Dear Clarksville Middle Families and Community,
This Wednesday was Veterans' Day and I want to echo what we shared both with our staff and student body: We are grateful for the service of all who have served our nation. There are many military connected families here at Clarksville Middle and we hope that all of them feel supported through our school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better honor and serve those who gave and give so much.
Congratulation to Ms. Wilkerson who was recognized at the Clarkville Middle School Teacher of the year for 2027 during 8th grade lunch and at a faculty meeting on Wednesday. Ms. Wilkerson was nominated by students, staff and families here at CMS and she is very deserving of this recognition. Please join me in congratulating her!
This week was also National School Psychologist week. We are so grateful for the work that our School Psychologist Melinda Garzon does at our school. She is an advocate for young people and families and a support for staff members. Thank you Melinda for all you do!
On Tuesday night I had the privilege of seeing our orchestras performing in the first concert of our winter season. Congratulations to all of our students and especially to Mr. Leung for the hard work it takes to create such impressive music. I can’t wait to hear our bands and choruses after Thanksgiving!
Next week we are distributing Honor Roll certificates on Thursday and celebrating at lunch with our students who are consistently demonstrating high levels of achievement in their classes. Also on Monday we sent letters with report cards to the families of any student who received a D or E for one or more classes during quarter 1. Middle school grades matter and are a signpost to student and families of progress and the building of academic habits that will support them throughout their academic career.
If you receive one of those letters or an Honor Roll certificate please take time to review with your child, celebrate success and make a plan if improvement is needed. The parent conference window is still open if you want to meet and problem solve with your child’s teachers during Thanksgiving week.
Next week is American Education Week. We’d love to see you on Tuesday for our 6th Grade Scoop, Coffee with the Principal and class visits. See below for more information and a survey to complete so that we know who to expect on each day and can prepare seating, and schedules, so that you can get the most out of your visit.
Check out the information below for items we’ve been sending out this week, and a number of new items. Let us know if you have any questions or if there is something you’d like to see in the newsletter. All of this information is also posted on our website at http://cms.hcpss.org/.
There is nothing too big or too small for us to work on together, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Regards,
Richard Smart, Principal (richard_smart@hcpss.org)
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Upcoming Dates:
11/16-20: American Education Week (G6 Scoop, Class visits, and Coffee with Admin 11/17, G6 FT to Medieval Times 11/20)
11/17: PTA Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Night - ALL DAY!
11/23: In-Person Conferences/3 hour early dismissal from school (11:35am)
11/24: Virtual Conferences/3 hour early dismissal from school (11:35am)
11/25: Virtual Conferences/No School for Students
Action Items:
American Education Week is 11/16-11/20.
American Education Week is an exciting opportunity for our students and staff to show off all the great things happening here at Clarksville Middle School.
While you are welcome to visit any time during the week, specifically between the hours of 7:50 am and 2:35 pm, we have chosen Tuesday, November 17 to highlight a variety of opportunities our students have here at CMS.
On Tuesday, November 17 we will be hosting a number of activities to highlight learning and student experiences at CMS.
- The 6th Grade Team is hosting a casual Parent Meet & Greet — The 6th Grade Scoop! 🕐 8:50–9:25 AM – Meet most of the 6th grade teachers during their PIP period
- 🕑 9:30–10:15 AM – Mr. Smart and Ms. Richie will meet with families from all grades in the📍 Media Center
- Staff will be expecting parents in classes ALL DAY
Important Procedures:
- Please fill out this survey to let us know if you are attending any of the activities during the week to help us to prepare seating, schedules, and coffee and snacks.
- Please make sure your Family File is updated. Only those on the emergency card will be allowed to visit students/classrooms.
- Limited parking available, please park in any available spaces.
- Please check-in with the main office to sign in and sign a visitor's confidentiality form. Please remember to bring your identification.
- While in the building please wear your visitors badge at all times and ensure it is visible for staff to see.
- While in the building, please put your phone away and/or on silent and no photography/videography is allowed.
- Please sign-out prior to leaving. Should there be an emergency we need to account for all visitors in the building.
American Education Week Sign Up Form for Parents: https://forms.gle/ottbLY4K3sDXvrY89
November Parent Teacher Conferences
Did you know that parent/teacher conferences are coming up near the end of November? Here is the timeline for your reference.
