Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments
March 15, 2019 - Volume 40, Issue 25
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
Upcoming Events
March
- 18 - Junior Achievement In A Day
- 20 - Family Math Night Cancelled
- 21 - World Down Syndrome Day
- 25 - SPIRIT DAY: Wear Maryland Colors
- 27 - In-School Banking, 9:00 a.m.
- 28 - Gr.2 Field Trip to Toby's
- 29 - PTA sponsored DIY Wood Pallet Paint Night Fundraiser, 6:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
April
- National Arab American History -and- World Autism Awareness Month
- 5 - Professional Work Day/End of Marking Period - Dismissal at 12:45 p.m.
- 15 thru 22 - Schools Closed: SPRING BREAK
- 25 - National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
- 26 - PTA Talent Show (NEW DATE! Moved from the end of March) - 7:00 p.m.
May
- 17 - Professional Learning/Articulation Day - School Closes 3-Hours Early, 12:45 p.m.
- 17 - PTA Spring Carnival
- 27 - Memorial Day - Schools and Offices Closed
June - Adjusted Final Days of School
- 17 - Full Day of School
- 18 - Full Day of School
- 19 - School Closes 3-Hours Early, 12:45 p.m.
- 20 - School Closes 3-Hours Early, 12:45 p.m.
- 21- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: School Closes 3-Hours Early, 12:45 p.m.
For a complete list of dates and events visit cces.hcpss.org/calendar.
To subscribe to the CCES calendar on your smartphone, electronic device, or email system click the +Google Calendar icon in the bottom right-hand corner to add our calendar to your personal device. By subscribing to the calendar, school events and activities will always be up-to-date.
From School Administration
Changes to Your Child’s Report Card in the 2019-2020 School Year
Beginning in the 2019-2020 School Year, you will notice a minor modification to your child’s report card.
To align with changes recently made to HCPSS Policy 8010: Grading and Reporting, the PreK-5 Learning Behaviors section of the report card will be modified.
Currently, the learning behaviors indicated on the report card are:
- Recognizes rights of others with courtesy
- Follows established rules
- Exercises self-control
- Works cooperatively with others
- Takes appropriate risks
- Listens attentively
- Responds appropriately to directions
- Persists when thinking through problems
- Works with accuracy and precision
- Writes legibly
- Completes classwork assignments
- Completes homework on time
In alignment with the efforts outlined in Policy 8010, similar or closely related learning behaviors will be combined on the 2019-2020 report card to support parents and teachers in identifying the areas of focus. The learning behaviors on the 2019-2020 report card will be:
- Demonstrates Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrates Responsibility
- Demonstrates Perseverance
- Demonstrates Collaboration
- Demonstrates Initiative
Below, you will find the indicators that identify specific behaviors, actions, and expectations that align with each learning behavior. Teachers will report student performance on each learning behavior based on developmentally and age-appropriate expectations and standards.
Learning Behaviors
Report Card Language
Indicators
Details to consider when reporting a learning behavior. All indicators do not have to be present to meet expectation. Refer to Learning Behavior Examples for developmentally
appropriate examples of these behaviors/indicators in the classroom.
Demonstrates Interpersonal Skills
- Shows respect to peers and adults
- Interacts positively with peers and adults
- Shares opinions respectfully
- Contributes positively to the classroom and school community
- Demonstrates digital citizenship
Demonstrates Responsibility
- Follows established schoolwide and classroom procedures
- Follows oral and written directions
- Exhibits self-control and manages emotions
- Participates actively in learning
- Manages time effectively to complete work
- Organizes and manages materials
- Accepts responsibility for actions
Demonstrates Perseverance
- Works through challenges
- Attempts new strategies when needed
- Solves problems
- Asks questions and seeks information
- Accepts and learns from feedback
- Demonstrates stamina
Demonstrates Collaboration
Works cooperatively in a variety of settings (e.g. whole group, small group, online, guided, and unguided)
Thinks flexibly
Acknowledge others’ ideas
Demonstrates ability to reach compromise
Shares responsibility
Contributes to conversations and group discussions
Demonstrates Initiative
- Takes appropriate academic risks
- Begins task without prompting
- Demonstrates self-advocacy
- Uses technology to demonstrate learning
- Selects appropriate tool(s) for the task
- Seeks to improve work
There will be additional modifications made to report cards in subsequent years as we move toward reporting student performance that more closely aligns to our instructional standards and assessments. More information will be provided to families before changes are implemented to ensure that parents understand their child’s report card and can leverage it to support their child’s educational efforts.
