Weekly Newsletter
A Message from Acting Principal Anita O'Neill
March 3, 2024
Dear Coyote Community,
Before we delve into celebrating the myriad accomplishments within our community this week, I'd like to ask you all to keep one of our Clarksburg families in your thoughts. Last Friday, a car accident occurred at Route 355 and Snowden Farm Parkway, resulting in hospitalization for two of our students, one with significant injuries. The compassionate Clarksburg community has rallied to support the family during this challenging time. I urge you to keep them in your thoughts and extend support where possible.
March marks the celebration of Women's History Month, providing us with a meaningful opportunity to honor and reflect on the diverse contributions of women to our world. Stay tuned for the various ways CHS will commemorate this important month.
Continuing with celebrations, we have much to celebrate within our community. Here are some highlights from CHS this week:
- Students Accessing Resources: CHS is fortunate to offer a Bridge to Wellness Program, which recently saw a group completing a 16-week program focused on addressing chronic stress. The program culminated in a small graduation party where students received certificates and personalized coping tool bags.
- Indoor Marching Band: Our Majorettes and Indoor Winds clinched first place in their divisions at the recent Indoor Marching Band competition, with our Indoor Percussion securing the second-highest score and Winter Guard making significant improvements.
- CHS Graduation Validation Team: Each high school has a Graduation Validation Team charged with monitoring seniors to keep them on track for graduation. Our team was recognized this week for their diligent work in monitoring and supporting seniors as they approach graduation and received praise for their efforts in ensuring a high graduation rate across all student subgroups.
- Arts: CHS has several art students have their artwork accepted into the Montpelier Arts Center's 2024 Edition of Artists on the Rise. Learn more about the program, see the lists of artists and view their pieces here.
- Sports: Our student athletes continue to shine:
- Girls Basketball: Securing victory in the Regional Semi-final, our Lady Coyotes advance to the Regional Final at Frederick High School on Wednesday at 6 pm. Ticket sale information will be available Monday afternoon.
- Wrestling: Congratulations to all wrestlers who competed in the state wrestling championships. A special congratulations to Jonathan Chang who made CHS proud by becoming our first state champion, with Owen Pelaez and Mikey Herrera also achieving notable placements in their weight classes.
- Spring Sports: With 396 students registered, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming spring competitions.
A gentle reminder to families: let's work together to ensure all students attend classes for the entire period. We've noticed some students "checking in" then roaming the halls. Please reinforce the importance of staying in class for instruction and support. Additionally, vending machine access will be restricted to before school, lunchtime, and after school starting March 4.
Lastly, I encourage everyone to peruse the important updates from MCPS, our PTSA, and various CHS departments included in this week's message.
Wishing you all a resilient and rewarding week ahead!
Districtwide Culture and Climate Survey
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!
Update: CHS Cabaret Event
Unfortunately, the CHS Cabaret “ Hollywood” event was postponed due to snow. We are hoping that this will be a twist of luck and that even more guests will now be able to attend. The date for Cabaret is now March 9th @ Clarksburg HS Cafe from 6:30-9:00. Tickets are still available for this red carpet themed event! Purchase them using this link.
SAT Day: March 19
Attention Clarksburg Families of 11th Graders participating in the upcoming SAT School Day on Tuesday March 19th:
As we get closer to the exam date we wanted to share with you pertinent information regarding how the SAT will be run on March 19th and how you can prepare.
Here are links that are helpful for students from College Board about the upcoming SAT School Day:
- Students can find answers to general questions about the SAT and what to expect on test day at SAT School Day
- Students can send their test scores, for free, to up to 4 eligible colleges, universities, or scholarship programs. More information can be found here.
- The SAT School Day student guide
- Students can access free, personalized SAT Practice on Khan Academy
Below you will find pertinent information regarding the SAT School Day at Clarksburg High School:
- What is the schedule for SAT school day?
- SAT exams are scheduled to start at 7:45 am.
- Students are expected to arrive on time to the school building by 7:35 am.
- Students who are not participating in SAT or Mock AP Testing have the option to stay home. Students who choose to come to school that day will need to remain on campus unless they are signed out by a parent or caregiver.
- Testing Schedule:
- 7:45 - 11:30
- SAT Administration (all 11th grade students)
- Mock AP Exams (for certain AP courses)
- Credit Recovery, Study Hall & SSL Opportunities in Cafeteria for students not participating in testing
- 11:30 - 12:00
- Lunch
- 12:05 - 12:50
- Period 6
- 12:55 - 1:40
- Period 7
- 1:45 - 2:30
- Period 8
More detailed information will be shared later in the week.
A Message from Our Counselors
This week Counselors will be going into World History classrooms on Wednesday to talk with 11th grade students about Post-Secondary Planning and starting the college process. Resources from the presentations will be shared on the Counseling Website. Be sure to ask your 11th grade student what they explored during this time. Please also mark March 13th on your calendar for an information night about Post Secondary Planning. It will be held in the CHS auditorium starting at 6pm.
