CLARKSBURG High School
Weekly Message 3/5/23
A message from Principal Edward Owusu
Clarksburg High School Students, Staff, and Families,
This week is a full 5 day week of school culminating in our opening night of the CHStage Spring Musical, Once On This Island. Get your tix HERE. Check out our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook social media sites for daily highlights of all the great happenings at C'Burg! College Accuplacer testing, Meet the Coaches Night, and Interims occur this week. Please see the rest of the important information in this newsletter. (Please click this link to see our weekly newsletter.)
The Jumpstart dual enrollment program allows qualified 11th- and 12th-grade MCPS students to take college classes for credit through Montgomery College. These classes will be offered at no cost beginning with the 2023-24 school year. CHS families are invited to an informational webinar about the program on Thursday, March 23rd, at 6 PM. The login information will be provided later and available on the CHS website. Students are encouraged to attend lunchtime information sessions about the program on Monday, March 20th, or Tuesday, March 21st, in Room 103. Registration for the Fall semester begins next month. Students can see our Dual Enrollment Program Assistant, Mrs. Jennifer MacDonald, in Room 247 if they have questions.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has a road map for a comprehensive framework for school safety and well-being that details our commitment to safe, equitable and successful schools. You may read the full message here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2022-2023/Safety-Message-20230224.html
Reminder: At Clarksburg High School we will continue to conduct regular hall sweeps in an effort to curb repeat behaviors of tardiness and classroom avoidance. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are asked to review student attendance regularly via ParentVUE and speak to students about their responsibility.
Three teachers have been named 2023–2024 MCPS Teacher of the Year finalists. They are: Megan Anderson, fifth grade teacher at Chevy Chase Elementary School; Eunju (April) Moon, sixth grade English teacher at Ridgeview Middle School; and Clarksburg High School's own Shannon McKenzie, Child Development Teacher. The winner will go on to compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year honors. Read more about the finalists
CHS Plans to offer the College Board's SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 22. 11th grade students can help prepare in advance. Please see the SAT School Day Information in our newsletter.
REGISTRATION ENDS THIS WEEK - Current 10th and 11th graders interested in gaining great career experience this summer should sign up for Summer Rise. A two week paid internship is a great stepping stone for future opportunities. Please see the Summer Rise information in our newsletter.
Cedarbrook Community Church and Clarksburg Closet want to be sure our students look GOOD. Check out the information in our newsletter for the Prom Dress Giveaway, March 11.
12th Grade Students and Families. Please review the information in this SENIOR PARENT/CAREGIVER LETTER. Important dates and information are being provided to help plan upcoming events.
Juniors can apply now to QuestBridge’s Prep Scholar Program (students must meet financial and academic requirements). Students who become Prep Scholars increase their chances of winning full QuestBridge Scholarships to college as seniors. The Prep Scholar application is due March 22nd.
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. Check out the Campus Visits Calendar (Class of 2023 and 2024)
The Campus Visit’s Calendar is located on your Naviance homepage. Juniors and seniors must register online in Naviance to attend all campus visits. Please see the link for instructions. The Admission Representatives visiting CHS would like to meet you! Check out more information in this newsletter.
Here are five things you need to know for Thursday Mar. 2. Get information about Prekindergarten/head start registration, how high school students can receive free virtual SAT Prep courses, the deadline for student registration for this year's Summer RISE program, and more. Read Full Message
Reminder: For the latest information and news, visit the MCPS News Center.
Para Español Noticias de MCPS.
As always, thank you for your continued support and trust.
And remember, together we are ONE Clarksburg!
