Weekly Newsletter

February 1, 2026

Dear Coyote Community,

The weather certainly created challenges for MCPS last week. I’m not sure about conditions in your neighborhood, but in mine, a solid block of ice-covered snow remains. My backyard has turned into an ice rink for my dogs, and while many streets are passable, much of the sidewalk real estate is still covered with packed snow and ice from the county’s plowing efforts. As we transition back to school, I encourage everyone to use extra caution when walking or driving. It’s likely we will continue to deal with the remnants of this storm for the foreseeable future—even as temperatures begin to warm.

I look forward to welcoming staff and students back to school as we officially begin Semester 2. This semester, schedules will not be printed. Students can access their schedules through StudentVUE, and schedule change requests will begin next week. Below is important information from the Counseling Office regarding the schedule change process:

• Day 1 of the semester: Students who have holes or errors in their schedules should report to the Counseling Office during the affected period.

• Day 2 of the semester: Students may come before or after school, or during lunch, to pick up a schedule change request form to drop an AP class or move from AP to honors or on-level. Please do not send students to the Counseling Office during class time to pick up forms.

• Day 3 of the semester: Students may come before or after school, or during lunch, to pick up a schedule change request form to switch an elective class. Again, please do not send students during instructional time.

Speaking of the Counseling Office, this week is National School Counseling Week. Please take a moment to thank our counselors for all they do to support our students. Their work is essential, and we are grateful for their dedication and care.

Finally, please continue to monitor news sources for any updates to our schedule this week. MCPS has indicated the possibility of a delayed opening tomorrow, and I anticipate an update by the end of today so families and staff can plan accordingly.

Warmly,

Ms. O’Neill

February 9-13 Black History Spirit Week

February 16 No School - Holiday

February 17 No School -- Non-Instructional Day

February 20 -- Black History Month Assembly

February 27 -- Early Release (Grading and Reporting)

The CHS Robotics team participated in the First Tech Challenge (FTC). The Innovate Award is a judged award that celebrates teams that demonstrate exceptional creativity, ingenuity, and inventiveness, specifically for an innovative, well-engineered robot design solution. It highlights the team that turns imaginative ideas into funcitonal, creative robot components. Congratulations team!

What are we missing?

The Museum of the Contemporary American Teenage (MoCAT) invites teenagers from across the country to answer the question: What are we missing? Any interested students are invited to interpret the question, “What are we missing?” in whatever way is most meaningful to you. What are teens missing? What are “we” missing about teens? A variety of interpretations and approaches will allow the MoCAT team to capture/present the teen experience with the complexity the topic deserves. If you are interested, please review the slide deck for complete information.

Summer RISE Student Registration Now Open

Student registration for Summer RISE 2026 is open until Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Summer RISE offers a hands-on, career-based learning experience with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors, who will be matched with career hosts based on their industry preferences for a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid opportunities from June 22–July 24. To learn more, join a Student & Parent/Guardian Information Session or visit the Summer RISE webpage. Host registration is also open until Friday, March 13.

HBCU Fair: Register for this event, 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. If MCPS has an early release or closure due to inclement weather, this event will be moved to a virtual format. More information coming soon.

Next Generation Leadership Day: This event is a day of workshops for 4th and 5th graders. Seeking secondary students to create workshops and to be presenters/mentors at the event on Saturday, April 11. Apply to create a workshop by Friday, Feb. 13. Apply to present a workshop by Monday, March 9.

Choose Respect Video Contest: Open to middle and high school students, this contest challenges teens to create an original video promoting awareness of dating violence/abuse among teens. Videos can be in English or Spanish. Top prize is $1,000. Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 15.

Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest: This year’s theme is “What Is Humanity?” Students must be in high school to participate. Deadline: Friday, Feb. 20.

Montgomery County Science Fair: From 11:45 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at FDA Building 75, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring.

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.

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.