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Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments

Volume 48, Issue 12, October 23, 2026

Clemens CrossingCougar CommentsVolume 48, Issue 12, October 23, 2026
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Clemens Crossing Elementary School

Michelle Leader - Principal

Hetal Patel - Assistant Principal

Website: cces.hcpss.org
Location: 10320 Quarterstaff Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 313-6866
Facebook: facebook.com/ClemensCrossingElementary
X: @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۔

Important Dates Important Dates

Important Upcoming Dates and Events

For a complete list of dates and events, visit https://cces.hcpss.org/events.


October

  • 27 - End of Q1
  • 28 - Schools Closed for Students, Professional Learning Day
  • 30 - PTA Trunk or Treat, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

November

  • 3 - Schools and Offices Closed, Election Day
  • 4 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • 6 - Conference Scheduling begins at 8:00am at hcpss.org/connect
  • 6 - Q1 Report Cards Issued starting at 4:00pm at hcpss.org/connect
  • 11 - Spirit Day, wear Red, White, and Blue for Veterans Day
  • 17 - Financial Literacy Night, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  • 18 - PTA Restaurant Night, Red Robin
  • 19 - Conference Scheduling closes at 4:00pm
  • 23 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Parent/Teacher Conferences (In-Person), 12:55 p.m.
  • 24 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Parent/Teacher Conferences (Virtual), 12:55 p.m.
  • 25 - Schools Closed for Students, Parent/Teacher Conferences (Virtual)
  • 26-27 - Schools and Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Holiday


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

HCPSS Calendars

Add the HCPSS online calendar to your mobile/online calendar by following the steps on the HCPSS calendar page.
PLEASE NOTE! The calendar is subject to change. The online calendar reflects the most recent version.

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October

HCPSS Calendar

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November

HCPSS Calendar

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December

HCPSS Calendar

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October

HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar

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November

HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar

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December

HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar

School News School News

From School Administration

Dear Families,


Our PTA Trunk-or-Treat is a week away! Please make note of the details in the PTA section of our newsletter. We hope you and your family can come out for this fun community event!


Thank you!

Michelle Leader, Principal

Hetal Patel, Assistant Principal

Flu Vaccine Clinics

HCPSS is no longer offering the in-school flu vaccine clinics.

Please use this link to see a schedule of free flu vaccine clinics in the area if you're interested.


https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/flu-respiratory-illness

School pictures are now available!

To see if your child's pictures are available to view, please log in to your account at mylifetouch.com. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one using your email address.

To locate your child's photos, you'll need their Student ID or Portrait ID and Access Code. If you don't have this information, you can:

  • Check your inbox for an email from Lifetouch that may contain your access credentials and a direct link to your child's images.
  • Wait for your proof sheet to arrive, which will include your Portrait ID and Access Code.
  • Contact the Lifetouch Help Center for assistance


Please note that pictures may not become available for all students at the same time, so check back later if you don't see your child's images yet.

Please Complete Family File Information

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. Currently 80% of our families have updated their information. Thank you!!!


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

Quick Reference Guide

Information and Application for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs)

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.

HCPSS Application for Free And Reduced Meals

Bullying Prevention

Bullying prevention starts at home, too. Families can make a difference by keeping the lines of communication open and regularly talking with children about friendships, school experiences, group chats, social media, and how they and their peers treat one another.


Encourage your child to identify trusted adults they can turn to when something doesn't feel right. Talk about what they can safely do if they witness someone being mistreated—such as getting an adult, refusing to join in or laugh, checking on the student afterward, or reporting what they saw.

Being an upstander applies online, too. Remind children that liking, sharing, forwarding, commenting on, or reposting hurtful content can increase its impact. Instead, encourage them to avoid participating, save evidence when appropriate, support the person being targeted, and tell a trusted adult.


Children also learn from what they see. Modeling kindness, empathy, inclusion, and respect for others helps reinforce the behaviors we want to see in our schools and communities.

Talk. Notice. Include. Speak Up. Together, we can help create communities where every student feels safe, supported, and valued.


More bullying prevention information and resources can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website.

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Join PTA

The Clemens Crossing PTA is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization committed to community-building activities and experiences for our CCES students, families, and staff members. Many wonderful volunteers make PTA-sponsored activities possible, and we welcome anyone who can bring fresh ideas, energy, and support to any of the PTA’s efforts. Membership dues are the backbone of our financial health, and the best way you can support the PTA is by becoming a member. Sign up today:

Family Membership

Individual Membership

Staff Membership

Community Membership

Trunk-or-Treat - Friday, October 30 5:30-7pm - Volunteers Needed!

Get ready for our annual Trunk-or-Treat event coming up on Friday, October 30 from 5:30-7pm. All students and their families are invited to attend this fun fall celebration. Wear your costume and join in our costume parade, and then trick or treat around the decorated trunks in the parking lot. We will have raffles, tattoos, and a craft station. Volunteers are still needed to help make this event a success. We especially need a few parent volunteers to help sell raffle tickets during the event. If you are able to help, please sign up asap. There are only a few trunk spots left in the parking lot - if you are planning to host a trunk, be sure to sign up and grab your spot today!

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Family Financial Night - Fun with Money! Tuesday, November 17 6-8pm - RSVP today!

Join us for a Family Financial Fun Night, hosted by the Maryland Council on Economic Education and SECU! This FREE evening is designed for kids in 3rd-5th grade, with something for all ages and experience levels. Through games and prizes, kids and parents alike will explore the basics of money in a way that is engaging, hand-on, and fun. It is a great first step toward building financial confidence at home. DINNER IS PROVIDED! Come hungry and ready to play and learn! Sign up today!

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Red Robin Restaurant Night

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Red Robin Restaurant Night - Spanish

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🛒 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

From the Community From the Community

Looking for a place to make new friends, try exciting things, and make a difference? Girl Scouts is all about discovering your strengths, building confidence, having fun, and creating memories with an amazing group of girls.


We are Emma, Priscila and Noelia from Girl Scout Troop 2090 (Central Maryland). We are working on our Silver Award where we are trying to get more Girl Scout troops at Clemens Crossing Elementary School. So that more girls can build lasting memories and friendships like we did.


Please fill out the form below so that we can help the troops grow.


https://forms.gle/2ab3j6MghrgERA2eA

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Click here to register for Howard County Recreation & Parks activities at CCES
Clemens Crossing ES Registration Page
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Cub Scouts Pack 618

One week, a Cub Scout meeting might involve kids figuring out how to set up a tent all by themselves. Another week, a Howard County Councilmember might be a guest speaker and the kids hear first-hand about the realities of governing our county and get to ask questions. These are very different activities, but both help shape a child's view of themselves, their capabilities, and their future. It's a great mix of fun and learning and exposure to new things! Want this for your child? Then join us! We accept all elementary students, kindergarten through fifth-grade. Please email questions at Cubmaster@pack618md.com or visit our website at www.pack618md.com.

Michelle Leader
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