CLARKSBURG High School
Weekly Message 3/6/22
A message from Principal Edward Owusu
Clarksburg High School Students, Staff, and Families,
This week a 5 day academic week, with an Early Release Day on Friday to close out the week. Many events are scheduled this week. Here are some items to note.
Congratulations to our Girls Varsity Basketball Team and coaches who won their Division, County, and Regional Championships and are among the FINAL FOUR Elite teams that will play for a Maryland state title. The Girls Varsity Basketball Team will play Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 pm to determine the state final matchup. C'BURG Parent and student support are needed. Tickets are available on GoFan.co and the event will be held at Paint Branch HS.
Spring Sports are underway. All student athletes and parents should note the NEW DATE for the Spring Meet the Coaches Night. The NEW DATE is Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm. All athletes and parents/guardians should plan to attend the in-person meeting that will be held in the auditorium.
As the Spring weather begins to warm in the coming days and weeks there are a few reminders I would like to highlight for expected behaviors.
- All students are expected to be on time and present for class, for the duration of class.
- CHS has a student dress code policy. Please see STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY and adhere to the policy.
- CHS is a closed campus, meaning students may not leave campus during lunch unless they are departing school for the rest of the day. Additionally students may not order food for delivery to campus.
Please adhere to our school policies and expected behavior. You may find more detailed information in our CHS Student Handbook.
The MCPS Board of Education will vote on a Mask "OPTIONAL" policy at its upcoming meeting this week. Please see our newsletter for more information.
In this newsletter you will find information about the SAT School Day and Accuplacer, AP Exam Payments, MCPS systemwide messages, Spring 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:
* March is Women’s History Month
Monday, March 7, 2022 - Regular Bell Schedule;
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - Advisory Bell Schedule; CIAN Rapid Testing; Edmentum Credit Recovery; Activity Busses; Girls Varsity Basketball State Semifinal Playoff - at Paint Branch High School - 7:30 pm (See Bracket Here);
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 - Regular Bell Schedule; Spring Meet the Coaches Night - 7 PM in the Auditorium
Thursday, March 10, 2022 - Advisory Bell Schedule; Credit Recovery; Activity Busses;
Friday, March 11, 2022 - Early Release Day Bell Schedule;
Saturday, March 12, 2022 - SAT for any registered students via College Board
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Reminders-Upcoming Special Event Days, Early Dismissal Days, or No School Days
March 11 - Early Release Day—12:00 Dismissal
March 24 - Early Release Day—12:00 Dismissal
April 1 - Now an Early Release Day
April 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18—Spring Break
May 2 - Professional Day for Teachers-No school for students
May 18 - Early Release Day
May 30 - Memorial Day-Schools and Offices Closed
June 15 - Now a Full Day of School
June 16 - Full Day of School
June 17 - Last Day of School
Looking for Clarksburg T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Much More? We've got two convenient ways for you to shop!
* Visit our Online Store https://clarksburgboosterspring2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/ open through March 14th! Find items not sold in person, such as Champion sweatshirts, various sweatpants, and performance quarter zips.
* Shop in-person at the CHS Spiritwear Sale - MARCH 18th, from 11-1pm in the Main Gym Lobby. Staff and Students - Stock up on your favorite Coyote gear! Cash, credit cards and Venmo accepted. See you there!
A Virtual Conversation with the Board of Education
- Safety and Wellness
- Learning Loss and Gaps
- School Culture and Climate
- What does an equitable school system look like
The event will be held Mar 16, 2022 06:30 PM.
Click here to register: https://bit.ly/NAACP-Registration
How to Find and Communicate your WOW Factor in your College Essays and Application - March 24, 2022 College Essay Writing Event
Join College Essay Coach Amy Smith on Thursday March 24th at 7 pm for a jam-packed VIRTUAL presentation - “How to Find and Communicate your WOW Factor in your College Essays and Application.” Where will you encounter writing on your application, and how can you stand out? How has the pandemic affected college writing requirements? Amy, a journalist, publicist, and college essay coach, owns Power Hour Editing and helps college-bound students jumpstart their process, stand out, amplify their unique voices, and power to the finish line. She’ll share her “Top Do’s and Don’ts” for college essays based on years of experience identifying trends and roadblocks many students face in the writing sections of their applications. And she’ll share excerpts from “rockstar essays” to demonstrate how to be authentic, creative, and communicate WOW in YOUR writing!