We believe these changes will better enable parents and teachers to monitor each child’s progress. Please contact Mr. Cosentino or Mrs. Hurd if you have any questions.
SECAC RECOGNITION EVENING
The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) is seeking nominations for their annual SECAC Recognition Evening. Families are encouraged to nominate an individual or group of people who have significantly enhanced their child’s educational experience. Nominees may be teachers, bus drivers, guidance counselors, psychologists, administrators, nurses, paraprofessionals, occupational, physical and speech therapists or any other staff member who works with a child with an IEP. SECAC will accept nominations from parents, guardians or students. If you are nominating an individual, please describe in 50-200 words an action, attitude or approach that you feel has made a difference. For team nominations, please describe in 50-400 words how the team has worked together to provide an exceptional educational experience. You must include the first and last name (with correct spelling) of all nominees, the school, and bus company where applicable, or the nominee will not receive the information. The firm deadline is April 5, 2019, no nominations will be accepted after that day. All nominating families, the nominees, and administrators will be invited to join us as we recognize these outstanding individuals on May 1, 2019 at River Hill High School at 7pm.
We believe that all nominees should be recognized for their work. The nomination form is available at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeo8sbA-mfDhlnLyd2ZW_mEHHUszOz5e04wez_m3dWA1BcMmg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
Choose Civility 2019 Poster and Video Contest DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 3/17/19
We Are All Welcome Here
Design a poster or create a video illustrating the theme.
Use your imagination, creativity, and artistic talent to show how everyone is welcome in our school, neighborhood, and entire community.
Start by asking yourself a few questions:
- How can you welcome and include others?
- How has someone welcomed and included you?
- What does it mean to be part of a community?
More information: Choose Civility Website
Upcoming Spirit Day
APRIL: NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH and AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Thank you to those who contribute to our display case in the front of the school!
It ’s time to start thinking about our next display, which will be for National Arab American History Month and World Autism Awareness Month in April.
We are once again encouraging the community to participate by sending in anything that represents the Arab American culture. You may begin sending in your items as soon as possible. Please be sure to label items with your child’s name and homeroom so we may return it.
Thanks in advance!
Cultural Awareness Schedule:
- Jan/Feb: Black History Month through 2/15
- Feb: Black History (cont.)/CCES 40th Anniversary 2/15-2/28
- March: Women's History Month
- March: Youth Art Month
- April: Arab American Heritage Month/ World Autism Awareness Month
- May: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
CCES PTA FUNDRAISER NIGHT
REGISTER by March 25
Calling all performers!
The CCES Talent Show is coming Friday, April 26!!
* Acts can be solo or group numbers
* Acts must be three minutes or less
* Mandatory Dress Rehearsal will be the week of April 8-12 (specific dates coming soon)
* Registration Deadline -- Thursday April 4
Please register using this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gtAXhItehGfVEx2FpboDASDLaagC6JVD9zE7gDjrsPM/edit
The Talent Show is organized by Christine Porras. Please email christineporras@gmail.com with any questions!
Angst the Movie
Description
Parents and guardians are invited to a free documentary screening and panel discussion around anxiety in youth. This 55-minute film features candid interviews with children and young adults who struggle, or have struggled, with anxiety — including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. This film explores the causes, symptoms and effects of anxiety and stress, and encourages youth and their families to seek help. Middle and high school students are invited to attend with a parent or guardian. Each film screening will be followed by a discussion with local experts.
DATES AND LOCATIONS
Join us at one of four events. Film begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by discussion.
- Howard High School – Tues. April 2, 6:30 p.m. 8700 Old Annapolis Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
- Hammond High School – Thurs. April 4, 6:30 p.m. 8800 Guilford Rd, Columbia, MD 21046
- Glenelg High School – Tues. April 9, 6:30 p.m. 14025 Burntwoods Rd, Glenelg, MD 21737
- Mt. Hebron High School – Wed. April 10, 6:30 p.m. 9440 Old Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042
If you need interpreting services, please contact Rashel Taylor at rtaylor@thehorizonfoundation.org.
For more information about the film "Angst," please visit angstmovie.com.
Guest Speaker for PTA Meeting on April 10th
We are very excited to announce that we will be joined by a special guest speaker for our April 10th PTA meeting. Noreen Naroo-Pucci, a leader of the Howard County Chapter of Start School Later, will be speaking to us about the importance of sleep for children and the scientific studies showing the connection between hours of sleep and school start times. She will also discuss the proposals for starting high schools later that were presented to the Howard County Board of Education, most recently in December 2017. Join us at 6:30 in the media center for this informational session. A modified PTA meeting will follow at 7:15. Please be sure to make time in your schedule to attend this great event!
