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

For another language, click "Translate Newsletter" tab and select the language of choice at the top of this page.

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۔

September

• 5 - PTA Back-to-School Picnic - 5:00-7:00pm on the CCES Playground/Blacktop
• 8 - PTA Restaurant Night at The Charmery
• 9 - 6:30-7:30pm - Back-to-School Night - Grades K, 1, & 2
• 10 - 6:30-7:00pm - Back-to-School Night - GT Info Session
• 10 - 7:00-8:00pm - PTA Meeting in the Media Center
• 11 - 6:00-6:30pm - Band/Strings Information Session
• 11 - 6:30-7:30pm - Back-to-School Night - Grades 3, 4, & 5
• 17 - School Dismisses at 12:55pm - Professional Learning/Work & Wellness Day
• 23 - Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices Closed
• 25 - PTA Restaurant Night at Noodles & Co.
• 27 - HCPSS Family Academy Kickoff - 9:00 a.m. - noon, Oakland Mills HS

October

• 2 - Schools & Offices Closed, Yom Kippur
• 8 - Stop Bullying Day - wear orange
• 10 - School Picture Day
• 14 - CCES Lit Night - 5:45-7:30pm
• 17 - Schools Closed for Students, MSEA Convention/Professional Work Day
• 20 - Schools & Offices Closed, Diwali
• 21 - PTA Restaurant Night at Chick-fil-a (Johns Hopkins Rd.)
• 24 - PTA Trunk-or-Treat
• 31 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early - Professional Work Day, End of 1st Quarter

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 2025-2026 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

西班牙语日历

스페인어로 된 달력

Dear Families,

We hope to see everyone at the PTA Picnic tonight from 5-7pm on our blacktop and playground area! It is always a great event to connect with other families! Please bring a blanket, chairs and dinner for your family! We are excited to see everyone!

Our Back-to-School Nights are being held next week on Tuesday, September 9th for Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 and Thursday, September 11th for Grades 3, 4, and 5. These nights are intended for adults since a lot of information will be shared. We ask that you do not bring your children unless it is the only way you can attend. If you must bring your children, they must remain with you and it is suggested you bring something quiet for them to do. All power points from the evenings will be posted on our website at a later date.

In addition, please ensure that you have completed your child's family file at hcpss.org/connect. We currently have 77% of our forms completed and this information is critical should there be an emergency with your child.

Thank you!

Michelle Leader, Principal

Jaime Gittleson, Assistant Principal

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!

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

Quick Reference 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.

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.

If your child will be attending school with a brace, sling, crutches, or cast, or needs to be excused from P.E. for more than three days, please provide a doctor's note to the School Nurse, at jessica_schrumm@hcpss.org

Please do not send medication to school with your child. If you plan to keep prescription or over-the-counter medication in the Health Room this school year, an adult must bring it to the Health Room with the HCPSS medication form signed by a health care provider. Thank you.

Safety at our bus stops is essential. For younger children (elementary and middle school students), HCPSS recommends that parents/guardians or another trusted adult wait at the bus stop with the students to supervise their behavior and to help with any problems that may arise, such as a delayed bus or injury while waiting. Both adults and students should stand at a safe distance from the roadway.

Please see the info here about parent/guardian expectations that support bus stop safety. Thank you!

Our first bell rings at 9:10am and this is when students may begin entering the building. All students need to be in the building before the second bell which rings at 9:25am. If your child arrives after this, they will be marked tardy and must be signed in by an adult in our vestibule.

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.

Please note, any change of residency/address must be reported through Family File within 10 school days of the move. Current residency documentation must be provided to the school each time residency changes. Also, please call the office so we can assist you with navigating how your child might remain at CCES for the duration of the school year.

In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019), COMAR (2021) and the direction from the Howard County Board of Education, all Howard County Public School System students in kindergarten to grade 5 will participate in the 2025 - 2026 administration of the Amplify mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition universal screener to identify potential reading difficulties during the following windows.

More information can be found here.

The CA (Columbia Association) Points Program is offered to students in grades 3-12 who are 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 by meeting goals for grades and attendance.

