Clarksburg High School
Weekly Message 10/3/21
A message from Principal Edward Owusu
Good morning Clarksburg High School Families
Some important and timely information is contained within this weekly news update.
This week students will have alternate regular and block schedules on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday due to State of Maryland required testing. Testing times vary so please see the linked information. Friday will be an Early Release Day with school ending after lunch at 12:00 pm. Teachers will be preparing mid-quarter interim grades for students and families. Please make sure to check ParentVUE and StudentVUE for grading and reporting updates.
If students or your child need any help, in any subject, come to room 101, Mrs. Coe's room at lunch for free peer tutoring. Additionally, the CHS National Honor Society offers free peer to peer tutoring. Students may sign up for tutoring by completing a request form. (See NHS Tutoring Request Form)
The CHS Homecoming Week is right around the corner, October 18-22. Homecoming includes hallway decorating, spirit week themes of Pajama Day, Jersey and Sports Day, Wacky-Tacky Day, Costume Day, and Battle of the Classes. In a addition a fantastic Powder Puff Football Game is planned during our Pep Rally. The Homecoming Dance will be spectacular! Dancing will occur outdoors under heated, lighted, and tented facilities. There will be games and activities for all. Clarksburg students that wish to bring a current MCPS student from another school will need to print and complete the linked Out Of School Guest form. Please see the information contained in the newsletter.
Do you remember those cartoons where some Wyle Coyote would cause all sorts of trouble just to wind up getting consequences that taught a simple lesson. Well unfortunately students around the country are making a few bad choices with consequences you should know about in advance. We are aware that there is a social media challenge suggesting students perform illegal and/or inappropriate tasks. We are extremely proud of our students for following our Clarksburg High School rules, procedures, and motto of "Be Good. Do Good." Please be aware that if a student were to perform an illegal or inappropriate action, we will assign appropriate consequences in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. (Please also see an MCPS message linked in the newsletter below.)
Every one of us have an obligation to ensure that ALL our staff and students are safe at all times. Thank you for your assistance in keeping Clarksburg High School a great place for Leadership, Scholarship, and Relationships.
In this newsletter you will find information about college and university visits to CHS, Homecoming Plans, MCAP Testing, and more.
As always, thank you for your continued support and trust. Together we are Clarksburg!
C'Burg Upcoming Events:
October is - Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15); Breast Cancer Awareness Month; National Bullying Prevention Month
Monday, October 4 - Girls Soccer - Quince Orchard at Clarksburg JV 5:30pm / V 7:15pm
Tuesday, October 5 - MCAP TESTING SCHEDULE; Cross Country - Clarksburg at Quince Orchard (at Smokey Glen Farm) 3:30 pm; Boys Soccer - Clarksburg at Quince Orchard JV 5:30pm / V 7:15pm; Girls Volleyball - Seneca Valley at Clarksburg JV 5:30pm / V 6:30pm; Edmentum Credit Recovery; ACTIVITY BUS - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, October 6 - MCAP TESTING SCHEDULE; Field Hockey - Clarksburg V at GA 7pm / JV at WO 3:45pm; Girls Soccer - Clarksburg at Seneca Valley JV 5:30pm / V 7:15pm
Thursday, October 7 - MCAP TESTING SCHEDULE; Golf - EI, BK, CL and DA at Sligo Creek Golf Course 3 pm; Girls Volleyball - Clarksburg at Gaithersburg JV 5:30pm / V 6:30pm; Boys Soccer - Seneca Valley at Clarksburg JV 5:30pm / V 7:15pm; Edmentum Credit Recovery; ACTIVITY BUS - 4:30 pm;
Friday, October 8 - EARLY RELEASE DAY; Field Hockey - Clarksburg at Richard Montgomery JV 5:30pm / V 7pm; Varsity Football - Damascus at Clarksburg 6:30 pm
Saturday, October 9 - JV Football - Damascus at Clarksburg 10 am; SAT if registered
IMPORTANT: MCAP Testing For All On the Horizon - October 5-7
MCAP
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is an umbrella for annual statewide assessment for ELA/Literacy/Mathematics and Science. The English Language Arts (ELA) test is a computer-based and paper test (for designated students) which focuses on reading and understanding literature and informational text, as well as writing effectively when analyzing texts. The Mathematics (MCAP) exam will focus on applying skills and concepts, understanding multi-step problems that require abstract reasoning and modeling real-world problems. The Science (MISA) will focus on the ability to demonstrate the essential knowledge and understanding of Science and Engineering.
The English Language Arts (MCAP) exam which consists of two sections (Section 1 – 70 minutes; Section 2 – 70 minutes) will be administered on Tuesday, October 5th.
