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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Spanish

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Urdu

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Dear Families,

We had many students absent yesterday and have had varying amounts of students absent recently. If your child was absent yesterday for Take Your Child to Work Day, please send an email to indicate this if you have not done so already. Just a reminder to email CCESAbsence@hcpss.org any time your child is absent and be sure to share the reason.

After our amazing K-2 Talent Show last night, DON'T MISS the 3rd-5th grade Talent Show at 6:30pm tonight (Friday 4/26) in the CCES Cafeteria!!!! Last night was TERRIFIC!!!! Congratulations to all of our performers!!!!

Thank you!

Michelle Leader, Principal

Jaime Gittleson, Assistant Principal

• 26 - Wear something with kind words
  
• 26 - PTA Talent Show, 6:30 p.m. (grades 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.

We appreciate everyone's help in making sure that our school is as safe as possible. All exterior doors are locked after arrival each morning, but to maintain safety and security it is important that we all do our part:

• Do not let anyone in through doorways around the school.
• All visitors or anyone arriving late needs to check-in at the front lobby using the buzzer. We know it is in our nature to be nice and hold the door, but please do not let in people you do not know. The front office staff will be focusing on groups coming to the buzzer and ensuring that all parties check-in properly. If it is difficult for you not to be friendly, be "friendly-nosy." "Good morning, your Sally's dad aren't you. Are you dropping off her oboe this morning?" Their response will indicate if you need to follow the last reminder included in this list.
• Doors shouldn’t be propped open or held for people you do not know.
• If you see something suspicious, report it to a teacher, administrator, or other staff member.

We are increasing our signage around the building to remind everyone of this important information. Thanks for doing your part to help keep our school safe.

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 🙂

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

Who: Everyone! Lead 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 June 7th.

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

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

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

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 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

LAST CALL FOR ORDERS!!!! 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

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”

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

What are you doing on Saturday morning? You *could* join Cub Scout Pack 618 at Ft. McHenry in Baltimore, raising the US flag and learning about Maryland's history! What do you have planned for the weekend of May 17-19? You *could* join Cub Scout Pack 618 in our spring campout! We make camping fun and easy, whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer. 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! To check out the Pack, go to our website at www.pack618md.com and contact us at Cubmaster@pack618md.com.

Swim team registration is open! If you haven't joined yet, it's a great opportunity for your kids to build their swimming skills in a fun, community, non-competitive environment. As long as your swimmer can get across the pool independently after 2 weeks of guidance (the first week is a trial week, so if you're not sure, check it out anyways without registering!). It's a lot of fun and the highlight of my family's summer.

Registration Link: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/reccnsl/page/home

Our Facebook group: Clemens Crossing Cyclones Please PM Deena Englander if you have any questions!