Weekly Newsletter

January 4, 2026

Dear Coyote Community,

Happy New Year! I hope everyone was able to enjoy time with family and friends and find moments to rest and recharge over the past couple of weeks. As we return, we are jumping back into full weeks of instruction along with our wide array of extracurricular activities—break is officially over!

As we transition back to school, I want to highlight that there are just 14 school days remaining in the semester. It is imperative that students stay focused, arrive to class on time, remain in class for the full period, and give their very best effort on all assignments. As shared in previous newsletters, under the revised grading and reporting policy, grades do not trend. Students must earn a semester average of 60% or higher to earn credit for a course. Our goal is for all students to earn credit the first time and remain on track—avoiding the need for summer school whenever possible.

While I truly enjoyed the break, I am excited to reconnect with our students, staff, and caregivers. Let’s work together to make 2026 a great year at CHS!

Warmly,

Ms. O'Neill

January 14 -- Testing Day (am)

January 19 -- No School for staff and students

January 23 -- End of Semester 1

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

Join us for a Clarksburg Cluster Town Hall for Boundary Study on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 via Zoom or in-person at Hallie Wells Middle School, media center from 6:30-7:30 PM.

If you plan to join via Zoom, use this link or enter meeting ID/passcode at https://zoom.us/join

Meeting ID: 853 1939 6134
Passcode: 496179

LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85319396134?pwd=QZWcT5MOo19Q3BaLSmg7jdObgQmQju.1

Dial-in option:
+13017158592,,85319396134#,,,,*496179# US (Washington DC)
+13092053325,,85319396134#,,,,*496179# US

Please complete this survey to provide your thoughts and perspectives on the options being shared as part of the current MCPS Boundary Study.

Hope to see you on January 7!

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) announces a major service enhancement, allowing users to print most documents at no cost. Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, all MCPL branches, except Noyes Library for Young Children, will offer daily free printing and copying to customers. Up to 15 black and white pages or two color pages can be printed or copied per day, free of charge.

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.

Coyotes, Are you interested in seeing the process of the SMOB election unfold? Want to attend the annual SMOB Nominating Convention to participate in the democratic process in the selection of our two finalists for the next SMOB? If you are interested, please complete all parts of the form below. The nominating convention is open to all students at Clarksburg High School.

The Nominating Convention takes place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Watkins Mill High School. The snow date is February 12, 2026. Transportation will be provided via MCPS school buses.

Clarksburg High School has the ability to send 12 students to the nominating convention. If more than 12 students show interest, we will randomly select students randomly.

Please contact Ms. Parks, the SGA Advisor, with any questions. Thank You!

Amber_M_Parks@mcpsmd.org

MoCo4Change, a countywide student-led organization that works to elevate student voices on issues affecting Montgomery County schools and communities is recruiting students who are interested in joining. You can read more about us here.

They are seeking interested students who are passionate about civic engagement, student advocacy, and leadership. This is a flexible opportunity for students to get involved in policy discussions, community organizing, and leadership skill-building with students across the county.

Students can learn more and apply using the link here. Applications are due Saturday, January 10th at 11:59 PM.

On January 31st, 2026, the Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW) will host the 46th Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB) from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. The Women's Legislative Briefing brings together advocates, policymakers, and emerging leaders to mobilize around issues affecting women and girls in the state.

The WLB’S Emerging Leaders Track features two breakout sessions for students to participate in, giving them the opportunity to improve their advocacy skills and speak directly with elected officials in our community.

Student tickets are $10 and are available at this link; see the flyer below for more information.

The Snider Enterprising Leader (SELF) Summer 2026 Program, a 3-credit General Education college course designed for motivated high school students interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Program Overview
• When: Summer 2026, July 12-31
• Credits: 3 General Education college credits
• Who: Rising Juniors and Seniors
• Format: Collaborative projects and guided instruction from UMD mentors and entrepreneurs
• Extras: Residential experience and scholarship options available
• Note: Fulfills a General Education requirement!

Program Benefits
Participants will:
• Develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
• Gain confidence and clarity in personal and academic goals
• Work on real-world challenges
• Build meaningful connections with faculty, peers, and industry mentors
• Strengthen their college applications with a university-level course