Weekly Newsletter
A Message from Acting Principal Anita O'Neill
February 11, 2024
February presents a myriad of opportunities for our community to unite and honor the diverse tapestry of cultures that enrich our collective identity. I urge all students and families to fully engage in the vibrant experiences offered during Black History Month and Lunar New Year celebrations. Our student groups have played a pivotal role in underscoring the importance of these occasions, orchestrating impactful displays and events that deepen understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. Notable examples include our inaugural Lunar New Year celebration held last Friday and our upcoming Black History Month assembly scheduled for February 23rd.
Beyond these flagship events, there are other learning opportunities dispersed throughout our school. Students are encouraged to explore the informative slideshow featured on monitors in the halls and to visit the dynamic displays in the World Language hallway. Let's seize every chance to embrace and celebrate the richness of the Clarksburg community.
On another note, I'm thrilled to acknowledge the academic achievements of our students for the second marking period. A total of 749 students made it to the Honor Roll, while 267 students achieved Straight A's. Their dedication and hard work are truly commendable, and I look forward to celebrating even more students' accomplishments at the end of the third marking period.
In addition to celebrating our academic achievements, I'm thrilled to highlight the impressive performance of our band at their first indoor marching competition this past weekend. Our majorettes and indoor winds clinched first place trophies, while our esteemed winter guard and indoor percussion secured third place, marking a promising start to the competition season for our band.
As our winter sports teams approach the culmination of their seasons, they continue to demonstrate exceptional skill and determination, bringing pride to the Clarksburg community. Among the many notable accomplishments, I'd like to spotlight the Poms team's remarkable achievement of securing second place at last week's competition at Blair High School.
I eagerly anticipate celebrating further accomplishments from our students as sponsors and coaches continue to share the outstanding achievements of their respective organizations, clubs, and teams. Let's continue to cheer on our students as they excel in a variety of ways, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines our community.
As always, I'd like to provide a gentle reminder to all students: consistent attendance is key. Attending all classes for the entire duration not only fosters academic success but also strengthens the bonds within our learning community. Even after completing classwork, the value of being present in the classroom cannot be overstated. I urge all students to hold each other accountable and encourage friends to prioritize attendance – arriving on time and staying for the entire period.
In this edition, you'll find important updates for seniors, details on spring sport registration, and information on various student opportunities. Additionally, please take a moment to review the insights shared by our PTSA.
Wishing you all a resilient and fulfilling week ahead!
Districtwide Culture and Climate Survey (Window opens February 12)
At Clarksburg HS, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of your perspective. Your family's input is crucial in shaping the future of our school community, and we invite you to participate in our Family Survey.
This survey aims to gather valuable insights into your experiences and opinions regarding various aspects of our school district. Your honest feedback will help us understand what's working well and identify areas where we can improve to create a more supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.
Participating in this survey is easy, and it will only take a few minutes of your time. Your responses are completely confidential, and the information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of enhancing our educational programs and services. The survey opens February 12, 2024 and closes March 15, 2024.
To access the survey, please click on the link provided below:
https://parentsurvey.mcpsmd.org/
We appreciate your commitment to our school community and value the unique perspectives each family brings. Together, we can continue to build a positive and thriving educational environment.
Thank you for your time and input. We look forward to hearing from you!
This Week's Featured Black History Month Student Activities
This week, we're excited to spotlight enriching learning opportunities that cater to the whole family. With a three-day weekend on the horizon, it's an ideal time to explore museums together.
First up, we're shining a light on the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. This exceptional institution offers a comprehensive exploration of African American life, history, and culture. Recently, students from our Advanced Placement African American History class visited and found it profoundly enriching. Conveniently located at 1400 Constitution Avenue, the museum is easily accessible via the Metro.
For those unable to journey to DC, consider a visit to the George and Georgianna Campbell Slave Museum and African Art Gallery. Nestled at 18524 Brooke Rd in Sandy Spring, this intimate museum provides insight into Montgomery County's African American history. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, it offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a local educational experience.
Updates from Counseling
CHS Student Schedule Change Process (Once the second semester starts)
Second semester starts on January 30th.The schedule change request window will open back up and will run from February 9th to February 16th. Students can pick up schedule change request forms from their counselor in the counseling office starting February 9th before school starts, during lunch or after school. No schedule change requests will be considered after the February 16th deadline. Please note that schedule change requests do not include teacher changes or period swaps. Students should return their completed schedule change request form to their counselor. Once students submit their request, it will be evaluated by their teacher, counselor, and administrator. The student and family will then be notified of the final decision and, if approved, a schedule change will be made. Please see here for counselor assignments.
