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

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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

• 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

Calendario en español

西班牙语日历

스페인어로 된 달력

Dear Families,

Thank you for attending our Back-to-School Nights this week! It was great to see so many of you! All powerpoints from the nights will be posted on our website.

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.

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

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.

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/

Starting next week, students in grades 1-5 will take the Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. The MAP window runs through October 24th. The data from the MAP assessment will help schools and teachers measure your student’s academic progress. The MAP test does not affect grades and the difficulty adjusts depending on how your child responds. It is normal for students to only answer about half the questions correctly. To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/ Please make sure your child has headphones at school since they will be used for testing throughout the school year.

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/

There is still time to grab your CCES PTA membership! We are raffling off two CCES swag bags. Anyone who has signed up for a membership by the end of the day today will be entered to win. Remember, PTA membership is annual and must be renewed each year. The best and easiest way to support the PTA is through your membership dues. Join ASAP for a chance to win some great school swag! bit.ly/ccesPTA

The PTA needs your help!

The PTA had a great first meeting this week! Thank you to all of the parents and families who came out or joined us on Zoom. We are excited for a fun-filled year ahead! The PTA is looking for parent volunteers to help run the many events and initiatives we sponsor. If you are interested in learning more about these volunteer opportunities and getting involved, let us know asap as committees are forming soon! bit.ly/ccesPTAvolunteer

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 5–11. 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.

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

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!

Do you want your child to make new friends, learn skills, and build confidence that will serve them for the rest of their lives? Then boy do we have the right activity for you! Cub Scout Pack 618 is open to all kids kindergarten through 5th grade, and we'd love to have your family join us. We have a couple important nights coming up: 9/18 is new family night, at 6pm held in the school cafeteria, where we will go over how the pack works and the awesome activities planned this year. On Saturday 9/20 at 5pm at Martin Road Park we'll have our first picnic of the year, where kids will play and parents can get all the important info. I hope we'll see you soon! Email any inquiries to Cubmaster@pack618md.com or visit our website at www.pack618md.com.