Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments

Michelle Leader - Principal

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

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۔

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

September

• 23 - Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices Closed
• 25 - PTA Restaurant Night at Noodles & Co., 4:00-8:00pm
• 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

Calendario en español

西班牙语日历

스페인어로 된 달력

Dear Families,

It has been another great week at CCES!!! We wanted to share that the Power Points from our Back-to-School Nights are on our website and can be found here. Please access the link especially if you were unable to attend.

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 Monday, September 22 so we can display them all together. Thank you!

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.

Sat., Oct. 4

11am - 2pm

Hope Bible Church Harvest Festival

9112 Guilford Rd, Columbia, MD 21046

Sat., Oct. 4

12pm - 4pm

Howard County Recreation & Parks Fall Festival
North Laurel Community Center

9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel MD 20723

Wed. Oct. 8

3pm - 6pm

Miller Branch Library

9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Wed. Oct. 8

5:30pm - 8:30pm

Hispanic Heritage Month Resource Fair
Deep Run Elementary School

6925 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge, MD 21075

Sat. Oct. 11

11am - 2pm

Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department Open House

5700 Rowanberry Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075

Fri. Oct. 17

12pm - 4pm

Dar Al-Taqwa Mosque

10740 MD-108, Columbia, MD 21042

Wed. Oct. 22

4pm - 7pm

Elkridge Branch Library

6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075

Wed. Oct. 29

6pm - 7:30pm

Homewood Center Trunk or Treat

10914 MD-108, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Sun. Nov. 2

12pm - 1:30pm

Chin Bethel Church Elkridge

6801 Douglas Legum Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075

Sat. Nov. 15

8am - 4pm

Howard County Health Department

8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045

Sun. Nov. 16

8am - 4pm

Howard County Health Department

8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045

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.

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

Hello from the music room! If you have a 4th or 5th grader who loves to sing, please consider registering your student for chorus!

Chorus is an optional course, but it is a great experience for students who love to sing.

-Kate Ritchie

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/

The BSAP Saturday Math Academy fall session is approaching! The program offers an in-person enrichment for Howard County Public School System students in all levels of math for grades 3-12, based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9:00 am until capacity is reached. Class space is limited. Families can register by accessing the HCPSS Connect Website on the registration date. Please contact BSAP Supervisor, Nicole Brown if you have any questions. For more information, please visit: https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2025/09/black-student-achievement-program-bsap-saturday-math-academy-fall-2025-program/

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 28, 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/

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

Spooky season is almost here and 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. Next week we will share details on how to sign up to “trunk” at the event, as well as how to donate candy and/or volunteer to ensure it is a fun and safe evening for all attendees. Stay tuned for more details in next week’s Cougar Comments and on the PTA website: http://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 💙

We have an outstanding lineup for after school activities. Please sign up ASAP because some of the programs have low enrollment and danger of cancellation, which would be a disappointment for the children looking forward to the programs.

If your child is interested in chess, cooking, volleyball, art, or acting - 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.

Our goal is simple: help every child discover a lifelong love of sport and movement—right here at school!

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

Fall Play - Annie Jr - Wednesdays starting September 24 (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

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!

Cub scouting is one of the most informative, fun, and cost-effective activities your elementary-schooler can do! Do you want your child to make new friends, learn skills, and build confidence that will serve them for the rest of their lives? Pack 618 is open to all kids kindergarten through 5th grade, and we'd love to have your family join us. If you are ready to find out a bit more, join us on Saturday 9/20 at 5pm at Martin Road Park for our Fall Picnic - our first pack activity of the year. The kids get to play and parents can get all the important info. We hope to see you soon! Email any inquiries to Cubmaster@pack618md.com or visit our website at www.pack618md.com.