December 20, 2019
News from the Principal's Desk
Today’s newsletter marks the beginning of the long awaited winter break. Students have taken those last few quizzes and tests today, in addition to presenting projects. We all want to enjoy some time away, not thinking about school for a while, but it's very important when the calendar flips to January to "keep our eyes on the prize" related to grades and achievement. Today is midterm for the second term. We have seen a rise in the number of students with current grades of D's and F's, a typical occurrence at this time of year. It’s a good thing to take at least a little time during break to peek at HAC, and perhaps have a conversation with your child about their grades. Are their missing assignments? Are they on top of long-term projects? If they take a little bit of time over the break, what difference can they make? Sometimes it’s as simple as cleaning out the notebook, organizing your space and putting in due dates on a calendar as it flips to January. This is also a great time to remind you that Tuscarora has tutoring during FLEX and after school. Some teachers call and invite students after during this time, but students can and should see teachers on their own. We also have Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) tutoring available to ALL students after school on Tuesday and Thursday with an activity bus that runs afterwards at 4:15PM. Assistance is here and time is provided during the school day. Students should always take advantage of these flexible opportunities for learning and one-on-one assistance.
This last week of school has been full of performances and celebrations. It’s been the season for a wonderful Winter Instrumental and Vocal Music Concert, performances today on Main Street, and the Show Choir Gala. Our Winter Sports Season is in full swing, and we’ve had several basketball games, a wrestling match and indoor track. Continuing into the first of the year, please stop by the Media Center for the Photography Competition on the walls above the stacks. Our photo students will be displaying their best work, judged by local professional photographers. And school spirit has been on full display with our door decorating competition this week and spirit-themed dress days. It’s been a great week to be a Titan!
I wish you all a wonderful holiday celebration with family and friends. Enjoy the moments, the chance to truly relax and catch up with people far and near.
With Titan Pride in the New Year, Christopher Berry Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, December 21
First Day of Winter
Indoor Track at Dickinson College HS Invitational
9:30 AM
Sunday, December 22
Hanukkah (Begins at Sunset)
Monday, December 23
Schools and Offices Closed: Winter Break
Hanukkah
Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day
Thursday, December 26
Schools Closed: Winter Break
Kwanzaa
Boys JV Basketball vs. Clarksburg at Quince Orchard Tournament
1:00 PM
Friday, December 27
Wrestling at Francis Scott Key High Tournament
Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Watkins Mill High at Quince Orchard High Tournament
10:00 AM
3:00 PM
Saturday, December 28
Boys JV Basketball vs. TBA at Quince Orchard Tournament
Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Clarksburg High at Quince Orchard High Tournament
Indoor Track at Mountain Express Tournament at Hagerstown Community College
TBA - Depending on 12/26 results
3:30 PM
Sunday, December 29
Monday, December 30
Hanukkah (Ends at Sunset)
Tuesday, December 31
Wednesday, January 1
Schools and Offices Closed:
New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 2
Schools and Offices Re-Open
Girls Basketball home vs. TJ High
Boys Basketball at TJ High
JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM
Friday, January 3
Indoor Track Developmental Meet at HCC
Wrestling at Randallstown High Tournament
Academic Tournament Matches, FHS
3:40 PM
4:00 PM
5:45 PM
Saturday, January 4
Saturday School
Swimming at St. Maria Goretti Invitational at Hagerstown YMCA
Indoor Track at Southern MD Classic at PG Sports Plex
8:00 – 11:30 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Sunday, January 5
Monday, January 6
Petition Eligibility Day
Textbook Review Week ~ C. Burr Artz Library
Unified Bocce home vs. Urbana High
Athletic Boosters Meeting, Media Center
6:30 PM
Tuesday, January 7
Christmas Day (Orthodox)
Girls Basketball home vs. Linganore HS
Boys Basketball at Linganore HS
Wednesday, January 8
Interims Issued – Eligibility Day
Wrestling vs. Urbana and Frederick HS at Urbana HS
Board of Education Meeting, Central Office
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
Thursday, January 9
FCPS Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration (Snow Date: January 16)
Boys Basketball home vs. N. Hagerstown HS
Swimming vs. Frederick H at MHS Pool
Performing Arts Boosters General Meeting, Chorus Room
30th Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, TJ High (snow date 1/16/20)
Safe and Sane parent Meeting at Roy Rogers Ballenger Center Drive
7:00 PM
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Friday, January 10
Indoor Track at Liberty University Invite
4:30 PM
Saturday, January 11
Future Business Leaders Club at Henry A. Wise High School
8:15 AM – 4:00 PM
8:30 AM
Sunday, January 12
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change .