C'BURG UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monday, March 6 - Regular Day Bell Schedule; Accuplacer Testing for P-Tech and Early College students - 7 am - 10:15 am - Cafeteria
Tuesday, March 7 - Advisory Day Bell Schedule; Meet the Coaches Night 7 pm
Wednesday, March 8 - Regular Day Bell Schedule;
Thursday, March 9 - Advisory Day Bell Schedule; Interims Distributed Electronically; ASVAB Test - 7:45 AM
Friday, March 10 - Regular Day Bell Schedule; Spring Drama Production - Once on this Island 7 pm
Saturday, March 11 - SAT @CHS; Prom Dress Giveaway; District Debate Tournament @ Mount St. Joseph High School - Baltimore; Band Competition Thomas Johnson HS @ 2 pm; Latin Dance Fundraiser - 6 pm; Spring Drama Production - Once on this Island 7 pm
The weeks ahead:
- March 15 - Early Release Day for Students
- March 16 - Senior Meeting @ 7:45 am
- March 17 - 19 - Spring Drama Production - Once on this Island 7 pm (2 PM on 19th)
- March 18 - Band Competition Tuscarora HS @ 2 pm
- March 18 - Minority Scholars Program Annual Intra-County Leadership Retreat
- March 20 - Top 25 Awards and Banquet
- March 22 - SAT School Day
- March 22 - Start of Ramadan
- March 24 - Homework Free Weekend for Student Wellness
- March 25 - Band Competition at North Hagerstown HS @ 2 pm
- March 30 - End of MP3
- March 31 - Professional Day for Staff/No School for Students
Senior Student, Parent, and Caregiver Letter
March Media Center News
Please find the March 2023 issue of our CHS Media Center Newsletter linked HERE. Links to an external site.
In this issue:
- Celebrate this month's events with our resource collections: 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
- Two Truths & a Lie: Women's History Contest: Enter for chance to win a prize!
- "Irish I had more time to read:" Peep our New Books!
- Join the Project Lit Book Club: The Henna Wars by Diba Jaigirdar
- Check out our Research Support Guide
Enjoy and reach out with any questions, comments, feedback!
Mrs. Blanchard, Your CHS Media Specialist
PTSA Note 3/5/23
“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” – Simone Biles
Dear Clarksburg High School Families:
What a start to March for our community! We had a lot of students and teachers get recognized! We completed the spring sports try-outs! Congratulations to all who received recognitions for all the amazing work that they do and congratulations to the students who made their desired teams! What each individual did, whether they received a recognition or made the team, was that they took a risk and a chance to carry out their plans. Whether that plan is to start a new club at the school, raise their voices for particular school concerns, participate in competitions, implement the plans they envisioned, or try-out for a sport – each effort and chance carried with it a risk. The risk whenever we take a chance is that we will experience some level of failure, rejection, or other shortcoming. As Olympic gold medalist, Simone Biles, stated, “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all”.
When we face a failure, we can regard it in either two ways: a stepping stone to our next step or an insurmountable setback. These great athletes like Simone Biles, the late Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan all have one thing in common: a relentless spirit – no matter the setbacks they have experienced. We will most likely face many more setbacks on our paths – especially once we close our high school chapters. Do not let these setbacks define us instead let every failure strengthen us and propel us towards our goals. We are Clarksburg Coyotes, after all!
Here are a few of our Notes for this week:
CHS PTSA AFTER PROM
After Prom 2023 Fundraiser
Thank you to all who have contributed to the 2023 After Prom – the fundraiser will continue on until the end of April. For a lot of our seniors, After Prom is their last hurrah of the year and we are working hard to ensure it is a safe and substance free event. Our 2023 After Prom team is partnering up with Montgomery County Project Post Prom, MCPD, as well as our amazing CHS Staff to create this event. Your support towards it is invaluable.
Your support provides the following for this year’s After Prom:
Hypnotist
Wild One Obstacle Course and Slide
Mechanical Bull
Wrecking Ball Giant Inflatable Game
Cotton Candy
Sno-Cones
Pick-Up Basketball
DJ with Karaoke
Photobooth
Fundraiser information:
TO HONOR THE CLASS OF 2023, WE ARE ASKING FOR A SUGGESTED DONATION OF $23 FROM OUR COMMUNITY to help us provide a fun & safe After Prom…but any and all donation amounts are much appreciated!
Below are the various ways you can donate:
- Memberhub: https://bit.ly/CHSPTSAAfterPromFundraiser
- Paypal: https://bit.ly/ClarksburgHSPTSAPaypal
- Check: Please make the check out to “Clarksburg HS PTSA”, and include the Memo, “After Prom”. Please kindly drop off the check to the school with a note to “CHS PTSA”.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN HELPING US REACH OUR AFTER PROM FUNDRAISING GOAL!!
