questions related to the Zum app are posted on the HCPSS website and will be updated regularly.

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

Upcoming Community Health Fair. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.

Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023

Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Location: Glen Mar Church, 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Planned Activities:
• Annual Flu shots (for 6-month-old and up)
• Hearing & Vision screening (for pre-school & up)
• Blood pressure and stoke risk assessment
• Women, Infants, & Children information
• Domestic Violence prevention information
• Mental Health related information
• Crisis Intervention info and referrals
• Health and Wellness coaching
• Living Wellness Chiropractic
• Senior Placement Navigator

This information is neither sponsored nor endorsed by HCPSS, but serves to extend resources for students and families.

As educators, we are well aware of the ever-increasing pressures placed on students. The academic demands, social challenges, and rapidly changing world can be overwhelming. Our Guiding Good Choices parenting classes can equip parents and/or grandparents with the knowledge and skills to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. These classes are for families with children 9 - 14 yrs. old and held over Zoom.

November 2023 Parent Pages Newsletter www.howardcountymd.gov/parentpages

Upcoming Workshops from Office of Children and Families

* For assistance with registering, call 410-313-5992 (voice/ relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov

* To request sign language, interpreter or other accommodations to attend, call at least one week in advance.

Are We There Yet? Travel Activities for Children
Traveling by plane, train, or automobile this holiday season? Join us as we prepare hands-on travel activities to keep your little ones engaged, learning and having fun while getting from “here to there.” Get tips on entertainment ideas, survival strategies and practical advice to help make your upcoming trip a success!
Thursday, November 9, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free virtual workshop. Register here

Picky Eating: How to Help Your Child Grow and Eat a Balanced Diet
Helping your infant and toddler build healthy eating habits for life is very important yet daunting. Review typical infant to toddler development, eating patterns, growth, and how to determine when to ask for help.
Thursday, November 30, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop Register here

Parenting Apart: Navigating Co-Parenting through the Holiday Season and Beyond
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many families, but they can also be reminders of who and what we have lost. For those co-parenting during or in the aftermath of divorce, the holidays can bring unique challenges and disruptions to the usual routine. This presentation is tailored to parents who are going through divorce or separation and are eager to create a parenting plan that minimizes conflict and promotes stability and harmony for your children. Explore essential considerations when creating an access schedule that prioritizes your children's well-being throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. Gain insights into effectively managing common co-parenting issues that can arise. Learn valuable communication and co-parenting strategies to navigate this period of transition, and as well as resources for ongoing support and assistance.

Monday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here

The Clemens Crossing PTA knows that a strong partnership among our families, school leaders and community members is important to the success of our students and school. That’s why we are participating in the National PTA School of Excellence program, which grows partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students.

We need your help! As part of the process outlined by National PTA, we are requesting feedback from families, administrators, and teachers at two points in the school year—the beginning and the end. Using the community feedback, we will build an Excellence Action Plan to strengthen family-school partnerships.

Please take 5-10 minutes to reflect on your experience at our school and complete this survey. Please complete this survey by Wednesday November 8th.

Complete the survey here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdObSOJKF32nhspSu9vntGt2zV2YA8Zqaml4j9d9LUcWbJsXg/viewform?fbzx=6941783650741036485

Join us at our November CCES PTA Meeting - 7pm next Wednesday 11/8 in the Media Center. Can’t make it in person? Join us online:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86969953306?pwd=VEdnUjJnTkRNbWRNdkp5SDNjaWlnUT09
Meeting ID: 869 6995 3306
Passcode: 088570

November 28th - 30th, 4:30pm-7:30pm in the CCES Music Room

Calling all parents! Our annual Holiday Shop is coming soon! It's a wonderful opportunity for kids (CCES students & their siblings) to shop for the holiday that's special to their family and choose gifts for their loved ones. The Shop will run over 3 consecutive afternoons after school - Tuesday Nov 28th to Thursday Nov 30th. Gifts will range in price from $0.50-$20, with the vast majority of gifts costing less than $5.

We are asking families to donate new or like-new small gift items to supplement our inventory for this year’s holiday shop. It could be small toys, puzzles activities or even fun kids jewelry - really anything you think a child might love to give as a gift. We all have stuff our kids have lost interest in that is stil in perfect condition - this is a fantastic opportunity to move it on to someone else who will love it!!! Simply send your new or like-new items into the school office marked “Holiday Shop”.

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

Clemens Crossing Cub Scout Pack 618 is a welcoming and diverse group of girls and boys in all grades K-5 and we have fun events planned every single month! We teach life skills and community participation and everyone has a blast doing it! On November 12th at 9:30am we'll be marching in the local Veterans day parade starting at Toby's Dinner Theatre, and on November 18th you could join us for a chilly evening of campfire antics. Find out more on our website at www.pack618md.com and contact us at Cubmaster@pack618md.com.