Weekly Newsletter

October 19, 2025

Dear Coyote Community,

I hope you are enjoying the long weekend and for those of you celebrating Diwali tomorrow, I hope your celebration includes time with family and firends.

I am taking this opportunity to again highlight a few important reminders about student grades. As communicated earlier this year, the MCPS grading policy has changed:

• A student’s semester grade is the average of the two marking periods.

• Any combination of quarter grades that averages below 60% results in a failing grade and no course credit.

• To pass for the semester, a student’s two quarter percentages must total at least 120 points (since 120 ÷ 2 = 60).

• Per the revised policy, this is the last week students can turn in work for the marking period. The policy indicates that teachers do not take work five days prior to the end of the marking period.

Unfortunately, some students may still believe that earning a passing grade in one quarter guarantees a passing semester grade—it does not. Please encourage students to check their grades and take proactive steps to finish strong.

A few key reminders:

• Interims are posted in Synergy under “Documents.” Students and caregivers should regularly review this information. (If you need help accessing Synergy, please see the Parent Tech section below.)

• Check Synergy Mail. Caregivers of students earning below 60% received an email from Ms. Murray last week to bring attention to this concern.

• Communicate with teachers and counselors. If a grade is lower than expected, reach out to understand whether it reflects missing work, skill gaps, or other factors.

• Encourage focus and effort. Attendance, engagement, and timely work completion all make a significant difference.

Earning course credit is essential to on-time graduation and future success. Let’s work together to ensure that every student finishes the quarter strong and continues to build a solid academic foundation.

It is truly an honor to serve the Clarksburg High School community. Thank you for your continued partnership in making this another positive, productive, and spirited week at Clarksburg!

Warmly,
Ms. O’Neill

October 20 Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)

October 21 PTSA Meeting (6:30 pm, Media Center, See Flyer Below)

October 23 NHS Induction Ceremony (7:00 pm, Auditorium)

October 24 Latin Dance Social

October 24 CHS Haunted House (6:00 pm, Auditorium)

October 25 CHS Haunted House (6:00 pm, Auditorium)

November 3 Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students)

November 11 CHS Open House

November 14, 15, 21, 22 Fall Play (7:00, Auditorium)

November 18 PTSA Meeting (6:30 pm, Media Center)

November 24-25 Early Release and Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 26 Systemwide School Closure

November 27-28 Thanksgiving Break

We feel it is important to support all our families in every way possible. One way we can support is through our Holiday Giving Project that focuses support during November and December. Please see this important message and a link to indicate support that is needed.

Remind is being phased out. Please ensure your parent tech tools are up-to-date so you do not miss out. Here is a link to the presentation given at the recent PTSA meeting to help you ensure you have the technology tools needed to be in the know.

Attention Seniors! Here is the slideshow that was presented at the senior class meeting. This slideshow has important QR codes and links for ordering yearbooks and cap/gown/tassels.

The important take aways are:

1. Cap/Gowns/Tassels need to be ordered by December 19th. The cost is $47.25 (prices will go up after this date).

2. PLEASE let Mrs. Coe know if you are borrowing a gown from a friend/sibling as soon as possible (Room 159 or send an email).

3. If you have a financial need please come talk to Mrs. Coe about borrowing a cap/gown (room 159).

4. Gowns/caps/tassels will NOT be mailed to your house, but instead come to Mrs. Coe at CHS. These items will be given out in May.

5. Complete SSL hours as soon as possible.

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.

CHS was recognized at the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County's (CRCMC) Peacekeepers Gala on October 13. This is such an honor for our school, celebrating a partnership that has truly helped us reimagine what it means to build a peaceful and connected school community.

Through our work with the CRCMC, led by Assistant Principal Lindsay Cao, we have developed practices that ensure students feel heard, valued, and important to our community. Together, we have created spaces for students to use their voices, resolve differences constructively, and recognize the power of empathy and understanding.

This shift has changed the climate and culture of our school. It has strengthened our sense of community, deepened our respect for one another, and reaffirmed our belief that peacebuilding begins with listening, compassion, and shared responsibility.

Clarksburg High School hosted a wonderful Cluster Choral Concert featuring talented student performers from CHS, Rocky Hill Middle School, and Hallie Wells Middle School. The auditorium was filled with families and friends who came to enjoy an evening of music, and the students truly shined in their performances.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Tilkens for his collaboration with the choral directors from our feeder schools in planning and executing such a beautiful and inspiring event.

Congratulations to Ayaan Ahmed for earning 4th place for Varsity Boys with a time of 15.57 minutes and Maddy Kelly who earned 5th for Varsity Girls with a time of 19.07 at the MCPS Cross Country County Championship. Congratulations to all our team members who competed!

Our band returned from their cultural exchange with schools in China. In addition to performances and school visitatations, they were able to enjoy some banquets and siteseeing.