Solicitud Para Cambio de Horario/Clase (Ya comenzado el segundo semestre)
El segundo semestre comienza el 30 de enero. La ventana para pedir cambios se abrirá de nuevo del 9 al 16 de febrero. Los estudiantes podrán obtener la forma para solicitar cambio visitando a su consejero(a) comenzando el 9 de febrero antes del comienzo del día escolar, durante la hora de almuerzo o al finalizar el día escolar. No se considerarán cambios después de la fecha límite del 17 de febrero. Los estudiantes deberán regresar sus formas completamente llenas a su consejero(a). Una vez haya sido sometida, será evaluada por el maestro, consejero y administrador. Luego el estudiante y familia serán notificados de la decisión final, y si está aprobado, se hará el cambio del horario/clase. Favor de ver el listado de consejeros(as) here.
PTSA Updates
Show Your Love
Consider supporting the PTSA's efforts to celebrate staff on Valentine's Day. The attached flyer has the details and sign up.💕
Join Clarksburg's PTSA
Meeting Notes
Please review the minutes from the last PTSA meeting.
MCPS Resources in Spanish
Attention Seniors
Get Those SSL Hours
News from the SSL office: Mrs. Coe will be using this GOOGLE FORM to receive SSL forms electronically INSTEAD of simply emailing the form. You can attach up to 10 files to each google form. Parents and students can both access and use this form.
In case you missed it in last week's newsletter, here are two opportunities to celebrate Black History Month and earn SSL hours. These two asynchronous projects must be completed by February 29 for a total of 4 hours. Pick one or do both. The links are below. See Ms. Coe if you have questions.
https://forms.gle/BGvzubLEz6kCK5ai7
https://forms.gle/2S8TRtn44bbSwuuW9
Upcoming dates: Meritorious Hours are due by April 3rd. All senior hours are due by May 1st.
Return Extra Chromebooks
This is for all students, but especially seniors . . . If you have more than one Chromebook, you need to return the extras immediately. Obligations of $350 per Chromebook will be added to accounts. Obligations will keep you from buying prom tickets and you will not be cleared for graduation if you have any obligation.
Senior Memorabilia
Don't miss out! Review this important information from Josten's.
Spring Sports
News from the College and Career Center
SAT Opportunities at CHS
CHS will once again host the SAT on multiple dates during the year. The dates the SAT will be held at CHS are: 3/9, 5/4, 6/1. Registration for these dates should be made through the College Board Website.
Code Purple: Virtual Learning Day
Student Opportunities
MSP Youth Anti-racist Film Festival
Please see information about an upcoming film festival sponsored by MSP, focused on anti-racism and featuring local young filmmakers.
Girls with Impact
Exciting news! Montgomery County Public Schools has partnered with Girls With Impact to bring you a FREE Business and Leadership program for girls in Grades 9–12 and gender-expansive youth! Developed with Harvard leaders, this ‘mini-MBA’ program equips girls with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become tomorrow's entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders. The 10-week live, online program begins the week of March 11 and ends the week of May 24. The weekly classes are one hour each and are managed by a trained coach with a master's degree in business administration providing the resources needed to get students from ideation to the launch of their venture ideas. Register your student at https://www.girlswithimpact.org/mcps.
Summer RISE
Youth Photography Program
Check out this very cool opportunity for those of you who are into photography!
March 16: MSP Annual Retreat
See information below about the Minority Scholars Program annual retreat.
Apply for School Meal Benefits
This coming year all meals will incur a fee unless students have are approved for Free And/or Reduced fee Meals (FARMS). Eligible families complete the 2023-2024 FARMS application that is now available online. Here is the link: www.MySchoolApps.com.
Donations
Clothing to Cash
Did you know that you can support our school through clothing donations? See the attached flyer about the Clothing to Cash program that supports CHS.
Prom Drive
The CHS prom is May 3 and we want to support all students who would like to attend. Please see the attached flyer for ways you can support.
Calendar Items
Key January/February Dates
February 19 - No School, Presidents' Day
February 23 - Black History Month Assembly
February 24 - Last Day for Spring Sports Registration
February 29 -- Deadline for Black History Month SSL Projects
March 1 - Tryouts for Spring Sports Begin
March 16 - Annual MSP Retreat (@Kennedy HS)
March 19 - PTSA Meeting, 7:00 pm, CHS Media Center
General Information for Students and Families
NFHS Network and GoFan
Dear Coyote fans,
As we kick-off the upcoming school year, we wanted to tell you that through our official partners, NFHS Network and GoFan, you can easily buy tickets for games and subscribe to watch live games online for when you can’t get there in-person.
Click this link to visit our school homepage, where you can:
- Click “Follow” to get alerts on our upcoming events.
- Click “Buy Tickets” to get tickets to upcoming events.
- Click “Subscribe” to watch live broadcasts of upcoming events (a portion of the proceeds are shared back with our school!).
Get Your Yearbook
2024 YEARBOOKS and TRIBUTE/AD PAGES are on sale for the cheapest prices of the year! Just visit www.clarksburgyearbook.com to make your purchase today! We have a limited number of discounts, so grab yours BEFORE we sell out!
CHS Website
Our CHS website has a wealth of information related to subjects like attendance, student service learning, athletics and more. Please take time to check it out so you have accurate information about policies and procedures at CHS.