Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments
April 22, 2022 - Volume 43, Issue 31
Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Jaime Gittleson, 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
April
Arab American Heritage Month
- 22 - PTA Talent Show, Participants at 6:30 p.m., Audience at 7:00 p.m.
- 22 - School Spirit Day - Earth Day
- 27 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal, 12:45 p.m.
- 29 - Month of the Military Child Day Wear Purple
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- 2 - Schools Closed, Professional Work Day (originally open, but the Board of Education changed this on 2/24)
- 3 - Schools OPEN (originally closed, but the Board of Education change this on 2/24)
- 6 - 5th Grade Panoramic Picture
- 10 - PTA Restaurant Day - Chick-fil-A, Johns Hopkins Road
- 11 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
- 12 - Rising 6th Grade School Visits to either WLMS or HCMS
- 12 - Spring Chorus Concert
- 18 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal, 12:45 p.m.
- 20 - PTA Spring Carnival
- 24 - Science Fair, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- 25 - 5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearing
- 26 - Strings Concert, 6:30 p.m., Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.
- 30 - Schools and Offices Closed for Memorial Day
- 3 - Field Day (rain date, 6/6)
- 8 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal, 12:45 p.m.
- 14 - 5th Grade Closing Ceremony (for parents of 5th graders only)
- 15 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal, 12:45 p.m
- 16 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal, 12:45 p.m
- 17 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal, 12:45 p.m (Tentative Last Day of School)
- ** 5th Grade Closing Ceremony will be the last full day of school.
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
This past week was National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, build stronger communities, and be a force that transforms the world. Each year the week shines a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent, and voice to make a difference in their communities.
Here at Clemens Crossing, we are fortunate to have so many amazing volunteers. I especially want to recognize our incredible PTA. Our PTA helps to coordinate so many in-school and after school programs and activities that enhance our children's experience in elementary school. As many of you know, our current PTA president, Mrs. Gardner, will not be continuing in the role of president next year. She has been incredible for three years before, during, and after the very challenging COVID pandemic period of time. Our school community is in need of a new PTA President. In addition, there are many other CCES PTA Executive Board positions available. Please consider volunteering in any of those roles for the upcoming year. Please see the section in this newsletter about volunteering for the CCES PTA Executive Board. Once we solidify the positions on the CCES PTA Executive Board, they will reach out for other volunteer opportunities through committees and special events for next year.
Again, we want to thank all of the many contributions of all of our volunteers during this special recognition week!
Mr. Cosentino and Mrs. Gittleson
NEW INFORMATION
48th Annual K-12 Student Art Exhibit
Congratulations go out to the students listed below. They have artwork on display at The Mall in Columbia. The Mall Art Show is open through May 2. Clemens Crossing's display is on the lower level across from Williams Sonoma in the Nordstroms wing.
Kindergarten
Maximus B., Bryson D., Eleanora H., Kristian K., Forrest M.
First Grade
Emily B., Jennah E., Brandon H., Khadijah I., Aidan K., MJ K., Asha M., Julia S., James T.
Second Grade
Scarlett B., Ruari H., Anwitha M., Haone O., Samantha R., Luella S., Arinna S., Gwendolyn W.
Third Grade
Ayla H., Summer L., Maisie M., Stella P., Avery S.
Fourth Grade
Aarush A., Olivia A., Laura C., Harper M., Peyton-Ryn M., Grace P., Isaac W., Austin Z.
Fifth Grade
Salome C., Annabelle C., Sophie M., Scarlett N., Ava N., Isaac W.
Indicators of Educational Equity Survey
Prior to Spring Break, we sent a separate email to families asking everyone to complete this important survey. We have an outstanding response rate so far with 52% of our families participating in the survey. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. Students in grades 4 and 5 will take the survey during technology in the next few weeks.
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As part of our school improvement process, we are asking all families to provide input about their equity priorities for our school. Please use one of the links below to complete the survey if you have not completed the survey already. We will use your input, along with other school data, to refine our school improvement plan for the next school year.
The survey is anonymous and available in multiple languages. If you have children at more than one school, please complete one survey per school.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Cosentino at ecosentino@hcpss.org. Thank you for your time and insights!
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is almost here. Please see the following Sign-up Genius to donate items for our beloved staff members. More details will be coming next week about ways we will invite all families to help celebrate.
Quarter 3 Report Cards
Parents/guardians had access to view report cards after 5:00 PM on Friday 4/8.
You may view/download report cards by taking the following steps:
- Log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy using parent/guardian credentials
- Select More Options from the left panel
- Select Report Cards from the middle
- Select the report card you wish to access
Please click on the link below to help you better understand your child's report card.
PTA Volunteers Needed - Planning for the 2022-2023 School Year
The Clemens Crossing PTA needs your help! The PTA is looking for volunteers to fill several open positions for the 2022-2023 school year. We warmly welcome all who may be interested -- it can be lots of fun to be more involved! Currently, the PTA is looking for volunteers for the following positions: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary. These positions will be voted on at our meeting on May 11.
