Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments
March 13, 2020 - Volume 41, Issue 26
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Sonia Hurd, Assistant Principal
Website: cces.hcpss.org
Location: 10320 Quarterstaff Road, Columbia, MD, United States
Phone: 410-313-6866
Facebook: facebook.com/ClemensCrossingElementary
Twitter: @hcpss_cces
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
March
- SCHOOLS CLOSED - MARCH 16-27
April
- 1 - Arab American Heritage Month
- 2 - Makers Faire and Math Night (rescheduled from January), 6:15 p.m.
- 3 - World Autism Day
- 3 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early: Professional Work Day, 12:45 p.m.
- 3 - End of 3rd Quarter
- 4 thru 13 - SPRING BREAK
- 14 - School Reopens
- 23 - Take Your Child to Work Day
- 23 - CCES Talent Show (moved from 3/27)
- 28 - Schools and Offices Closed: Primary Election Day
- 29 - In-School Banking, 9:00 a.m.
To subscribe to the CCES calendar on your smartphone, electronic device, or email system use the calendar ID sqspkjkbr6v6arss44js3n21eg@group.calendar.google.com.
From School Administration
Coronavirus Updates - As of 3/13/20
As you know, schools are closed from March 16-27. Please look for updates from the Howard County Public School System through email. A complete, one-stop location for information is on the HCPSS Website - https://www.hcpss.org/health/coronavirus/.
We will follow email with any school-specific information as needed.
Social Media and Elementary-Aged Children
We all know that as much as technology has opened new worlds to our children, it has also put them at risk of predators and of growing up too soon through exposure to things they shouldn’t see especially among elementary-aged children. The risks associated with social media and online platforms are compounded by the fact that those platforms are on mobile devices and can be used anywhere.
Recently, even with all of the technology classroom lessons focused on the cautions about online activity and social media, we became aware that students at Clemens Crossing have social media accounts such as TikTok. The content involved other students and school business in a negative manner. While most social media platforms have terms of service age restrictions of 13 years of age or older, TikTok has a “Younger Users” provision allowing children younger than 13 years of age on their social media site. Because of TikTok's emphasis on popular music, many videos include swearing and sexual lyrics, so it may not be age-appropriate for kids to use on their own. It's also easy to find people wearing revealing clothing and dancing suggestively, although TikTok won't let you search for objectionable content. If you supervise your kids and stick to songs you already know from the radio, TikTok can be a kid-friendly experience. In 2019, after settling with the Federal Trade Commission for child privacy violations due to all the children under 13 on the site, the developers created a separate section of the app for kids that only allows them to access curated, clean videos. They can't comment, search, or post their own videos. However, bypassing that section only requires entering a false birthdate.
The decision to allow your child to participate in social media platforms under the age of 13 is a parental decision. Most social media platforms require users to be 13 years old or older. If you do allow your child to be on social media, consider information from the website, Common Sense Media - Elementary-aged Children on Social Media and Parents’ Ulitmate Guide to Tik Tok. We also encourage you to review the school system’s policies; Responsible Use of Technology, Social Media (Policy 8080), Safe and Supportive Schools (Policy 1040), and Bullying/Cyberbullying (Policy 1060). It’s important for parents and caregivers to do all we can to help our children use technology safely and wisely. If social media spills into school on the elementary level, accounts will be reported as violations to terms of service to the social media platform. Furthermore, depending on the situation, school-based disciplinary actions could result in violations of school system policies.
It is extremely important for parents and guardians to learn about how and what online content children access. Supervision is essential at this age. This includes social media, online searches, and gaming. We want to make sure students are safe and responsible at school and at home while online.
NEW INFORMATION
International Night POSTPONED
After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone International Night to later in the year. This is a precautionary measure in response to coronavirus concerns to make absolutely sure that everyone in our community stays healthy and safe. We will be rescheduling this amazing event to later this spring when we can all be together to celebrate the many beautiful cultures (and delicious food) of our CCES families!
CCES Science Fair 2020
Your child is invited to participate in this year’s Science Fair on Thursday, May 28 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. during our Schoolwide Showcase. The Showcase will highlight the remarkable things our extraordinary students have done this year at Clemens Crossing Elementary School. The Science Fair, GT Enrichment Fair, PTA Reflections, and Classroom Displays are all part of the annual showcase.
If your child is interested in doing a Science Fair Collection, Investigation, or Invention at home, please download the corresponding attachment below. Students may do projects individually or as a group. Once your child has identified a project, please complete the online, “Intent to Participate form.” Students who elect to participate will have their name read on the morning announcements and their name printed and hung on a hallway wall display. Directions on where and when to bring in the projects will be shared individually with participants and in future Cougar Comments and by email correspondences. We are excited to highlight the commitment shown and the hard work done by the CCES students this year. Many thanks for all of your support at home and in the building this year.
