Weekly Newsletter

January 18, 2026

Dear Coyote Community,

Happy cold and blustery Sunday! I appreciate your patience with the slightly delayed newsletter this week. I took a brief trip to visit my parents and did not travel with my computer.

This week’s newsletter highlights a variety of opportunities for students, including activities planned in celebration of the MLK Week of Service. I encourage all students to review the offerings and participate in those that align with their interests. These activities provide meaningful ways to support our community while also earning required SSL hours.

I remain truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the CHS community. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership in making our school such a special place.

Warmly,

Ms. O’Neill

January 19 -- No School for staff and students

January 20 -- PTSA Meeting (7:00 Media Center)

January 23 -- End of Semester 1

January 26 -- No School for Students (Grading and Reporting Day for Staff)

Several updates for the Class of 2026:

• This is a reminder that Friday, January 23rd will be the final opportunity to take your senior portrait.Portraits will be taken in the auditorium from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To participate, you must schedule an appointment in advance by visiting https://legacystudios.com/. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Bazemore.
• Have you ordered your Cap/Gown/Tassel? If not, Josten's will leave our online store open until January 31st for the price of $47, but after this date will not be accepting online orders.
• Students who do not order will have to purchase a cap/gown/tassel on the morning of rehearsal for $75 cash only.
• If you are borrowing from a sibling/friend please let Mrs. Coe know by Feb 1st.
• If there is a financial need you may borrow a gown, but need to see Mrs. Coe at lunch to reserve one by Feb 1st.
• Reach out to Mrs. Coe with any graduation-related questions. Thank you! Ashleigh_a_coe@mcpsmd.org

• NAACP Awarding Scholarships to Graduating Seniors -- The Montgomery County branch of the NAACP is awarding $1,000 scholarships to MCPS graduating seniors. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 6. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, participate in extracurricular activities, participate in faith-based, religious-based or volunteer activities, and submit a 300-word essay addressing the theme, “Unfinished Business: Reclaiming Our Rights Restoring Our Power.” More information Apply.
  Scholarships will be presented during the annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, May 17.

Please see the variety of activities to participate in during this week's MLK Week of Service.

Changes are coming to this year’s summer school programs. MCPS will implement a four-day week (8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Monday–Thursday) to provide consistency for families, maximize instructional time and allow Friday for planning, professional learning, curriculum setup and transportation adjustments. Read more.

The Clarksburg High School PTSA General Body Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the CHS Media Center is our first PTSA meeting of the year, and we need every member there. This is the moment to come together, share ideas, and help shape the activities and events we want to pursue in 2026—events that connect parents, teachers, and students in meaningful ways. As we move deeper into the school year, your voice is critical to helping us do better and make a greater impact. If you’re a PTSA member, please be there. If you’re not yet a member, now is the perfect time to join. You can join PTSA using the link below or join onsite during the meeting. Bring a friend, encourage other caregivers to attend, and be part of the change. Your voice matters. Your participation matters. This is your school and your child’s future. PTSA Membership Link: https://chs-ptsa.givebacks.com/shop

SMOB Candidate Filing Period Now Open
Students interested in running for Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) can file nominations through 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29. To run for SMOB, students must be enrolled in an MCPS high school, a current Grade 10 or Grade 11 student, and a resident of Montgomery County.
Nomination forms can be found on pages 41-43 of the SMOB Election Protocols. Completed forms should be completed, scanned and emailed to Shella Cherry, director of Student Leadership and Activities. SMOB Election webpage

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.

C-SPAN StudentCam Competition: Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to create a video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “Exploring the American Story through the Declaration of Independence.” Top prize is $5,000. Deadline: Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Arts and Humanities Awards: Student awards are available for visual artists and for writers. Open to high school juniors. Winners receive a cash prize, a mentorship and a chance to showcase their work. Deadline: Friday, Jan. 23.

Black History Oratory Contest: This essay contest is open to 9th–12th grade students. Twenty finalists will be invited to read their essays in front of a live audience for prize money. Deadline: Sunday Jan. 25.

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.