Clarksburg High School
Weekly Message 9/12/21
A message from Principal Edward Owusu
Good morning Clarksburg High School Families and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month.
This school week is shortened by one day, as Thursday is a Non-Instructional Day, no school for students and teachers.
Activity busses will begin this Tuesday after school. Busses depart Clarksburg at 4:30 pm. Please see the Activity Bus schedule on the Clarksburg Website.
This year, the PSAT 8/9, PSAT, and SAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 13th. This week is the final week for students to register. Please see the information within the newsletter in order to meet the deadline.
Last week the MCPS Board of Education met and determined upcoming changes to vaccination status of staff. In addition beginning Monday, Nov. 15, the start of the winter sports season, all high school and eligible middle school student-athletes will be required to submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to participation. This requirement applies to the winter and spring sports seasons, as well as all out-of-season activities conducted through MCPS Athletics. MCPS will also receive rapid tests for every school beginning next week. The use of these tests, in conjunction with the other safety measures we have in place, will help keep more students in school.
We had a great fan and family showing to our first home football game last Friday. This Friday will also be a great game for fans and family. CHS will pre-sell tickets during the school day so students, parents, fans, and family do not need to wait in line. Tickets will be sold during lunch in the school store on Friday. This Friday is Clarksburg Sports Association (CSA) Night. We look forward to seeing our wonderful community under the lights!
In this newsletter you will find information about college and university visits to CHS, upcoming testing, our new PTSA Board, and opting in for Google suite of applications.
As always, thank you for your continued support and trust. Together we are Clarksburg!
C'Burg Upcoming Events:
Monday, September 13 - Golf @ Rattlewood Golf Course @ 3:30 pm; Volleyball - JV @ 5:30 pm -Damascus; Volleyball - Varsity @ 6:30 pm - Damascus; Field Hockey - JV @ 5:30 pm; Field Hockey - Varsity @ 6:30 pm
Tuesday, September 14 - Girls Soccer - Clarksburg at Watkins Mill 6 pm; Boys Soccer - Watkins Mill at Clarksburg 6 pm
Wednesday, September 15 - October 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month
Thursday, September 16 - Yom Kippur - Non-Instructional Day - No School for Students or Teachers
Friday, September 17 - Schedule Change Window Closes; Athletic Pre-sale of tickets; Girls Volleyball - Clarksburg at Richard Montgomery JV 5:30pm / V 6:30pm; Varsity Football - Wootton at Clarksburg 6:30 pm
Saturday, September 18 - JV Football - Wootton at Clarksburg 10 am
September 21 & September 23 - Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Testing
Clarksburg Implementation of Leader in Me
Clarksburg High School is implementing a whole-school transformational process called the Leader in Me, which teaches 21st-century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.
CHS will be conducting surveys to learn more about key areas of strength and areas of needed growth in our school. In order for us to have a holistic picture of what is going on in our school, we are asking all full-time staff members, families, and students to participate.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the survey during Advisory on Tuesday, September 14th.
If caregivers decide to participate, you will be asked to complete a survey (without sharing your name or other identifying information) that will be available through the weblink below. The survey is completely voluntary, but we do hope to get feedback from one member of every household.
The family survey takes about 12 minutes to complete and will ask questions about your child and about their experience in our school. If you have more than one child attending the school, you will be asked to think about the oldest child's experiences as you answer questions related to their growth.
Please take this survey: Caregiver Survey (English) Caregiver Survey (Spanish)
Please complete the survey by: Thursday, September 30, 2021
Please join our Parent Academy Session on Leader in Me: September 22, 2021, from 6:00-7:00 pm to learn more about the Leader in Me Curriculum. See flyer for additional information:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19YS_H9bfjwkVflalcyFBiSTMnzK77y9g/view?usp=sharingThe PTSA is BACK!
Clarksburg High School is pleased to announce the following officers, elected by the membership of the CHS Parent Teacher Student Association, for the upcoming school year:
- President -- Nadia Syahmalina
- Treasurer – Toby Perkins
- Secretary -- Samira Saddiqi
- Vice President of Educational Affairs – Bushra Queraishi
- Vice President of Administration – vacant
The first meeting of the year will be later in the month.
Did you miss the Senior Meeting ? If so, please see these slides here...
MCPS Community Update - September 9, 2021
Here are seven things you need to know about from the Sept. 9, 2021, Board of Education meeting, including COVID-19 testing in schools, mandatory staff vaccination, and new student vaccination requirements for winter and spring sports.
COVID Symptoms & Student Quarantines
This is particularly important as if your child has any of the following single symptoms they will be sent home and not be able to return to school until they have a negative test, alternate diagnosis, or complete a full 10-day quarantine. During that period of time, all other students who have been in close contact will have to be in a temporary quarantine while the other families wait on the outcome of that testing for your child. This could be potentially disruptive to your children and families moving in and out of quarantine and to avoid it takes all of us working together. It is a collective responsibility that we exercise extreme caution and be conservative in our approach.
The single symptoms that the health room staff screen for and will result in quarantine are cough, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, fever ≥100.4°, sore throat, severe Headache, diarrhea or vomiting. Please do not send your children to school with any of these symptoms. This is essential for us to continue to remain in school without quarantine.
