Weekly Newsletter

October 12, 2025

Dear Coyote Community,

I hope you are enjoying a restful weekend and finding time for activities that bring you joy. After a very full week at CHS—filled with athletic events and vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations (see highlights below)—this weekend certainly feels short! The upcoming week will be equally active, with college field trips and PSAT testing on the horizon.

Speaking of the PSAT, please take a moment to review the important message from Ms. Daly and Mr. Haynes included in this newsletter. All 10th graders and students who registered for the exam will be testing. Those not testing will participate in meaningful activities such as SSL opportunities, credit recovery, or academic work catch-up.

I also want to take this opportunity to 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).

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 15 PSAT

October 15 9th Grade College MoCoCap Field Trip

October 15 Senior Meeting Auditorium, 10:00 am

October 17 Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students, Professional Development for Teachers)

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)

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.

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Maryland students and families are encouraged to complete it early, no matter what postsecondary education plans they are considering. By submitting the FAFSA, students know how much financial aid they qualify for through state, federal and institutional programs. Read more.

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.

Students in grades 9-12 can use StudentSquare only. They will login via the web or app, downloaded to their mobile phone, using the Log in with Google option. Below is a great video tutorial that models the login process and provides a detailed overview of navigating the StudentSquare app to view Posts, Smart Alerts, group and direct messages.

StudentSquare Overview Video

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 past week, our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continued with vibrant energy and community spirit. Students enjoyed a lively piñata-breaking party in the courtyard—complete with student-made piñatas—followed by a cultural fair in the World Language hallway. The fair featured informative displays highlighting the rich histories and traditions of various countries, along with delicious treats that showcased the incredible diversity within our CHS community. The week concluded with a high-energy, educational, and inspiring assembly on Friday that left students and staff both entertained and enlightened.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Ms. Victoria Yu and Ms. Daisy Peay for their leadership in organizing these outstanding events, and to all the student leaders and staff who helped plan, support, and participate. Together, you made this celebration a true reflection of our Coyote pride and cultural unity.

Our band is participting in a cultural exchange with schools in China. In an update from Saturday, a few photos were shared. Students have been very busy visiting schools and performing. They are finally getting a little time for site seeing.