All students in grade 9 will take the ELA Grade 9 exam.
Students in grades 10 – 12 that have “not taken” the ELA 10 exam will take the exam on the aforementioned dates.
The Mathematics (MCAP) exam which consists of two sections (Section 1: 20 minutes – non-calculator; Section 2: 45 minutes – calculator) will be administered on Thursday, October 7th.
Students in grade 9 who took Algebra 1 last year in middle school will take the Algebra 1 exam.
Students in grade 9 that took Geometry last year in middle school will take the Geometry exam.
Students in grade 9 that took Algebra 2 in middle school will take the Algebra 2 exam.
All other ninth graders will take the Math Grade 8 exam.
Students in grades 10 – 12 that have “not taken” or “not met” Algebra 1 state requirements will take the Algebra 1 exam.
***Important Reminder: Students MUST use their MCPS issued device to complete these exams.
High School Programs available for 2022-2023
Are you interested in the Special Programs available through MCPS? ACES, Thomas Edison High School of Technology, Early College and more. Applications are available now and deadlines are looming.
Check out these links:
HS Programs At- A- Glance
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BHN1HRAtxpW7CeREd6KEyATimvkWVLnd_M7FFg0WrsQ/edit
MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs and Parent/Student Information Meetings Program Descriptions Eligibility and/or Course requirements Fall 2021 Visual Art Center (VAC) at Albert Einstein HS (October 25, 2021 at 6:30PM) The Vis...
docs.google.com
Thomas Edison HS Programs:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/edison/
Thomas Edison HS - Montgomery County Public Schools
College & Career Ready. Thomas Edison High School of Technology is unique among Montgomery County public high schools. The programs at Edison allow students to experience success through hands on learning that prepares them for college and future careers.
www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
Early College Program:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/partnerships/early-college.aspx
Early College - Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD
Career and Postsecondary Partnerships → Dual Enrollment → Early College Programs. Early College Programs. The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Montgomery College (MC) Early College (EC) program is offered at each MC campus, and provides qualified students the opportunity of earning an Associate Degree in a specific content area.
Fire Science and Rescue Program:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/partnerships/early-college.aspx
Online Applications will open on or about October 1st. Deadline is November 5th.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/
Montgomery County Public Schools: Special Programs - High School
Special Programs → High School Programs. High School Programs NEW Information from the 2021-2022 school year. Grade 8 . High School Regional/Countywide Application Program Preview Presentation Recordings from September 22, 2021: English & Español FAQs (updated 9/21/21) Instructions on how to change the language in ParentVUE.
There will be a Zoom meeting for all Clarksburg Grade 9 & 10 families to review the Career & Technology Education programs that are offered throughout MCPS. The application deadline to apply to CTE programs at other high schools for the 2022-2023 academic year is November 5, 2021. The purpose of the meeting to review all of the available programs with families.
Here is the Zoom Meeting Webinar Link:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82350658991?pwd=S1FINHhSTVVoRk5xSzBreWIzU09sUT09
Earn the Seal of Biliteracy!
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.
What languages are offered?
STAMP 4S:
Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified & Traditional), Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish
⇨ Swahili and Yoruba assessments are projected to be available by late 2021.
STAMP WS:
Amharic, Armenian, Chin, Chuukese, Czech, Filipino (Tagalog), Haitian-Creole, Hawaiian (‘Ōlelo Hawai’i), Hmong, Ilocano, Kannada, Marathi, Marshallese, Samoan, Somali Maay Maay, Somali Maxaa, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Yup’ik.
When is testing? Eligible Juniors and Seniors will be tested on either Wednesday, November 10th or Thursday, November 11th.
How do I register? If you are a current Junior or Senior and meet the eligibility requirements, please complete the Registration Form below.
More details about each assessment can be found on the next page.
If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Raquel Quiroz at raquel_e_quiroz@mcpsmd.org or Mrs. Amber Parks amber_m_parks@mcpsmd.org.
What is the Avant STAMP 4S assessment?
The Avant STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) 4S (4 Skills - Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) is a web-based, computer-adaptive test that assesses language proficiency.
There are 20 multiple choice questions for both the reading and listening sections. There are three prompts each for the writing and speaking sections.
What is the Avant STAMP WS (World Speak / Writing & Speaking) assessment?
The Avant STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) WS (World Speak or Writing/Speaking) is a web-based, computer-adaptive test that assesses language proficiency in writing and speaking. The Avant STAMP WS was created to meet the growing need for heritage language communities to have rigorous, professionally scored, and affordable assessments. STAMP WS measures the speaking and writing proficiency levels based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
The test begins with a self-assessment based on CanDo statements. Based on their score, students are given four Speaking and four writing prompts, with three prompts being delivered at the self-assessed level and one prompt delivered at a level above the self-assessed level.