To RSVP and receive follow-up materials from Amy, fill out form here - RSVP is not required to attend.
Full link - https://tinyurl.com/2cu5ey2m
More information on Power Hour Editing -> www.PowerHourEditing.com
This is a virtual event that all can attend via ZOOM. This event is intended for 11th grade families, but all are welcome to attend.
Join Meeting with this link [https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/83266983094?pwd=VFFUSWJITzlPdXllMlpLV3Jta0tHdz09]
IMPORTANT: SAT School Day & Accuplacer Testing for Montgomery College
SAT School Day:
<CLICK LINK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION>
Attention 11th Grade Students and Parents,
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) will be offered at Clarksburg on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The SAT is a national exam issued by the College Board and is used to measure high school learning and predict college success. SAT content includes reading, writing and language, and mathematics. ALL Grade 11 students will be automatically registered and expected to participate in the assessment based on the Maryland College and Career Readiness Act. There will be no cost to Grade 11 students to take the SAT on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 during the school day. (An alternate school bell schedule will be provided as academic classes will be limited to the afternoon) More information will be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks.
Accuplacer Testing:
The Accuplacer will also be offered on March 23, 2022 at 7:45 AM in the Auditorium. The following groups will be participating:
- 12th grade Seniors that have applied to Montgomery College (MC) and will be contacted by Mrs. Somerville
- 9th Grade PTECH students who will be contacted by Mrs. Oxenford
- Jump Start to College 10th grade students who will be contacted by Ms. Jeanpierre
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
CHS Media Center News - March 2022: Clarksburg HS
Happy March, Coyotes! Dive into this transformative month with this issue of our monthly newsletter: (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
- 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 (Links to an external site.)
- Another month, another contest! Enter for chance to win a prize! (Links to an external site.)
- Peep our New Books! (Links to an external site.)
- Spotlight on Digital Citizenship: How Much Screen Time is Too Much Screen Time? (Links to an external site.)
- Research Support Guide
Click HERE to read the newsletter. Enjoy and reach out with any questions, comments, feedback!
Mrs. Blanchard, Your CHS Media Specialist
New - Free, On-Demand Online/Virtual Tutoring Available for All Students, K-12
MCPS Six Things to Know - 3/4/22
Here are six things to know for Friday, March 4, 2022, which include information about mask mandates, the COVID-19 dashboard, COVID-19 test kits and the upcoming release of the FY 2022-2025 Strategic Plan website.
Mask Policy Decision Expected Soon
In a recent public statement, the Board of Education said that it is likely to vote to move to a “mask optional” policy for Montgomery County Public Schools. Should this decision be made, MCPS will provide guidance and support to families about a shift to optional masking in schools and offices. We expect our MCPS community to respect others’ mask choices. Read the community messageCOVID-19 Dashboard Updated
MCPS has published an updated version of its online COVID-19 Data Dashboard. Working collaboratively with the cross-functional COVID-19 Operations Advisory Team to ensure that stakeholder feedback was incorporated, the dashboard will now include:- Reported positive cases for students and staff over the previous 10 days by school, the number of students and staff at each school, and the percentage of the population impacted by COVID-19 for the previous 10 days
- Total number of positive cases for the previous 10 days for the entire district
- Total number of active quarantines
- Total number of active cases and quarantines since Aug. 31, 2021
- The dashboard will updated on a daily basis
- COVID-19 Rapid Take-Home Test Kits Being Distributed
MCPS continues to distribute rapid COVID-19 test kits to all students and staff every three weeks through March. These kits are an important part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus.
VIDEO: Directions for use of COVID-19 rapid test kit
Learn more at this website and review the flyers:
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
(Reminder: these are nasal (nose) rapid test kits; please refer to the directions included in the kits prior to use)
MCPS Strategic Plan Website to be Released Next Week
The new MCPS strategic plan for 2022-2025 features three main areas of focus:- Academic Excellence
- Well-Being and Family Support
- Professional and Operational Excellence
This Board-approved plan will move teaching and learning in critical focus areas to support students in their education.
Posters
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛIn-School COVID-19 Testing Remains Important
In-school COVID-19 testing is an important tactic to mitigate spread of the virus. MCPS has in-school random testing for asymptomatic students and rapid testing for students who show symptoms. Parents must give permission for this testing by completing this form. Learn more about in-school COVID-19 testing.
