Weekly Newsletter

January 5, 2025

Dear Coyote Community,

Happy New Year! I hope your winter break was a time to recharge, reflect, and prepare for all the possibilities 2025 holds. I’m thrilled to welcome everyone back and look forward to celebrating the many achievements this year will bring for our students, staff, and families.

Although our return to school was brief with just a two-day week, the energy in the building was palpable. It was truly heartwarming to see students and staff reconnecting with their friends and colleagues, and their enthusiasm brought a smile to my face.

As we prepare for the week ahead, I want to draw your attention to the weather alerts and impending storm forecasted for our area. MCPS has revised the codes for closures (see graphic below), and this differs from what was communicated in the fall. Please note that Code Purple (virtual instruction) will no longer be used unless all other options for making up instructional days are exhausted. It is essential to monitor news outlets and social media for the latest updates on delays or closures to ensure everyone stays informed and safe.

As we embrace the new year, I’d also like to share a few reminders to help us maintain a smooth and focused learning environment:

1. No Food Deliveries
   Students are not permitted to order food deliveries. We saw several instances of this last week. If a parent wishes to provide lunch, it must be brought to the office, labeled for the student, and picked up there.

2. Attendance Matters
   Students should arrive to every class on time and remain there for the entire period. Consistent attendance is critical to academic success.

3. Finish Semester 1 Strong
   The semester ends on January 28. This is a crucial time for students to stay focused, complete all assignments, and aim for their best performance to earn credits and maintain a strong GPA.

4. Practice Kindness
   A small gesture of kindness can make a big difference. Whether it’s saying “Good morning,” offering a compliment, or sharing a smile, these simple acts can brighten someone’s day.

Be sure to review the calendar and updates below for important upcoming events and announcements.

Wishing you a safe, wonderful, and restful week ahead!

Warm regards,
Ms. O’Neill

January 6-13 MCAP Make-up Testing (Students will receive messages and passes)

January 6-14 P-Tech Career Workshops

January 12 Band Mattress Fundraiser (See info below)

January 14 PTSA Meeting (6:00, Media Center)

January 15 Rising 9th Grade Parent Night (7:00 via Zoom, see info below)

January 16 P-Tech Mock Interviews

January 16 Summer RISE Interest Meeting (Lunch, Auditorium)

January 17 Red Cross Blood Drive

January 20 No School

January 28 End of Semester 1

January 29 No School

Students in grades 9-11 received Course Registration Cards before winter break and are asked to identify the courses wanted and needed for the 2025-26 school year. Students should review their Registration Cards with caregivers and get their approval and signature on the courses selected. Students will meet with counselors in January to go over courses selected and turn in the registration cards. The schedule for meeting with counselors is below:

• Grade 9 English classes meet Jan 6-9 Mon-Thu
• Grade 10 English classes meet Jan 14-17 Tue - Fri
• Grade 11 English classes meet Jan 21-24 Tue - Fri

Student and families can find additional information about courses offered and course descriptions in the CHS Course Bulletin.

Information about high school courses and upcoming registration will be shared at our Rising 9th Grade Parent Night. Please see flyer below and share with others you know who might need this information.

Check out this month's Media Center newsletter!

In this issue:

• MLK Week of Service: Earn SSL Hours in the Media Center January 21-24 During Lunch
• Contest to Win a Prize: National Hobby Month

• December Resource Collections: Martin Luther King, Jr., Cozy Up With a Good Book, National Hobby Month: Reading is a Hobby Too!
• Spotlight on Digital Citizenship: Tech Planners