Weekly Newsletter

September 8, 2024

Dear Coyote Community,

What a whirlwind of excitement we've had at CHS this past week! From the start of fall sports to Back-to-School Night and Clarksburg Day Lite, our campus has been buzzing with energy. I'm sure many of you, like me, are still catching your breath after all the fun and activity!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who was able to join us for Back-to-School Night. It was a wonderful opportunity for our staff and families to connect. If you couldn’t make it, no worries—life gets busy! We’re working on creating more chances to engage with you out in the community, making it easier for families to stop by, say hello, and catch up on any important updates. I’ll be sure to share those details once they’re set so you can plan ahead.

In the meantime, please take a moment to review this week’s key information, celebrations, and announcements from our various groups.

Here’s to embracing resilience and the opportunities that lie ahead!

On Friday, our staff and students wrapped up the week with an afternoon of schoolwide community-building activities. We enjoyed some friendly competition in the gym with lighthearted games, sang along together during karaoke in the auditorium, and explored the variety of clubs and activities CHS offers at the activity fair in the cafeteria. It was a fantastic way to end a busy week and strengthen our connections as a school community through fun and shared experiences.

Our fall sports season kicked off this week with exciting contests in golf, flag football, cross country, girls' soccer, and both JV and Varsity football. It was a week full of action, and all of our teams came out strong! It was fantastic to see so many students and families cheering from the stands. We hope to see you out again this week as the excitement continues with boys' soccer, volleyball, and field hockey joining the competition.

This year, one of our major focuses is strengthening our sense of community—both within and beyond the walls of CHS. It's important for our staff, students, and families to engage with the larger community and support one another. This week, several varsity football players visited Little Bennett Elementary School to help welcome students and families during morning arrival.

Thanks to the efforts of Ms. Dommel, our PE/Health Resource Teacher, our student-athletes will continue visiting local elementary schools before each home game. This initiative not only allows them to give back but also provides a great opportunity to invite families to come out and support our games.

A quick update on CHS's implementation of IDs for all staff and students.

• Students received lanyards and ID holders in their English classes this past week.
• Starting Monday, September 9, we are asking all staff and students to have their IDs on as they enter the building. Admin and Security will offer gentle reminders to those who are not wearing the IDs.
• We expect staff and students to wear their IDs throughout the day. There will be class activities that warrent removal of the ID for that period (ex., PE, science labs, etc.)
• We are using next week to identify students who do not have IDs and/or who did not receive the lanyards and holders.
  • Starting Monday, September 9, any student who is missing any part of the ID system (ID, lanyard, holder) should stop by the Business Office (near counseling) to get the missing part. The best times are before school and at lunch.
• We expect our system to be fully implemented by September 16.

Thank you for your help and support

CHS Athletic Boosters is ready for another exciting Fall Season! Please support our athletes by volunteering in concessions and becoming a member today!

https://linktr.ee/chsboosterclub

Please consider joining the CHS PTSA. Our PTSA is a great partner in our work and would love to have more staff, students and parents become members.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections is in search of civic-minded students grade 6-12.

Since 2004, the Montgomery County Board of Elections has conducted the Future Vote Initiative to encourage students from grades 6 to 12 to participate in elections. The program also provides an experience for young people that will shape their values and character and give them an understanding of what it means to exercise their vote and empower others to do the same.

To apply, review the registration instructions provided here: 2024_FV_Registration_Instructions_03292024-2.pdf (montgomerycountymd.gov).

Future Vote deadline is October 16, 2024, with mandatory training held from October 8-17, 2024.

Training information, dates and locations provided during registration.

• FV FAQs Montgomery County Board of Elections: Future Vote FAQs (montgomerycountymd.gov)
• Future Vote Recognition by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission Montgomery County MD 2018 Clearinghouse Award Winner | U.S. Election Assistance Commission (eac.gov)

Students 16 years or older are eligible to register to vote and serve as election poll workers. Each minor must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Maryland State Board of Elections, that they meet all qualifications for voter registration in the State. Each student will earn a minimum $250 stipend or up to 25 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours per full day of service. Individuals who served at the polling places or early voting in previous elections will receive a $100 bonus per full day served ($50 for half-day shifts). To serve in this paid volunteer position election workers must be U.S. citizens, registered to vote in the State of Maryland, able to speak, read, and write the English language, and cannot hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election workers may not serve as campaign managers for candidates or as treasurer for any campaign finance entity. Training is required and will be provided to election workers. This includes an online quiz and in-person classroom training held now through October. Volunteers will be paid for completing training and working during Early Voting and/or on Election Day. Due to the diversity within the county, voters who speak multiple languages are encouraged to apply. We offer several different positions, full-day, and part-day.

To apply, text SERVE to 77788, or EJ Connection - Montgomery County Board of Elections (montgomerycountymd.gov). The Maryland voter registration deadline is Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

• High School Election Worker FAQs High School Poll Workers - Montgomery County MD
• Position Description & Stipend/SSL Amounts Montgomery County Board of Elections - Election Worker Job Descriptions (montgomerycountymd.gov)

Juniors and Seniors, let’s celebrate your academic work! Join the National Honor Society and/or the National English Honor Society for the 2024-25 school year! To apply for the National Honor Society, students must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.57 or a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 4.1 and have completed their student service-learning hours. Students will fill out the application and provide 3 teacher recommendations. The application can be found here.

To become a member of the National English Honor Society, students must be in their junior or senior year with an unweighted overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, with a 3.5 overall in English courses and English-related courses. Students should also demonstrate an enthusiasm for language arts and a willingness to tutor in our writing center. Students will provide 2 teacher recommendations. The application can be found here.

There are no changes in meal prices this school year and students who qualify for reduced-price meals will continue to receive meals at no cost. Funds can continue to be added to student meal accounts at no charge by bringing cash or checks directly to school cafeteria managers. Prepayments on student meal accounts can be made through www.MySchoolBucks.com; note the increase from $1.95 to $2.49 per transaction for the 2024- 2025 school year. Meal prices:

• Breakfast: Regular price: $1.30

• Lunch: Regular price: $2.80

Free and reduced price meals continue to be available for qualifying families. The application is done on line. Information and the link can be found in the document below. Please do not delay in appyling as we do not want students to go without breakfast or lunch if they desire a school meal.

Many students spent time this summer completing their required Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. It is very important to submit them as soon as possible, especially if you are a senior. You may submit forms electronically over the summer.

Please submit through this google form. The form is also on the Canvas page.

September 15- October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month

September 17 PTSA Meeting

September 20 -- Safety Drills

September 27 Early Release

Our CHS website has a wealth of information related to subjects like attendance, student service learning, athletics and more. Please take time to check it out so you have accurate information about policies and procedures at CHS.