CLARKSBURG High School
Weekly Message 2/6/22
A message from Principal Edward Owusu
Clarksburg High School Students, Staff, and Families,
There is so much packed in our newsletter that it's important click the link to open the full site. Monday will be Report Card and Honor Roll Certificate Distribution at the end of the day using a Homeroom Bell Schedule. We also are celebrating Black History Month through the school and additional information will be shared throughout the weeks.
This week we celebrate our School Counselors as part of National School Counseling Week. Our Counseling staff is made up of 10 outstanding counselors, 2 Secretaries, Registrar, College & Career Information Coordinator, Psychologist, Therapist, Parent Community Coordinator, and Pupil Personnel Worker, all who's unique rolls places them in an integral position to make a difference in the lives of every member of the school. Thank you to our Counseling Department Team!
Shout out to our student athletes who performed amazingly this past week. Our girls Poms Team displayed weeks of hard work and effort and won 2nd place at the county division championships. You may see a video of their performance in the newsletter. Our girls basketball team, through teamwork and weeks of hard work and practice, remains undefeated. And our Swim and Dive Team had amazing performances at Divisional, as the boys team won first place and the girls team took 4th. Well done to every Winter Sport. We are proud of you.
Its time to register for Spring Sports! Parents may register students for Spring sports via ParentVUE. Spring Sports are: Baseball (V & JV); Boys & Girls Lacrosse (V & JV); Softball (V & JV); Allied Softball (starts 3/8); Boys & Girls Tennis; Boys & Girls Track & Field and Boys & Coed Volleyball. (Click HERE for more information)
Seniors and senior families should note that the final date to order cap, gown, and tassel is approaching. Please see the link in the newsletter to order today.
We continue to see heavy traffic during our peak drop off and pick up times. As a reminder, please do not use 355-Frederick Road or Wims Road to pick up or drop off your students. Please do use Foreman Boulevard at the traffic light. Cars making U-turns on Wims Road, or parking in the Recreation Center parking lot create unnecessary back ups. Please use Foreman Boulevard. Adjusting arrival and pick up times will help if the Foreman Boulevard Parking lot is full. Thank you for your help.
Please continue to use this FORM to report positive COVID-19 cases in students or staff. Any student who tests positive MUST isolate for 10 days (regardless of vaccination status or symptoms). Please view the isolation and quarantine calculator to determine return to school date.
In this newsletter you will find information about the, Game Changer Conference, PTSA Message, AP Exam Payments, Summer Rise Internships, HBCU Fair, CHS Media Center News, MCPS systemwide messages, Information about closings or delays, Seal of Biliteracy, Winter Sports, Clothing Recycling, college and university visits to CHS, and more.
As always, thank you for your continued support and trust. And remember, together we are Clarksburg!
C'Burg Upcoming Events:
National School Counseling Week Feb 7-11, 2022
Monday, February 7, 2022 - Homeroom (End of Day) Bell Schedule; REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION;
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - Edmentum Credit Recovery; Girls Var. Bask Clarksburg at Gaithersburg V only 6:00pm (makeup from 1/4);
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - Regular Day Bell Schedule; Seal of Biliteracy 7:45 am - 11:12 am - Auditorium; Swim & Dive - Metro Swim & Dive Champ (2/9 - 12) at Germantown Indoor Swim
Thursday, February 10, 2022 - Advisory Bell Schedule; Credit Recovery; Activity Busses;
Friday, February 11, 2022 - Regular Day Bell Schedule; Indoor T&F - 4A West Region Championship at Hagerstown CC 4pm; Var. Basketball - Blake at Clarksburg B 5:30pm / G 7:15pm
Your Invitation to Summer Rise
Calling all rising MCPS 2022-2023 juniors and seniors interested in learning about a career during the month of July. The MCPS Partnerships Unit will begin taking applications to participate in the 2022 Summer RISE program at 8AM on Wednesday, February 16. Summer RISE provides students with a four-week/50-hour, career-based learning experience and introduces students to high-demand career options that match their interests. Students must be available between July 5th through July 29th. Student registration will close at 5PM on Friday, March 4.
