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

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۔

September

• 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.) - 6:00am-10:00pm
• 24 - PTA Trunk-or-Treat, 5-7pm
• 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,

Student attendance is a key element in all students' success. We have noticed a trend of many absences the day before or after a holiday. Please ensure that your child is at school every day and on time. They should be in class by 9:23am so they are ready to start their day. Students should only be absent for illnesses. We have amazing teachers and staff! You definitely want your child learning with them every day!!!

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 currently have 83% of our forms completed!!!!! Let's get to 100%!!!!!! 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.

We’re so excited to see our school community come together in our Belonging Hearts project! If you haven’t had a chance yet, please take a moment to create your heart at home with your child and send it in. Each heart helps us celebrate the unique and wonderful connections that make our school special. Please have your child turn them in to their teacher by ASAP. Thank you!

Empowered Online: Tools & Tips for Raising Responsible Digital Citizens, a virtual event designed for families with elementary-aged students.

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Location: Online via Google Meet
Audience: Families of elementary school students

Flyer

Join the Office of Instructional Technology & Library Media for an informative session where you will discover the HCPSS Digital Citizenship Curriculum and explore effective ways to support your student(s) as they navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Register here: https://bit.ly/DCFamilyNightLinks to an external site.

We hope to see you there!

HCPSS is not offering flu or Covid vaccine clinics during school hours this year. Here is a list of other opportunities for the vaccines.

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.

The Health Department will not be administering the flu shot at schools this year. Below is a list of other opportunities for getting the flu shot.

Wed. Oct. 8

Wed. Oct. 8

Sat. Oct. 11

Fri. Oct. 17

Wed. Oct. 22

Wed. Oct. 29

Sun. Nov. 2

Sat. Nov. 15

Sun. Nov. 16

Walk-ups are accepted at all Health Department flu clinic events. No pre-registration is required. Additional dates for walk-up flu vaccination at the Health Department will be announced later in the fall.

The Howard County Health Department will offer FREE flu shots at various community events this fall. Below please find more information about the flu vaccines available: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/seasonal-flu

• Many local healthcare providers and pharmacies also have flu and other fall respiratory vaccines available. Contact your preferred location directly for more information.

Please check the grade level Canvas page for information and descriptions of the GT Instructional Seminars that are being offered this year. A description of each seminar as well as google forms for sign up were sent as announcements on both the 4th and 5th grade pages. As a reminder, any 4th and 5th grader can sign up and seminars are held once a week during recess for approximately 9-10 weeks. Thank you in advance for your interest in the seminars offered this year.

This fall HCPSS is offering SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) parent groups for parents of HCPSS students experiencing anxiety. More info at the link below.

https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2025/09/hcpss-to-offer-training-program-for-parents-guardians-of-anxious-students/

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.

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 26, 2025.

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

We hope you can join us for Literacy Night on October 14th!

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/

Parenting Classes: Free! On Zoom and open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in HoCo or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in HoCo. Evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. The curriculum was written for families with children 9-14 years old, but it is appropriate for K-12 families. Class dates: November 11, 13, 18, 20 and December 2 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://tinyurl.com/GGC-Fall2025

Drive-Thru Medication Disposal: Saturday, October 25 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the Swim Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more. Unlike previous events, we will not collect sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens). Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Earn Community Service Hours! Giving away 100 medication lockboxes. For more information and to volunteer visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/

Teen Advisory Council: Open to Howard County students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. Next meeting: Monday September 29, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. Earn Community Service Hours. Register to receive the meeting link: https://forms.gle/SgMrjdeo11JpNuuV8 For more information, visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

Free Newsletter: Stay up to date with HC DrugFree's free events offering Community Service Hours to HoCo students, resources, and a variety of substance use and behavioral health information! Sign up for HC DrugFree's free digital newsletter: https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/

The best and easiest way to support the PTA is through your membership dues. Remember, PTA membership is annual and must be renewed each year. Thank you for supporting our PTA by becoming a member today! bit.ly/ccesPTA

It is time to get ready for our annual Trunk-or-Treat event at CCES! This is a community favorite and a special tradition for our CCES community. We need LOTS of family participation to help make this event great. Ways to participate include:

• Volunteer – We are looking for parent volunteers to help sell raffle tickets, serve as candy runners, and direct traffic before/during/after to make sure kids stay safe. Please consider giving an hour of your time to help make this a fun and safe event for all!
• Host a trunk – Sign up at the link below to host a trunk! Be creative and decorate a trunk as a candy station during the event. Those “trunking” can arrive at 4:30 to set up.
• Please note, no other vehicles will be permitted in the parking lot. Please consider carpooling, walking, or street parking.
• Donate candy – We’ll need plenty of candy to replenish our “trunkers” during the event. There will be a bin near the playground/blacktop. Drop off a bag of candy when you arrive.