How long does the assessment take?
Both the Avant STAMP 4S and WS take approximately 120-180 minutes to complete, in addition to approximately 30 minutes of pre-test administration.
The maximum testing time is not to exceed 3.5 hours, which includes the pre-test administration.
Students with extra time accommodations will be allowed the time allotted on their IEP in addition to the original testing time.
Can students have scrap paper and a pen or pencil during testing?
Test-takers are NOT allowed to use pencils or pens and paper during testing. The STAMP tests are designed to enable students to show what they can do with their language in an unrehearsed and spontaneous way in a real world context.
How can students prepare for the assessment, including the writing section?
Students must be prepared to type in the language of the assessment using a Chromebook.
Students must complete a technology check including taking a sample test.
The following languages will need a keyboard activated: Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Cantonese, Chinese (Mandarin) Simplified & Traditional, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Marathi, Russian, Tamil, Telugu, Vietnamese, Urdu. More information on how to do that is available here.
How can students improve language proficiency in order to earn the needed score in the language other than English?
Avant has created a Power Up Guide for students. The guide gives suggestions on how to “power up” to the next level.
For the STAMP 4S , a composite Avant score of 6, or Advanced Low on the ACTFL scale is needed to earn the world language requirement for the Seal of Biliteracy.
For the STAMP WS, scores of 6 are required in both writing and speaking.
Homecoming Week 2021 is October 17-23
Hey Coyotes! It's almost Homecoming Time! The Student Government Association at Clarksburg High School presents, Hollywood Magic, our homecoming dance. The homecoming dance is on Saturday, October 23 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Clarksburg High School. The night will include dancing, games, food, and the movie, Avengers Endgame.
For Seniors & Juniors ONLY, tickets are on sale on Friday 10/15 & Monday 10/18 before school and during lunch. All students may purchase a ticket (with a current Clarksburg issued ID) on Tuesday 10/19 and Wednesday 10/20. The cost of a ticket is $20. Students can purchase tickets in the auditorium using cash (exact change only), check, or credit card.
Students may bring a guest to the homecoming dance that doesn't attend Clarksburg High School. All guests must currently attend another MCPS High School. To bring a guest, complete a guest form by October 14 and bring a photocopy or picture of the guest's student ID. (See Form Linked Below)
If you have any questions about the homecoming dance, please email Ms. Taylor (Cora_N_Taylor@mcpsmd.org) or Ms. Calarusse (Samantha_Calarusse@mcpsmd.org).
MCPS Community Message Concerning the TikTok Challenge called 'Devious Licks'
We are aware that there is a social media challenge suggesting students perform illegal and/or inappropriate tasks. We are extremely proud of our students for following our Clarksburg rules, procedures and motto of Be Good. Do Good. Please be aware that if a student were to perform an illegal or inappropriate action, we will assign appropriate consequences in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. (Please also see an MCPS message linked below.)
Every one of us have an obligation to ensure that ALL our staff and students are safe at all times. Thank you for your assistance in keeping Clarksburg High School a great place for Leadership, Scholarship, and Relationships.
Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO)
There are several categories where students may create projects (i.e. writing a poem, creating a science project, playing an instrument, reciting a dramatic monologue, painting a picture, writing a business plan) that follow the ACT-SO categories rubrics.
We have many exciting opportunities including a Write Her Future with Lancome, open only to ACT-SO students https://www.lancome-usa.com/write-her-future.html (including scholarships for senior high school girls), a partnership with Scholastic Art & Writing Competition https://www.artandwriting.org/ with ACT-SO students eligible for https://www.artandwriting.org/scholarships/the-alliance-act-so-journey-award/
In addition, ACT-SO Montgomery County were chosen to participate and perform on stage at the NAACP Image Award Pre-Show. ACT-SO students also have the opportunity to earn SSL hours throughout the year.
Reset it and don't forget it!
Starting this school year, students in Grades 3 and above are responsible for annually changing their passwords. Students will have until Saturday, Nov. 9 to update their passwords. For students who do not update by Nov. 9, passwords will be automatically changed by the system, and students will need to get their new passwords from their homeroom teacher. The single password change will update students’ mcpsmd.org and mcpsmd.net accounts.
Here’s how students can change their password:
- Navigate to SPM.mcpsmd.org
- Log in to SPM with their current user ID and password
- Enter a new password
For technical support, students can contact their school IT systems specialist (ITSS) or the Community Help Desk mailbox at communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org.
Student passwords must be changed at least once every year. Students will receive several notices to do so through their Google .net accounts.
