Weekly Newsletter

August 17, 2025

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 to note as we begin:

• Transition Day – Monday, August 25
  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. If you would like to review the MCPS message about Transition Day, you can access it here.

• First Day of School – Tuesday, August 26
  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.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting events during the second week of school:

• Back to School Night – Thursday, September 4
  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.

• Clarksburg Day Lite – Friday, September 5
  A celebration for students and staff to reconnect and build community.

• Clarksburg Cluster Night – Friday, September 5
  Join us at our first home football game, where families, staff, and students from all Clarksburg Cluster schools will come together for a fun evening of school spirit.

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 18-August 22 Staff Pre-service Week

August 25 Transition Day for Students New to CHS

August 26 First Day of School

August 26 Senior Sunrise

August 27-August 29 Underclassman Pictures Taken

September 2 Student Expectations Lessons

September 4 BTSN (Details to come)

September 5 Clarksburg Day Lite for Students

September 5 Clarksburg Cluster Night @ Boys' Football Game

You have probably noticed that you get updates from MCPS that aren't Remind messages. The district is transitioning away from Remind and will be using only Parent Square by the end of December. In order to make this a smooth transition for staff, students and families, CHS staff will receive training during pre-service on how to use the tool. For families, the only action is to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in Synergy. Our weekly newsletter will begin to be sent via Parent Square not Remind by the end of September.

Bus routes for the 2025–2026 school year will be available starting August 20. Visit the Division of Transportation Services website to find your route and get set for the first day of school! The link to your school bus routes will also be available on individual school websites once the routes are finalized.

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.

Important revisions to grading and reporting at the secondary level take effect this school year. Final grades for students in grades 6 through 12 will be calculated using the average of the four marking period grades. This change, among others, is designed to increase consistency, strengthen expectations for student learning and truly measure actual student learning in school. Learn more.

All MCPS schools are required to complete a series of emergency drills by the end of October. Schools will also take time to review safety procedures, such as how families would be reunited after an emergency and how staff and students might respond in the unlikely event of a serious threat. These drills and conversations are age-appropriate, focused on building confidence and preparedness in a calm and supportive way. Read more about Standard Response Protocol. Learn more.

For the 2025–2026 school year, MCPS will limit how personal mobile devices can be used during the school day. Limiting phone use during class helps students stay focused, engaged and better able to retain information. Students are expected to put their phones away during classes; however, may use their phones before school, after school and during transitions. Learn more.

MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, August 23 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall (11160 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton). Learn about the school system, and county programs and services, pick up giveaways and get your immunizations. Enjoy music, entertainment and children’s activities, such as the Bike Rodeo, a fun activity to teach kids essential bike safety skills. Learn more.