Keeping You Informed - School News
THS American Studies and Government Students Visit United States Capitol
The Tuscarora High School American Studies and Government students visited the United States Capitol on Thursday, December 19 to witness government in action. They observed floor debate and voting from the Senate and House galleries and enhanced their understanding of United States history with a tour of the building's historical art, sculptures, and famous Capitol dome. It was an excellent week to be in the Capitol, and the students were genuinely excited to see their Congress at work!
Safe and Sane Fundraiser TONIGHT at Barnes and Noble
Barnes & Noble Holiday Wrap Fundraiser. On Friday December 20 Safe and Sane will be at Barnes & Noble wrapping purchased gifts for donations. Many slots are still open! We need your help! You only need to volunteer for 2 hours to make a huge difference for the kids! Link to Sign up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4dabad28a46-barnes. Volunteers will sign up for 2-hr time slots. This is a great opportunity for those who need volunteer hours.
2020-21 School Year Course Registration Begins
The course registration deadline for the 2020-21 school year is quickly approaching. Please take a look at this website https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/schoolregvideo/home to watch videos created by your teachers on the courses available at Tuscarora. All registration materials have gone out and any registration cards that have not been returned should come back to Flex teachers after winter break.
Attention Seniors and Parents of Seniors!
The deadline to collect 300 quotes for the yearbook is Friday, December, 20th! If we do not meet this number (or at least get very close) Senior quotes will not be included in this year's Senior yearbook. So far we have only collected 59 quotes. If the class of 2020 wants their quotes to be included in the senior section of the yearbook, we need to get serious about submitting the quote. Click the link below to submit your quote (you must be signed in under your fcps email in order to access the google doc). If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Hartman at: richard.hartman@fcps.org
Senior quote form: http://tinyurl.com/thsquotes2020
Titan Free Store
The Titan Free Store is in dire need of the following items for the Titan Pantry to provide meals to our homeless and food insecure students and families on the weekends: juice boxes / bags, crackers, canned soup, peanut butter, jelly, fruit cups, water, ready-made meals (shelf stable and microwaveable) and Easy Mac. Please drop any donations in the front office! And please know that ANY and ALL donations are so very appreciated! Questions? meredith.nickles@fcps.org
Writing Assistance for ALL Students
If any THS student needs help with an essay, research paper, or writing assignment for any class please consider using the THS Online Writing Center! It's Free! Students just need to log on to Classroom.Google.Com and join with the classroom code: dyi9bdq
Then students can submit an essay or research paper on this Google Classroom site. Within 24-48 hours, at least one National English Honor Society student will read over the student essay and provide some recommendations and suggestions for the paper. Take advantage of this amazing resource.
See FCPS absence procedures.
Congratulations, Commendations and Kudos
Tuscarora High School Student of the Week
Jose Sanchez, 12th Grade
Nominated by...
Ms. Kremnitzer (English): "Jose is dominating our read alouds and is so focused on doing well on the tasks we assign. He's an absolute pleasure to have in class and will be missed when the semester rolls over."
Ms. Clemons (SEIA): "Jose is always so eager to learn, even with English being his second language. He perseveres through even difficult assignments with a smile on his face. He is a hard worker and is dedicated to his school work. Even with working late every night, he shows up at school eager to learn!"