To participate in the CA Points Program, you must complete a FARMs application and complete the CA Points Enrollment Form. Online enrollment will close on Friday, September 28, 2025.

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

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive school environment that fosters the social and emotional safety, dignity, and well-being of all students. HCPSS acknowledges the need for employees

1. to use an array of research-based positive behavior interventions, strategies, and a tiered system of supports to address student behaviors and keep students safe and free of harm

2. to minimize the practice of exclusion from the classroom environment

3. to minimize the use of physical restraint (which may only be used when necessary to protect a student or other person from imminent, serious, physical harm and only after other less intrusive, nonphysical interventions have failed or been determined inappropriate).

It is the expectation of the Board that HCPSS employees will be knowledgeable of and implement proactive positive behavior interventions in an effort to reduce the need for exclusion or physical restraint.

Additional information can be found at HCPSS Policy 9400 - Student Behavior Intervention. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

Use the link below to learn more about CCES!

CCES Family Guide

This year, band and strings will be offered in 4th and 5th grade. Please use the links below to sign up your child. Mrs. Yeager will continue as our band teacher and we are happy to welcome Mrs. Lahan as our strings teacher.

Band: https://bit.ly/bandregistration25

Orchestra:https://bit.ly/orchestraregistration25

General Information: https://bit.ly/ccesmusicinfo

We will hold our CCES Literacy Night on Tuesday, October 14th. We are accepting donations of gently used or new books that are appropriate for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Have your child drop off a book to the bin in the front foyer or in their pod area. If a child's name is written in the front of the book, we ask that you kindly scratch out the name. All students who attend our Lit Night will take home one of these books! Feel free to donate as many books as you wish! Thank you!

Please RSVP with the QR code below or here.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will host a Family Academy Kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m.-noon at Oakland Mills High School, 9410 Kilimanjaro Rd. The districtwide event is open to all HCPSS families and will feature:

• An informative session with HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes
• Resource tables hosted by HCPSS offices and local organizations
• Information on programs, resources, and services available throughout the school year

Childcare and language access will be provided.

Registration is encouraged via online form listed below.

• Register in English
• Inscripción al evento 2025
• 家庭学校 2025 年开学典礼注册
• 2025 HCPSS 가족 아카데미 출범 행사 등록
• Event Flyers

For more information about the event or to get involved, contact Dr. Shereé Tilley-Whitaker at sheree_tilley-whitaker@hcpss.org or 410-313-6804.

https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2025/07/hcpss-kickoff-to-build-on-school-family-community-relationships-aug-16-2025/

One of the best ways to support the PTA is by becoming a member. Membership dues are used to support the many initiatives and activities sponsored by PTA throughout the year. Grab you individual or family membership today: bit.ly/ccesPTA

The PTA is looking for parent volunteers to help run the many fun events and initiatives sponsored throughout the year. We are especially in need of parents willing to assist with the annual Read-a-Thon, Reflections Art Program, the Book Fair, and our fall Trunk-or-Treat. If you are interested in learning more about these volunteer opportunities and getting involved, let us know today! bit.ly/ccesPTAvolunteer

Today is the day for the annual kick off to family fun this school year! Bring your own dinner and a blanket or chairs to sit on. Get to know our Clemens Crossing community! Snowballs, popcorn, and spiritwear will be available for purchase. We are still looking for a few parent volunteers to assist with popcorn and snow cone sales. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4AABA72FA5FC1-58091139-ptabacktoschool

Are you curious about what the PTA does? Do you have ideas about ways we can build community at CCES? Please join us for the first PTA meeting of the school year! We will review and approve the budget for the year, share highlights from the summer, and preview some exciting ways to get involved with PTA this year. The agenda will be sent out early next week and is available on the PTA website: https://clemenscrossingpta.org/

Backpack Bundles is a PTA-led initiative that discreetly provides nourishing, easy-to-prepare meals to students who need a little extra support. This program is 100% funded by donations and powered by volunteers like you. It’s a simple way to make a big difference in our community. Interested in receiving a backpack bundle? Please reach out to our school counselor, Mrs. Rogers at ann_rogers@hcpss.org OR your child's homeroom teacher. All requests and distribution are confidential.