In Support of the Families Affected by the Silver Spring Apartment Building Explosion
All of us at Montgomery County Public Schools are deeply concerned about the welfare and well-being of the families affected by the apartment building explosion in Silver Spring. MCPS staff will work with families needing assistance as they recover from this event. If you wish to support families affected by the fire, please consider making a donation to Making Home Possible. More will be shared in the coming days.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF MASKS BECOME OPTIONAL IN MCPS
It is anticipated the Board of Education (BoE) will vote on a “mask optional” policy for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) at the upcoming March 8th meeting.
At the meeting, there will be discussion of relevant data in conjunction with federal, state and local guidance, and—absent a spike in cases or hospitalizations—it may be appropriate for masks to be optional in MCPS schools. The BoE will make that decision.
This discussion follows a recent decision by Maryland state to end a mask mandate for schools, along with revised masking Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention guidelines that no longer recommend universal mask-wearing in schools.
The changes to our mask policy will be welcome to some and it may be worrying to others. There will be students, teachers and administrators who want or need to continue to mask in our schools. We must respect that.
As a district, we expect our MCPS community to respect individual decisions about whether to mask or unmask at this time.Our staff and students must model kindness, acceptance and inclusivity. MCPS will work assiduously in communication with students, staff and families to ensure we all know the importance of respecting the individual decision to wear a mask or not wear a mask if the decision to make them optional occurs.
Transportation and Extracurricular Events
In addition, masks are expected to be optional on our school buses. We will continue to keep windows open when weather permits. At our sporting events and in-person performances, masks would also be optional.
Ongoing Virus Mitigation (Reducing Virus Spread)
The school district maintains a multi-layered COVID-19 mitigation strategy, including:
- rapid COVID home testing
- random and rapid in-school virus testing
- improved HVAC systems in all buildings
- vaccination clinics for all available age groups
- enhanced cleaning practices
- distribution of KN-95 masks throughout this school year
Also, quarantine and isolation periods have been reduced from 10 days to 5 days. These measures and county efforts to reduce virus spread have helped ensure a safe school environment. The CDC currently rates Montgomery County as “low” on its measurement of the impact of COVID-19 illness on the community.
Vaccination continues to be the most important way to stay safe and healthy. Please get vaccinated or boosted if you are eligible.
There are vaccination clinics at schools on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. Information about county vaccination sites can be found here.
MCPS will monitor virus conditions in our county and schools. Should there be a need to shift masking guidance, decisions will be made in collaboration with our local and state health partners, as well as the MCPS COVID-19 Advisory Team. The COVID-19 Data Dashboard will be an important resource.
We are committed to ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.
Important Resources
For Families
- Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral and Mental Health Needs During the Pandemic
- Children may be afraid to remove their masks. These steps can help reassure them.
For Staff
- Employee Assistance Program
- In-person - (240) 314-1040 (Available 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. year-round)
- Online (Kepro)
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 - Tuesday, February 28, 2022 - Friday, March 4, 2022
Clarksburg High School
College/Career Center Update
Monday, February 28, 2022 - Friday, March 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.
Seniors
Complete the FAFSA now! Create (2 FSA IDs One parent and student). Create an MD CAPS’ account, if you are attending college in the State of Maryland!
Attending MC, deadline for Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is March 1, 2022. The Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship is a last dollar scholarship that is available to students who enroll at Maryland community colleges.
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.
Scholarships - FREE Money
Prepared by: Cintonya Somerville, CHS CCIC
CHS Athletic Boosters 2022 Scholarship Opportunities
Link to Scholarship Application and Further Information:
C'Burg Athletics
Return to RAISE Communication 2.25.22
Please refer to the February 25 update for the latest information regarding MCPS Athletics. A Spanish version is also available. The updated Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan is here.
Key updates:
1. Masks/Face Coverings
Effective March 1, the wearing of masks/face coverings will be optional for student-athletes, coaches, and officials while participating in practices, team activities, and contests across the program (all sports). This also includes on team benches and to and from locker rooms. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks/face coverings when indoors.
Spectators and other event personnel must continue to wear masks at all times indoors. All individuals shall bring their own mask/face covering; extra masks are available at all activities.
This guidance will remain applicable across MCPS Athletics, pending future review and guidance for schools.
2. Updated Quarantine Guidance
Effective March 1, MCPS Athletics will align with updated quarantine guidance announced at the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 24, which reflects moving from a 10-day isolation and quarantine period for students to a 5-day isolation and quarantine, if certain health conditions are met.
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