Dear Clarksville Middle Families and Community,
What a great week at Clarksville Middle School! I thoroughly enjoyed visiting classes, talking with students and seeing the rhythm of the school year take hold.
Today on the morning news we held a moment of silence in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. We shared with students that they may have noticed schools and other public buildings flying flags at half-mast today, and that we do this to honor those who were lost on that day and to honor those who continue to fight for our freedoms. I’m grateful for the life that the United States has given me and I join each of us in a moment of reflection today on this significant moment in history and its enduring lessons of empathy, courage, and service to others.
On Wednesday the CMS PTA held their first business meeting of the school year, passed the budget and engaged in planning many great activities for our students. The next meeting will be on October 14 with a virtual option. I’d love to see you there, and in the meantime please consider joining the PTA and participating in their events like the restaurant night on September 15 and the Fall after school recess on October 9(see information below).
As a part of our theme for the 26-27 school year, Expect Excellence from Everyone we will be engaging with students around the idea of “Being Present” from now until the end of 1st quarter. Look out for reflections in classrooms, competitions between classes and recognition of students who are present in school, in class on time, ready and available for instruction. Let me know if you have ideas for how we can support your child to show Excellence in Being Present.
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)
Upcoming Dates:
9/15: PTA Restaurant Night at Chipotle
9/16: Music Boosters Meeting, Virtual, 7pm
9/21: Schools and Offices Closed
9/21-9/25: Math MAP Testing
9/28-10/2: ELA MAP Testing
9/30: 3 Hour Early Dismissal (12:15pm dismissal time)
9/29: Last Day to Withdraw from High School Credited Courses
10/2: Grade 6 Mash Up
10/9: PTA Fall After School Recess and Social
Action Items:
Mash Up for Grade 6:
We are excited to have our 6th graders participate in a "Mash-Up" on October 2. The purpose of this event is to allow incoming 6th grade students from different elementary schools an opportunity to participate in a variety of team building activities. The ultimate goal is to create a learning environment where students get to know each other in a safe, engaging and nurturing community. It is our hope that through these activities students will find common ground, friendships or even discover something about themselves in the process.
Any teacher that teaches 6th grade will be present during this day to lead groups, supervise students, and facilitate learning and teamwork with the 6th graders. But, we can't do this alone! In order to make this day a success we need parent/guardian volunteers to help with set up & pick up and running activities for students. Your presence on this day will truly make a difference as it will allow us to make student groups smaller, and give you an opportunity to connect with the teachers, students, and other parents/guardians in our community.
Thank you for your consideration and we hope to see you at the Mash-Up!
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.
CometFest 2026: A Clarksville Community Event
Clarksville Middle School is hosting our CometFest 2026 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/wfBhsUAc8bgvMAcT8) 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:
PTA Restaurant Night — Chipotle
September 15 | 4:00–8:00 PM
Chipotle donates 25% of your purchase during this time to the CMS PTA! Present our social media flyer or mention "CMS PTA" at the register or use code 37A827E for online/app orders at the Chipotle in FULTON (11811 W. Market Place). Thank you in advance for not making dinner!
PTA Fall After School Recess & Social
October 9 | 2:35–4:00 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 pm. Tickets are $7 and available NOW on our website. The volunteer signup for this event is also available! The CMS PTA is looking for six volunteers to help staff our Fall After School Recess & Social on October 9. You could referee games (no experience necessary—we’ll provide the rules!), pass out snacks, or help make sure students stay within the reserved activity areas. Come be part of the fun as you spend time with our CMS students! Sign up to volunteer here.
Math Counts after school club
Clarksville Middle School will once again have a Math Counts after school club. We will meet on Tuesdays after school from 2:35-3:45 in Mr. Brubaker's classroom. The first meeting will be Sept 29. Math Counts is a national organization focused on competitive mathematics. At our club meeting we will work on high-level math problems both individually and in teams. Students will be introduced to concepts not yet covered in the math curriculum and have the opportunity to compete against their peers. At the end of December, a team of students will be chosen, based off their scores in practice competitions, to represent CMS at several competitions. If you have questions, email Mr. Brubaker at graig_brubaker@hcpss.org. Permission slips can be turned in directly to Mr. Brubaker, to your child's math teacher, or emailed to Mr. Brubaker. Here is the link to the permission slip.
