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MiniThon is a subdivision of a larger organization called Four Diamonds, run by the Penn State Health Department. The mission of Four Diamonds is to help conquer childhood cancer by raising awareness and funds. Four Diamonds has assisted at least 4,000 children and families since its creation.

River Hill’s MiniThon will be the first of its kind in Howard County and only the second chapter in Maryland. Our goal for the year is for each member to raise at least $100 to reach a school-wide goal of $5000, in addition to raising money at monthly fundraisers. Our first fundraiser will be on December 19, 2018 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The fundraiser will be more enjoyable for younger, elementary school children. It will take place in the River Hill High School media center and will include winter/holiday-themed activities such as arts and crafts and cookie-decorating. a small $12 fee will be instated for every child attending to cover material costs. Parents are welcome to attend as well. All of the money will go towards future fundraising events and to River HillFour Diamonds MiniThon

Animal Advocates
Animal Advocates will explore modern issues dealing with
animals. Learn about caring for animals, protecting animals
and being an advocate for animals in the world. The group will
choose a topic related to animals that they feel is most important.
We will use part of the fee to sponsor an animal in need.

Teachers: Mrs. Hixon
Brought to you by the CES PTA
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
When: 6 sessions – Tuesdays from 4:05-5:00pm: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/12, 2/19
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades 2-5
Why: Students will learn to be informed and productive citizens while sharing their love for animals.
Cost: $125
Deadline: 4pm – Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Seasonal Castle Art
Do you love to play with sand or make projects with sticks
and leaves? Do you like ice and flowers, too? Do you want to make
your own castles? Kindergarten kids and 1st graders are going to
make their own castle art projects for each of the different seasons
of the year. Material fees are included in tuition.

Teacher: Mr. Weiskind
Brought to you by the The Enrichment Zone, LLC
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: 7 sessions-Thursdays: 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 2/28
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades K-1
Why: To have fun!
Cost: $145
Deadline: 4pm-Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Cool Crafts
Ready to get creative and have lots of fun?
Join Cool Crafts for colorful creativity. We will be
using all sorts of art mediums to make a variety of
arts and crafts.  All supplies included.
Teachers: Mrs. Stone and Ms. Koroleva
Brought to you by the CES PTA
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: 6 sessions – Mondays from 4:05-5:00pm: Jan 7, Jan 14, Feb 4, Feb  11, Feb 25, and March 4
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades K-5
Why: Students can use their imaginations to be creative and express themselves by using different art and craft techniques.
Cost: $130
Deadline: 4pm-Thursday, December 20th, 2018

The Great Escape!
Students will work in teams to find clues and solve
puzzles in order to unlock their team lock box and
complete their mission. Can you breakout before time
is up?

Teacher: Mrs. Stone and Ms. Koroleva
Brought to you by the CES PTA and The Enrichment Zone, LLC
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: Thursdays from 4:05-5:00pm: Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21, Feb 28
Who: Grades 2-5
Why: Students will use their critical thinking and problem
solving skills to solve codes and puzzles.

Cost: $130
Deadline: 4pm-Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Adventures of The Last Jedi
Are you a fan of Star Wars? Do you want to be a Jedi knight?
Would you like to make your own light sabre? Star Wars fans – get
ready to immerse yourself in the sequel to the Star Wars class from
last year. This year, we are going to make our own light sabre
nunchucks, Jabba the Hut slime, Forest Gliders, and levitation sabres
that use the “Force”. So, get ready to use the “Force” as
you join the Adventures of the Last Jedi! Material fees are included
in tuition.

Teacher: Mr. Weiskind
Brought to you by the CES PTA
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: : 7 sessions-Tuesdays: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/12, 2/9, 2/26
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades 2-5
Why: To have fun!
Cost: $145
Deadline: 4pm-Thursday, December 20th, 2018
**Looking for a parent volunteers to assist with each class – free student registration for a volunteer.

Robotics and Wiggle-Bots
Do you love robots? Do you want to build your own? Does engineering
appeal to you? Do you like funny bobble-heads? Let’s combine them
into one and create our own wiggling robots – Wiggle-Bots. You will
create your own miniature robots that are silly and wiggle around
while creating artwork for you! So, sign up now and give your
wiggle-bot a new name. Material fees are included in
tuition.

Teacher: Mr. Weiskind
Brought to you by the CES PTA and The Enrichment Zone, LLC

Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.