If you have questions about any of the positions, please contact our nominating committee (nominating@clemenscrossingpta.org) for more information.
Month of the Military Child
As a symbol of our support and gratitude to our military children, during the Month of the Military Child, the Department of Defense uses the color purple — representing all services in the military community.
At Clemens Crossing, we will recognize military children by wearing purple on April 29.
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) – Spring Assessments for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
MSDE will administer MCAP assessments in the Spring for English Language Arts/Literacy & Mathematics. MCAP is the overarching term used for all state assessments.
Students in grades three, four and five will be participating in the MCAP Assessment starting on April 25th. There are four units of the Math test and four units of the English Language Arts (ELA) test for each grade. Students will take one test unit a day for ELA and two test units per day for Math.
Below are the assessment dates/times for each grade level.
5th Grade MCAP Dates/Time:
10:35 am - 5/9, 5/10 (Math assessment)
10:35 am – 5/16, 5/17, 5/18, 5/19 (ELA assessment)
4th Grade MCAP Dates/Time:
2:05 pm – 4/25, 4/26, 4/28, 4/29 (ELA assessment)
9:15 am – 5/5, 5/6 (Math assessment)
3rd Grade MCAP Dates/Time:
1:05 pm - 5/9, 5/10, 5/11, 5/12 (ELA assessment)
1:05 pm - 5/16, 5/17 (Math assessment)
Please make every effort to have your child in school on time for the listed assessment dates.
Make up testing will be provided on days that assessments are not currently scheduled. All testing will be completed by June 3rd.
Students need to bring their HCPSS issued laptop (fully charged) and corded headphones. Any student without headphones will be issued a pair to use for the assessments. Please contact Jaime Gittleson, Jaime_Gittleson@hcpss.org, with any questions about the MCAP assessment.
Community Connections Program
Mr. Allen and other staff members are hosting an online google meet with parents to discuss ways to best deliver instruction to our students. This month's meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26th. Some topics will include:
- Empowering our students
- Creating structure and routines
- Building resilience
- Embracing diversity in our community
- Growth mindset
- Well-being
- State testing
- Student success
CNSL Registration Begins Monday, April 25!
It's nearly time for the 2022 summer swim team season! Columbia Neighborhood Swim League (CNSL) will open up summer swim league registration Monday, April 25. Summer Swim Team is an exciting and fun way to be together with friends and neighbors throughout the summer. They offer daily practices, swim meets, pep rallies, and more! It's fun for all ages and all are welcome to join! Please check out the CNSL Website to learn more about this season.
Students who attend Clemens Crossing Elementary School are assigned to swim on either the Clemens Crossing Cyclones or the Clary's Forest/Hawthorn/Swansfield Sundevils. Team assignment is based on your home address.
If you have questions about the Cyclones Swim Team email clemenscyclones@gmail.com.
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
Consideration Form
Wilde Lake Middle School Spirit Wear
Rising 6th graders who are districted to Wilde Lake Middle School can order spirit wear too! Please use the link to order your own WLMS spirit wear so you will have items this summer and in time to start the school year in late August.
https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/MD/Columbia/Wilde%20Lake%20Middle%20School
Visitors and Volunteers
All volunteers and visitors must complete two trainings; HCPSS confidentiality training and child abuse and neglect training for parents. Upon completion, there are two forms to complete and turn in to the front office when you arrive.
Confidentiality Training - Certificate
Child Abuse and Neglect Training - Certificate
All visitors and volunteers need to sign in using the Lobby Guard kiosk in the front office. In order to do that, you need a government-issued identification (driver's license). The Lobby Guard program conducts a quick background check. Visitors and volunteers must wear the Lobby Guard issued visitor's badge in a prominent location while in the school building and on campus. When leaving, visitors and volunteers must sign out using the Lobby Guard badge.
Science Fair 2022
Your child is invited to participate in this year’s Science Fair on Tuesday, May 24 from
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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.” 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.
Types of Science Fair Projects
Students in Kindergarten, First, or Second Grade may submit a Science Collection.
Students will collect and organize something of interest, answering questions related to observations made while exploring their world.
CCES Science Fair Collection.pdf
Students in any grade may conduct a Science Investigation to answer a question/problem.
Students will use The Scientific Method to learn the systematic approach to solving a problem.
CCES Science Fair Investigation.pdf
Students in any grade may submit a Science Invention. Students will use the engineering design process to create an invention that will solve a problem or answer a question.
CCES Science Fair Invention.pdf
After you sign-up, further communication will come from the PTA Science Fair Committee. They will share specific information and directions for May 24.
Are You Moving?
If you have moved or are moving soon, please notify us as soon as possible.
We are available to assist you with transitioning to your child's new school. Whether it be another HCPSS school, private school, or a school outside of the HCPSS district, we are here to help.
If you have an address change, bring your new residency documents to the front office and we will update your address in the system. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Aballo, Registrar: jennifer_aballo@hcpss.org
Help Wanted
Reporting Absences
Absence Notes
All students are required to have a note explaining why they were absent. Please send an email to your child's teacher as well as ccesabsence@hcpss.org.