- November 6: Scheduling will open to parents at all schools at 8:00 am
- November 19: Scheduling is closed for parents/guardians at 4:00 pm
- November 23: In-Person Conferences
- November 24-25: Virtual Conferences
- Conferences will be 10 minutes with 5 minutes built in to get to your next conference.
Conferences are scheduled through your Synergy Connect account. You can view the directions for scheduling conferences here.
Please prioritize scheduling conferences for courses where you have a concern about student progress (typically for students with a C or below). This allows us to keep as many spots open as we can for problem solving conversations to ensure we have the right supports in place for our students.
You are always welcome to reach out to our staff at any time during the school year and we want to connect with you. The CMS teachers are excited to share your child's progress this year with you!
New or Highlighted Information Items:
PTA Restaurant Night - Chick-fil-A
November 17 | 6 AM – 10 PM
This month’s restaurant “night” is actually ALL DAY from 6 am to 10 pm! Mention Clarksville Middle School as you order in person (6395 Ten Oaks Rd, Clarksville, MD) or order online using the mobile code CMS26. 20% of all CMS orders will be donated back to the CMS PTA. Hurray for Chick-fil-A!
UPDATED DEADLINE: THE CARSON SCHOLARS FUND 2027 SCHOLARSHIP
The Carson Scholars Program recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding community service. Carson Scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship, medal and certificate, recognition at a regional awards banquet, a trophy
CMS CAN NOMINATE ONE STUDENT
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for Clarksville Middle School’s 2027 nomination, students must:
- Have a minimum 3.75 GPA in the combined academic subjects of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language, based on the Quarter 1 report card.
- Demonstrate outstanding community service beyond school requirements.
- NOT be a previous Carson Scholar recipient.
Applicants will be considered based on their teacher recommendation, community service, and essay.
Essay Grades 6–8 Choose ONE | 450- 500 Words
Length: 450-word minimum, 500-word maximum. Please check your word count before submitting.
OPTION 1: BUILDING YOUR LEGACY
People often think about leaving a legacy later in life, but our actions today shape how others remember us. What kind of legacy do you want to begin building now? Explain how education, service, and paying it forward can help you leave a positive impact on your school and community.
OPTION 2: LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE
Leadership is not only about being in charge—it’s also about helping others succeed. Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership by serving someone else. What qualities do you believe make an effective leader?
SUBMIT BY NOVEMBER 16, 2026
Submit your essay and list of Community Service activities to Julie Prince in Student Service (julie_prince@hcpss.org) or share it with her through Google Docs by November 13, 2026 by 8:00pm to be considered for the CMS nomination.
GOOD LUCK, FUTURE CARSON SCHOLARS!
Scholarship Toolkit - Student/Family
HCPSS Weather Guidelines / Recess
Exercise outdoors is healthy and is strongly encouraged. It provides a break from the regular school routine, a chance to get some outside air, and an opportunity to burn off excess energy. If conditions preclude the full recess time, even a five-minute break can revitalize children and prepare them for more sitting and academic learning. Children are expected to wear clothing appropriate for forecasted conditions when participating in recess or outside activities.
The decision to go out or stay in for recess is the decision of the administrator at individual schools. On rare occasions due to extreme weather, a decision may be made at the school system level. The following factors are considered in determining if recess is to be held outside:
- Temperature and humidity
- Wind chill
- Heat index and air quality
- Age of students
- Length of time outdoors
- Adequacy of the children’s clothing
- Condition of the playground
- Falling precipitation (more than a sprinkle or mist)
- Thunder and lightning
Generally, students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95 degrees. Children with certain health conditions may need special accommodations during extremely hot or cold weather. Parents of those children should provide medical documentation and may be consulted to determine if other arrangements are necessary.
The 6th Grade Scoop!
📣 Join Us!
The 6th Grade Team is hosting a casual Parent Meet & Greet — The 6th Grade Scoop!
🗓 November 17
🕐 8:50–9:25 AM – Meet most of the 6th grade teachers during their PIP period
🕑 9:30–10:15 AM – Mr. Smart and Ms. Richie will meet with families
📍 Media Center
This informal event is for families who don’t have academic concerns but would like to connect with teachers in lieu of conferences. We hope to see you there!