Important Information:
When: 7 sessions-Wednesdays: 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20

Time: 4:05-5:00
Who: Grades 2-5
Why: To have fun!
Cost: $145
Deadline: 4pm-Thursday, December 20th, 2018

PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts based on the 2018-2019 theme: Heroes Around Me

If you would like to participate, please read through the following list. Entries must be submitted by Monday , November 26, 2018. Identify your arts category(ies):

• Visual Art if you enjoy drawing or painting
• Dance Choreography if you love to dance
• Photography if you like taking pictures
• Literature if you like writing stories
• Music Composition if you love music
• Film Production if you want to make a movie

To participate, please do the following

1. Decide what your topic will be for the theme “Heroes Around Me?” What does the theme mean to you?
2. Read the Official Rules for Participation and the Rules for the Arts Category that you are choosing.
3. CREATE YOUR ART!!!
4. If you have any questions, want to receive reminders, or just let the Reflections committee know that you will participate so they can verify your entry was received please use the contact form below and this information will be sent to Meng Zhu or Jodie Wang.
5. Complete the Student Entry Form. The title and the artist statement required on this form are very important. The artist statement is your opportunity to explain how your entry reflects this year’s theme “Heroes Around Me?”. It is just as important as the art itself since the judges are instructed that half the total score is based on how closely the entry relates to the theme.
6. Print out a hard copy to turn in with your entry. Please remember both the student and parent signatures!
7. Turn your entry in to the Reflections box in the school lobby by the deadline on Monday, November 26, 2018.

The top three entries in each category in each age group will move on to the Howard County Reflections Program, the top three county entries will move onto the Maryland State Reflections Program, and state winners in each category will compete in the National PTA Reflections Program. Last year’s state winning entries can be seen on the Maryland PTA Reflections website and the national winning entries can be seen on the national PTA website under Awards & Events.

Entries are due by Monday, November 26, 2018 (Please drop your art work & the filled-out entry form in the “Reflection Box” located at the school Main Office.

Reflection Info

Read the Official Rules

Mark your calendars for October 1st at 7:15pm. Dr. Martirano is coming to visit Clarksville Elementary to hear from parents and answer any questions. To prepare, we are asking parents to submit their questions before hand. He will then answer as many questions as time allows. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Cougar Cardboard Arcade
Students will use their creativity and engineering skills to design and build unique arcade games. Arcade games will be made using a variety of recycled materials including cardboard boxes, popsicle sticks, paper cups, paper towel rolls, and more! Students will also test and play each other’s game and have an “Arcade Day” on the last class. All supplies included.
Teachers: Mrs. Stone and Ms. Koroleva
Brought to you by the CES PTA
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
When: 6 sessions – Mondays from 4:05-5:00pm: 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, 11/12
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades 2-5
Why: Students will use engineering skills to design and build arcade games.
Cost: $130
Deadline: 4pm – Monday, October 1st, 2018

Cool Crafts
Ready to get creative and have lots of fun? Join Cool Crafts for colorful creativity. We will be using all sorts of art mediums to make a variety of arts and crafts. All supplies included.
Teachers: Mrs. Stone and Ms. Koroleva
Brought to you by the CES PTA
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: 6 sessions – Tuesdays from 4:05-5:00pm: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/13, 11/27
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades K-5
Why: Students can use their imaginations to be creative and express themselves by using different art and craft techniques.
Cost: $130
Deadline: 4pm – Monday, October 1st, 2018

Mission Humane
Mission Humane will explore modern issues dealing with animals. Learn about caring for animals, protecting animals and being an advocate for animals in the world. The group will work together to choose a focus and plan what they would like to accomplish. When you register, you will be asked to select the type of animal that you are interested in exploring (pets, livestock or wild animals).
Teachers: Mrs. Hixon and Mrs. Malen
Brought to you by the CES PTA
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: 8 sessions – Mondays from 4:05-5:00pm:
10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades 3-5
Why: To learn to be an informed and productive citizen.
Cost: $200
Deadline: 4pm – Monday, October 1st, 2018

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Are you obsessed with the world of Harry Potter? Do you wish you had Harry’s powers or Hermione’s spells? Would you like to make your own magic wand, Firebolt flying broom, and golden snitch? Do you know how to play Quidditch? If you want to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, make sure you sign up soon before Voldemort finds you! Hogwarts has limited enrollment…
Teacher: Mr. Weiskind
Brought to you by the CES PTA and The Enrichment Zone, LLC
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: 7 sessions -Wednesdays from 4:05-5:00: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5
Who: Grades 2-5
Why: To have fun!
Cost: $150
Deadline: 4 pm – Monday, October 1st, 2018
Parent Volunteer is needed for the class to take place ** free tuition for one child of volunteer for all 7 sessions

Rube Goldberg
As part of the A+ Partners in Education initiative, HCLS and HCPSS present the Rube Goldberg Challenge. The contest is offered to school teams comprised of fourth and fifth grade Howard County students. The students transform everyday materials into a wacky innovative machine that accomplishes the given task of unfurling a banner. However, instead of just “solving” the problem, students are charged with making the solution as complicated and convoluted as possible. By designing and building the machine, students incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts into their creations.
Teacher: Mrs. Johnson
Brought to you by the CES PTA
Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.
Important Information:
When: 22 sessions – Tuesdays 10/09 – 04/09/2019 (No classes on non-school or early dismissal days: 11/06, 11/20, 12/25, 01/01, 02/05)
Time: 4:05-5:00pm
Who: Grades 4-5
Why: Students can use their imaginations and STEM skills to build an invention that solves a problem.
Cost: $300
Deadline: 4pm – Monday, October 1st, 2018
**Looking for a parent volunteers to assist with each class – free student registration for a volunteer.

