Weekly Newsletter

September 13, 2026

Dear Coyote Community,

Happy Sunday, everyone! I am sure many of us are looking forward to the start of the NFL season. I was excited to make my first crockpot of chili of the season this morning, and I can’t wait to enjoy some later today. It definitely feels like fall is just around the corner!

My message is short today because I want to focus on two important reminders.

First, our new personal mobile device (PMD) policy. Most students are doing an excellent job following the new expectations, and we appreciate their cooperation. However, as we wrapped up our third week of school, we noticed an increase in the number of students needing multiple reminders during lunch, primarily related to phones and listening devices. The expectation is that these devices remain put away throughout the entire school day, including lunch.

We have been patient in providing reminders and allowing students time to adjust to the new expectations. We are now moving into the next phase of implementation, which means students who do not follow the policy may have their devices secured in the main office until the end of the school day. Please review the expectations with your student so we can avoid reaching that point.

Second, a reminder that attendance counts. Per MCPS policy, students with unlawful absences are not permitted to make up missed work. Additionally, students who are not persistently present may not be eligible to participate in certain activities and privileges. It is important that absence notes are submitted within three school days so that, when appropriate, the absence can be updated in Synergy as excused. Please reinforce with your student the importance of coming to school every day, arriving on time, and remaining in class.

I have included visuals from previous newsletters below as a quick reminder of both sets of expectations. Thank you for partnering with us to help our Coyotes have a successful school year.

Please enjoy the rest of the weekend. I look forward to welcoming our Coyotes back tomorrow!

Warmly,

Ms. O'Neill

September 18 Clarksburg Day Lite and Student Early Release

September 21 No School

September 22 PTSA Meeting (Media Center)

October 14 PSAT (Grades 9-11)

October 14 Senior Panoramic

October 16 No School (Teachers' Professional Development)

October 16 Latin Dance Social (7:00 pm, Cafe)

October 19-22 Bio Watershed Experience (Neighborhood Field Trips)

October 23 Fall Pep Rally

October 23 Homecoming Football Game and Cluster Night

October 24 Homecoming Dance (7:00-10:00 pm)

October 30 End of Marking Period 1

MCPS has updated its Grading & Reporting guidance to provide students and families with clearer, more timely information about assignments, grades and academic progress.
The goal is simple: clear expectations, timely communication and strong academic support so students know what is expected and families have the information they need to help.
See the One-Page Guidance here.

I hope all is well on your end. Good seeing you last night at the game. I was hoping you could share this information below for the students and families this week in the newsletter. Let me know if this is okay. Thanks!

Boys Basketball Strength and Conditioning begins this Tuesday, September 15th and will take place from 3pm-5pm. This will take place every Tuesday and Thursday through Thursday, November 5th.

In order to participate you must have a current physical and complete the All-School Conditioning form in ParentVUE.

Email Coach Hamlett at breon.hamlett@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions.

Clarksburg High School is searching for an Attorney Advisor for our Mock Trial competition team. Our student members compete against other county high school as trial lawyers and wittiness. We are in need of an advisor to support the staff sponsors and students.

Meetings are held after school, if you can volunteer your time to support these great students contact the Team Coaches (sponsors)- Kim Moore (kimberly_c_moore@mcpsmd.org) or Megan Wessel (megan_j_wessel@mcpsmd.org) for more information.

College possibilities are coming to one place! MCPS juniors and seniors are invited to College Fairs USA on Friday, Oct. 9, from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Bohrer Park. Students can meet college representatives, ask questions, explore options and start figuring out what might feel like the right fit.

Grades 11–12: Don’t miss your chance to explore what’s next. Check with your school counseling office for information about attending and registration.
College Fairs USA Student Flyers in English, Student registration information here

Apply online for meal benefits today! A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Households meeting federal income standards are eligible for free school meals, but must apply to receive this benefit. Only one application is needed for all students in a household.

Learn more.

Help your child build confidence and academic success with Saturday School (George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy). Programs run on Saturday mornings for students in grades K–12, focusing on reading, math, test prep and STEM enrichment, such as coding and robotics. Clarksburg is a Saturday School site.

The opening ceremony is on Sept. 19 for families to register and learn about the program. The first tutoring session is Sept. 26 from 8:30-11 a.m.

Cost: $85/year ($40 for FARMS recipients) Note: Fees increase to $100 / $50 FARMS after Sept. 1.

Transportation: Free MCPS bus routes available to center sites.

Details & Registration: saturdayschool.org

Refrigerator Curriculum: A one-page, easy-to-read overview of the written

curriculum for the first quarter of 2026-2027 is available. This simple look at what

K–12 students will learn each marking period includes major topics, themes and

texts.