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۔

March

• 21 - PTA International Night, 6:30 p.m.
• 21 - PTA Book Fair Begins, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (every evening through 3/27)
• 25 - Maryland Day - wear Maryland shirt or red, black, and yellow
• 28 - Baseball Day - wear your favorite baseball team's jersey, hat, or colors
• 31 - Full Day of School due to calendar change

April

• 1 - Time to be Green Tuesday - wear green
• 2 - Autism Awareness Day - wear blue
• 4 - End of 3rd Marking Period
• 9 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
• 14-21 - Spring Break, Schools Closed
• 22 - Earth Day - wear blue and/or green
• 23 - Hat Day or wear bright colors - The Sun is bright, so turn off the lights!
• 24 - Wear blue - reminds us to protect our oceans
• 25 - Stuffed Animal Day - reminds us to save our endangered species
• 25 - Report Cards Issued, 4:00 p.m.
• 29 - Talent Show Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.
• 30 - Talent Show Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

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 2024-2025 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

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Dear Families,

Our PTA is hosting our CCES International Night tonight at 6:30pm. It is always a fantastic event!!! We hope to see you there!!!!

Thank you!

Mrs. Leader, Principal

Mrs. Gittleson, Assistant Principal

We would like to take a moment to recognize and support our students and staff who will be observing this important time. Ramadan begins on Friday, February 28, and ends on Sunday, March 29. Ramadan is a time of fasting, reflection, and community, and we want to ensure that we create a respectful and inclusive environment for all.

Beginning on Friday, February 28, we will have an alternative location available for students during lunch who observe Ramadan and prefer not to be in the cafeteria.

If your child will be fasting and you would like them to spend their lunchtime in a supervised alternative location, please email our School Counselor, Ann Rogers, at ann_rogers@hcpss.org.

Do you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025? Or, do you know a student who lives in our neighborhood that will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025? If so, then it is time to start thinking about Kindergarten! Kindergarten registration is an online process. Please see this website for the information you'll need to gather ahead of time and starting March 3, this is where you'll go to register. Feel free to contact our office with any questions at 410-313-6866.

Hello Clemens Crossing Cougars! We’re a group of fifth graders trying to collect items and money for people in need at Grassroots. We’re looking for items that people would need if they became unhoused.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Register! Thank you!

Ruari, Katie, Vedanshi, Frank, Aadhav, Daniel, Lulu

Howard County Literacy Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2024-2025 Young Authors' Contest

Poems and short stories that won at the school level were submitted to the county level of the Young Authors' Contest. Students in grades 1 through 12 from public and private schools participated in this writing contest. The names of all winners are posted on the Howard County Literacy Association website. Congratulations to all the winners!

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.

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.

Please do not send medication (over-the-counter or prescription) to school with your child. An adult must bring it in with the necessary form signed by a healthcare provider.

Cough drops without medication in them may be self-carried by students with written parent permission and specific instructions. The instructions should include the name of the product, reason for administration, and amount and frequency of administration; no more than 3 cough drops per day (every two hours) for no longer than 5 school days. Please instruct your student not to share them with others.

Mark your calendars for a vibrant celebration of our school's incredible diversity at the CCES International Night on Friday, March 21st! Immerse yourself in a global experience brimming with cultural exploration, delicious food, and electrifying performances.

The festivities begin at 6:30 pm with our exhibition of tables from different nations and cultures. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of different countries! Explore interactive displays, learn fascinating facts, and savor delicious treats from around the world.

Become a Country Table Host: Share your heritage and connect with our community by hosting a country table! Showcase your culture with a colorful display, artifacts, interesting facts, and traditional food to share. Families are welcome to team up and represent a single region for a more impactful presentation. Each country table host will receive half a cafeteria table sized space for your display. Space is limited to 18-20 countries, so sign up below and be sure to indicate your country. Once you sign up, we will reach out with additional details and answer any questions that you have.

Country table hosts arrive at 6 PM on the night for set-up.

Sign up here: https://evite.me/ePmvUKV9QR

Volunteer Opportunities: Make this event even more spectacular by lending a helping hand. We're searching for volunteers to assist with set-up and clean-up. Every contribution makes a difference!

Spread the Word and Join the Fun! We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the mosaic of cultures that make the Clemens Crossing community so vibrant.

Questions? Contact us at: culturalarts@clemenscrossingpta.org

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

Get Ready for the Scholastic Book Fair at CCES!

