Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments
September 18, 2020 - Volume 42, Issue 6
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
We're Here to Help You!
Edward Cosentino, PrincipalSonia Hurd, Assistant Principal
Stacey Wells, Principal's Secretary
Jennifer Aballo, Teachers' Secretary
Dulce Boyer, Teachers' Secretary
Website: cces.hcpss.org
Location: 10320 Quarterstaff Road, Columbia, MD, United States
Phone: 410-313-6866
Facebook: facebook.com/ClemensCrossingElementary
Twitter: @hcpss_cces
From School Administration
I also want to share that our school serves breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and lunch 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. daily. Feel free to stop by Clemens Crossing Elementary and pick-up a "Grab-n-Go" meal! There is no charge for the meals! If you are closer to Atholton High School, or Swansfield Elementary School, you can go to those schools as well.
As we continue in this virtual model, I want to reiterate the importance of regular attendance and to be sure to have an established learning space within your home. If you need any help, please feel to reach out to me, Mrs. Hurd, or Mrs. Rogers. We are here to help!
Finally, please review the Frequently Asked Questions below. I hope those answers will provide some guidance as we continue to navigate this new learning environment.
Take care!
Mr. Cosentino, Principal
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
September
- 21 - Kindergarten Back to School Night, 6:00 p.m.
- 21 - 1st Grade Back to School Night, 6:30 p.m.
- 21 - 2nd Grade Back to School Night, 7:00 p.m.
- 22 - 3rd Grade Back to School Night, 6:00 p.m.
- 22 - 4th Grade Back to School Night, 6:30 p.m.
- 22 - 5th Grade Back to School Night, 7:00 p.m.
- 23 - Gifted & Talented Back to School Night, 6:30 p.m.
- 28 - No School - Yom Kippur
NEW INFORMATION
PTA Staff Appreciation
The PTA needs your help to show our staff how much we appreciate all their hard work during this challenging time.
We are going to be starting “The Pandemic Games” for the staff. Once every couple of weeks, from now until we get back into the school building, the PTA will be running games and raffles for the staff. We need your help with donated items to give away as prizes. We are asking for donations of gift cards ($10-$20) or holiday-related items for gift baskets (Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc). If there are any parents or guardians that love to do art or craft, we are also looking for donations of arts or crafts to give away.
Please contact Rachael Kelly and Raghavi Patel at staffappreciation@clemenscrossingpta.org for questions or donations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Google Chrome extensions should we have?
Your child's HCPSS issued Chromebook is a learning tool for school. Therefore, we ask that you refrain from using the Chromebook for anything other than school activities.
This includes refraining from adding extensions to Google Chrome that are not educational. Please note, that the addition of extraneous extensions could mean that data is collected by those third-party extension developers, and that is a violation of school policy.
What if I need to manually update the Chrome web browser?
What is Pear Deck
You may be seeing/hearing your child's teachers using Pear Deck to instruct students and perhaps even asking your children to use Pear Deck for engagement purposes.
Pear Deck is a great tool for our teachers to use as they develop engaging virtual lessons. You can download the attached Pear Deck Directions below if needed.
Your engagement and assistance with your child's learning during this virtual learning experience is very much appreciated! Thank you so much for your persistence and amazing support of your children!
What if we need technical support?
Please find below information regarding technology support for fall virtual instruction that includes both self-help resources and how to request technology support.
Student Technology Resources: Provides guides, resources and videos for HCPSS student technology. Below are some direct links to commonly used resources:
Canvas Orientation - includes how to navigate Canvas
Google Meet - includes a video overview of how to login
Chromebooks - provides a variety of resources for using an HCPSS Chromebook
Password and Username Self-Service: Allows families to request a password reset or student’s username. New students can use this application to retrieve their account information. This application is also linked off the hcpss.me website, which also includes user directions.
HCPSS Connect Parent Resources: Provides HCPSS Connect—including Synergy, Canvas, and Family File—guides and videos for parents.
If after reviewing these resources, your family continues to need support, please complete CCES Tech Support Form and one of our staff members will reach out to you as soon as possible. If you cannot access the online form for any reason, please call the school at 410-313-6866.
Staff will attempt to resolve the issue, and if unsuccessful will provide directions for exchanging the broken device for a working one at the school system’s Onsite Technology Center.
How can I organize a quick reference page?