For more information about Summer RISE and to register as a participant, click here.
School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 7–11, 2022
School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 7–11, 2022
National School Counseling Week 2022, “School Counseling: Better Together,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 7–11, 2022, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century,”.
Many people have highlighted school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, Clarksburg High School will be celebrating our 10 school counselors every day. Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at CHS. Here is a link to their email addresses and phone numbers.
A Message for Families of Advanced Placement Students
Attention Clarksburg Families of Advanced Placement Students,
All Advanced Placement exams have been ordered through College Board. All students who both registered through AP classroom and submitted their exam deposit have had an exam ordered for them. The online payment system is open now for students to pay their remaining balance. All exams must be paid for entirely by April 25, 2022. If you have any questions please contact Amber Parks at Amber_M_Parks@mcpsmd.org
14TH ANNUAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (HBCU) COLLEGE FAIR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022
This free virtual event provides students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 50 HBCUs. Representatives share information and answer questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors and much more. The event also features a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information and more. This event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Montgomery County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
This year, our keynote speaker will be Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, President, Bowie State University.
See the HBCU Fair flyer for a snapshot of what you can experience at the fair!
See HERE for more information
New - Free, On-Demand Online/Virtual Tutoring Available for All Students, K-12
Note from Clarksburg PTSA - February 6, 2022
“Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign. But stories can also be used to empower, and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people. But stories can also repair that broken dignity.” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Dear Clarksburg High School Families,
There are so many stories making headlines right now. There are stories that uplift us and there are stories that bring us down. Within social media, these stories trickle into our newsfeed in little snippets or short video bursts. We either like them or scroll past them. As fascinating as these story snippets and video bursts are, they only show one story (and perhaps only one side of that story). Our amazing world and our journeys are made up of infinite stories not captured in snippets or video bursts. As Chimamanda also stated, “one story shouldn’t be the only story”. We walk into many amazing stories every day. These are the stories of our friends, our classmates, our teachers, our families, and our communities. We impact their stories as much as they impact ours. The PTSA would love to hear your voices and your stories. What has uplifted you? What has concerned you? What story are you working on right now? We would love to highlight them and share them to further enrich the journeys we are all on as one CHS family.
We especially want to thank all of you who attended our General Membership meeting in January! We look forward to you joining us on February 15, 2022 for our February General Membership meeting. Here is the zoom link to the meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89411101295?pwd=U3ZNOFQxOFZEYzJCU2JreVcycmUvdz09
Here are a few notes we would like to share:
Please join us this month to support our amazing CHS teachers and staff. We are reaching out to CHS families to get donations for the upcoming Valentine's Day week for staff at Clarksburg High School. The staff at CHS works hard and we would like to show our appreciation for all they do!
Here is the link to sign-up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b45aca82ca64-staff1
Summer Internship Program Opportunities for students at NIST (deadline to submit is February 14, 2022): https://www.nist.gov/iaao/summer-high-school-intern-program
Topic: "Math Information Night" hosted by the MCCPTA Gifted Education Committee
Thursday - Feb 10, 2022 7:00pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
Survey to take before the meeting:
We hope you find the above information helpful. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at clarksburghighschool.ptsa@gmail.com. Also, if you have not done so already, please join us as a member by going to our Memberhub Store at: https://chs-ptsa.memberhub.com/store.
May we all have a wonderful week! Thank you so much for all of your support!
Kind regards,
Clarksburg High School PTSA 2021-2022
CHS Media Center Newsletter - February 2022
Happy February, Coyotes! There's so much to learn and love this month. Dive in with this issue of our monthly newsletter: (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
- Share your love of your school library for a chance to win $100 Amazon gift card!
- Go on a blind date... with a book <3
- Explore our February resource collections: Black History Month, Great Books by Black Authors, Lunar New Year, President's Day, The Olympics, Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day
- New contest to win a prize: Last Lines!
- Peep our NEW BOOKS!
