Dear Clarksville Middle Families and Community,
What a great week at CMS! I am writing to you from a quiet Clarksville Middle today full of feelings of connection after our CometFest event last night. Our community truly showed up and joined together with many students to celebrate the diverse cultures represented in our school. Each of the displays were informative, the food was delicious, and our student performances were a true celebration. Thank you to each and every family that participated, and attended, and thank yout Ms. Gilligan, our custodial team, and the staff who attended for their support. Let’s do this again soon!
This week was also National School Lunch Week, and I want to take a moment to give a big shout-out to Patricia Abendschoen (Cafeteria Manager), Myoung Choi and Ye Yau (Cafeteria Workers) for all they do for our students each and every day. I’ve worked the lunch line a few times myself, and I know just how busy those shifts can be—and how important it is that our students have access to a good breakfast, lunch, and snacks to keep them fueled for learning. If you get a chance, please take a moment to thank them for their dedication. To learn more about food services in HCPSS, check out this link.
October is also Breast Cancer awareness month and the official global theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 is "Every story is unique, every journey matters," established by the World Health Organization. At CMS we acknowled the stories of all those impacted by breast cancer with a pink out yesterday. I was truly encouraged by the number of students and staff showing their spirit and solidarity. I even allowed a sixth grade student to give me and Ms. Ritchie some pink face paint - let’s keep uplifting such important causes!
I also want to share how encouraged and inspired I am by our amazing parents and guardians who attend our PTA meetings. On Wednesday night, the library and the google meet were filled with energy, ideas, and a shared passion for supporting our students and community. If you haven’t joined yet, I encourage you to do so! Your membership makes a real difference—helping us stay connected and ensuring our students have every opportunity to thrive. You can join here: https://cmsptacomets.givebacks.com/shop.
Finally I want to highlight another way to show your Comet Pride: The PTA CMS Spiritwear store is still open! The CMS PTA is excited to offer spiritwear to our community! Our vendor, Spiritwear Direct, created a website for our school and will donate a portion of every purchase back to the CMS PTA. Purchase items through our website or directly from https://clarksvillespiritwear.com/.
It’s a great way to stay cozy and show your Comet Spirit as the weather cools down!
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)
Subscribe to our School Google Calendar!
Check out our stories on Instagram at @CMS_Comets
Upcoming Dates:
10/16: Schools Closed for Students - Staff Professional Day
10/22: CMS Bus Evacuation Drill (AM)
10/27: End of the First Quarter
10/28: School Closed for Students
11/3: Schools and Offices Closed
New or Highlighted Information Items:
CMS Clubs and Activities:
The post on our website was updated this week and there is a new message from Math Counts. Check out the information here.
See our website for a 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.
UPDATED ESSAY QUESTIONS: 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 13, 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
Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) Career Academy Open House
Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m., Career and Technical Education Center (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.
Repeat Information Items:
From the PTA:
PTA Bingo and Board Games
November 6 | 2:35–4:10 PM
Students can stay after school to play bingo and board games! Small prizes (everyone is a winner 😉), snacks, and drinks will be provided. This is another opportunity for students to build positive relationships and make fun memories at CMS. Pickup is at 4:10 pm. Tickets are on sale now at https://cmsptacomets.givebacks.com/shop.
PTA Reflections Art Program
Submissions due November 1st
There is still time to create an entry! Please visit this link for more information about participating in Reflections. Please use this Google Form to submit your entry.
Volunteer Opportunities
The PTA needs volunteers for our after school events! Each of these opportunities requires a time commitment of two hours on a single afternoon (2:15-4:15 pm). Please click on the links to view the SignUpGenius page. Thank you for your help!
· Fall After School Recess & Social (Friday, 10/9)
· Bingo & Board Games (Friday, 11/6)
October Career Cluster
As part of our HCPSS Monthly Career Cluster Spotlight, this month we’re highlighting Public Service & Safety—a broad cluster with many career paths focused on serving others, protecting communities, solving problems, and responding to challenges.
Career Areas to Explore
🚒 Emergency Response: Firefighting, EMS, disaster response
⚖️ Judicial Systems: Legal services, courts, corrections, law enforcement support
🏛️ Government Services: Public administration, planning, and public policy
🛡️ Military & National Security: Defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity
👮 Public Safety: Law enforcement, security, and community protection
Career Trends
Students may be interested to know that:
- Cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, and technology skills are increasingly important in public safety and national security.
- Certifications, training programs, and apprenticeships can provide pathways into many careers.
- Some public service career pathways can begin while students are still in high school.
October's Career Cafe will spotlight a career speaker working within the Public Service & Safety cluster to give students a more realistic idea of what a job in this sector entails. A Canvas announcement will be shared in the near future with a registration link for interested students to join this lunchtime talk.
Feel free to reach out to the Career Readiness Advisor with any questions: Pauline_Baek@hcpss.org
Martin Luther King Commission Contest
On behalf of the Howard County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, I am excited to share that the 2027 MLK Student Contests are now live.
The MLK Student Contests are one way students can reflect on Dr. King’s legacy while using their own voices, creativity, and lived experiences to express what service, justice, equity, nonviolence, and beloved community mean today. These contests also create an opportunity for students to think critically about Dr. King’s teachings and connect them to the issues, hopes, and responsibilities facing their schools, families, and communities.
October is LGBTQIA+ History Month. Let’s celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ community! Click here for the LGBTQIA+ History Month Resource
Career Cafe Information!
CMS is excited to continue hosting monthly Career Cafes during grade level lunch shifts to expose our 6th-8th graders to a variety of careers!
We are looking for enthusiastic parents/guardians and community members to share their career experiences. Our students benefit from learning about the responsibilities, rewards/challenges, required skills, and pathways to access your career. Please fill out this volunteer form if you are interested in being a guest career speaker.
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.