Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments

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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Dear Families,

Teachers will begin working on placing students in groupings for classes for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year in May. As part of our process, we would like to give you the opportunity to share some information that you would like for us to consider as we begin to make class groupings for the next school year. This consideration form is for you, as parents/guardians, to relay specific information about your child that you feel would be beneficial as our teachers meet to determine next year's placements. Class placement changes after class lists are finalized are extremely difficult and often cannot be accommodated. Other than newly enrolled students, class lists will be finalized in June 2024.

The form closes on May 10, 2024 for current CCES students. This is your opportunity to voice what you would like us to consider in your child's placement for the next school year. The time, thought, and commitment put into the completion of this form is appreciated, valued, and highly regarded.

When placing students, the staff and administration utilize a wide range of criteria, which are supportive of the Howard County philosophy of heterogeneous grouping. Some of these criteria include, but are not limited to:

• students' social/emotional needs
• racial and ethnic diversity
• reading and math strengths and needs
• special education requirements; IEP goals; 504 plans
• information from previous teachers and school counselor

There are certain requests that we cannot consider as part of this consideration form: therefore we ask that you not use this form to propose the following:

• specific teacher requests
• placement based on siblings’ experiences
• grouping based on friends
• grouping based on hearsay about teachers or other children

Your input on this form will be used in our planning for your child rather than a letter requesting a specific teacher. Your response is OPTIONAL but is a very valuable source of information to the school staff and to the next teacher. You do not need to complete all of the sections. Please complete one form for each of your children.

Thank you!

Michelle Leader, Principal

Jaime Gittleson, Assistant Principal

• 22 - Earth Day, Wear colors of the World, Brown, Green, Blue and/or White
  
• 23 - Hat Day, Wear a hat and/or bright colors
• 24 - Stuffed Animal Day or wear animal print
• 24 - PTA Talent Show Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.
• 25 - Wear green to remind us to "Think Green"
• 25 - PTA Talent Show, 6:30 p.m. (K-2)
• 26 - Wear something with kind words
• 26 - PTA Talent Show, 6:30 p.m. (3-5)

May

• 2 - Wear green for "Think Green Thursday"
• 7 - PTA Restaurant Day - Chick-fil-a Johns Hopkins Rd. (all day)
• 8 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
• 10 - PTA Carnival, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• 14 - Schools and Offices Closed - Primary Election Day
• 17 - 3 Hour Early Dismissal - Professional Learning Day, 12:55 p.m.
• 20 - SCH - 5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearings
• 27 - Schools and Offices Closed - Memorial Day
• 30 - Fifth Grade Middle School Visit Day
• 31 - Field Day

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

Parents/guardians whose children are eligible for bus transportation are asked to register to receive bus service each year. Families whose students have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan that includes transportation do not need to register.

The transportation registration process is completed online via HCPSS Connect Synergy and must be done for each child eligible for bus service. See the Transportation Opt-In Directions for details on how to complete.

As we gear up to finish the school year strong, it's important to address student interactions that can affect both individual students and/or our school community. Peer conflict is something that most students will experience at some point in their school career. However, it is essential to understand the difference between conflict and bullying, should bullying occur. By understanding the differences, we can better navigate challenging situations and foster a positive school environment where everyone can thrive. We look forward to continuing to work together to end the school year on a strong and positive note. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

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. Here is the online link to report an Instance of Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation and a link to the Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form to fill out and return to your students school administrator. More information on HCPSS Policy9460 can be found at Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Involving Students - HCPSS.

We are collecting used eclipse glasses and will send them to schools in Latin America where they will be having an eclipse in October 2024. If you wish to donate any glasses, please put them in the box in the front vestibule. We will be collecting them until May 3rd. Thank you!!!! (www.eclipse24.com)

It is that time of year when we enroll kindergarteners and new students to first grade for next year! If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1st, please enroll them now! If you know anyone who has a child this age, please have them enroll their child now!The link to on-line enrollment is below! Please feel free to call the office at 410-313-6866 with any questions!

https://www.hcpss.org/enroll/#docs

The Howard County Library System will be hosting Kindergarten, Here We Come classes this summer!

