Dear Clarksville Middle Families and Community,
This week staff and students have been focused on the importance of being present in school and I’m truly encouraged to report that our cumulative attendance rate for the school year so far is 98% indicating that our young people are here for learning. We want to work together to support continuing this goal, including students being on time to class and ready for learning. Please partner with us to emphasize being present with your young people. You can also see more information on HCPSS attendance procedures and expectations below.
Thank you to all of our families who have completed the family file. We are down to our last 147 families who need to complete this task. See below for more information and help us have the information we need to get in touch with you to support your child.
Last week the two-day holiday known as Rosh Hashanah kicked off the beginning of the Jewish "High Holidays," a ten-day period of repentance and reflection that culminates with Yom Kippur this Monday, also known as the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. “Shana Tova” to those who celebrated!
Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15 and we have been taking in during announcements, in the library and with music at lunch this Friday to celebrate with all in our community who identify as Latino or Latina. We’d love to hear your stories and honor your contributions to our amazing CMS community.
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:
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
10/8: Picture Day
10/9: PTA Fall After School Recess and Social
Action 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.
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:
Attendance Matters:
Research is clear that showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic and social success, starting from kindergarten and continuing through high school. Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school, or even facing social challenges.
- Missing 10% (or about 18 days of a school year) can drastically affect a student’s academic success.
- By the 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that can indicate if a student is at risk for dropping out of high school.
- In the 9th grade, regular and high attendance predicts graduation rates better than 8th grade test scores.
Student attendance is a major point of focus for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, MSDE lowered the chronic absenteeism rate from 20% to 10%, meaning that at 10%, a student should receive support and interventions to improve their absenteeism.
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) believes that attendance is key to student success. Maryland's attendance rate represents the average daily attendance rate of students in grades 1-12, including special education students. The state's proficient standard for attendance rate is 94%, and the advanced standard is 96%."
In support of achieving Exemplary Attendance for all students, we are sharing with you a comprehensive approach to attendance supports and interventions.
- If a student has missed 5% of their monthly attendance days (as few as 1-2 days a month), parents/guardians will receive a Care and Concern Phone Call and letter from their school. This step will allow staff members to coordinate with families to determine how the student can be supported for better attendance.
- If a student has missed 10% of their monthly attendance days (this is defined as chronic absenteeism by MSDE), parents/guardians will receive a 10% Chronic Absenteeism Attendance Letter. Parents/guardians and students may be scheduled for an attendance conference. Other interventions and supports may also be used in an effort to assist the student.
- If a student has missed 15% of their monthly attendance days, in addition to the interventions and supports at 5% and 10%, these students may require an attendance support plan. Students may also be referred to the Central Attendance Team.
- If a student has missed 20% of their monthly attendance days, parents/guardians will receive a 20% Emergency Chronic Absenteeism Letter or Habitual Truancy Letter. Students may be referred to Project Attend and/or the State’s Attorney’s Office for habitual truancy.
With the collaborative effort of HCPSS parents/guardians, staff, and students, we are confident that all students can have successful attendance. This will improve student success in school and future life.
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. $7 tickets are on sale now for the Fall After School Recess & Social event sponsored by the PTA. Have your student stay after dismissal until 4 pm on Friday, October 9th to hang out with friends and play in the beautiful fall weather. Snacks are provided. Please visit https://cmsptacomets.givebacks.com/shop to purchase tickets.
Calling all artists - students AND parents! The PTA Reflections Program is a national art contest for students K-12. CMS student may submit an original piece of work in any of five categories including: visual arts, photography, dance choreography, music composition, and film production. Entries are due November 1st! Please visit https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections for more information. The CMS PTA is also in need of judges! Any parent with a passion and talent for the arts may judge in any of these categories. Judging is remote and may require up to four hours of time in mid-November. Please email atwagner@gmail.com if you'd like to help.
Attention CMS Students! 🎤✍️📖
Do you have a secret talent hiding in your notebook or your Notes app? Are you a poet, songwriter, storyteller, essayist, comedian, or creative thinker? Have you been waiting for a chance to share your work in a relaxed, judgment-free space?
Now’s your moment. Come share your words, hear what other students are creating, and connect with people who love writing just as much as you do. Whether you’ve written one poem or a whole folder full of ideas, you’re welcome here. Your voice matters. Your stories matter. Come let them be heard. ✨
Join Shared Spotlight, CMS’ first open mic club!
What you’ll do
- Share a work of literature, stand-up comedy, art, music, or other mediums
- Perform in a judgement-free safe space
- Participate in friendly discussions spanning a wide range of topics
- Grow confidence, boost creativity, and be part of a community of writers and artists
- Receive feedback from peers and high school students
- Nervous to speak? That’s okay. Come listen.
When? Every other week, after school, 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM
Wednesday, March 18
Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday, April 21
Tuesday, May 5
Tuesday, May 19
Tuesday, June 2
Where? Room 2, Ms. Holihan’s room
How to join: [Interest form]
Come perform, create, and connect with us in the Shared Spotlight club! All you need to bring is your enthusiasm.
Have questions? Email janavi.kumaravel@gmail.com
Repeat Information 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.
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.
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.