FREE COVID 19 TESTING:
See here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/testing.html
Fully Vaccinated Exposure Exemption
Students and staff who are fully vaccinated (two weeks past their last dose) are exempt from quarantine if they have direct contact with someone who has tested positive or is suspected to have COVID-19.
- Students can continue to attend school in-person, and staff can continue to work in a school or office building.
- Fully vaccinated people should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure.
- Recommended to get tested 3-5 days following a known exposure. Staff and students may report on-site as normal during this time as long as they do not have any COVID symptoms. If they experience symptoms, they should isolate and be tested for COVID-19.
Close contact is:
- Being 3 feet or less away in the classroom for 15 or more minutes during a 24-hour period, regardless of mask use.
- Being 6 feet or less away while eating or outdoors for 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period, regardless of mask use.
If your child tests positive for COVID-19 please contact your health provider immediately, and contact Clarksburg High School at 240-740-6000. You may also contact any member of the Administrative team or you may contact our School Nurse:
Ann Morrison, RN, BSN
School Community Health Nurse
Montgomery County DHHS
Clarksburg High School
Health Suite: 301-444-3294
Nurse Office: 301-444-3295
County Cell: 202-853-4943
Time for Fall MAP Testing
Schools will be giving the Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment to all 9th and 10th grade students in both Reading and Math. The MAP Growth is a computer adaptive test created by NWEA that students take two to three times per school year. The MAP Growth measures what students know, regardless of their grade level. It also measures growth over time, allowing you to track your student’s progress throughout the school year. The results provide teachers, students, and families with an accurate assessment of a student’s ability, accurately measuring what a student knows and needs to learn.
The assessment will be administered on both September 21st (English) and September 23rd (Math). Both the MAP-R (Reading) and the MAP-M (Mathematics) will be administered through homeroom classes. 11th and 12 graders who are not testing will also report to Homeroom for foundational lessons in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, etc.
The schedule for both September 21st and 23rd will begin with testing and SEL lessons. Once testing and the lessons are complete students will resume with their regularly scheduled classes.
An overview to understand the MAP assessment, how MAP works, what it measures, and common questions you may have can be found in this resource from the NWEA website. There are videos at our student resources site that will give you an idea of what the test experience looks like. Scores are released immediately to students as they finish the assessment. Scores will become available on ParentVUE once the testing window closes on October 8th.
Prior To Test Day students may partake in a MAP Growth practice test/item sampler to become familiar with the accessibility features and format of the assessment. Once logged into the practice test (Username: grow, Password: grow), grade level and content may be chosen. We also recommend that you check to make sure your MCPS device is configured correctly by going to this site. Lastly, while MCPS finds the value in students partaking in this assessment, parents may request to opt out of the MAP testing by contacting the test coordinator Amber Parks Amber_M_Parks@mcpsmd.org.
If you have any questions at this time please feel free to contact the test coordinator at Amber_M_Parks@mcpsmd.orgACTION ITEM!!! Complete the consent Form for G Suite for Education
MCPS is committed to leveraging technology in ways that ensure all students have access and opportunity to communicate, collaborate, create, and innovate safely and responsibly anywhere, anytime in support of learning. MCPS has contracted with Google to provide access to G Suite for Education to students in a closed and secure environment that is not accessible to anyone outside of MCPS. In addition to their Core Services, G Suite for Education offers supplemental tools, or Additional Services, which require parent/guardian consent in order to log in and use the services. Clarksburg High School teachers may also utilize a variety of supplemental online digital tools to reinforce the district’s instructional program. These tools have been evaluated to be safe for student use and are consistent with federal laws on student data privacy.
Please complete this Google form to submit your permission for these important supplemental digital tools.
PSAT and SAT Registration Form 2021
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Testing (NMSQT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are national exams issued by the College Board. They are used to measure high school learning and to predict college success. Content includes reading, writing and language, and mathematics.
When taken in Grade 11, the PSAT serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), which recognizes promising high school students with college scholarships and other awards. Only students who take the PSAT in their Junior year will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
This year, the PSAT 8/9, PSAT, and SAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 13th.
Who should register? Freshman and Seniors only
All 10th and 11th graders are automatically registered, free of charge.
Seniors who didn’t take the SAT last year in their junior year will also be free of charge
When is the test? October 13, 2021
Cost?
PSAT 8/9 is $14.00
SAT is $55.00 (for any Senior who already took the free SAT last year in April)
Waivers are available for the SAT only- please email Cintonya_A_Somerville@mcpsmd.org
When does registration end? September 15, 2021 at 12:00pm
Why should I take the PSAT? The exam gives students:
Feedback on academic performance & suggestions on how to improve.
Preparation for the SAT and ACT.
Information from colleges /universities through Student Search Service.
A free personalized online college planning kit based on test results.
How do I register?
Complete the Google form registration and make your payment.
How do I pay?
Pay online at Clarksburg High School
(Please note a 3.75% processing fee will be added with online payments)
Cash and check/money order payments will be accepted during lunch at the Cafeteria Concession Stand Window between September 13th and September 22nd. Make checks payable to Clarksburg High School.