Ms. Robinette (Science): "Jose has done a great job recently of getting work turned in on time! He asks for help when he needs it!"
Here is a list of all 51 nominations. If you see these students please take a moment to congratulate them!
lydia.kowalski@fcps.org
Aliyah Albert
9th
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
Alicia Chappell
12th
nayibe.neuland@fcps.org
Alyssa Lang
10th
kimberly.hayden@fcps.org
Amiyah Rayford
11th
kristina.weber@fcps.org
Ana Orellano Salgado
bradley.gray@fcps.org
Anna Frye
charles.zitrick@fcps.org
Bella Emanuele
Brenna Lewis
laura.taylor@fcps.org
Breny Maung
tiffany.jackson@fcps.org
Bridget Mcgheehan
Chels Rodriguez
Christian Garcia Reyes
ashley.robinette@fcps.org
Cristian Garcia Reyes
megan.little@fcps.org
Damian Qualls
daniel.wagner@fcps.org
Drew DeSanto
sophia.hamilton@fcps.org
Elijah Olsson
richard.hartman@fcps.org
Emma Morton
Emma Taylor
Eric Vidal
katherine.miller@fcps.org
Fatima Romero
meredith.nickles@fcps.org
Gavin Reeder
james.jensen@fcps.org
Grace Marshall
tyler.hanson@fcps.org
Haley Livingston
Hannah Souders
daniel.neuland@fcps.org
Holden Meyer
lindsey.beck@fcps.org
Ian Pursell
amanda.kremnitzer@fcps.org
Jakelin Chavez
jennifer.creter@fcps.org
Jasmine Miranda
andrea.kerslake@fcps.org
Jomar Nevarez Rodriguez
Jose Sanchez
catherine.clemons@fcps.org
Jose Sanchez Sanchez
harry.coates@fcps.org
Kooper Clark
Lesly Flores
Madison Hongmanivanh
tanisha.smith@fcps.org
Malik Witherspoon
Marcus Smith
Mia Hill
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Michael Boadu
Michelle Lui
Natalie Lepkowski
Natalie Pryor Leibegott
tiffany.kelly@fcps.org
Nicholas Montague
Odhin Batten
Paizabu Min
jessica.mcdonald@fcps.org
Rachel Franklin
Rhianna Ingham
Samantha Morehead
Veronica Valverde
Yaiza Hernandez
Young Author Contest Winner
Aliyah Albert (9th grade) entered her poem "What is This" for the Young Author Contest and has won 2nd place at the Frederick County level of the competition. She will be honored with a reception in March by FCPS and another reception in April at the State of Maryland Literacy Association Conference.
Staff Members of the Month of November
The students and staff have spoken...Mr. Jensen and Ms. Kerslake have been chosen as November Staff Members of the Month. Mr. Jensen teaches Social Studies and was nominated by a student for the following reason, "Mr. Jensen is my favorite teacher because he turned my least favorite subject, to now being my favorite." Ms. Kerslake is a Math teacher who has already made an impact in her first year at THS. Her nomination came from a student who said, "She is an excellent teacher as she helps me daily with Calculus." Congratulations to these hard-working staff members. THS is lucky to have them!
Senior Class of 2020 News
TITAN SENIOR NEWS
Listed below are important dates and information for seniors.
Visit the THS Senior Page for up-to-date Senior Information -
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/thsseniors2020/home
Mandatory Graduation Practices:
Graduation: Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 10 AM at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD
Twitter Account: @tuscarorahs20
Deadline: Jan. 7, 2020
Prom Theme Vote
Seniors Only: Use the link below to vote for your 2020 prom theme. The deadline is Tuesday, January 7th at 2:30 pm. Seniors may only vote once.
Deadline: Jan. 10, 2020
Graduation Gowns
or
Order using the packet that students received during the November 20 meeting during FLEX. Packets are also available in the front office and the media center.
THS does NOT have gowns available to borrow. You are allowed to borrow one from someone you know that graduated in 17,18, or 19 if you are the same height. You will still need to purchase a tassel.