Media Center Updates
Here is the Media Center newsletter for this month: https://www.smore.com/n/e6q5m
In this newsletter:
- Eat at Chipotle (Frederick Rd. location in Germantown) Saturday, March 2nd 4-8pm to support the CHS Library Advisory Board
- Celebrate this month's events with our resource collections and book displays: Women's History Month, Irish American Heritage Month, Deaf History Month, March Madness, National Craft Month, Optimism Month, National Nutrition Month, Expanding Girls' Horizons in Science & Engineering Month
- March contest to win a prize: Maryland Trivia
- Maker Monday: Pipe cleaner shamrock rings and succulents on March 11th
- CHS Film Club presents Mean Girls (the original film) Tuesday, March 12th 2:15-4:30pm
Chromebooks: Important Please Read!!!
We would like to bring your attention to some important updates regarding Chromebook usage at Clarksburg High School:
Assigned Chromebooks: Each Clarksburg High School student is provided with one MCPS Lenovo Chromebook for instructional purposes. It is crucial that students remember to bring their assigned Lenovo Chromebook to school every day, fully charged and ready for use.
Changes in Chromebook Loan Policy: Previously, we were able to provide short-term Chromebook loans to students who may have forgotten or misplaced their assigned devices. However, due to changes in technology and limited availability of Chromebooks, we regret to inform you that we will no longer be able to offer short-term Chromebook loans.
Chromebook Return Deadline: Students who have checked out Chromebooks beyond their assigned Lenovo Chromebook must return them by March 4th. Failure to return Chromebooks by this date will result in the following financial obligations:
- Silver 740 Acers: $75
- 771 Acers: $150
- 300/500e Lenovos: $200
- Media Center: 6:45 am - 3:15 pm daily
- Room 152B: 7:15 – 11:pm & 12:30 - 3:30 daily
- Auditorium Lobby: Before school and during lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 11:20 – noon
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the responsible use and return of school-issued equipment. Thank you for your attention to this matter. For any questions, please contact:
Paul Ormsby
Clarksburg High Information Technology Specialist
Be Our Partner: Support Student Internships
24-25 COYOTE PUPS PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Are you, or someone you know, in search of a top-notch preschool experience for your little one? Look no further than Coyote Pups Preschool, located at Clarksburg High School!
Coyote Pups Preschool offers a unique educational opportunity where preschool children and high school students learn and grow together. Led by CHS Child Development students, this program fosters a vibrant learning environment for both young learners and student teachers.
Here's what makes Coyote Pups Preschool stand out:
Dual Educational Experience: Children aged four and high school students collaborate in a dynamic learning environment, fostering growth and development for all participants.
Practical Application: High school students enrolled in Child Development courses get hands-on experience by implementing curriculum and techniques learned in class, under the guidance of certified early childhood professionals.
Quality Education: Our program is designed to provide a high-quality educational experience for preschoolers, ensuring they are well-prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
If your child will be four on or before September 1st, 2024, we invite you to express interest in Coyote Pups Preschool by completing our interest form here. Our preschool coordinator will be in touch with registration details in late March.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity for your child's early education journey! For more information, please visit our website: COYOTE PUPS WEBSITE
PTSA Updates
MCPS Resources in Spanish
Attention Seniors
NAACP Scholarship Information
With support from Maryland State Senators, Delegates and several generous Montgomery County residents, that the Montgomery County Chapter NAACP Parents' Council (PC) Education Committee has opened its 2024 scholarship program. They have awarded hundreds of scholarships to deserving Montgomery County students for more than 20 years!
Below you will find key documents that provide the timeline and application materials. All application materials, including the scholarship application and letters of recommendation are due by March 22, 2024.
The goal is to begin awarding scholarships to our selected students beginning early April. Scholarship awards will be presented during the Freedom Fund Dinner, which will be held at 2pm on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
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.
Upcoming dates: Meritorious Hours are due by April 3rd. All senior hours are due by May 1st.
Senior Memorabilia
Don't miss out! Review this important information from Josten's.
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.
Student Opportunities
March 9: Girls Summit
See information about the upcoming Girl's Summit at Northwood High School.
March 11 to May 24: 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.
March 16: MSP Annual Retreat
See information below about the Minority Scholars Program annual retreat.
Summer RISE
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
March 9 -- Girls Summit (@ Northwood HS)
March 10 -- Ramadan Begins
March 16 - Annual MSP Retreat (@Kennedy HS)
March 19 - PTSA Meeting, 7:00 pm, CHS Media Center
March 20 - Junior College Fair
March 25 - First Day of Spring Break
April 1 - Last Day of Spring Break
April 11 - PTSA Driver Safety Event
April 11 - Top 25 Celebration
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.