How do I prepare for the PSAT?
Student guides can be found online at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/
If I have testing accommodations in class will I automatically have them on the PSAT?
No, students who normally receive testing accommodations should see their case managers or counselors ASAP. Only accommodations approved by the College Board—typically a 7 week or longer process—will be provided for the PSAT.
College/Career Center Update - September 13, 2021 through September 17, 2021
The Clarksburg High School College/Career Center provides in-person services daily from 7:15 am through 3:30 pm. Use this link to schedule an appointment. Visit the Career Center website and Career Center on Twitter: @Cburg_Readiness. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Somerville at Cintonya_A_Somerville@mcpsmd.org.
Colleges/Universities on Campus
Juniors and seniors, register in Naviance Single Sign-On to attend college/career visits. Visits will be held in the Career Center. Please share the reservation with your teacher. Attendance will be recorded and submitted to Mrs. Koval, Attendance Secretary.
Moravian University, PA - Monday, September 13, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
Shenandoah University, VA - Tuesday, September 14, 2021 @ 9:29 AM
Kent State University at Kent, OH - Wednesday, September 15, 2021 @ 8:37 AM
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, TN - Wednesday, September 15, 2021 @ 9:29 AM
Florida Institute of Technology, FL - Friday, September 17, 2021 @ 8:37 AM
Trinity Washington University, DC - Friday, September 17, 2021 @ 10:21 AM
Saint Michael's College, VT - Friday, September 17, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
American University, DC - Tuesday, September 21, 2021 @ 9:29 AM
University of Maryland-College Park, MD - Wednesday, September 22, 2021 @ 10:21 AM
Shepherd University, WV - Thursday, September 23, 2021 @ 10:21 AM
Purdue University-Main Campus, IN - Monday, September 27, 2021 @ 9:29 AM
Binghamton University, NY - Tuesday, September 28, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
Frostburg State University, MD - Tuesday, October 5, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
Saint Vincent College, PA - Wednesday, October 6, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
University of Maryland-Baltimore County, MD - Thursday, October 7, 2021 @ 9:29 AM
Hollins University, VA - Thursday, October 14, 2021 @ 8:37 AM
Washington University in St Louis, MO - Friday, October 15, 2021 @ 10:21 AM
St. Mary's College of Maryland, MD - Tuesday, October 19, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
Allegany College of Maryland, MD - Wednesday, October 20, 2021@ 8:37 AM
George Washington University, DC - Monday, October 25, 2021 @ 8:37 AM
University of Mary Washington, VA - Tuesday, October 26, 2021 @ 10:21 AM
Alvernia University, PA - Thursday, October 28, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
Virginia Commonwealth University , VA - Friday, October 27, 2021 @ 9:29 AM
Bryant University, RI - Wednesday, November 1, 2021 @ 9:29 AM
Johnson & Wales University-Providence, RI - Monday, November 1, 2021 @ 11:58 AM
Checkout scholarships on the Career Center website.
Coming soon is a list of events, workshops, webinars, employment opportunities, and more.
Prepared by: Cintonya Somerville, CHS College/Career Center, CCIC
CHS Student Schedule Change Request
The schedule change request window will open back up next week and will run from September 10th- September 17th. Students can pick up schedule change request forms from their counselor in the counseling office starting September 9th before school starts, during lunch or after school. No schedule change requests will be considered after the September 17th deadline. 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.
Over the summer, alumni have worked hard to make connections with local businesses, gain sponsorships, and get support for programming events. Our fundraising goal is $10,000 for this fiscal year and we feel optimistic about our ability to achieve that goal.
So spread the word, click the link and join today! https://cburgalumni.org/
Thank you in advance for your support of the Alumni Association.
Go Coyote Blue!
Sign Up & Join the Booster Club
JOIN THE CHS BOOSTER CLUB
The CHS Athletic Booster Club is an organization of parent volunteers who fundraise in support of the entire athletic program. Please join us in supporting our student athletes!
Athletic Boosters Membership Link: chscoyotes.memberhub.comYearbook Information
Yearbook Information: yearbooks are at their lowest prices of the season! Pre-order your book to lock in our cheapest prices until 9/17/21. Just visit www.clarksburgyearbook.com for more information!
Senior Information: Attention seniors! Make up portraits will be on site 9/17, 10/4, 10/28, 11/29-30, and 12/1 in the CHS Wrestling Room. Schedule your appointment through the Lifetouch prestige portal. You can find help at our website, www.clarksburgyearbook.com! If you miss these dates, you can schedule directly with Lifetouch in studio by calling 1-800-445-1189.
Don't forget to SELECT YOUR POSE! Your photographer should give you information to log in and view your photos and select your portrait pose for the yearbook.
You do not need to purchase photos to sit for a formal and be featured in the book. The deadline for any senior formal to be included in the book is 12/3/21. Any portraits taken after 12/3/21 can not be guaranteed in the book.
Finally, it's also time for SENIOR QUOTES! Submit yours at www.clarksburgyearbook.com today!
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