Science Fair COLLECTION (K-2 only)
Science Fair INVESTIGATION (K-5)
Art Exhibit Reception Cancelled.
In an abundance of caution, we are officially canceling the exhibit reception on March 18th. The event is very large and we are getting some concerned comments from our community members.
However, for the time being, the Center will remain open to the public and we would love to encourage families to come and view the exhibit on their own.
Our gallery hours are:
Monday-Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday 12pm-4pm
A Message from Mr. Schmitt
I've been getting lots of questions from students as to what to do over the next few weeks. I'm not sending any art supplies or artwork home for students to work on over this time off. I will be disinfecting many things in the Art room, including tools, supplies, and student work.
Over the break, students can stay sharp with a variety of activities. However, nothing is mandatory. There are activities already written in what HCPSS has shared with community members. In addition, sketching, drawing, coloring, painting, and building of any kind is always helpful in maintaining skills and progress. Reading about artists is another great way to learn. And, students can access many art museum websites over the internet, starting with artists or processes we learned about in class.
Lastly, I wanted to share some not so great news. The 48th Annual Art Exhibition at the Mall in Columbia has been canceled. It was a decision reached between the school system and the operators of the mall. Many students were looking forward to hearing if their work was chosen, and as an art teacher, this wasn't easy for me to accept either. The mall show is one of many exhibits art teachers are responsible for each year, and it's always a huge event that is wonderful to experience. I'm so sorry that it won't happen this year, as it is the first year it has ever been canceled.
Artfully...
Mr. Schmitt
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
Field Day Tee-Shirts
The Physical Education department would like to offer you an opportunity to purchase the official 2020 Clemens Crossing Field Day t-shirt. This is our primary fundraiser for the PE department. We use the funds to purchase big-ticket items like scoreboards, climbing wall mats, audio/visual equipment, etc. If you choose not to purchase a t-shirt we ask that you have your child wear the color of their squad in PE class on the day of field day. Paper forms are in Friday Folders. There is an online payment option you can use. We need the paper form to indicate size and color of shirt if you pay online. The button below is linked to the online order form, and you can download the form underneath that button link. Thank you for supporting PE at CCES!
Mr. Robinson and Mr. Griffis
Save the Date - Open House 2020
Kindergarten Open House
Friday, August 21, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
First Grade through Fifth Grade
Friday, August 21, 2020 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
We are still working on logistics for Back-to-School Nights and will notify the community in the Spring.
A Story Called Kindness Poster Contest - Entries Due April 1
All students in grades K–12 are invited to design a poster to illustrate a scene from your life story where you’ve shown someone kindness or offered a helping hand. Students may enter as an individual or as part of a group. Full details, including entry criteria and submission information, are available online.
Deadline to order - April 15, 2020
Makers Faire - New Date!
Thursday, Apr 2, 2020, 06:15 PM
Clemens Crossing Elementary School, Quarterstaff Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Cougar Feedback
CCES Talent Show
Thursday, Apr 23, 2020, 06:30 PM
Clemens Crossing Elementary School, Quarterstaff Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Community News & Information
Summer Camp Opportunity
Cub Scout Pack 618
Pack 618 has a number of events coming up. All girls and boys are welcome to check out the activities. On March 21 from 1-4pm, Pack 618 will be shooting off model rockets at the CCES field. On April 18, the pack will be touring the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Finally, the pack is planning a trip to Hershey Park on June 14th with discounted tickets being purchased during March.
Please contact the Pack 618 Cub Master (cubmaster@pack618md.com) with any questions.
TACO ‘BOUT PLATING IT FORWARD!
The Wilde Lake Middle School Performing Arts Boosters is requesting community support for their upcoming restaurant night fundraiser.
Please save the date for Taco Tuesday at Chipotle in Columbia Mall on March 24, 2020, from 5 pm to 9 pm. Bring or show the attached flyer for dine-in-only purchases to help raise funds for the WLMS band, theatre, chorus, and orchestra programs. Take a night off from cooking and dine to donate! Thank you.
English flyer:
Spanish flyer:
SUMMER BASEBALL CAMPS - SIGN UP NOW! - Weekly camps all summer long
Director Casey Medairy is a head coach at Hammond High School, former Division I college baseball player, and former NABF Batting Champion. Instructors are current or former college coaches and players with years of experience. Rotate through different stations that emphasize skill. Finish the day with controlled practice games to work on in-game scenarios and situations. Quality instruction is our top priority.
Coach Medairy has a philosophy that baseball needs to be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience for the youth player. Through playing and practicing the game of baseball will be the focus of our staff, there will be an underlying theme of sportsmanship, positive attitude, and hustle instilled in the players. Our hope is that the youth player will have one of the most enjoyable camp experiences they have ever had. Our goal is for your child to come home and say “I learned a lot today – And I had a Great Time!”
Contact Casey_A_Medairy@hcpss.org