Feb. 11, 2020
Fundraiser Kick-Off
The Joe Corbi’s fundraiser will start on Tuesday February 11. Seniors will be called to FLEX in two groups. Other important senior information will be shared.
April 24, 2020
Prom
The prom is Friday, April 24 from 7:30 – 10:30 pm at the Null Building at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Tickets will be on sale starting April 14 during all lunch shifts in the cafeteria.
May 1, 2020
Senior Video
Submit photos to tuscarorahs2020@yahoo.com
Internships, Scholarships, Service and Job Opportunities
Youth Apprenticeships for Semester 2
Juniors...want a chance to "Earn while you learn?" Consider applying for the FCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program for the spring! Spend part of your school day receiving on-the-job training. Visit www.fcpsyouthapprentice.org for more information about current apprenticeship opportunities. Contact Mrs. Mummert at lizabeth.mummert@fcps.org with questions and to submit your application. Deadline to apply is January 3!!!
SCIENCE INTERNSHIPS
The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Ft. Detrick!!!! Applications are now available for the coveted USAMRIID Science Internships for current JUNIORS. This a 1-year commitment starting in June 2020 and running through next school year. Students work in labs with scientists and military personnel. See Mrs. Mummert in A115 for an application or contact at lizabeth.mummert@fcps.org. Applicants must be 16 years old by June 22, 2020, and must be U.S. Citizens. Deadline for application is Friday January 10, 2020.
Part Time Dishwasher Needed!
Way-Off Broadway Dinner Theater in Frederick needs a part-time dishwasher starting Saturday, January 11. Hours are 6 - 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays; every other Sunday from 12 -4 PM. Contact Ms. Kiska at 301-662-6600 to set up an interview or see Mrs. Mummert in A115.
2020 Census Jobs!!
The Census is coming in 2020 and offers great job opportunities for students age 18 (or soon to be) and older. Starting pay for Census Enumerators is $21 per hour and the job offers training and flexible hours. Apply online at www.2020census.gov/jobs or see Mrs. Mummert for more information.
2020-21 NCI Science Internships at Ft. Detrick
Applications for the Werner H. Kirsten Science Internship Program at Ft. Detrick will open on October 1. Current juniors interested in participating during their senior year should apply. Students must be 17 by start of the internship in June. Interested students can sign up with Ms. Mummert. The application can be found at https://ncifrederick.cancer.gov/careers/student_programs/internships/sip/.
Registration is required.
Calling All Junior Girls (Class of 2021)
The Distinguished Young Women of Frederick County Program is looking for applicants. This is a scholarship program that awarded over $20,000 in cash scholarships last year!! The deadline to apply is January 1, 2020. You must be a resident of Frederick County with a 3.0 minimum GPA (unweighted). There is no fee to enter and this is NOT a beauty pageant. For more information and to apply please use the links below.
Application: www.distinguishedyw.org
For more information and to view a video about the program click here
Counseling Office Updates
PSAT Results Have Arrived!
If you took the PSAT in October, you may pick up your results and test book at lunch in the cafeteria on Tuesday, December 17 or Wednesday, December 18. Please be sure to review your scores with your parents. The value of taking this practice test is to prepare you for upcoming college testing. It is important that you study the questions you missed. Directions for review will be explained in the materials you will receive. If you have additional questions, please see your School Counselor.
Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year
All Juniors should turn in their completed 2020-2021 Registration Sheets by Friday, December 13. These should be turned in to your FLEX teacher. If you have questions, please stop by to see your School Counselor or talk with your FLEX teacher.
The Freshmen should turn in their Registration Sheet no later than Friday, December 20.
Sophomores received their 2021 Registration Sheets this week. They should be returned to FLEX teachers the first week of January
Juniors and Parents
The THS School Counselors will be offering individual conferences with juniors to help them prepare for their senior year at Tuscarora High School. We strongly encourage you to sign up for an individual counseling session. This conference will be an opportunity for you and your child to talk with their school counselor about your child’s post graduation goals.