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.
Family Connection Academy Kickoff, September 16:
All HCPSS families are invited to attend an inspiring event designed to support, connect, and empower the HCPSS Community. Discover practical strategies to enhance learning at home, explore K-12 curricular updates and academic standards. Participate in engaging sessions, access community resources, and build meaningful connections with other HCPSS families. Enjoy student entertainment and a special appearance by a former Ravens player! A light complimentary dinner, K-5 childcare and language access provided. Registration suggested. Location: Hammond High School, Wednesday, September 16, from 6:00-8:30 pm. Please refer to this flyer for additional information and how to register.
Repeat Information Items:
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.
PTA News / Important Dates
- JOIN THE PTA
- https://cmsptacomets.givebacks.com/
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.
National History Day:
"As our students begin working on their National History Day (NHD) projects, we would love to tap into the many valuable resources within our CMS community! If you are willing to possibly share your expertise, please complete the survey below.
https://forms.gle/SfMsspeECWSCWCKS6
We will keep your information on hand and reach out as needed based on individual student needs and research topics.
Thank you,
Ms. Mairs, Mrs. Wilkerson, Mr. Deane, Mr. Wright and Mrs. Ceglia"
Media Center Minute!
CMS Families, thank you for your patience and attention as we worked through Chromebook distribution for our sixth graders and students new to HCPSS. We successfully distributed 267 Chromebooks—whew! 🎉
Below, you’ll find a link with more information about Chromebook care and the HCPSS Acceptable Use of Technology Policy. We encourage families to review this information with their students so everyone understands the expectations for responsible device use.
DID YOU KNOW???: DId you know that you can monitor your students Chromebook using Lightspeed? Lightspeed gives families more insight and control over their middle schooler’s online activity at home. With this tool, parents can:
- Receive weekly activity summaries — automated Sunday emails show your child’s Chromebook internet usage.
- Access the Parent Portal — view near real‑time browsing activity on their HCPSS Chromebook.
- Pause web access at home — temporarily stop internet use when your child is off the HCPSS network.
- Block websites after school — set limits on specific sites and even create an online “bedtime.”
- Monitor YouTube access — restrict YouTube when needed to support focus and healthy screen habits.
Lightspeed helps families stay informed, set boundaries, and support safe, balanced technology use. Please check out this resource to learn more information and take advantage of this useful learning tool!
This link will direct you to the Parent Portal to access your account or sign up for one. **Be sure to use the same email address that you used on your Family File.
Thank you again for your patience, support, and partnership as we get our students up and running with their new devices!
Quarterly Bullying Communication:
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 prohibits bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, including hate/bias incidents, and intimidation.
HCPSS recently launched a new Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation (BCHI) Reporting Form that allows students, staff, and families to easily and confidentially report concerns. The BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report known or suspected incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, and hate/bias incidents. These may include physical aggression, threats, retaliation, teasing or name-calling, rumors, exclusion, threatening gestures, online/social media behavior, or conduct related to a student's identity or characteristics.
What happens after you report?
The school will address any immediate safety concerns. The targeted student's parent/guardian will be notified as soon as possible and an administrator will begin the investigation within two school days. Both families will receive written notice of the outcome within 15 calendar days, excluding extenuating circumstances.
A Note About Cyberbullying
In today's digital world, bullying can extend beyond the school day. Cyberbullying can occur through social media, text messages, group chats, gaming platforms, apps, and other digital spaces. Online behavior that occurs outside of school may still require school intervention when it has a connection to the school setting and impacts a student's safety or educational environment. Families are encouraged to talk regularly with their children about responsible online behavior and to save screenshots, messages, posts, or other evidence when concerns arise.
Not sure if it's bullying? Please still tell us. Peer conflict or other concerning behavior may not meet the definition of bullying but may still require school support and follow-up. Students and families do not need to decide whether something “counts” as bullying before asking for help.
For additional information or to submit a report, visit the HCPSS Stop Bullying website or review HCPSS Policy 9460.
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.