Clearspring Howl
Some thoughts for the starting school year

Husky Howl 9.21.25
This Week's Message
We had a great week at Clearspring. We have a shorter week next week. Our next large fall event will be Camp Clearspring on Tuesday, Oct 7th. Thank you for making sure they are ready for school each day, checking folders and communicating when needed.
Important Dates
What's for lunch?
- You can send in a check, cash or add money to your student's cafeteria account at myschoolbucks.com.
Picture Day is Coming
You will recieve order forms the week of the 29th in your student's folders but it is highly recommended that you order online at www.classic-photo.com. Clearspring's online code is: 25clearspg26.
Help Shape Next Year’s School Calendar—Share Your Input!
MCPS is seeking input as it works to develop the 2026-2027 school calendar. Please complete this survey to share your feedback. Your input represents an important component of the development process. The survey will close on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Take it today!
Want to Volunteer or Chaperone a Field Trip this Year? - Volunteer Requirements
MCPS welcomes volunteers! MCPS schools are stronger because parents, caregivers, and community members step in to help. Whether it’s chaperoning a trip, coaching, or lending a hand in the classroom, volunteers make a real difference for kids. At the same time, nothing matters more than keeping every child safe. That’s why we require all volunteers to complete required training—and some volunteers must also complete a fingerprinted background check, including:
â—Ź Volunteer coaches
â—Ź Grade 6 Outdoor Education
â—Ź Overnight or extended day field trip chaperones (returning after 7:00 p.m. or out-of-area/state)
â—Ź Volunteers working 1:1 with students unsupervised
For more information about being a volunteer with MCPS, visit these websites
â—Ź Application Form
Chromebook Repairs, Costs, and Obligations
All students signed an age appropriate contract acknowledging their responsibility to their usage of chromebooks.
Each student is financially responsible for damage or loss to any Chromebook and charger that is checked out to the student. The device is loaned to the student to be used for instructional purposes only and in accordance with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Regulation IGT-RA, User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security. No cost is associated for a student to borrow, possess, or use a Chromebook. A family is only financially responsible when there is avoidable damage to the device. If the device is faulty, there is no charge to the family; however, if the damage is considered avoidable or the device or charger is lost, the family will be charged according to MCPS current parts and replacement costs.
Charging for avoidable damage to Chromebooks is required and not left to an individual’s discretion. All such damages must be assessed and charged accordingly. Families may request an appeal after the charge has been issued, but the obligation should be recorded and processed at the time of the incident.
MCPS Chromebook Acceptable Use Policy
This Chromebook is the property of Montgomery County Public Schools. For MCPS educational use only. All actions are subject to MCPS review and may be monitored, logged, and archived. All users are required to follow MCPS Regulation IGT-RA, User Responsibilities for Computer Systems and Network Security. MCPS retains the sole right of possession of this device.
User Responsibilities:
Students:
• Must treat the device with care and never handle it inappropriately or in such a way that could cause possible damage or loss. If such damage or loss occurs, students and/ or their families will be financially responsible for damages or replacement to their Chromebook.
• Must never leave their Chromebook in an unsecured location.
• May not remove or interfere with the serial number and other identification of the Chromebook.
• May not attempt to remove or change the physical structure of the Chromebook, including keys, trackpads, the screen cover, or plastic casing.
• May not attempt to install or run any operating system or extensions on the Chromebook other than MCPS-approved extensions.
• May not deface Chromebooks with writing, carvings, stickers, etc.
Fall Girls on the Run @ Clearspring - Sign up now before it's too late!
WHAT: Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity-based positive youth development program. We teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. The program aims to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Completing a 5K on November 23rd gives them a tangible opportunity to apply everything they have learned. Each participant receives a program t-shirt, water bottle, entry to the GOTR 5K, and a finisher medal.
WHO: The program is open to girls in 3rd-5th grade.
WHERE: Clearspring Elementary School 9930 Moyer Road Damascus, MD 20872
WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday 3:30 - 4:45pm
The team will meet twice per week for eight weeks, starting the week of September 28th and ending on November 23rd.
COST: $210.00
FINANCIAL AID: The online registration process includes the fee reduction approval process. Simply answer the financial aid questions during registration, and the computer will determine your eligibility and adjust the fee accordingly.
HOW: Register here to sign up by October 2nd. Space is limited.
QUESTIONS? Visit www.girlsontherunofmoco.org or call 301-881-3801 for more information.
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed
by the Board of Education of Montgomery County,
the superintendent of schools, or this school.
Next Round of the Boundary Study for Damascus High School Set for October
The MCPS community is invited to participate in upcoming public information meetings for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School boundary study and the opening of Crown High School and the expansion of the Damascus High School boundary study. In these sessions, the next round of proposed boundary options for the 2027-2028 school year will be presented, including accompanying maps, articulation patterns, data tables and an interactive map tool. MCPS will also share surveys for each boundary study so that attendees can provide meaningful feedback after exploring the options and accompanying resources.
Boundary Study Options for Opening of Crown High School and Expansion of Damascus High School
Virtual Sessions for the Crown/Damascus Study
- Monday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-noon (Zoom Link)
- Monday, Oct. 13, noon-1 p.m. (Zoom Link)
- Monday, Oct. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Zoom Link)
- Monday, Oct. 13, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Zoom Link)
- Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:00-8:00 p.m. (Zoom Link)
In-Person Sessions for the Crown/Damascus Study*
- Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Seneca Valley High School
- Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Seneca Valley High School
- Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Quince Orchard High School
- Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Quince Orchard High School
*Please note that boundary study maps and additional resources will be available for the in-person sessions.
Spirit Wear! - Sale! 25% off and free shipping with order of $75 or more
Get together with a neighbor or some friends to order and benefit from the free shipping.
Notes from the PTA
Upcoming PTA events:
October 6-10 - Book Fair
October 9 - Q1 PTA MEETING
October 26 - Trunk or Treat
We’re looking for some helping hands! Our annual Trunk or Treat is right around the corner, and we need a dedicated Event Chair to help organize the fun. We’re also seeking a Treasurer to join our PTA board and keep our finances running smoothly. If you love planning, organizing, or supporting our school community, this is a great way to get involved. Please reach out to Clearspring.pta@gmail.com if you’re interested or have any questions!