Grading & Reporting at CHS
Clarksburg High School aligns grading and reporting practices with the curriculum and assessment practices of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the State of Maryland in order to accurately document and report student achievement.
Please visit Regulation ILA-RA: Grading and Reporting for more information.
Please review the CHS 2021-2022 Gradebook Expectations for more information regarding grading and reporting.
To monitor student performance, please visit the myMCPS Classroom or ParentVUE.
Please visit MCPS Digital Backpack for resources on accessing online platforms.
MAKE-UP WORK
When a student has an excused absence from classes, he/she/they will have the equivalent of the number of school days absent to make up class work, homework, quizzes, and tests for full credit. For long term excused absences - five days or more - the teacher and student will work together to formulate a plan and may include a school counselor when needed.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be issued to all students during an in school homeroom, with the exception of the final report card which will be mailed home in June. During Remote Learning, Report Cards will be mailed home. If an "I" is placed on the report card for a marking period grade, it must be changed in the Counseling Office to the earned letter grade by the 10th school day after the report cards are issued for each marking period. Unchanged "I's" will be changed to "E's" on the 10th school day after report cards are issued if a grade change is not reported. This policy will affect a student's eligibility.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR ABSENCES
Students are encouraged to see their teacher if they are absent from class for under three days. The Counseling Office will request work assignments when the absence, if due to illness or suspension, will be for three days or more. Please allow 24 hours after the request for work to be ready. Please contact your counselor.
George B. Thomas. Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. - Saturday School
The virtual doors of The George B. Thomas. Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. - Saturday School opened yesterday, for its 35th year of service on Saturday, September 25th. Online registration started on September 1st and they have adequate space for additional students.
Classes will be offered in reading (Benchmarks) and math (Eureka) for grades Pre-K through 5 from 8:30am - 11:00am through May of 2022. GBTLA will also have a special center for our ELL students and families. Our dynamic programming will include weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, recreational activities and academic acceleration with opportunities for enrichment. In addition, they are offering CODING sessions throughout the school year for an additional fee. Students in grades 6-8 will receive tutoring in math and reading that is aligned with what they are learning in their Monday-Friday classes from 8:30am-11:00am through May of 2022. Middle school students will be experiencing personalized lessons through APEX Learning and will receive insight into their progress and performance aligned with MCPS standards. Students in grades 9-12 will be receiving subject based tutoring on the work that they are being assigned in their Monday-Friday schools.
Outside of traditional programs, they also offer coding for elementary and middle school students. GBTLA have robotics classes for middle school students, SAT prep courses and a crash course to college course as well.
The program fees are $40 for FARMS students and $85 for all other students. These fees cover the ENTIRE year of tutoring. Coding is an additional fee at $150 for five classes. Weekly attendance is strongly encouraged as students that attend regularly outperform students that do not.
Registration can be found at www.saturdayschool.org. Should you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to email Adam_R_Ritchie@mcpsmd.org.
College/Career Center Update - October 4, 2021 through October 8, 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.
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.
Please check periodically for new events and updates.
ASVAB CEP Event poster link for Wednesday, October 13, 2021.
Student Service Learning Information (SSL)
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)C'Burg Athletics
Return to RAISE Communication 10.1.21
Thank you for your continued efforts to promote the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and program. Following are some reminders regarding vaccination requirements and program operations.
Student-Athlete Vaccination Requirements
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.
Vaccination FAQs
Here are answers to FAQs regarding the vaccination requirements for MCPS Athletics. More information will be provided, as necessary.
Testing in Schools
Free COVID-19 testing is available for all students in every school. Testing is an important strategy for keeping schools open and students and staff safe. With testing, MCPS can minimize the number of students in quarantine and minimize interruptions to program activities. Parents/guardians must give their consent for testing. Families can fill out the consent form, which is available in multiple languages online, or request paper copies from their school. There are two types of COVID-19 testing available. Rapid tests are used when a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms during the school day. Results are available within 15-20 minutes. Screening tests are given weekly to a random sample of students with no COVID-19 symptoms. These results are available in a few days. Read here for more information.
Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan Operations
The Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan will continue to drive program operations in regard to COVID-19 procedures and protocols. The plan is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics. The latest version is always available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage. The September 17, 2021, update includes updated language regarding vaccinations for volunteer coaches and athletic trainers.
Communication and Resources
Our COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics will continue to evaluate and implement the latest safety measures. Updates and guidance from the Task Force will continue to be provided and are available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage. 2 | Page We appreciate your continued commitment and support. Specific questions should be directed to your school’s athletics specialist (AD), athletic coordinator (AC), or coach.
Montgomery County Public Schools
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