PTA Executive Board Open Seats for 2019-2020
Nominees for all Executive Board positions will be presented at the PTA meeting on April 10.
The following positions have no candidates of yet:
- 1st Vice President,
- 2nd Vice President,
- Recording Secretary
- Corresponding Secretary
Anyone interested in running for these positions is welcome to do so! For more information, please contact the Nominating Committee: Hyung Chang (hschang23@gmail.com), Chris McDonald (r.christopher.mcdonald@gmail.com), Christy Pine (thegapines@gmail.com).
CCES PTA NEEDS YOU!
The Clemens Crossing Elementary School PTA Nominating Committee is looking for volunteers to chair several positions during the 2019-2020 academic year. PTA position descriptions and contact information can be found below. Most of these positions do not require regular attendance at monthly PTA board meetings. Updates to the board can be communicated through email.
We welcome anyone who would like to be involved. If you have time to help in any capacity, please contact any or all of the Nominating Committee: Hyung Chang (hschang23@gmail.com), Chris McDonald (r.christopher.mcdonald@gmail.com), Christy Pine (thegapines@gmail.com).
PTA POSITION and DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
CAC Representative
The CAC is the Community Advisory Council to the Board of Education of Howard County. The CAC meets one evening a month and facilitates communication between the Board and the community on issues of concern and matters involving education. The CAC Representative is a liaison between the CCES PTA and the Board of Education.
PTA Council Rep (2 volunteers)
PTA Council delegates and PTA Presidents are the all-important communication link between the local PTA unit and the PTA Council. Representatives attend monthly PTACHC and relay information at CCES PTA meetings.
SECAC Representative
Under the law, Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee advises the school system on the needs of students with disabilities. We collaborate with other community disability advocacy groups to improve special education and the lives of our students in Howard County, MD.
SIT Representative
Each school has a School Improvement Team made up of school staff, parents and other community members, which oversees the process of improving instruction and academic performance in that school. The SIT is charged with developing a school improvement plan that serves as a tool for reviewing school progress, appropriately adjusting instruction, and delineating responsibility for implementation. The CCES PTA's SIT representative acts as a liaison between the PTA and the SIT. The SIT representative attends three annual meetings with the SIT and provides updates on the school’s progress against established goals at PTA meetings.
Audit Committee (2 volunteers)
A three-member committee that periodically examines the financial books of the CCES PTA. At the end of the year, or anytime there is a change of treasurers, the audit committee will examine the treasurer's financial report and certify that it is correct.
Bulletin Board
Designs, decorates, and updates the PTA Bulletin Board in the front lobby of the school.
Newcomers
Coordinates welcoming new families to CCES: identifies volunteers at each grade level who would be willing to host playdates and answer questions for new families joining our CCES Community. May choose to host a new families picnic/playdate at the CCES playground in the fall.
Paw Print Press
Coordinates volunteers and production of Paw Print Press books.
Play Coordinator
The play coordinator serves as a liaison between the School House Theater Arts and parents. The coordinator works together with STA in arranging the school play, serving as the liaison between parents and STA, and coordinating the cast party on the final night of the performance.
Special Education Liaison
Individual works w/ Special Education staff to promote, support and recognize best practices in meeting the needs of students receiving Special Education services. This position is fairly flexible depending on the needs of the Special Education team and what the individual would like to emphasize and promote. In the past, we have purchased equipment for the Special Education team (iPad, books), worked w/ Parent Partners, and promoted disability awareness activities.
Spirit Wear
Coordinates sale of spirit wear including identifying merchandise to be included in the sale and working with the vendor, collecting orders and payments, and distributing merchandise.
Staff Appreciation
Coordinates staff appreciation events and activities including, Back to School Luncheon (the week before school starts), November and February conference dinners, and teacher appreciation week luncheon/events (early May). Recruits volunteers. Events are scheduled both during the school day and evenings. This is a great position for two people to co-chair.
Talent Show
Organizes school talent show including creating and distributing flier, overseeing auditions, creating program schedule, advertising event to CCES community, and overseeing activities on event night.
Visiting Author
Coordinates the annual author visit by working with the school media instructor to select author, decide on a date, advertise the event to families, coordinate book orders, and be present on the day of the event.
Web Master
Manages website functionality and design adaptation. Coordinates with Website Chair to present content in the most user-friendly way.
Web Site
Works with Communication Chair and President to manage and post web site content. Coordinates with Web Master to address functionality issues or re-design.
Community News and Programs
Public Information Office for distribution. Please visit Distributing Community Information through the School System or contact the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682 if you have any questions.