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to the CCES Media Center – and we want YOU to join the fun!

When: Friday, March 21st 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Monday through Thursday, March 24th-27th: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

This event is an exciting fundraiser for the PTA and a wonderful opportunity to stock up on books for your family, support your child’s classroom, and give back to CCES! Book fliers will be coming home with students soon.

Volunteer & Help Us Run the Fair – This event runs smoothly thanks to our amazing volunteers. We’d love your help! Sign up to volunteer and be a part of this exciting event.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4BA4A72DA1FF2-54866741-scholastic#/

Sign Up for an e-Wallet – Make shopping easier and cash-free! Create an e-Wallet for your child and send them off to shop for books without worrying about cash. It’s a quick, safe way to fund their shopping experience.

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/content/fairs/ewallet.html

Shop for Books & Gifts – Don’t miss out! Come shop for books for your kids and find amazing gifts for the whole family. Plus, you can donate books to your child's classroom or purchase a gift certificate for their teacher!

Cash & credit card payments accepted

Join here: https://clemens.givebacks.com/

The single most important thing you can do to support PTA this year is to join! Your $15 membership goes a long way to help us run programs like the Science Fair, International Night, Talent Show, Trunk or Treat, the Book Fair, Holiday Shop and so much more. Did you know that our PTA helps reduce the cost of school field trips through direct sponsorship? PTA also offers scholarships for students to participate in after school activities. All of these things and more are made possible through families and staff joining our PTA!

Our CCES PTA makes a big contribution to our school through family events, student enrichment and staff appreciation. Be part of it! Becoming a member does not obligate you to volunteer your time. There are many ways big and small to be involved in PTA throughout the year but if there is only ONE thing you're able to do for PTA , simply become a member and make a contribution to the excellence of our Clemens school community.

Join here: https://clemens.givebacks.com/

Family Resiliency Program—a free, 8-week online program designed to help parents support their child's mental wellness, build resilience, and foster success in school.

What FRP Offers:

✅ Practical tools for handling parenting challenges

✅ Strategies to support your child’s emotions and motivation

✅ A supportive community of parents

✅ A $50 gift card for attending at least 5 sessions + the final session

Program Details:

📅 Offered in February, April, and October – Meets once a week in the evening for 1.5 hours over 8 weeks

💻 Held online via Zoom – Join easily from home

👥 Led by expert PEP facilitators with engaging discussions & videos

📍 Open to families in Montgomery, Howard, Frederick & Dorchester Counties

👉 Click here to register now!

👉 For additional information about PEP

Curious about the program? Watch this video to learn more!

Spots are limited to 25 participants per group, so don’t wait!

Free Parenting/Grandparenting Classes - Open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in Howard County or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in the County. 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 olds, but we believe it is appropriate for K-12 families. Class dates: March 18, 21, 25, 28 and April 1 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Spring2025GGC

Drive-Thru Medication and Sharps Disposal – Saturday, April 26 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, EpiPens and other sharps, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more! Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Giving away 100 medication lockboxes.

For more information: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/

To sign up to volunteer: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/4-26-25TakeBack

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 May 19, 2025, from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. For more information, visit: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

NEW! Refer a Friend and Get Free Aftercare!

STEMVillage Leadership Summer Camp offers rising 3rd–6th graders an opportunity to dive into STEM and leadership. Through hands-on projects and fun challenges, campers boost their critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and public speaking—all while making lasting summer memories.

This summer, we’re hosting two sessions:

Session 1 (July 7–11, 2025):

• Explore simple machines and design bottle rockets

• Sharpen public speaking skills with interactive presentations and group STEM pitches

Session 2 (July 28–August 1, 2025):

• Tackle problem-solving challenges like egg drops and bridge-building competitions

• Enhance collaboration and innovation through teamwork exercises

Special Offer: Refer a friend, and if they sign up, you’ll receive free aftercare!

Early bird pricing is just $350 per week—now extended to March 14, 2025 due to popular demand.

Don’t miss this chance for a summer full of STEM fun, leadership development, and extra aftercare benefits. For more details and to register, visit tinyurl.com/stemvillage25. Spaces are limited—sign up now!

These classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students on site at Clemmons Crossing, benefitting both the child(ren) and parents!

Register Here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&center_ids=113&activity_department_ids=3&viewMode=list