- Spotlight on Digital Citizenship: Civil Discourse Online (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
(Links to an external site.Click HERE (Links to an external site.) to read the newsletter. Enjoy and reach out with any questions, comments, feedback!
Mrs. Blanchard, Your CHS Media Specialist
MCPS Eight Things to Know - 2/3/22
Dear MCPS Community,
Here are the eight things you need to know for Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022. They include the possibility of transitioning to virtual instruction on inclement weather days, an update on schools entering a 10-day virtual learning period, upcoming surveys for the antiracist audit, information about tutoring services and more.
Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Approved
MCPS will consider transitioning to synchronous virtual learning when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather. These are days when the district would otherwise determine that a system closure without instruction would be needed for safety reasons. The Board of Education approved this plan on Feb. 1, and virtual instruction days count towards the minimum required days of instruction under Maryland law. Learn more here:NO MCPS Schools Entering 10-Day Virtual Learning Period
No additional schools have been identified as needing to transition to virtual learning for next week. MCPS will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on school operations and, if necessary, identify schools for temporary virtual learning in the future.The four schools currently in remote learning, Harmony Hills ES, A. Mario Loiederman MS, Pine Crest ES, Wheaton Woods ES and the autism program at Westover ES will return to in-person learning on Feb. 10.Antiracist Audit Surveys Coming in March
MCPS has been actively reviewing its policies and practices through its Antiracist System Audit. Over the past few months, staff have met with students, families, staff and community members to get input on the audit and to hear concerns and questions. The next phase will include surveys and focus groups with our stakeholders. More information is available here. Other key details to know about the audit include that:- The audit IS a comprehensive, district-wide review of our practices and policies. Read about the different areas of the audit.
- The audit IS about fact-finding. Action will be determined based on the results of the audit.
- The audit IS NOT about pointing fingers. We will not condone the blaming or shaming of anyone, or any group, for the actions of others.
The next phase will include surveys and focus groups with our stakeholders. More information is available here.
Creating Safe and Equitable Schools
Following the incident of gun violence at Col. Zadok Magruder High School last month, MCPS is conducting a thorough review of safety and security in all schools. Teams are working to:- Set a vision for the safety, security and well-being of students and staff
- Develop proactive practices to support equitable school environments that promote social, emotional, and psychological safety
- Conduct a thorough review of the current Montgomery County Police Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program and MCPS’ current safety and security staffing, structures and processes
- Review the mental and emotional health services MCPS provides, and
- Review the Joint Incident Command Structure that ensures appropriate and immediate response by MCPS central office, schools and local law enforcement during emergencies
Free, On-Demand Online Tutoring Available for Students in Grades K-12
All students now have access to free tutoring and 24/7 homework help to support success in their current courses/grade level, through two new tutoring providers: FEV Tutor and Tutor Me Education. All students have access to these virtual tutoring services through their MCPS Google account, using Clever. Some students will also be referred directly by their local school. Learn more about online tutoring.In-School Vaccination Clinics Will Be Held on Feb. 5 and 6
MCPS is partnering with the county’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Care For Your Health to offer a number of free vaccination clinics for children at schools and county sites.To see available sites and to register visit this website.
Comments on Proposed Amendments to Student Discipline Policy Due Feb. 7
The Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to Board Policy JGA, Student Discipline, to provide a philosophy of behavior intervention that is rehabilitative, restorative, educational and implemented fairly and equitably with clear, appropriate and consistent expectations and consequences to address student behavior in violation of the Student Code of Conduct in MCPS. Learn more and provide your feedback.Spectator Limitations Adjusted at MCPS Extracurricular Events
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, spectator limitations will be adjusted from 25 percent of facility capacity to 50 percent of facility capacity for all indoor extracurricular events. Masks are still required inside all MCPS schools and facilities. Review COVID-19 athletics information at this website. You may also refer to the Return to RAISE Athletics newsletter.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Seal of Biliteracy Testing at CHS
Dear Clarksburg Families and Caregivers,
Clarksburg High School will offer the Avant STAMP (Standards-Based Measurement of Proficiency) 4S and STAMP WS web-based adaptive tests that assess language proficiency. Avant STAMP assessments measure a test taker’s language ability according to benchmark levels that are based on national standards. Test results will indicate the level of proficiency achieved for each section of the test. Students that participate in this assessment have the opportunity to earn the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy.