• Offered in July and August
• 45-60 minute classes
• Classes include an opportunity for participants to practice boarding a school bus
• Some classes will be offered in English and some will be offered in Spanish
• Registration required

Dear CCES Community,

I know how much many of the students in our community enjoy Minecraft – so wanted to share some information about a program being offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is sponsoring a Minecraft Airport Design Challenge where small teams of students work together to learn about their local airport and to complete development tasks in Minecraft.

During the Airport Design Challenge, students have the opportunity to design virtual airports in Minecraft based on guidance from FAA aerospace and engineering experts. Participating students meet aviation professionals, engage with other designers, and learn about the aerospace industry. The challenge offers first-hand experience in an aviation-related application of STEM concepts and helps students apply their academic knowledge and skills to professional simulations.

While participants are encouraged to form teams of up to five members, they may also participate individually. Instructional modules cover topics ranging from airport layout, to pavement and lighting, then on to structures, and finally, innovative growth. Module knowledge check assignments and screenshots of students’ designs are used to assess progress and provide feedback.

This year’s challenge ends August 31, 2024 so there’s plenty of time to participate.

To learn more, or to sign up, please visit Airport Design Challenge | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

Please keep in mind that this activity is meant for students to participate at home. I just wanted to share this wonderful opportunity with you.

Thank you,

Mrs. Gelinas

A huge THANK YOU to all who have donated so far!

Starting on April 2, CCES will be collecting for Grassroots Center. Donating and giving to those in need is as easy as ABC!

A: Amazon Link! Go to the Amazon wish list and purchase an item or two. It will come directly to our school to donate to Grassroots.

B: Bring in items!! We are accepting canned goods, body lotion and wash, toothpaste, towels, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, juice boxes, and baby wipes. You can simply place the items in the box in your pod.

C: Cash or coins! You can also bring in cash or coins or go to the direct donation page to donate. Your teacher will be collecting any money that you bring in.

Thank you so much for your donations!

~Mrs. Register and some fifth grade friends 🙂

Attention families and friends of Clemens Crossing artists! Original Works is finally here! Your artist should have come home with a flyer full of details for our Art fundraiser. If the paper is lost in the black hole that is an elementary student’s backpack, don’t fret!

Your artists have created beautiful artworks that are available for purchase through the Original Works website. You can choose to have their artwork featured on items such as bags, keychains, travel mugs, and more! Once the fundraiser has concluded, items will be shipped to CCES and sent home. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly toward the art room and back to your students through supplies and new art experiences.

The deadline to order is Thursday, April 25th.

Don’t have the flyer? Follow this link and type in the following code (case sensitive):

https://store.originalworks.com/gallerylogin

Code: Cleme

From here you can look for your student’s work. If you have the Title, you may enter the code that is specific to your student.

Add these dates to your calendar! There are plenty of exciting PTA events coming up through the spring. All the details coming soon!

April 1 - Year Book online sales begin

April 25 - Talent Show (K-2nd) at 6:30pm

April 26 - Talent Show (3rd - 5th) at 6:30pm

May 6-10 - Staff Appreciation Week

May 10 - Spring Carnival

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is coming soon (May 6-10)! The PTA could use your help in celebrating our amazing educators! Please take a look at our sign up and keep a watch for more information to come! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044CA8A72AA20-49188602-teacherstaff

The Talent Show is coming up in April!!

We would love to see all kinds of talent represented: playing a musical instrument, singing a song, dancing a Tik Tok dance, telling great jokes, solving a Rubik’s cube, reciting poetry, acting, hula hoop tricks, karate demonstrations, sports tricks, juggling, magic tricks or anything else that our students would like to share! We would love a couple of student volunteers to help out during the shows as well.

