Dear Clarksville Middle Families and Community,
Today, we held our annual Mash Up Day for our 6th-grade students. Our motto for the day was “We are Stronger Together” and we focused on activities to promote belonging and allow students to share their voices. I had a lot of fun with the students during the first session hearing their stories and receiving their feedback on how we can make CMS even better. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the wonderful team-building activities happening outside and so many smiling faces! The 6th-grade was full of energy, fun, and connection. Thank you to the 6th-grade team for planning such a meaningful event and for the parent volunteers who made today possible! Check out the real on our instagram feed.
This week we have been continuing our focus on the importance of Being Present and I have been encouraged to see students walking with purpose in the hallway and ensuring they have a pass if they need one for being late. In classrooms I have seen students ready with materials out for instruction before teachers have asked. Let’s continue to reinforce this with our young people and encourage them to value Being Present. Congratulations to Ms. Silvestri’s period 6 class who won the prize this week after being one of over 20 classes nominated by their teachers. Who will win this Monday?
We received notification from USPS that the school address has changed to Clarksville, 21044 rather than Clarksville 21029. Our zip codes have been updated on the CMS website, the HCPSS site, and in SchoolMessenger. If you have a reason to mail anything to school please use our new zip code so that mail gets here as quickly as possible.
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:
10/2: Grade 6 Mash Up
10/13: Picture Day
10/9: PTA Fall After School Recess and Social
10/15: CometFest
10/12-16: National School Lunch Week
10/16: Schools Closed for Students - Staff Professional Day
Action Items:
Picture Day is Coming:
Picture Day is coming on Tuesday, October 13!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT8TH2BB. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com
Update Your Student/Family Emergency Information Today!
Parents/guardians must verify and/or update emergency information for each child every school year. This is completed online in Family File, which has several new updates including how and where to access.
FINAL CALL! CometFest 2026: A Clarksville Community Event
The last day to sign up for this year's CometFest 2026 is Wednesday, October 7! The The event will take place on Thursday, October 15 from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the school cafeteria. We are looking for parent and student volunteers to celebrate their cultures through performances, hosting a table, holding a demonstration, or assisting throughout the night. Please visit the link here (https://forms.gle/bHnxxh3MP94FDEbU9) and fill out our participation sign-up. We will provide more details and information in the coming weeks. If you have any questions about this event, please email Mrs. Gilligan at amber_gilligan@hcpss.org. We look forward to celebrating this night with you!
New Information Items:
From the PTA:
PTA Fall After School Recess & Social
October 9 | 2:35–4:10 PM
How about recess that isn’t part of lunch? Let your student stay after school to play in the beautiful fall weather. Pizza, snacks, and water will energize students during this fun time. Pickup is at 4:10 pm. Tickets are on sale now at https://cmsptacomets.givebacks.com/shop.
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.
October's Restaurant Night - Jersey Mike's in Clarksville
October 13 | 3-9 PM
Jersey Mike’s will donate 20% of your purchase to the CMS PTA. Visit their Clarksville location at 6030 Daybreak Circle or order online using the promo code JMGIVES. Enjoy great subs while supporting a local business and the PTA!
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
Naloxone Training Opportunity:
In Howard County, addressing substance misuse among youth, including opioid use, remains a critical public health priority. Fatal overdoses have been steadily declining since 2022, a success largely driven by widespread naloxone distribution and acceptance. Yet, substance misuse among our youth is still an ongoing risk. According to the 2024 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey, almost 10% of middle school students and 12.5% of high school students in Howard County reported taking prescription pain medication without a prescription or differently than prescribed. As a parent, you play a vital role in protecting your children and your community. Scan the QR code on this flier or use this link [https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/opioid-overdose-response-program] to access our free, on-demand naloxone training. In just 10-15 minutes you can gain the skills needed to respond to an opioid overdose. You can take the training alone, with your child or with the whole family. After you complete the training, you can receive a free naloxone kit. It’s never too early to learn to save a life!