The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy is a recognition based on a level of proficiency of at least Intermediate High on one of several Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)-approved assessments in a world language other than English and attaining the English language requirement set forth by MSDE for the graduation year of the student.
Who can test? This test is being offered to current Juniors and Seniors that are currently enrolled in a level 4 or above language class in MCPS or who are native/heritage speakers of the language they wish to test. The test is given at no cost to Seniors. Any Junior that is interested in taking this test, will need to pay a fee of $16.90 payable to Clarksburg High School.
Please click HERE for more information.
Please click HERE for Registration Link.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH MCPS
As a reminder, here's a summary of the places where information is posted when the school system announces school cancellations, delayed openings or early closures due to weather conditions and other emergencies.
Door Dash, Grub Hub, and Other Food Deliveries
As a reminder, Students have limited options for lunch, including cafeteria served hot meals, which are free everyday, or to bring their own lunch. Delivery drivers are turned away at the school and when necessary, the food is confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.
All visitors to the school, even those attempting to deliver food, must use the main entrance only. Please discourage your students from attempting to have food delivered at other doors around the building. This creates a significant safety and security concern for your student and our school. Violations of this create a drain on resources and at times have caused such alarm that we have had to engage additional security and the police. Please help us continue to focus on the safety and security needs of the school by not ordering these meals to the school and by discouraging your child from ordering from a delivery service.
Important Reminders from our Attendance Office
Please review these important attendance reminders:
- If a student is late to school for any reason they must stop by the attendance office to sign in. This also applies if a student needs to sign out early with parent permission or parent pick up. An accurate sign-in/out time must be recorded in the system. (Please note: If a student does not stop by the attendance office then anything that the student is marked absent for will stay in the system).
- Please make sure whoever is signing the student out is on their emergency pick-up contact list in Parent VUE & is at least 21 years of age.
- Any notice sent for a student to sign out early must be submitted in writing.
Also, please remember that all parents/guardians and visitors are required to show ID upon entering our building.
All Means All and the Important Work of Access and Opportunity for All Students
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES & STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to ensure a safe, productive, and positive learning environment, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) publishes two documents that help students, parents, and staff and understand school rules and regulations; the expectations for student conduct; and the possible consequences for violating the rules.
A Student’s Guide to Rights and Responsibilities is an overview of the rights and responsibilities students enjoy in MCPS and a summary of the laws and regulations that affect students.
The MCPS Student Code of Conduct provides an overview of discipline procedures and protocols and the range of consequences students could face for violating various policies, regulations, and rules. The guide also discusses the MCPS philosophy to discipline and defines the various disciplinary responses.
All MCPS families have received a copy of these documents. Students were provided copies in their English Classes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review this document with children so that our students understand their rights and responsibilities and the district’s expectations for student conduct. If you have questions, please speak to the Clarksburg Administration.
Ways To Report
Bullying, harassment (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, incidents of hate-bias, and concerning issues involving student gender identity are not tolerated in MCPS. We are committed to ensuring our students feel safe, valued, and respected in our schools. Please see the multiple ways you can file a report below.
To file a Bullying Form online, click HERE
To file a Child Abuse & Neglect Form online, click HERE
To contact the MCPS Title IX Coordinator, click HEREHow You Can Report
✓ Contact school principal, counselor, student welfare liaison, or any MCPS staff member.
✓ Contact the Montgomery County Police Department, 301-279-8000.
✓ Submit MCPS Form 230-35, Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form.
✓ Contact the MCPS Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@mcpsmd.org. Reports and allegations concerning MCPS employees will immediately involve the Department of Compliance and Investigations. They can be reached at DCI@mcpsmd.org.
✓ Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line is an anonymous reporting system used to report threats to the safety and/or well-being of students. Call 1-833-MD-B-SAFE or download the App.
