Clemens Crossing Cougar Comments
September 30, 2022 - Volume 44, Issue 7
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
October
- 5 - Yom Kippur - Schools and Offices Closed
- 12 - PTA meeting, 7:00 p.m.
- 12 - Flu Clinic
- 19 - Spirit Day - Unity Day, wear orange
- 21 - Professional Work Day, Schools closed for students
- 24 - Professional Work Day, Schools closed for students
- 28 - Fall Festival Trunk or Treat, 5:00 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.
October 2022
October 2022
From School Administration
Mr. Cosentino and Mrs. Gittleson
NEW INFORMATION
The Importance of Attendance
Attendance in school is extremely important for student success. To stay on track in school, students need to be present every day. Missing 18 or more days of school in a year puts a child’s high school graduation at risk according to BoostUp.org, a national dropout prevention campaign. Being absent for just two days every month of the school year can put a child behind academically.
Students with regular attendance are more likely to read well by third grade and score higher on tests. They also tend to be more engaged in school and feel better about themselves.
Make school a priority. Every absence (excused or not), can impact a child’s academic achievement. Talk to your child about how important their education is. Make daily routines for homework and waking up on time for school. Maintain communication with teachers and keep an eye on your child’s academic progress.
Make a plan. If your schedule or transportation situation makes getting your child to school a challenge, ask for assistance. Make a carpool or transportation plan with other parents or family members, or ask your school principal for community programs or school initiatives that may help.
Report In. Know your school’s attendance policies. If an absence or early dismissal is unavoidable, contact your school. If your family’s religious observances fall on school days, let teachers know early in the year which days your child will miss.
Schedule wisely. Know your school’s calendar, and arrange doctor and dentist appointments after school, on weekends, or during holiday breaks, if possible. Resist the urge to schedule vacations when students will miss school. This gives students the impression that school is not a priority.
Report to Parents, written to serve elementary and middle-level principals, may be reproduced by National Association of Elementary School Principals members without permission.
Reporting Absences
To report a student's absence please email the following group email address: CCESAbsence@hcpss.org. In your message please include the student's first and last name, grade, teacher, why they were absent and the days absent.
The school must receive a note, handwritten or emailed, from the parent or physician explaining the absence/tardiness of a student within two school days of the student’s return or the absence/tardiness will be unlawful/unexcused. When a doctor’s certification for chronic illness has been required and not provided within two school days of the student’s return, the absence/tardiness will be recorded as unlawful/unexcused until a doctor’s certificate is provided.
For absences of up to 3 days per year, the principal may determine whether the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. Completed the Discretionary Absence Form (found on CCES website under School Resources). Submit the form to CCESAbsence@hcpss.org for the principal’s approval.
For absences in excess of three days, the principal in consultation with the administrative directors will determine if the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. If the request is for 15 consecutive days or more, the written request should be submitted 2 weeks in advance.
Students with unlawful absences of 10 consecutive school days or more will be withdrawn from school and may be allowed to re-enroll, provided they meet enrollment requirements, upon their return. Students returning from lawful absences have an equal number of days to complete make-up work.
Attendance Monitoring
Every other week, our Student Services Team (SST), meets to discuss attendance trends and patterns. The SST consists of school administrators, the school counselor, the school psychologist, the school nurse, and the pupil personnel worker.
The SST reviews every student's attendance rate, and we work to figure out ways to help families improve attendance. Parents/Guardians can expect a call of concern from a teacher and a connection from an SST member prior to receiving a more formal attendance letter. As stated above, attendance is crucial for success in school, and we are here to help with that.
Attendance Works Articles
English - Attendance Works Handout
Spanish - Español - Asistencia Trabajos Folleto
Chineese - 中文-考勤工作讲义
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
Flu Vaccine Clinic
The flu vaccine is for students and staff only (no parents or family). It is called quadrivalent. The vaccines do not have preservatives (thimerosal, mercury) because they are single-dose syringes. Prior to signing up, you will need a front and back photo of your insurance card. If you need to cancel, you may do so in the confirmation email you will receive after signing up.