Repeat Information Items:
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
OPTION 1: INNOVATION & INSPIRATION
The Carson Scholars Fund’s theme this year is “Innovation and Inspiration.” Please tell us about each of the following:
- A time when you were innovative and what inspired you to take action.
- What actions you regularly take to inspire others and make a difference, and why they are important to you.
OPTION 2: HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED
Dr. and Mrs. Carson created the Carson Scholars Fund to celebrate academic superstars and provide a financial incentive to help them on their educational journeys. The Fund is now celebrating its 30th anniversary of awarding scholarships.
Question: If you could create a program to help students, what would it be and why?
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
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Home Reports
A paper copy of Individual Student Reports for last spring's Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessments was distributed to students today to bring home for you to review.
Accessing Scores Online:
You can also view your child's digital score report and testing history at any time through HCPSS Connect:
- Log in to HCPSS Connect
- Select Standardized Test Scores from the left-side navigation menu.
These reports provide insight into your child's progress toward Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. If you have questions about interpreting your child’s score report or how these results inform classroom instruction, please reach out to your child's teacher or school counselor.
Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Saturday Math Academy
The Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Saturday Math Academy is returning for the Fall 2026 session. Certified teachers will provide engaging math instruction and enrichment for HCPSS students in grades 3–12 of all ability levels.
📅 Saturdays, October 10 – November 21
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
📍 Lake Elkhorn Middle School
💲 $80 or $40 for FARMS-eligible families
Registration opens Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 a.m. and will remain open until capacity is reached.
Families can register through HCPSS Connect.
UnPuggEd Project 10/5-10/9
PTA Council of Howard County (PTACHC) is excited to share the opportunity to participate in The UnPluggEd Project, which is a national initiative concentrated over the week of October 5-9. The goal is to take an intentional step back from screens to explore new and creative ways to reflect, focus, connect with others, and spend free time.
The sponsoring organizations have created a Playbook (attached) with many ideas and materials for teachers, administrators, and parents. Also attached, you will find a PTACHC-adapted version of take-home Bingo for students. We hope you will consider circulating this opportunity to your community.
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.
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.
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15-October 15, giving the United States an opportunity to recognize and celebrate members of our communities and their ancestors who hail from Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Spain. Rather than starting at the beginning of September, Hispanic Heritage Month takes place over 30 days starting on the 15th -- a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all recognize September 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico's independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18. See flyer for National Hispanic Heritage Month facts.
Kick off LGBTQIA+ History Month with Lesléa Newman:
Families and Community are invited to join HCPSS in partnership with the LGBTQIA+ Commission of Howard County and CARY to bring you this hybrid FAMILY Read the Rainbow and LGBTeaQi&A on Thursday, October 1, 2026 @ 6:00 pm. The first 50 families with children in grades 5 and under who register and attend the program will receive a free copy of the book, Rainbow Cookies by Lesléa Newman. FAMILY Read the Rainbow is a 30-45 minute virtual program in which participants get to meet an LGBTQIA+ inclusive author to hear them read their book aloud, and have a discussion with the author and our LGBTeaQi&A is an activity to bring together families and community who are looking to connect and learn together. This special combination program will provide attendees with the opportunity and option to join us in person at the Miller Branch Library. Registration is required as space is limited. Thursday, October 1, 2026 @ 6:00PM; HYBRID - in person at Miller Branch Library or virtual (select when registering). Registration is required.
High School Credited Course Withdrawal Notification:
Last day to withdraw: September 29, 2026
The last day to withdraw from High School credited courses is Tuesday, September 29th. If a student is withdrawn after this date, then they will be issued a "W" as their final grade for the course. The W will be carried onto their high school transcript. Affected courses include the following:
- ELD - English Language Development 1 & 2
- Mathematics - Algebra I, Algebra I G/T, Geometry G/T, Algebra I/Geometry G/T, Geometry/Algebra II G/T, Algebra II G/T, and Statistics - AP
- Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology Education - Exploring Computer Science & Foundations of Technology
- World Language - Spanish I & II, and French I & II
For more information, click here for the full letter regarding high school credited courses taken in middle school.
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.