Is there an APP for Canvas?
Parents can use the Canvas Parent app on Android devices and Apple iOS devices. The Canvas Parent app is designed to provide visibility into your child’s education at a glance.
Canvas Parent allows parents to:
- View assignment descriptions and due dates
- Set reminders for assignments
- View assignment grades
- View course grades
- Set grade alerts
- View course announcements
Please visit the Google Play Store or the App Store and search for Canvas Parent in order to download the app to your device.
Where should I direct questions about Related Arts?
Why does the Canvas Calendar not always show all classes?
The Canvas Calendar can show up to 10 classes. Make sure that the 10 classes that your child needs to access are clicked/checked-off. Encourage your child not to change the checks after you set it. Check off Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies, Health, and each of the 5 Related Arts for a total of 10. Uncheck any other "classes" (such as a duplicate grade 2 course).
The classes are located on the right side of the calendar.
How will students be graded?
Just like in normal operations, teachers will grade student assignments and work and provide feedback. Not all assignments are graded, as some are used for learning and practice. Teachers will follow the HCPSS grading policy: Policy 8010: Elementary Grading and Reporting
Students will not receive grades for learning behaviors while in virtual learning. Related Art will only provide grades twice per year during quarter 2 and 4. You will be able to view your child’s grades and assignments on Canvas.
What are the attendance requirements? What happens if my child misses a Meet due to technology issues?
Teachers take attendance for classes and children can receive full day, half day, and tardy attendance for not attending classes, or attending late. If your child needs to miss a class meeting due to illness, please email ccesabsence@hcpss.org and copy your child’s teacher.
If your child misses a class due to technical difficulties, please email your child’s teacher.
If your child completes the work from that class, he/she will be counted as present.
Do you need School Supplies
MAP Testing
The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments are computer adaptive achievement assessments in Reading and Math. As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student by adjusting the difficulty of the questions presented, up or down, to the student. MAP assessment items align to objectives in the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. This assessment is designed to measure student growth in Math and Reading, both during the school year and across multiple school years. The assessment allows teachers to see instructional strengths and needs for each student.
At the conclusion of the assessment, each student receives a score that aligns to an instructional level. MAP, in conjunction with other measures throughout the school year, helps teachers differentiate instruction within their classrooms. Home reports will be sent at the end of the testing window. A reminder will be shared with families for when these reports are being sent home.
On Wednesday, October 7 and 14, students in grades 2-8 will take the Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. The data from the MAP assessment will help schools and teachers measure where your child is starting the year academically. The HCPSS intends to also give the assessment in winter and spring to measure how your child’s learning is progressing throughout the year. 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 of the questions correctly. To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/
The Reading test will be offered on October 7 at 9 am and 1 pm. The Math test will be offered on October 14 at 9 am and 1 pm. Students may choose to attend either the morning or afternoon session. If your child is unable to attend, makeup testing will be offered during asynchronous learning times. Teachers will share Google Meet information and your student’s testing group as we get closer to the Oct 7th date.
The USA Science & Engineering Festival is going virtual!
We want to let you know about an exciting opportunity that is available to K-12 students, college students, educators, and families.
You are invited to participate in a FREE virtual expo featuring interactive STEM activities and stage shows. This virtual event runs from September 16-23, 2020. Attendees will have a full week to experience over 100 exciting and innovative exhibits featuring interactive STEM activities. Virtually explore all aspects of STEM from outer space to the inner body.
Discover something new every day!
For more information or to register, visit https://usasciencefestival.org/scifest/
Information Worth Repeating
Join the PTA – Family Membership
PTA membership will allow you to be active with the PTA and enjoy discounts with Maryland PTA partners. Most of all, your membership dues support the many programs we offer to the CCES community. While we encourage all of our families to be involved with PTA, membership does not obligate you to volunteer your time.
After trying many fundraisers over the years, the CCES PTA’s major fundraiser is a direct donation program (and later in the fall, a Read-a-thon). Rather than sell wrapping paper or other merchandise, we ask each family to contribute $50 in addition to their membership dues to support the programs we sponsor throughout the year.
To join the Clemens Crossing PTA, please fill out the form below and pay the membership dues (plus any donation you choose to give) through the PayPal link that follows. If you prefer to pay by check, please contact our membership chair, c/o president@clemenscrossingpta.org.