A link to select a conference date/time will be sent out via FOF on January 3. This link will be active January 3 through January 10. The Junior Conferences will be scheduled from January 13th through February 7. If you are unable to attend a conference with your child’s school counselor, they will meet with your child and send home information to share with you.
If you do not have internet access, please contact Ms. Mejia at 240-236-6438 to schedule an appointment
THS Counseling Evening Programs
Please Save the Date: January 22- Registration Night
FCPS Academy For the Fine Arts
FCPS 9th, 10th and 11th graders countywide interested in a Fine Arts career pathway!The FCPS Academy for the Fine Arts (AFA) offers focus areas in visual art, dance, music and drama. The AFA hosts Shadow Days monthly, beginning Wednesday, October 16. On a Shadow Day, students visit the AFA the first half of the day to view a student presentation, take a tour, and sit in on a class or two in their focus area.
To register for a Shadow Day, use this link: https://www.fcpsartsacademy.org/visit-the-afa.html.
Learn about applying to the AFA for next school year: https://www.fcpsartsacademy.org/application-information.html
The application deadline is Friday, January 24, 2020. Students from all FCPS high schools are welcome!
FCPS Career and Technology Center Shadowing
CTC shadow requests/applications will be available in the Guidance office beginning Tuesday October 1st. Shadowing begins on Tuesday November 5, continuing through Thursday, February 27. Students interested in CTC programs must complete shadowing for that program before applying.
College Representatives at Tuscarora High School
The School Counseling Department has begun scheduling college representative visits at Tuscarora! Please check your Naviance account by going to "Colleges I'm Thinking About" and then "College Visits." From here, you will see the list of colleges that are visiting THS and this is where you sign up to meet with the college's representative. Register for the college visit by simply clicking on "Register Now."
Counselor Breakdown by Student Last Name: A-C Danielle Moore D-I Jessica McDonald J-N Carla Goto O-Sv Kay Wilson Sw-Z Joshua Harrison
PTSA and Booster Organizations
PTSA Membership
THANK YOU for your continued support to our membership campaign, we are happy to share we are now at 123 MEMBERS! That’s 19 more to reaching our goal of 142—very attainable and we’re even confident we’re going to exceed our target. To keep the momentum going, if you’re not a member yet, our membership form can be found at https://tuscarorahsptsa.org/ in the Forms section. Come join us!
Other PTSA News
Not a member of the PTSA yet? Find out how to Join the PTSA
See names of PTSA Board and Committee Chairs and more
Safe and Sane Graduation Celebration
What is Safe and Sane? Every year, the PARENTS of the senior class host a party for the graduates on the night of their graduation ceremony. Safe & Sane is a special evening in a safe, alcohol-free environment supervised by the parents. This year, as in years past, THS 2020 Safe & Sane will be held at Adventure Park USA. The graduates will drive to the high school, at 8 PM a bus will take them to Adventure Park USA. They will not be able to leave the party until the bus takes them back to THS at 5 AM. During these hours, they will enjoy unlimited fun, food, beverages, games and rides. They will also be eligible to participate in numerous drawings for donated gifts and prizes. If your child has not yet registered, please use the link below to access the registration form and send it in, along with the $75 registration fee to THS Attention: Safe and Sane. THIS EVENT RELIES SOLELY ON PARENT PARTICIPATION. PLEASE THINK ABOUT OFFERING TO VOLUNTEER A FEW HOURS.
The Details:
THS 2020 Safe and Sane Graduation Night, June 4, 2020 from 8 PM to 5 AM at Adventure Park USA Registration Fees: $75 - - You Must Be Registered to Attend
Registration forms can be found in the Main Office or click here. Safe and Sane Registration Form
-The Next Parent Meeting will be held Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the Roy Rogers on Ballenger Center Drive.
