Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments
Volume 48, Issue 11, October 16, 2026
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
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
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Spanish
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Urdu
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Important Dates
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
October
- 16 - Schools Closed for Students, Staff Workday
- 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.
- 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.
October
HCPSS Calendar
November
HCPSS Calendar
December
HCPSS Calendar
October
HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar
November
HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar
December
HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar
School News
From School Administration
Dear Families,
We have had another great week at CCES!!! As the weather begins to turn colder, please ensure that your child's name is written in any jackets, gloves, etc. This helps us get them back to students when they are missing. Our lost and found is already pretty full! Thank you for your help!
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!!!
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.
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:
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!
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!
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.
Cub Scouts Pack 618
Cub Scouts learn early on that they can do more than they or their parents might have thought they were capable of. We go on hikes while camping and a few other times a year, and even the kindergarteners manage to walk multiple miles, a feat they might never have attempted otherwise! We won't pretend that there's no whining, but everyone makes it back, and the pride on their faces is unmistakable. Our next hike is at Harper's Ferry on 10/25, so if you want this accomplishment for your child, all you have to do is 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.