To report a problem with this form, contact web@clemenscrossingpta.org.
HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook 2020-21
The Student & Parent Handbook will no longer be printed and instead will be available online. The 2020-21 Student & Parent Handbook is available here.
The handbook outlines districtwide practices and policies related to students and parents. It additionally features sub-topics that describe various services, procedures, and protocols implemented in Howard County Public Schools.
The 2020-21 Student Code of Conduct can be found within the Student & Parent Handbook and also is available online.
Attendance During 2020-2021 Fall Semester
Active student participation is the key to student achievement, both in the classroom and during distance learning. Teachers will design engaging lessons and activities, both for virtual live classes and online assignments. Regular participation is essential for student growth, and students are expected to engage in learning activities every week.
Student attendance for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday instruction will occur as follows:
- At the elementary level, both the Homeroom teacher and Mathematics teacher will take attendance, noting whether students were present online for synchronous instruction.
- Daily attendance will be based on teacher-recorded attendance for the entire school day.
- If there is a technical difficulty, a student may submit asynchronous work for a particular day to receive credit for attendance.
Student attendance for Wednesday instruction will occur as follows:
- A student will be counted as present if they do one or more of the following since the previous Wednesday:
- Submit an assignment to one of their teachers
- Engage in synchronous instruction with a HCPSS teacher
- Complete work in the Canvas learning management system, DreamBox or Lexia Core5
If your child is absent, please send a note explaining the absence to this email address: CCESAttendance@hcpss.org
Food Services Information
Meals will be provided at no cost to all students through December 31, 2020, subject to U.S. Department of Agriculture funding availability.
The food services program during the 2020-2021 first semester (Sept. 8, 2020-Jan. 28, 2021) will consist of Grab-and-Go meals served Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. and
10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. beginning Tuesday, September 8.
Breakfast and lunch can be picked up at either mealtime.
MEAL LOCATIONS
CCES is a site for meals. Grab-and-Go meals will be distributed at the blacktop side of the school building (follow arrow signs).
For your convenience, meals may be picked up at any location where meals are being served.
Details and updated information on meal service for all school locations is provided on the HCPSS Nutrislice website and mobile application.
MEAL PICKUP
Children do not need to be present; parents/guardians may pick up meals for their child(ren). Those with children attending multiple schools may do a single-stop meal pickup.
Parents must indicate their child(ren)’s name(s) when picking up meals.
ASSIGNING A DESIGNEE
Some families may find it difficult to pick up meals for their children at the locations or times when meals are served. Parents/guardians may pick up meals for their children and up to one other family's meals without completing a request form. Families may also authorize a designee, who may pick up meals for up to three families, by submitting an online or paper form.
See guidelines for meal pickup by designees for detailed information.
Visit the Food Services website for all the information about Food Distribution during the first semester.
Family File Emergency Form is Open in HCPSS Connect
It is time to update your child's Emergency Contact information in HCPSS Connect even though we are starting the school year online. This is the most important step as we prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 School Year. Your Family File needs to be updated at the beginning of every school year.
You will be asked to update or provide the following information:
- Parent/guardian contact information.
- Emergency contacts.
- Medical information
- Arrival and Dismissal procedures.
- Media coverage.
- Data confidentiality.
- PTA Directory.
You can access HCPSS Connect here http://www.hcpss.org/connect/
Parents who have forgotten their login credentials for Family File may click the “Forgot Password” link on the sign-in page.
If you need additional assistance, please fill out this Connect Help Form.
From the PTA
Supporting Our Teachers
This year we have asked teachers to submit their Amazon wish lists for families who wish to send a gift of school supplies to start the school year. These lists are being published on our PTA Facebook pages. If you are not on Facebook and would like access to a wish list, please email president@clemenscrossingpta.org with the name of the teacher. Thank you!
Adding CCES's Google Calendar to Your Personal Online/Email Calendar
Did you know you can subscribe to CCES's Calendar and see events on your computer and/or smartphone? Why subscribe to the calendar? You will have all of CCES's events embedded in your calendar. If events change, the calendar will be updated immediately.
The Calendar ID is: sqspkjkbr6v6arss44js3n21eg@group.calendar.google.com.
There are many "how to" tutorials online that you can view to learn how to properly sync your calendar depending on your email provider, computer platform, and brand of smartphone.