After Prom 2023 Survey
As we are preparing for the 2023 After Prom, we ask our Junior and Senior students to complete this survey so we can provide a fun and memorable After Prom for you all. The link to the survey is here: https://bit.ly/CHSPTSAAfterProm2023Survey.
We have 20 respondents so far - thank you to all who have submitted responses.
Please share this so we can have more of our juniors and seniors respond.
After Prom Meeting – March 12, 2023 at 7:00PM Via ZOOM
Here is the zoom registration link if you would like to join our meeting: https://bit.ly/CHSPTSAAfterPromMeeting031223
CHS PTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
We would love for you all to join us at our next CHS PTSA General Membership Meeting on
March 21, 2023 at 7pm.
The link to the meeting is: https://bit.ly/CHSPTSAMeeting032123
If you have not joined us already, please click on the following link to be a member: https://bit.ly/CHSPTSAMembership
Anyone can join the meeting but only members can vote. We would also love to hear what special topics you would like us to focus on during upcoming general membership meetings. Please share those ideas to us at clarksburghighschool.ptsa@gmail.com .
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
MCCPTA 2022-2023 Advocacy Priorities
Every year, the MCCPTA (Montgomery County Council of PTAs) Board of Directors and Delegates convene to review and adopt advocacy priorities that they will present to MCPS and the BOE. These priorities center around the following concerns:
Access to Equitable Opportunities
Capital Funds and Facilities
Operating Funds
Communications
Curriculum
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Health and Wellness
School Climate and Security
The link to the 2022-2023 MCCPTA Advocacy Priorities is here: https://bit.ly/MCCPTAAdvocacyPriorities
Clarksburg Yard – Charette
The Clarksburg Yard is partnering up with Nature Sacred (a TK Foundation Non-Profit) to develop a landscaping plan that meets the needs of the community. They have been seeking feedback from Clarksburg residents on what they would like to see or use the space for (community garden, fire pits, stage for concerts, etc). They had the first charette in December and will host their final charette on Sunday, March 12 from 4-6pm.
At the event, there will be free food and drink available, and engaging, age-inclusive activities to do designed to give feedback on the developing design.
A local middle school student, who is on the steering Clarksburg Yard committee, create the attached flyer.
If any CHS Family would like to come, please register via this link: https://clarksburgchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1654148
Thank you so much for all of your support! Let us have a great and fun-tastic week! Go COYOTES!
As always, we are ONE Clarksburg!
Sign up for the MSP Retreat!
2023 Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) School Day
Attention 11th Grade Students and Caregivers,
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a national exam issued by the College Board. It is used to measure high school learning and to predict college success. Content includes reading, writing and language, and mathematics.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) plans to offer the SAT during the school day on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Who is participating? ALL Grade 11 students will be automatically registered to participate
When will the test occur? March 22, 2023
Cost? No cost to any Grade 11 students
What if I chose virtual learning? Students and parents/guardians will be able to participate in the assessments at their home school regardless of their enrollment in Virtual Academy.
Am I required to take the SAT? All Grade 11 students are expected to participate based on the Maryland College and Career Readiness Act of 2013.
During the SAT administration your child will have the opportunity to participate, with your consent, in the optional Student Data Questionnaire. More information can be found about the Student Data Questionnaire on the consent form. In order for your child to participate in the optional Student Data Questionnaire, you must return a signed consent before the SAT administration. Whether or not you consent for your child to participate in the optional Student Data Questionnaire, your child will still be able to participate in the SAT School Day. To access the consent form, please follow the link below. You will be able to submit the form online or you can turn in a printed and signed version to Room 157 either before school or during lunch. All Questionnaire forms are due back by March 10th.
Optional Student Data Questionnaire SAT Online Consent Form (PDF version)
Please note that students taking the test during the school day must adhere to the same testing protocols that take place on national testing dates, including approval of individualized accommodations and adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.
More information will be forthcoming as we approach the test administration. More information can also be found on the MCPS Testing Webpage
If you have any further questions, please contact your child’s school counselor or the testing coordinator, Samantha Calarusse at Samantha_Calarusse@mcpsmd.org.
