Weekly Newsletter

August 16, 2026

Dear Coyote Community,

Summer break is quickly winding down, and I am delighted to welcome everyone back for a new school year. A special greeting goes out to all who are joining Clarksburg High School for the first time—we are excited to have you as part of our community. I look forward to seeing our returning students and meeting the newest members of our Coyote family.

This newsletter includes important updates and resources MCPS has asked schools to share. While the volume of information may feel high, I encourage you to review the topics most relevant to you and return to others as needed.

A few important dates for the first two weeks of school:

• Transition Day – Monday, August 24
  This orientation day is for students who are new to Clarksburg High School. Regular bus routes will run, and students will spend the day exploring the building, meeting their teachers and peers, and engaging in activities to help them feel at home. We will begin in the auditorium with a welcome from staff and student leaders.

• First Day of School – Tuesday, August 25
  As a reminder, students arriving before 7:15 a.m. must report to the cafeteria and remain there until released by staff. In the afternoon, students staying for activities that do not begin immediately after school should also report to the cafeteria until their event starts. Students not participating in after-school activities are expected to leave at dismissal.

• Fall Meet the Coaches Night -- Thursday, August 27

Fall student athletes and their families should attend this meeting to hear important informatiofrom Mr. Dalton, our Athletic Director, and individual coaches. The meeting is at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.

• Back to School Night – Thursday, September 3
  More details will follow in next week’s newsletter. Please note that 9th and 12th grade parent meetings will be held prior to class visitations. (9th grade at 6:00 pm and 12th grade at 6:30, both meetings are in the auditorium.)

As previously communicated, MCPS has updated its personal mobile device policy for the 2026–2027 school year in alignment with the Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free School Act. Students may not access personal mobile devices during the school day, from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., except under specific circumstances. We encourage families to talk with their students about what this expectation will look like each day, including whether personal devices need to come to school at all. Establishing a plan together before the school year begins will help students start the year successfully and minimize distractions during the instructional day. You can find additional MCPS information here, as well as CHS-specific procedures later in this newsletter.

It is an honor to serve such a wonderful community, and I am truly excited for the year ahead. Together, we will make this a great one.

Warmly,
Ms. O’Neill

August 17-August 21 Staff Pre-service Week

August 22 Regional Back-to-School Fair at SVHS (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

August 24 Transition Day for Students New to CHS

August 25 First Day of School

August 25 Senior Sunrise

August 26-28 Underclassman Pictures Taken

August 26-28 Required Standard Response Protocol Safety Drills

September 3 BTSN (Details to come)

September 7 No School

September 9 Student Expectations Lessons

September 18 Clarksburg Day Lite and Student Early Release

September 21 No School

Bus routes for the 2026–2027 school year can be found here. Please review this information well in advance of the first day of school.

In alignment with MCPS policy, CHS student use of personal mobile devices (PMDs) is not permitted during the school day. Families who need to communicate an important message to their student should call the main office, and staff will ensure the message is delivered.

Because students may not use personal mobile devices during the school day, food ordering and deliveries are not permitted.

Students are expected to follow the MCPS policy regarding personal mobile devices. Below are the steps that will be taken when a student violates the policy. Families will be contacted each time a student is required to turn in a device to an administrator.

We appreciate our families’ partnership in reinforcing these expectations and helping us maintain a learning environment where students can remain focused and engaged throughout the school day.

MCPS has revised aspects of its Grading and Reporting policy for the 2026–2027 school year. One important update is that students who intentionally skip a class or school without authorization will not be permitted to make up missed work.

We encourage families to review all of the updates outlined in the chart below together. These expectations will also be reviewed with students during homeroom during the first week of school to ensure they understand the changes and how they may impact their grades.

This year, CHS is placing an increased emphasis on recognizing and rewarding students who are persistently present and engaged in their learning. Students who maintain an attendance rate of 90% or higher will be considered persistently present and will have access to a variety of privileges and incentives, as outlined in the flyer below.

An important part of strong attendance is arriving to every class on time and remaining in class for the entire period. To support this expectation, CHS will also continue to address patterns of tardiness. Students who are tardy three or more times to a particular class will be assigned a teacher and/or administrative lunch detention.

Our goal is simple: we want every student in school, on time, and in class each day. Every class period provides opportunities to learn, participate, ask questions, and connect with teachers and peers. When students miss class—whether through an absence, tardiness, or leaving class early—they miss valuable learning opportunities.

We ask families to partner with us by reinforcing the importance of showing up, being on time, and staying engaged. Together, we can build strong attendance habits that help every student make the most of each school day.

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.

This year's MCPS Back-to-School Fair is by region and is happening on Saturday, August 22 from 3:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. at Senceca Valley High School. Learn about the school system, and county programs and services, pick up giveaways and get your immunizations. Come out and meet the CHS Admin Team!