Weekly Newsletter

March 22, 2026

Dear Coyote Community,

Happy Sunday! What incredible weather we are enjoying this weekend. I truly hope it continues through next week’s Spring Break. I think many of us are more than ready to move on from the wild weather we have experienced over the last month—snowstorms, thunderstorms, tornado warnings, freezing temperatures…all of it!

This week, I’ve included several additional student opportunities that look both fun and interesting, so please be sure to check those out. I also want to highlight that Mr. Mortimer has begun inviting employers to campus during lunch to recruit students for summer jobs. Last week, Wegmans, Dominique Dawes’ Gymnastics Academy, and a lifeguard company set up in the main commons. If summer employment is on the radar, students should definitely stop by and connect with these companies when they visit.

Please note that there will not be a Fireside Chat paired with this week’s PTSA meeting. The meeting was rescheduled from last Tuesday, and unfortunately, I have a prior commitment Tuesday evening that cannot be changed. I am working with our PTSA president to identify an alternative date and will share that information once it is finalized.

Just a reminder that prom is right around the corner! Tickets are now available online for $85 and include entry to the prom, delicious food, bowling, and music. In this newsletter, you will also find information about several opportunities for students to shop for free prom outfits, including one happening this week in the College and Career Center.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead, and no matter what your plans are for Spring Break, please stay safe and take time to relax and rejuvenate.

Warmly,
Ms. O’Neill

March 24 PTSA Meeting (NO Fireside Chat); 6:30 Media Center

March 27 Spring Pep Rally

March 30-April 6 Spring Break

April 9 Arts and Culture Showcase

April 10 Naach Showcase

April 11 Prom

April 14 Last Day of Marking Period 3

April 21 PTSA Tik Tok Event (More Info to Come)

Submit SSL Hours by March 27 for Service Awards
Spring break is the perfect time to earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours! Note these key deadlines:

· Friday, March 27: Deadline for Award Documentation.

o Seniors: Reach 240+ hours for the Certificate of Meritorious Service.

· Friday, May 29: Deadline for all other 2025–2026 SSL forms.

The National Honor Society is now accepting applications from current JUNIORS who are interested in becoming a part of the organization before their senior year. Applications are due on April 24th. Students must read the application packet and be sure to follow all instructions therein.

Application packet LINK

Free event on April 21-22 at the Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse in Boyds. Will feature representatives from 250+ colleges and universities. The fair is open to all high school students and their families from 6:30–8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.

We want to hear from you! Earlier this year, MCPS implemented significant operational changes and shifts — affecting topics as different as grading, safety (including police in schools), the Student Code of Conduct, open lunch in high schools and cell phones in schools. Starting today, MCPS is distributing surveys on several of these issues important to families, students and staff; we want to know how they are working for you in practice.

The survey is available here. Not everyone will receive the same set of questions. If you are a member of more than one group (for example, a staff member who is also a parent) you will be able to take the family survey and the staff survey, and potentially receive different questions. You will be asked to self-identify both times.
Participation is confidential. No individual responses will be shared; only summarized data will be used to guide districtwide improvements.

Find the CHS course registration request form here.

MCPS continues to advance important planning related to school boundaries and long-term facility investments. During a recent Board of Education Spring Facilities and Boundaries work session, district leaders reviewed updates, including alternative options, to the superintendent’s recommendations and answered questions raised by Board members and the community. The Board is scheduled to take final action on the boundary studies on March 26, with approved changes beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. Read more.

On Sunday, March 15th, over 80 members of the National Honor Society met to participate in a community clean up. The students travelled through the area around Clarksburg High School as far as Wilson Wims Elementary, Harris Teeter, Rocky Hill Middle School, and Dowdens Ordinary Park to pick up trash. We are proud to serve our Clarksburg Community!

The County Art Show was last week with a culminating reception on Sunday afternoon. Over 2000 folks went the Montomery College to view student art. As always, Clarksburg's contributions were amazing. Check out the images of our displays below. Thank you to our wonderful teachers and students for making this happen.

The Walter Reed Military Medical Center (the "President's Hospital") is offering 50 high school students a prestigious opportunity through the Red Cross to volunteer in our clinics. Our month-long program in July will allow students valuable clinical experience, medical awareness training, and more opportunities for our medically interested students. Apply soon as our applications close on March 20th and first come first serve! Link: sparrows.school/chs

Girl Power Contest: In recognition of Women’s History Month, entries for the annual are now open. Open to Montgomery County girls aged 5 and up, this year’s theme is: Women past and present have shown incredible, real-life superpowers. Who inspires you—whether a historical figure, family member, neighbor or advocate—and how did she use her powers to make a difference? Winners will be invited to a celebration in June. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.

Keeping It Safe Video Contest: Open to middle and high school students, the contest invites students to create a 30-second video on the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.

Keeping It Safe Video Contest: Open to middle and high school students, the contest invites students to create a 30-second video on the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.

Sober Vibes Essay Contest: High school juniors and seniors are encouraged to write an essay persuading their peers not to drink before, during or after prom. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.

Sustainability Poster Contest: All students and staff can participate in this annual contest to increase awareness of energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. Check out the new digital art category! Deadline: Friday, April 3.

Pedestrian Safety Art Contest: Opening Monday, March 16. K–5 students are encouraged to create artwork demonstrating pedestrian safety. Deadline: Friday, April 17.

NAACP Youth Summit: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Richard Montgomery High School. This free event is open to all students and will offer leadership development workshops, a student panel discussion, and a reflection and advocacy campaign opportunity. Lunch, transportation and SSL hours will be provided.

Maryland Center for School Safety’s Prepare 2026 Art Showcase : This year’s theme, Future Ready Schools, calls on student artists in Grades 3-12 to share their perspectives on what school safety means to them. Deadline: Sunday, May 31.