Additional Resources
https://www.khanacademy.org/SAT
https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/sat/pdf/sat-sd-parents-flyer.pdf
https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/sat/pdf/sat-sd-what-to-expect-students-flyer.pdf
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/study-guide-students
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/sat-school-day-student-guide.pdf
Calling all rising MCPS 2023-2024 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 2023 Summer RISE program at 8AM on Wednesday, February 1. Summer RISE provides students with a five-week/50-hour, career-based learning experience and introduces students to high-demand career options that match their interests. Students must be available between June 26th through July 28th. Student registration will close at 5PM on Tuesday, March 7.
For more information about Summer RISE and how to register, visit the Summer RISE website and/or attend a student and parent information session in-person on Monday, February 6th from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. or virtually on Thursday, February 23rd from 7:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. A registration link will be available on the Summer RISE website.
For more information about Summer RISE and to register as a participant, click here.
Student registration-Opens on February 1st and closes on March 7th
College/Career Center Update
Clarksburg High School
College/Career Center Update
Monday, March 6, 2023 to Friday, March 10, 2023
The Clarksburg High School College/Career Center offers in-person services daily from 7:15 am to 3:15 pm. Learn more about the Career Center at the Career Center website and on the Career Center Canvas page. Contact Mrs. Somerville for more information.
SENIORS
*Congratulations on your acceptance of colleges and scholarships. Please provide your application results and scholarship offerers using this link.
JUNIORS - Join GBTLA Saturday School's "Crash Course 2 College" every Saturday from 9 am to 11 am. Preparing your college application for your senior year begins now with Mrs. Somerville, CHS CCIC. Take advantage of this opportunity to work in small groups for specialized assistance. Fees are $85.00, or $40.00 if you qualify for FARMS (Free And Reduced Meals). Limited space is available. Click here to register.
Upcoming Events and Activities
*The ASVAB will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 7:45 a.m. To register, click here.
*Save the date: The NACAC College Fair for the Class of 2024 will occur at Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse, 18031 Central Park Cir, Boyds, MD 20841, on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Stay tuned for more information.
Every week, more scholarship opportunities are available on the Career Center scholarship page. You can apply for a Patrick Shifflet and Jacob Dennis Foundation Scholarship. Check out this time-sensitive HBCU list.
This document was prepared by CHS CCIC, Mrs. Cintonya Somerville.
NEW COLOR CODE TO IDENTIFY CLOSURE, DELAY OR POSSIBLE SHIFT TO VIRTUAL LEARNING
Tutoring Services at CHS and More!!!!
Clarksburg High School is able to offer FREE tutoring from our own students and staff. Please click HERE to learn about CHS Tutoring available for all students.
All MCPS students have access to free, virtual tutoring services through FEV Tutor and Tutor Me Education.
Both companies offer two services:
Free on-demand tutoring for homework help, no scheduling needed
Free, scheduled tutoring for on-going support, scheduling required
Both companies record sessions, take session notes, and communicate directly with families
The difference between the two companies:
FEV Tutor - no camera for tutor or student - ideal for grades 3-12 students for whom the camera is a barrier to learning
Tutor Me Education - camera for tutor and student
Students access tutoring through using their MCPS Clever account.
For families who would like to set up scheduled, on-going sessions:
To set up tutoring sessions with FEV Tutor:
To set up tutoring sessions with Tutor Me Education:
MCPS@tutormeeducation.com or 240-618-2549 OR
Fill out their request form ** best way
Here is more FEV information:
Here is more Tutor Me information:
The County Executive’s proposed budget, released in March 2022, included funds for 1 Full time Mental Health Specialist and 1 Full time Care Manager at 10 priority High Schools (without Wellness Centers).
County Council expanded the support to all High Schools and added funding for a Positive Youth Development position at each school and additional PYD-SON staff to support each school (SON - Street Outreach Network).
