January 3, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Happy New Year, and welcome back to a new decade! Tuscarora’s students have been particularly focused this week, as I believe they understand the end of the semester is approaching rapidly. As of today, there are only sixteen school days remaining in the semester. Final projects are coming due, those last big tests and semester long assignments are coming to an end. As a parent, it’s an excellent time to sit down on Schoology with your child and take a look at grades. What ideas and questions should drive the conversation? Here are a few to consider:
In the grand scheme, learning is more than just attaining grades. In addition to the practical, timely bullet points I have offered, take the time to reflect with your child about what subjects they are learning a lot about, which they have enjoyed and those for which they are developing a passion. After the accountability, the real joy is considering what education is helping your child to become.
Happy 2020 to you,
Christopher Berry Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
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
Swimming at St. Maria Goretti Invitational at Hagerstown YMCA
Indoor Track at Southern MD Classic at PG Sports Plex
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 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
3:30 PM
6:30 PM
Tuesday, January 7
Christmas Day (Orthodox)
Girls Basketball home vs. Linganore HS
Boys Basketball at Linganore HS
JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM
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)
7:00 PM
Friday, January 10
Indoor Track at Liberty University Invite
4:30 PM
Saturday, January 11
Saturday School
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
JUNIORS and Junior Parents
The THS School Counselors will be offering individual conferences to help Juniors plan 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 post graduation goals.
Please sign up at the link below according to your students' last name:
Student last name A-C: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-moore2
Student last name D-Hd: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-mcdonald2
Student last name He-Mi: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-goto2
Student last name Mj-Sc: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-wilson2
Student last name Sd-Z: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-harrison2
This link will be active today Friday, January, 3 through Saturday, January, 11. The Junior Conferences will be scheduled from January, 13 through February, 14. If you are unable to attend a conference with your child's school counselor, the school counselor will meet with your child and send home information to share with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Mejia at 240-236-6438.
Athletic Booster Club Meeting!
Please consider joining us! Bring your expertise to help build our new Concession stand! Want to help us maintain a website? Get involved in our 5K "Titans On The Run"? Get Involved - Help make THS Athletics Better for ALL ATHLETES!
6:30pm - Media Center
All are welcome!
PLTW Program Application Deadline
Reminder Current 9th and 10th Graders- Applications for the PLTW Biomedical Science and Engineering Programs are due on Friday, January 24, 2020 to the guidance office. The application and links to sign up for shadowing can be accessed on the THS website: https://education.fcps.org/ths/node/1289. Questions about Biomed? Contact patricia.crowell@fcps.org. Questions about Engineering? Contact aaron.miles@fcps.org
FCPS Science and Engineering Fair
Are you interested in learning more about the FCPS Science and Engineering Fair? Sign up to come to an informational meeting during flex on Friday, January 17th, 2020 in B127. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/sciencefairmeeting. See Ms. Crowell in B127 with any questions. Registration Open January 2-March 8, 2020. Fair is held March 27 and 28 at Tuscarora High School. For more information and to register, please visit https://education.fcps.org/sciencesec/sciencefair.
THS Athletics Celebrates Early Signing Day!
On Thursday, December 19, 2019, members of the Titan Athletic community gathered to celebrate two very special student-athletes. Seniors Hannah Thompson and Jordan Addison are both leaving the comfortable halls of Tuscarora High School in January to begin their college academic and athletic careers early! Titan Nation is proud of and excited for these wonderful young pillars of our community.
Hannah Thompson officially signed as a Bobcat at Frostburg State University on November 13, 2019 during the early signing period. Hannah has been a 4-year starter at Tuscarora and has certainly left her mark as one of the best to ever play for the proud and successful Titan Soccer Program. She finishes her career as the 4th all-time leading scorer with over 80 points and earns a spot on the MD All-State team. Her ability to change a game and make players around her better has been instrumental in leading the Titans back to a Regional Championship game for the first time in almost a decade. Her impact is not only limited to the soccer field, as she is also a captain and 3-year starter for the Girls Basketball team and is academically near the top of her class. We wish the very best for Hannah at FSU!
Jordan Addison signed with the University of Pittsburgh officially on December 19, 2019 after a long recruiting process that included offers from Notre Dame, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. He ends his career at THS as one of the most highly sought-after recruits in Frederick county in recent years with over 2600 all-purpose yards and 38 Touchdowns. Although quietly humble, the thing that speaks out most loudly about Jordan is his tendency to outwork everyone, no matter what the task. He proved this both on and off the football field. During his sophomore year, coaches recall a conversation about his grades and how a 2.3 GPA would not help him in his quest to play college football. He quickly turned things around, earning a 3.75 that year and has kept it up, since. He also began jumping for the track team during his junior year and by the end of the year was crowned the Maryland State Long Jump Champion. We are sure this hard work will benefit Jordan at Pitt!
Promise of Public Education Presentation
Please show your support for the promise of public education: Join us for a video presentation and public release of FCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban's recommended FY 2021 budget for the coming school year Monday, January 6 at 7 PM in the Central Office Board Room 191 S. East Street.
Your engagement in public education matters! Additional information is posted at www.fcps.org/budget.
Calendar Committee Openings
FCPS announces three openings for parents to serve on the Calendar Committee to form the proposed 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school-year calendars. The openings are for a parent in each of the following school feeder patterns: Brunswick, Middletown and Tuscarora. Meetings dates are Mondays, February 10 and 24, March 9 and a snow date on March 23. Meetings take place from 4-5:30 PM in the Central Office Board Room, 191 S. East Street, Frederick. Interested parents should complete the application at www.fcps.org/committees as soon as possible and no later than Wednesday, January 15. For additional information, please contact Linda Raines at Linda.Raines@fcps.org and visit www.fcps.org/calendar to read how the school calendar is determined.
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
THS Teacher Chosen as an FCPS Vanguard Teacher
Congratulations to Mr. Tyler Hanson, social studies teacher, who was chosen as an FCPS Vanguard Teacher for the 2020-21 school year. The three-year program is designed to prepare FCPS teachers to lead and coach others in fostering excellence through personalized learning in the classroom. Vanguard teachers will focus on four core competencies: mindset, instructional technology skills, teaching practices, and professional learning and networking skills. The Tuscarora Community is pleased that Mr. Hanson was chosen for this program!
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
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 7 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.
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.
Counseling Office Updates
Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year
All Juniors and Freshmen should have turned in their completed 2020-2021 Registration Sheets before winter break. 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.
Sophomores received their 2021 Registration Sheets the week of December 16. They should be returned to FLEX teachers the first week of January.
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. There are audition requirements for some programs--auditions will be held in February. Students from all FCPS high schools are welcome! Please contact jonathan.kurtz@fcps.org with any questions!
FCPS Career and Technology Center Shadowing
CTC shadow requests/applications are now available in the counseling office. Shadowing begins on November 5 continuing through Thursday, February, 27. Students interested in a CTC program 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. Grab dinner and join the meeting!
-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.
-Tuesday, January 7, 2020 is Safe and Sane Day at Starvin Marvin! You must mention THS Safe and Sane.
-Future Starvin Marvin Days - Mark your calendar! Tuesday, March 3, 2020
-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. A family friendly event with food and drinks available for purchase. Details coming soon! Go to Stumpy's and start practicing now!
-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 1 to January 31, 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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