✓ Contact the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) for support. VASAP provides information, referrals and advocacy, as well as crisis and ongoing counseling for victims of sexual assault.
✓ Contact the Montgomery County Hotline at 240-777-4357. A trained staff member or volunteer will provide supportive listening and information, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
✓ Send a text to EveryMind hotline telephone number, 301-738-2255, daily between noon and midnight.
✓ Use the MCPS Student Reporting Phone Application (Currently In Development)College/Career Center Update - Monday, February 7, 2022 - Friday, February 11, 2022
Clarksburg High School
College/Career Center Update
Monday, February 7, 2022 - Friday, February 11, 2022
The Clarksburg High School College/Career Center provides in-person services daily from 7:15 am through 3:30 pm. Visit the Career Center website and Career Center on Twitter: @Cburg_Readiness. Join the Career Center Canvas page. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Somerville at Cintonya_A_Somerville@mcpsmd.org. Seniors, please bring copies of all acceptance and scholarship letters to the Career Center or email Cintonya_A_Somerville@mcpsmd.org.
How are you paying for your education? Seven (7) items needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Create your FSA ID. Next, complete an MD CAPS’ account? If you need assistance, come by the Career Center.
Apply to Montgomery College and complete these four steps (Raptor Reference Guide)! If you need assistance with the application, come by the Center before school, during lunch or after school. Additional resources and information link.
Stay tuned, coming soon Career Center Workshops on Scholarships and What to Expect Senior Year.
The MCPS Historically Black College/University (HBCU) Fair will be held Friday, February 18, 2022 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm for grades 8-12. Register here.
HBCU Fair Workshop Series
Free virtual events provide students in Grades 9–12 an opportunity to learn about HBCUs, scholarship opportunities and connect with HBCU alumni.
Saturday, January 22, 2022 UNCF Scholarship Information Session This seminar has over 200, 000 views on YouTube.
Tuesday, February 16, 2022 6:00pm - 7:30pm - HBCU Homecoming Edition Seminar
Class of 2022, apply to colleges/universities during the On-the-Spot admissions event Monday, February 14 through the 17 from 8 am to 4 pm. Seniors, complete the 2022 MCPS HBCU College On-Site Interest form and video . Students must apply directly to each school admission’s website. Are you interested in On-The-Spot Admission, complete this form? See Mrs. Somerville for additional requirements.
Additional Scholarships and FREE Money
Class of 2022 (12)
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship (12) - Deadline: March 1, 2022
Anthony Richard Tilghman Memorial Scholarship Trust Deadline: March 1, 2022
Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (3 Scholarships) County-Wide Scholarship, MCAC Educational Program Scholarship Deadline: March 14, 2022
Career/Vocational/Technical Scholarship - Deadline: March 14, 2022
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship (11) Need Based Family Income Maximum $55,000. 00 Deadline: March 15, 2022
The ESPERANZA Education Fund, There are no citizenship requirements for the Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship. (12) - Deadline: April 1, 2022
Prepared by: Cintonya Somerville, CHS CCIC
C'Burg Athletics
Return to RAISE Communication 2.3.22
Please refer to the February 3 update for the latest information regarding MCPS Athletics. A Spanish version is also available. The current Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan is here, which includes updated Winter Spectator & Game-Day Guidelines.
Key updates include:
- Ticketed spectator capacity increases to 50% on Saturday, February 5.
- The 2022 MCPS Pompons Championship Competition will be held on Saturday, February 5 at Montgomery Blair High School. More information is available in the Fan Focus. Schools will receive additional tickets to sell in GoFan, due to spectator restrictions being increased from 25% to 50% capacity.
- The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has approved an exemption to allow vaccinated wrestling officials to remove their masks while actively officiating.
- Overnight travel remains cancelled through February 17.
The latest information continues to be available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage.
Request A National Honor Society Peer Tutor
Clarksburg High School
Email: Edward_K_Owusu@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/clarksburghs/
Location: 22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg, MD, USA
Phone: (240)740-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/clarksburghighschool
Twitter: @Cburg_Coyotes