The appropriation of these funds was approved in late May 2022
DHHS expanded the scope of the existing School and Community Youth Services (SCYS) contract to add these additional services and schools
SCYS contractors EveryMind, Sheppard Pratt, and YMCA-Youth & Family Services had already been providing therapy and mental health promotion and prevention services in some of the High Schools under the existing contract
Final approval for this expansion was received on August 4, 2022
HHS PYD expanded current Youth Opportunity Contracts (managed by Identity) to expand PYD services in the following schools:
BCC, Clarksburg, Einstein, Magruder, Springbrook, Quince Orchard, Richard Montgomery, and Rockville
All Identity PYD staff are hired for each school (Youth Development Specialist)
DHHS expanded the scope of the existing Youth Opportunity Center contract with Identity for the Youth Development Specialist positions at 8 of the High Schools
SON continues to provide Crisis Intervention services at request of MCPS in the aftermath of acts of violence either in the community or the school community.
All of SON services will utilize the shared PYD space at every school it currently provides services as well at the upcoming school sites once new staff are hired.
HHS PYD staff will provide ongoing inservice training to all PYD Providers to include the following: Joven Noble Curriculum in December, HHS PYD a youth engagement training, and Professional Community Intervention Training Institute.
MySchoolBucks for School Meals
Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account at the beginning of the school year. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom and more.
ParentVUE provides a way to view school-related information and data for students. Register for athletics, special programs, communicate with teachers and verify your student information annually.
ParentVUE also allows access to Canvas/MyMCPSClassroom, a digital learning platform. Parents and guardians can view instructional information and resources, and get alerts about assignments and grades.
Dress Code? Yeah, we've got that!
Saturday School at CHS
The George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. is pleased to offer options for parents and students interested in additional academic support and/or acceleration on the 6th day of learning (Saturday mornings). Please allow our certified teachers to support our Clarksburg cluster students (elementary through high school).
The fee for the entire year of Saturday School remains the same at $40 for FARMS students and $85 for all others.
Each Saturday morning, there are motivational sessions that focus on mindfulness and wellness within each center. In addition, students will have two additional hours with the MCPS curriculum (Benchmarks and Eureka) for additional support or acceleration. Each center serves the entire cluster of schools, but students have the capability of attending the center of their choice or participating virtually.
2022-2023 PROGRAMS - SATURDAYS / 8:30 - 11:00 AM
- Closing Ceremonies: May 6
Courses are available on the following Saturdays:
- March 11, 18, 25;
- April 15, 22, 29
Center Locations – High Schools: Clarksburg, Einstein, Gaithersburg, Montgomery Blair, Northwest, Paint Branch, Springbrook, and Wheaton. Virtual options for all grades.
TO REGISTER Please go to our website saturdayschool.org.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Khadija_F_Barkley@mcpsmd.org or 301-287-8980.
Join the CHS Athletics Booster Club
Exciting Opportunities! CHS Boosters Membership and Bricks for Coyote Canyon!
*Join the CHS Athletic Boosters Today at chscoyotes.memberhub.com
It only takes a minute and every donation supports our athletic program! Thank you!
*Leave your mark by purchasing a personalized commemorative brick to be installed in the Coyote Canyon! Order online at www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/clarksburghs
This opportunity is only offered every few years, so get yours today! See attached flyer for more information..
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!).
C'BURG Attendance Policy
Academic success begins with excellent attendance. Therefore, special attention will be paid to the issue of attendance and punctuality. We expect every student to be in school every day except for the legitimate reasons defined by Maryland State law and listed below:
Death in the immediate family
Certified illness of the student
Court summons
Work or activity accepted by school authorities
Observance of religious holiday
Quarantine
Physical and mental incapacity
Violent storms
State emergency
As we prepare for the start of school, we wanted to share some important information and updates on attendance procedures. This year we will be providing an online option for reporting student absences. Parents and/or Caregivers of students will use a google form to report a student absence and submit attendances notes. Upon completion of this form, the attendance secretary will review each submission and will follow up to confirm absence. The form can be located here as well as on the Clarksburg High School Website under Attendance Procedures.
Please reference the following resources for our attendance policies:
- Clarksburg High School Attendance Policy: attendance policy
- Montgomery County Attendance Regulations can be found here: county regulations
This year we are focusing on Be Present 182, a charge to have all students in all classes on time every day.
If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Lindsay Cao, Assistant Principal or Ms. Elida Pineda, Attendance Secretary.
Operational Information 2022-2023
Guide to Rights and Responsibilities
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.
Read more HERE.
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