Clearspring Howl

We had a great week at Clearspring. Thank you to all who attended back to school night, 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.

PLASE DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR IN THE CAR RIDER LINE. Best practice has your student sitting on the right side of the car so they can be supported by a staff member or patrol. Please do not get out of your car in the car rider line as it creates a safety issue as well as holds up the line. If your student needs to ride on the left side of the car, please let staff know so they can support. We are trying to move the line as quickly as possible. All goodbyes should be done in the car so we can get the line moving swiftly. Thank you!

• You can send in a check, cash or add money to your student's cafeteria account at myschoolbucks.com.

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!

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:

● Volunteer coaches

● Grade 6 Outdoor Education

● Overnight or extended day field trip chaperones (returning after 7:00 p.m. or out-of-area/state)

● Volunteers working 1:1 with students unsupervised

For more information about being a volunteer with MCPS, visit these websites

● Volunteer Information

● Application Form

● Child Abuse and Neglect Training

We are starting our instrumental music classes and your child is invited to join us!

All 4th and 5th grade students are invited to join our program.

**Returning 5th grade must re-register.

Mrs. Dahlin will meet with your child in the next few weeks to determine what instrument will work for your child. Once that process is complete, you will receive information on how to get an instrument. Please do not get an instrument until you hear from Mrs. Dahlin.

Please register your child in the online form below or the paper version - not both. Your child has received the paper copy in their backpacks, but it is linked below for your convenience.

Here is an online registration option:

https://forms.gle/A7KM7pnGJpx7w8vB7

Here is the paper copy your child received:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UpofmTQIlMHHXdrlagRbokgFz_U3sw1NEGST35sWzAo/edit?usp=sharing

Here is a slide presentation with lots of information on the program:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MbF2eSUFpIlbjCHgczMEguX0mAwYolfjDamOmvvgEow/edit?usp=sharing

Please email our instrumental teacher with any questions you have.

Mrs. Dahlin alaina_k_dahlin@mcpsmd.org

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

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.

Get together with a neighbor or some friends to order and benefit from the free shipping.

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!

September 16 - Jimmie Cone Spirit Night 5pm-10pm

October 6-10 - Book Fair

October 9 - Q1 PTA MEETING

October 26 - Trunk or Treat