Repeat Information Items:
The Young Authors' Contest
The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 6-8 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please see the attached Young Authors’ Contest Guidelines. for information about the rules and guidelines. Stories and poems must be typed and saved as a Word Doc or Googledoc. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet. sent as a PDF. Submissions can be entered via CMS YAC Google Form. only (no paper submissions) by January 8, 2027. Contact Mrs. Gilbert (jessica_gilbert@hcpss.org) with any questions. All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website..
Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page. for information about joining.
November is Native American Heritage Month-
What is it?
In 1976, President Gerald Ford proclaimed October 10-16 “Native American Awareness Week”. A decade later, Congress passed a resolution petitioning the president to call November 23-30 “American Indian Week.” In subsequent years, Congress continued this practice, declaring one week during the autumn months “Native American Indian Heritage Week.” In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law a joint resolution designating the month of November as the first National American Indian Heritage Month (also known as Native American Indian Month). Native American Heritage Month is a period in November where the United States celebrates and recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, honoring the traditions, languages, and stories of the first inhabitants of this land.
Why November?
Congress ultimately chose November as the month to honor Native Americans since the month concludes their traditional harvest season and generally is a time of celebration and giving thanks. Source: United States Senate
Language Updates: American Indian, Indian, Native American, Indigenous, or Native?
All of these terms are acceptable. The consensus, however, is that whenever possible, Native people prefer to be called by their specific tribal name. In the United States, Native American has been widely used but is falling out of favor with some groups, and the terms American Indian or Indigenous American are preferred by many Native people. Native peoples often have individual preferences on how they would like to be addressed. When talking about Native groups or people, use the terminology the members of the community use to describe themselves collectively. Source: National Museum of the American Indian
Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) Career Academy Open Houses – Nov. 11 and Dec. 8, 2026
October 12th, 2026
Current students in grades 8–11 and their parents or guardians are invited to attend an in-person open house on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), located at 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City.
On both Nov. 11 and Dec. 8, guests will have the opportunity to walk about and explore CTEC’s career academies and learn how Career and Technical Education provides high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, scholarships, and industry-recognized credentials. Students can also participate in worksite and mentorship experiences while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and career-ready skills through hands-on, project-based learning.
Complete information about all career academies is available online. Students and parents are encouraged to review the CTEC Career Academies Overview.
Participating academies include:
- Aerospace Engineering: Project Lead the Way
- Animal and Agricultural Science
- Animation and Game Design
- Apprenticeship Maryland (for current 11th graders)
- Architectural Design
- Automotive Technology
- Biotechnology
- Civil Engineering: Project Lead the Way
- Construction and Carpentry
- Cybersecurity
- Network Security Engineering
- Finance
- Graphic Design and Print Production
- Health Professions
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Parking at Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) is limited. Additional parking can be found on premises in the Homewood School and Board of Education parking lots.
CMS Clubs and Activities:
See our website for a new page that collates information about activities at Clarksville and the emails of club and organization sponsors so that you can get in touch if you have any questions.
It includes a list of currently approved after-school clubs and activities, along with their sponsoring teachers.
Meeting days and locations vary by activity. Sponsoring teachers are currently finalizing their schedules and will share specific signup details and meeting details directly with students via Canvas.
Free and Reduced Meals Information:
Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program
Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart dual enrollment tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.
Families must submit a new application every school year. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.
Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely.
- Apply online
- Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Additionally, I want you to know that there are school staff available to support you and your child.We have numerous supports in place, and I encourage you and your child to take advantage of them whenever they are needed.
Here are a number of administrators and support staff available at our school who can provide supports along with your child’s teachers:
Richard Smart, Principal: richard_smart@hcpss.org
Kristy Ritchie, Assistant Principal: Kristy_Ritchie@hcpss.org
Julie Prince, School Counselor: Julie_Prince@hcpss.org
Kat Hajduk, School Counselor: Kat_Hajduk@hcpss.org
Katie Houston, Student Services Secretary: Katie_Houston@hcpss.org
Answers to frequently asked questions on HCPSS meals and additional meals/nutrition assistance programs can be found on the HCPSS Help site. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMs or contact Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743 or foodsvc@hcpss.org.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please visit the Community News and Programs page on the HCPSS website for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.