There are several easy ways to contribute:
👉 Sign up here
🛒 Order from our Amazon Wishlist: Click here
🎉 Bring donations to the CCES Back to School Picnic
📦 Drop off items in the CCES foyer bin
💵 Make a monetary donation: Donate here

Questions?

Jenny Lease – jenniferfisher4@gmail.com
Annie Weinschenk – annie.weinschenk@gmail.com
Let’s come together to make sure every child at CCES has what they need to thrive 💙

The PTA sponsors several exciting afterschool activities. Check out the opportunities below.

iCook: Bake it 'Til You Make It - Mondays starting September 15

In this exciting after-school baking adventure, kids will whip up delicious treats with a healthier twist! Each class features two recipes— a mix of sweet and savory—that are seasonally inspired, like pumpkin brownies or avocado chocolate mousse. From muffins to mini-pizzas, young chefs will discover how to turn wholesome ingredients into mouthwatering creations. With hands-on learning, simple techniques, and a dash of creativity, kids will gain confidence in the kitchen while developing lifelong skills. Let’s bake up nutritious and delicious fun together!

https://www.icookafterschool.com/events/clemens-crossing-monday-3

Volleyball After School - Mondays starting September 22

One of the fastest-growing sports in the country—is coming to Clemens Crossing Elementary School! Our programs are designed to build physical literacy, community, fun, and a lifelong love for sports for kids ages 5–11. Join Volleyball Academy’s 8 week co-ed program this fall and give your child the chance to learn, play, and grow in a positive, exciting environment.

• FIRST TOUCH ACADEMY - Ages 5–8: Build fundamentals with fun games and drills. Players develop coordination, balance, and confidence in a low-net, small-court setting that makes volleyball easy to learn and love.

• RISE ACADEMY - Ages 8–11: Grow skills in a structured, supportive environment. Through engaging games and smart coaching, players improve technique, decision-making, and teamwork—without the pressure of club volleyball.

Learn more about our programs at www.volleyballacademy.com.

To register now, visit www.volleyballacademy.com/locations/Howard-County

Silver Knights Chess Academy: Chess Club - Tuesdays starting September 30th

Learn chess with Silver Knights Academy, [formerly known as Magnus Chess 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 (in-person and online) outside of club time. This in-person club includes free online extras including weekly practice tournaments, a Chesskid Gold membership ($49 value!), and a bonus lesson with chess grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen or Judit Polgar, the best female chess player ever. All chess supplies provided. All skill levels are welcome. For more information please visit chessacademy.com.

https://chessacademy.com/products/clemens-crossing-chess-club

Fall Play - Annie Jr - Wednesdays starting September 17 (performance date December 10) [Open to Grades 3, 4, 5]

Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts presents Annie Jr! Students learn the fundamentals of musical theater including choreography, character development, and stage direction. This program meets for 11 after-school classes and culminates with a pizza cast party and an evening performance for family and friends on the final day of the class with a full stage production complete with theatrical sets, costumes, and sound!

https://cctarts.shop/programs/elementary-after-school/

KidzArt: After School Art - Thursdays starting September 25

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. Within each session, students will explore a variety of artist grade materials, such as oil and chalk pastels, watercolor, clay, metal tooling, specialty 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!

REGISTER HERE

The Mental Health Advisory Council (MHCAC) is a group of community members who seek to remove barriers and build awareness for behavioral health support in Howard County for our children and families. HCPSS is an active member of MHCAC.

MHCAC Fall Newsletter 2025

These classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students on site at Clemens Crossing ES, benefitting both the child(ren) and parents!

Calling all sailors to the Raingutter Regatta! Come build and float a boat this afternoon at the PTA's Back to School Picnic at 5pm on the blacktop! This is just an example of some of the kinds of activities we do throughout the year, which incorporate STEM concepts with a ton of fun. Want to know more and can't come tonight? Find us at both Back to School Nights, on 9/9 & 9/11. We welcome all children, kindergarten - 5th grade. Email any inquiries to Cubmaster@pack618md.com or visit our website at www.pack618md.com.