Dear Clarksville Middle Families and Community,
Can you believe that it is October 30th already? We had a great week this week closing out the quarter. My highlights of the week were seeing the spirit of our students for pajama day, and the dedication of our young people in our classrooms, striving to finish the quarter well.
I am excited to share that the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released its annual Maryland School Report Cards yesterday, and Clarksville Middle School has earned a Five-Star rating!
This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, the talent and commitment of our staff, and the support of our families and community. Every day, we see the hard work taking place in our classrooms, activities, and throughout our school, and it is rewarding to see those efforts recognized at the state level.
The Maryland School Report Card measures a variety of indicators, including academic achievement, graduation rates, college and career readiness, and school quality. You can view the results by searching for Clarksville Middle School on the Maryland School Report Card website.
While we will continue reviewing the data to identify areas where we can grow and improve, today is an opportunity to celebrate this accomplishment and thank everyone who helps make CMS such a special place for students to learn, connect, and succeed.
Congratulations, Comets, and let’s continue to Expect Excellence from Each Other and continue our tradition of success.
The month of November is jam packed with important events:
- Report cards will be released November 6 in HCPSS connect and we encourage you to review grades with your students, celebrate successes and consider signing up for conferences in November if there are areas that should be problem-solved with our instructors.
- American Education Week is from November 16-20. We are sending out more information this coming week, but look out for an opportunity to come to the Six Grade Scoops to meet all of your child’s G6 teachers and following this, coffee with admin and visits to classrooms for all grade levels.
- Conferences will be held from November 23 to November 25. Conference sign ups open November 6 in HCPSS Connect.
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:
11/3: Schools and Offices Closed
11/6: Report Cards Issued and November Conferences sign up opens
11/6: Quarter 1 Celebration (Activities during our celebration period at the end of the school day)
11/6: PTA Bingo and Board Games
11/11: Picture Retakes
11/16-20: American Education Week (G6 Scoop, Class visits, and Coffee with Admin 11/17, G6 FT to Medieval Times 11/20)
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:
CMS and HCPSS Teacher of the Year!
We want to celebrate the amazing teaching staff we have at Clarksville Middle School for all the ways that they live up to our motto of Expecting Excellence from Everyone by demonstrating that Excellence in their practice and care for our young people and community.
This year we are asking students, staff and community members to nominate a teacher to be the Clarksville Middle School teacher of the year for 2027. The selection committee will include school administration, PTA and student leaders. They will meet to review the nominations and make a recommendation to Mr. Smart and Ms. Ritchie who will make the final selection of the Clarksville Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2027.
Please use this form to nominate an exceptional educator who demonstrates excellence and goes above and beyond for students and the school community. The comments that are shared on this form will be shared with each of the individuals at the conclusion of the selection process.
The staff member we select will be celebrated as with the Teacher of the Year from every school at the Bright Minds Foundation Inaugural Champions of Education Awards Dinner & Ceremony this spring. HCPSS will also look identifying an outstanding group of candidates for consideration as the HCPSS Teacher of the Year from this group.
More information about the HCPSS 2027 Teacher of the Year process is available on the HCPSS website.
New or Highlighted Information Items:
Candy for the Courageous
Donate your extra wrapped Halloween candy to our military troops worldwide!
Again this year we will be collecting donations for "Candy for the Courageous", led by an HCPSS family.
Please bring any extra unopened Halloween candy to Clarksville Middle in a ziploc bag between November 2-6, 2026. We will give the candy to the USO at BWI airport, so that they can give it to our troops before they travel overseas. Feel free to also write letters/cards to the troops, which will be given to our military. Thank you!
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 only schedule 3 conferences per student, and 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!
Picture Retakes on November 11
How it Works:
You can still order on mylifetouch.com.
Create an account or login with your Picture Day ID: RGBNNMTVE
Questions? Contact our Help Center at lifetouch.com/support-us.
Orders will be sent home with your student after Picture Retake Day.
Students are photographed on Picture Retake Day.
Repeat Information Items:
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.
Math Counts
Parents and Students,
This year Clarksville Middle School will be hosting the AMC 10 and AMC 8 math competitions. The AMC 8 does not take place until January and registration will begin in November.
The AMC 10 will take place on Thursday, November 5 from 2:35 - 4:05. Students must be picked up at 4:05 or have permission to walk home. Students who do not attend school that day may not compete in the competition.
The AMC 10 provides students with an opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills. It serves as the first step in qualifying for the USA team in prestigious international mathematics competitions, including the International Mathematical Olympiad.
Description:
The AMC 10 is a 25-question, 75-minute multiple-choice competition designed for students in grades 10 and below. The content covers mathematical topics such as elementary algebra, basic geometry, area and volume formulas, elementary number theory, and elementary probability. Advanced topics like trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry are excluded.
For: High school students in grades 10 and below, with a maximum age of under 17.5 years on the day of the competition.
Registration: To register, complete this Google Form: https://forms.gle/JGt6d4JvozVMLfHR7
There is a $5.00 nonrefundable registration fee that must be paid immediately upon registration. Registration may be paid with check, made out to Clarksville Middle School or in exact cash. No change can be given. Payment must be given to Mr. Brubaker in an envelope with your child's name on it and AMC 10 written on it.
Students need to bring their computer the day of the test.
Registration and Payment are due by Tuesday, October 27.
If you have any questions, contact Graig Brubaker graig_brubaker@hcpss.org
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
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
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.
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.