Tuesday, April 23: Grades 3-5 Dress Rehearsal

Wednesday, April 24: Grades K-2 Dress Rehearsal

Thursday, April 25: Grades K-2 Talent Show

Friday, April 26: Grades 3-5 Talent Show

Sign up here:

Grades K-2nd

https://forms.gle/jM8SievartCenK9c8

Grades 3rd-5th

https://forms.gle/4scjJB2AyfD7Ttz78

Deadline for signing up for the Talent Show is Friday April 12th.

Questions? Contact Christine Porras at christineporras@gmail.com

Order your child’s yearbook now! What a beautiful memento of their year at Clemens. This is not just for 5th graders - kids in every grade love the year book. Preorders close April 30.

Yearbooks disappear fast! We can't guarantee there will be enough books left over if you don’t pre-order one. PLUS the price goes up.

Preorder price: $25 per book

End-of-year scramble because you didn’t order one: $30 per book

Get your copy here: https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/LookupJob?jobNumber=15206524

Are you interested in stepping up and getting more involved in PTA next year? Nominations are now open for Executive Board positions for the 2024-2025 school year. We warmly welcome all who may be interested -- it can be lots of fun to be more involved! In particular, the PTA is looking for a new Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, as our amazing current team members are finishing their terms in those roles. Interested?

Executive positions will be voted on at our meeting on the evening of May 10. Contact Jen Nwosu for all the details president@clemenscrossingpta.org

iCook: Spicing Things Up🌶️ 🌿 (MONDAYS starting April 22) Our chefs-in-training will learn how the addition of spices and herbs can transform food and provide added nutritional benefits too. Each class will highlight an herb or spice including basil, rosemary, garlic, vanilla, and cinnamon! We will make Black Bean Sliders, Rosemary Crackers, Enchiladas, and more! Our little chefs will build on their knowledge of cooking safety and the fundamental cooking techniques including peeling, breading, blending, melting, slicing, dicing, chopping and more.

Sign up on our website: https://www.icookafterschool.com/events/clemens-crossing-monday-1

iSTEAM: Color Lab 🎨 (Wednesdays starting April 24) Our young scientists will get to experiment with creativity and outside of the box thinking while learning about science. Scientific concepts are introduced through hands-on projects like exploring the water cycle with colorful raindrops, learning about molecular binding through painting, and exploring what traits make animals special by creating their own creatures! Our young scientists are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, experiment, and explain their reasoning and problem-solving. As a result, they will deepen their collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills, as well as their understanding and interest in science.

Sign up on our website: https://www.isteamafterschool.com/event-details/clemens-crossing-wednesday-1

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.

• 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

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”

Clemens Crossing ES Registration Page

Does your child love sports? Atholton High School coaches are ready for a fun and exciting summer! Coaches and staff will help your child grow their skills in several sports. Registration is now open. Click on the link below.

https://www.atholtonboosters.org/packet/76811653

Do you have an aspiring filmmaker in your family? Sign them up for video production camp! Three sessions are running this summer at River Hill High School where campers can make their very own short film. Camera use, storytelling techniques, and editing skills will exercise participants’ creative and technical abilities. Sessions run from 8:30am - 12:00pm Monday through Thursday with a film festival at the end, and children ages 9 to 17 are welcome to enroll.
Sign up at https://riverhill.membershiptoolkit.com/camp2024

I hope everyone's 3rd quarter report cards were great! Even though it's now 4th quarter (how did that happen???), there's still time to join Pack 618, your local Cub Scouts, for some awesome outings this year. Our campout is scheduled for May 17-19 this year, and we'd love to have you along. We make camping fun and easy, even if you don't have experience or a tent. Cub Scout camping means the kids have a great time outside away from screens, and parents don't have to do much at all since the Pack provides meals and the cooking equipment! Another neat activity is on the morning of April 27th: we're going to take part in the flag-raising ceremony at Ft. McHenry. To check out the Pack, go to our website at www.pack618md.com and contact us at Cubmaster@pack618md.com.