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR.
Director: Mr. Schwab / Producer: Mr. Weiskind
Brought to you by the CES PTA and The Enrichment Zone, LLC

Are you interested in acting? Do you love costumes? Is singing your passion? Do you want to be part of an amazing and classic musical? This year, we are excited to have Alice in Wonderland, a musical production at CES.

Registration is LIMITED to a first come, first serve basis.

Important Information:
What: Alice in Wonderland
Where: Clarksville Elementary School – Band Room
When: 14 sessions -Thursdays – 09/27, 10/04, 10/11, 10/18,
10/25, 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, 11/29, 12/06
Other dates:
Monday & Tuesday 12/10 & 12/11 (4:05-6:30)
Wednesday & Thursday 12/12 & 12/13 (6:00-9:00)

Time: 4:05-6:00 (2 hrs) on Thursday sessions
Who: Grades 2-5
Why: To have fun!
Cost: $195 *tuition includes fee for cast photo*
Deadline: 4pm – Friday, September 21st, 2018

CES Fall Chess Club

Chess club is taught by experienced Silver Knights instructors using a curriculum developed by National Masters. Each weekly session is a mix of learning and play. Playing chess is a great way to develop a child’s critical thinking skills, sportsmanship, and patience – all while having fun!
All grades and skill levels welcome.

Important Information:
Meeting time 4:05 PM-5:05 PM
Club meets every Friday that school is in session from 10/12-1/25.
No meetings on 10/19, 11/23 and 12/28
Makeup meetings on 2/1 and 2/8 if needed.
Tuition: $179 for 12 weeks of chess club
All equipment provided

I am the Clarksville Elementary School PTA president for the upcoming school year.

Already this summer, the PTA has ordered a school wide BrainPOP subscription. This was a suggestion by Mrs. Volker, our technology teacher, based on the fact that BrainPOP was the #1 requested technology item from the CES staff. BrainPOP simplifies teachers’ ability to keep track of learning and includes supplemental videos in every curricular area. This subscription was made possible by the generous donations of the PTA members, sponsors, and event fundraisers (like Spring Fling). Thank you!

If you could take a few minutes to complete the survey, I would really appreciate it. Responses are anonymous. We can’t support the school if we don’t hear from enough people! We would love to have lots of parents, guardians, and staff attend our first PTA meeting on September 12 to brainstorm ways the PTA can be even more involved and allocate its personnel, time, and financial resources as effectively as possible.

The 5th grade committee wants you to join us for the first 5th grade meet up.

Who: All 5th graders and their families
When: August 31, 3:30 PM (following the Open House and Ice Cream Social at CES starting at 2:00PM)
Where: River Hill Pool

Important Note: This is NOT a drop off event. Each child must have a chaperone.

We’re so excited for the upcoming year for our 5th graders! We will start official sign ups for 5th Graders for tee shirts, fees, and opportunities to volunteer for the many activities and events at CES’s Open House on Friday August 31 as well as at Back to School Night on Wednesday September 26. To make it the most memorable year for our students, we are in the early stages of planning and we invite you to consider chairing the following committees:

• Community Service Project
• Food on The 15th
• School’s Out Activities
• 5th Grade Picture Liaison
• Baby Pictures
• School Gift
• Teacher Breakfast
• Moving On Ceremony
• Student Breakfast
• Class Picnic
• Pie a 5th Grader
• Cultural Arts Liaison
• Congressional Hearings

Any questions or notes, email cesclassof2019@gmail.com

Research shows that on average children can lose 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency skills over their summer vacation. By using Summer Bridge Activities, students enter school in the fall prepared and confident.The CES PTA is once again pleased to offer the award-winning Summer Bridge Activities workbookseries through our Summer Enrichment Book program.

This year, just like last, the order is placed via the Direct-to Home program. The workbooks typically deliver within a few days at a total cost of $11.99 which also covers shipping – you must use the school discount code “CES” to obtain this discount.

To order your child’s workbook:

Order online: Parents will visit the dedicated ordering website for this option. Your school’s code to be entered in the shopping cart is “CES”. The books will be shipped directly to your home.Most orders ship within 24 hours and parents will receive a confirmation email from the Summer Bridge Program with post office tracking #’s.

To choose the appropriate level: The Book title includes the “current-future” grade level. (Example: Level K-1 is for a current Kindergarten student entering 1st grade next year.)You should order the “current – next” grade level for your student. In the past some parents have chosen to order two grade level books- the entering grade and the grade ahead as per their personal preference knowing the needs of their child.

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