-FootballMania tickets- FootballMania is an exciting sweepstakes fundraiser that is based on the popular “Squares Pools” played during the Superbowl. Sweepstakes participants can win up to $5,000 in prize money by simply matching the numbers on the back of their game card with the score of Superbowl at the end of each quarter of play. The more quarters that match, the more the participant can win! Every game card is unique and has a minimum 1 in 14 chance to win a prize. Contact Kim Nowak at kim_nowak@yahoo.com for tickets. We could also use help selling tickets too, either paper tickets or online, Kim will deliver tickets to you or send you a link to add to your social media sites.
-Starvin Marvin Fundraiser Future Starvin Marvin Days - Mark your calendar! Tuesday, January 7, 2020 and Tuesday, March 3, 2020
-Candle and Soap Fundraiser. Safe and Sane is hosting a Candle and Soap Fundraiser. Seniors will be able to earn extra tickets for the night of our event to use for prizes. Forms are in the Front Office. Please send completed order forms to the office marked Safe and Sane Candle and Soap Fundraiser.
-Safe and Sane has a Fine Linens and Pillow Fundraiser through the Sheetslady. Sheets are $40/set any size Twin-California King including Twin XL. You can order from any Safe and Sane Committee member or at www.sheetslady.com. Email questions to amythesheetslady@gmail.com.
-Stumpy's Hatchet House Fundraiser February 2020. Details coming soon!
-THS Class of 2020 Safe and Sane T-Shirts and Tumblers are available to order. Order forms can be found in the office or click on the link.Order Form
-Dollar Donut Days every Friday. Safe and Sane will be selling Krispy Kreme donuts Friday mornings on Main Street $1/donut. If you would like a dozen or more donuts, you can pre-order them by emailing merearick@gmail.com by Wednesday evenings for that Friday. Please include your name and phone/extension number. We will also have Uncle Ralph's Cookies available for purchase $1/package. Chocolate Chip, M&M, Red Velvet, White Chocolate Chip & other flavors available. Have time to help sell doughnuts? Sign up here to help us sell! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4dabad28a46-safe. All you have to do is show up, help collect money and hand out doughnuts.
-Puravida Bracelets will again be for sale on Dollar Donut Fridays! $10/bracelet.
Like the THS Class of 2020 Safe and Sane Facebook page to get up to date information.
Email ths2020safeandsane@gmail.com with questions.
Learn More
Media Center Updates
Media Center Hours and Contact
Monday – Friday: 7:20 am – 2:40 pm
Media Center Website: https://education.fcps.org/ths/mediacenter
Media Center Twitter: @mediacenterTHS
Winter Reading Challenge
From January 1st to January 31st, Tuscarora High School will participate in Beanstack’s Third Annual Winter Reading Challenge, sponsored by Penguin Random House (PRH). We challenge our patrons/students to read at least 300 minutes during the month and keep track of their reading on our Beanstack site at https://fcpstuscarorahs.beanstack.org/reader365. Hundreds of libraries and schools across the nation will encourage their communities to read a target number of minutes and books.
Prizes will be available in the media center for students who read 300 minutes and who complete the overall challenge of 720 minutes.
#WinterRead2020.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Martin Cevallos 12th grade, the winner of the Dewey Decimal Challenge.
Daily Announcements
Daily recorded Tuscarora High School student announcements can be found on the homepage of the THS website: https://education.fcps.org/ths/
Visit Our Online Resources
Titan Health and Wellness
Health Room Technician: Bruce Thompson School Nurse: Tae Ju, RN Health Room: 240-236-6400, option 4
PRINCIPAL Christopher Berry TUSCARORA HIGH 5312 Ballenger Creek Pike Frederick, MD 21703 240-236-6400 Phone 240-236-6401 Fax
Follow Us on Twitter @THSTitanPride Visit Our Website
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS Helen Golibart Cynthia Hanlon Jody Ratti Tanisha Smith Helpful Links: School Cash Online Menus & Meals Grades Online www.fcps.org
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