CLARKSBURG High School
Weekly Message 1/30/22
A message from Principal Edward Owusu
Clarksburg High School Students, Staff, and Families,
The new marking period is underway and students have been busily making it to new classrooms and meeting some new friends. Its a great sight to see. This week is a shortened one as Tuesday, February 1 will be a Professional Day. There will not be school for students.
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 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:
Monday, January 24, 2022 - Regular Day Bell Schedule; Indoor T&F "Polar Bear" Meet 4 at Clarksburg 2:30pm; Girls Basketball - Clarksburg at Richard Montgomery JV 5:30pm / V 7:15pm; Boys Basketball - Richard Montgomery at Clarksburg JV 5:30pm / V 7:15pm
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 - MCPS Professional Day - No School for Students;
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 - Regular Day Bell Schedule; Boys Basketball Clarksburg at Sherwood 6pm; Girls Basketball - Blair at CL JV 5:30pm & Sherwood at CL V 7:15pm
Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Advisory Bell Schedule; Credit Recovery; Activity Busses;
Friday, January 28, 2022 - Regular Day Bell Schedule; Var. Basketball - Clarksburg at Churchill B 5:30pm / G 7:15pm
TEN THINGS TO KNOW - MCPS COMMUNITY MESSAGE
Dear MCPS Community,
Here are ten things you need to know for Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. They include next steps following the gun violence at Magruder High School, information about KN-95 masks, a list of schools entering 10-day virtual learning, the expansion of in-school PCR testing, information about the 2022-2023 school calendar and more.
Safety and security remain our top priority.
On Friday, Jan. 21, there was an incident of gun violence at Magruder High School. We are grateful for the support of the Montgomery County Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue for their quick response and commitment to keep our communities safe.In the months ahead, MCPS leadership will collaborate with school-based staff, students, parents, county officials, community partners, and others to:
- conduct a comprehensive review of all school safety and security practices;
- address ongoing concerns regarding police presence on school campuses;
- provide social-emotional support for students and staff;
- review the staffing of school-based security personnel and emergency response procedures and training;
- implement updated safety and security training for staff;
- and communicate clearly about our ongoing efforts.
MCPS is grateful for the community wide support of students, staff, community members and many key stakeholders who have provided time, talent and critical supports following the incident at Magruder High School.
Four MCPS schools will enter virtual learning beginning Jan. 29.
After a review of multiple key factors and input from a multi-stakeholder group, four schools, as well as the autism program at Westover Elementary School, will move to virtual learning for 10 calendar days. In the interest of the overall school community’s health and safety, these schools will participate in a period of virtual learning from Jan. 31 through Feb. 9. They will return to in-person learning on Thursday, Feb. 10.The schools are:
- Harmony Hills ES
- Loiederman MS
- Pine Crest ES
- Wheaton Woods ES
MCPS is planning for the possibility of virtual learning on days when schools are closed due to inclement weather.
It is important that students experience as little learning disruption as possible, so we are asking for your input to inform our initial planning. Please complete this survey and share your thoughts. We will share more on this in the coming days.Survey: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
All staff and students will continue to be offered KN95 masks.
KN95 masks for younger children began to arrive at elementary schools this week. MCPS will continue to procure and distribute these masks for the remainder of the school year. We strongly encourage students and staff to wear them when inside MCPS facilities, where masks are required.Masks distributed by MCPS meet KN95 standards for face coverings and are considered acceptable for this use. The masks being distributed by MCPS are constructed well with multiple layers of material, designed for good fit and comfort, and do not present safety/health hazards.
In-school PCR testing will expand.
One critical mitigation tactic to fight COVID-19 is in-school random PCR testing. MCPS is beginning to use an additional testing vendor. Starting next week, 20/20 Gene Systems will begin testing in at least six of our schools, with plans for further expansion. Because this is a different vendor, parents will need to give consent separately from the permission that was already obtained for our initial vendor, CIAN. Schools using this new vendor will share information about how to consent for testing.Please continue to report all positive test results for students and staff that come from tests not provided by the school system. Any student who tests positive will be required to isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test, or 10 days from the onset of symptoms, whichever is earlier.
On a case-by-case basis, we will be expanding the availability of quarantine instruction to students who are not in quarantine but have concerns about attending school due to COVID-19.
Families interested in this option should contact their child’s school, and the absences will be excused. This option has been extended through Friday, February 11.Spectators will be welcomed back for extracurricular activities in MCPS facilities at 25 percent capacity.
Effective Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, spectators will be welcomed back to MCPS facilities, at 25 percent capacity, for athletic events and other extracurricular activities. All spectators must continue to wear masks at all times.The Montgomery County Board of Education has approved school calendars for the 2022-2023 school year.
For the traditional year calendar, the first day of school will be Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, and the last day of school will be Friday, June 16, 2023. The Traditional School Year Calendar has 182 instructional days.For the innovative schools calendar, which Arcola and Roscoe R. Nix elementary schools follow, the first day of school will be Wednesday, July 6, 2022, and the last day of school will be Friday June 16, 2023. The Innovative School Year Calendar has 210 instructional days.
The Board of Education is seeking comments on proposed amendments to a student discipline policy until 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.All bus routes have been able to run so far this week.
This week the MCPS Transportation Department has had no unstaffed bus routes. Staff in the MCPS Department of Transportation are continuing to recruit, hire and train bus drivers. Staffing challenges due to COVID-19 are generally on the decline throughout the district.
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, January 31, 2022 - Friday, February 4, 2022
Clarksburg High School
College/Career Center Update
Monday, January 31, 2022 - Friday, February 4, 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.
Saturday, January 29, 2022 10:00am - 12:00pm - Overview of HBCUs Seminar
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 1.27.22
Please refer to the January 27 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:
- Welcome back spectators! 25% ticketed spectator capacity begins Saturday, January 29.
- Overnight travel remains cancelled through February 17.
- Revised team pause guidelines – teams will not automatically be paused if they reach the threshold number of positive cases. A decision on the status of team operations would be determined by an individual analysis of the positive cases in regard to team operations, which would be conducted in collaboration with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
- Return-to-Play Form - A student who has tested positive for COVID-19 must complete and submit the Return to Play Clearance Form: COVID-19 Infection Medical Clearance prior to returning to completion. Students who test positive and are symptomatic must complete the entire form. It is recommended that asymptomatic students also complete the entire form; however, only the parent/legal custodian consent section is required prior to return.
- Postseason competition – the winter postseason begins on Saturday, January 29 with the bocce division tournaments. A summary of events is here. Follow @MCPSAthletics and @MPSSAA_Org on Twitter and check the MCPS Athletics and MPSSAA websites for the latest updates.
Also, today, the MPSSAA Executive Council approved state tournament changes for indoor track & field and wrestling. More information can be found here.
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