Sign up today! http://bit.ly/CCEStrunkortreat2025

For additional event details including a full event timeline, visit the PTA website: clemenscrossingpta.org

Get ready - the annual CCES Read-a-Thon is coming back this fall! Our Read-a-Thon is a wonderful tradition that helps our kids find joy in reading! Students keep track of how many minutes they read each day and work towards a school-wide goal. The class with the most minutes read will win a prize! Additionally, students can have friends and family members sponsor them as a reader. Donations we receive from the Read-a-Thon help continue to support the many events and initiatives the PTA sponsors throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details on how to set up your student up and participate in our Read-a-Thon!

The National PTA’s 2025 Reflections program provides access to the arts and opportunities for recognition to help students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and to develop confidence and a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. The PTA Reflections Program aims to:

• Inspire students and families to creatively engage around the annual theme
• Encourage continued participation in the arts.
• Share resources to support families’ artistic endeavors and access arts education opportunities.
• Provide student artists access to recognition and celebrations for their creative talent.

The 2025-2026 Reflections is I Belong! In Reflections, entries must be inspired by the annual theme. Creativity and uniqueness of your creative interpretation of the theme are highly valued during the review process.

To learn more about the PTA Reflections program, visit PTA.org/Reflections

If your child is interested in participating in this year’s Reflections program, please submit an interest form by October 15th.

🎒 We’re officially BOOKED on baggers for Backpack Bundles through the rest of the year — wow!! 🙌 A massive THANK YOU to all the scout troops, sports teams, and incredible parent volunteers who showed up and made this initiative shine. Your support means the world! 💙 But the mission isn’t over. If you’ve been wanting to get involved, there’s still a way to make a big impact:

🛒 Shop our Amazon Wish List

💸 Make a monetary donation

🛒 You can support Backpack Bundles by dropping off shelf-stable food items in the school lobby! Each year, the need grows every donation helps us keep students nourished and ready to learn. 💙 Let’s keep the momentum going and continue supporting our school and community together!

💪 #BackpackBundles #CommunityStrong

We have an outstanding lineup for after school activities. If your child is interested in chess, cooking, volleyball, or art - see below for more information.

None of these programs require any experience with the activity (just a willingness to try!) and kids are dismissed directly to the program from their class.

iCook: Bake it 'Til You Make It - Mondays starting September 29

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 mouth watering 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 29

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 5–14. Join Volleyball Academy’s 7 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.
• MINI VOLLEY - Ages 11-14: Whether new to the game or building on experience, Mini Volley, helps middle schoolers grow and develop essential volleyball skills.

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

To register now, visit www.volleyball academy.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

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

Registration for Girls on the Run Fall 2025 Season opened on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Girls on the Run® inspires participants in grades 3-5 to be joyful, healthy, and confident by using running to teach valuable life skills. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. Clemens Crossing GOTR will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm starting September 24. The season-ending 5K for Howard County will be on Saturday, December 6 at 8:30 a.m. The program registration fee is $210, which includes lessons, all program materials, 5K and program shirts, a water bottle, and more. Financial assistance is available! Visit www.gotrcentralmd.org for a list of program sites and to register. Questions? Call 443-583-7740.

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!

Just two weekends away we have our first camping trip of the year, and the kids are stoked! Here in Pack 618, we make camping easy, whether you're a super seasoned outdoorsy family or a first-timer. We provide all the meals and all the activities, including hiking, playing field games, and a campfire complete with skits, songs, and jokes. We promise your child will have a great time and sleep well! Want to join us? There's still time: to find out more information, email us at Cubmaster@pack618md.com or visit our website at www.pack618md.com.