January 24, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
The end of 1st Semester is nearly upon us. I want to congratulate students for working to successfully navigate the challenges of school. Whether you have achieved your goals or fallen short, the effort and lessons-learned can be just as important as the final tally. This is an exciting time of year. With new classes beginning next week, students have the opportunity to start fresh with their academics and their relationships. They also have the opportunity to continue the great habits they developed in the first half of the year. Encourage your child to take the time to make a good first impression in their new classes. They should strive to quickly understand what teachers expect and what they can do to learn the most and earn the best grade possible. It’s exciting to begin again; and hopefully students will see the opportunity that a new semester brings.
The New Student Registration Night was a great success on Tuesday. Many thanks to the Tuscarora teachers, department, outside programs such as CTC, FCC Dual Enrollment, NJROTC and The Academy of Fine Arts for participating. Most especially, it is gratifying to see such a huge crowd of future Titans and their parents present. We look forward to officially welcoming the Class of 2024 next August.
The end of the semester means that students have a new schedule, and sometimes move onto new teachers. Is there a teacher this semester that has gone the extra mile for your child? A counselor or staff member who your child talks about or is the source of a dinner conversation? Did an adult write a letter of recommendation, spend extra time after school or advise a club that has made a big difference in their life? It’s a great random act of character and kindness to take time now to write that email or note expressing thanks to that staff member. Most agree that educators do not reap the financial benefits of other professions, yet this simple act of kindness goes very far with those who work with your children every day to make a difference in their lives. How to reach a teacher via email? Simple, go on the THS website, find their first and last name with a period (.) in between first and last, and add the address “@fcps.org”
This evening is a big rivalry basketball game versus Frederick. The Boys play at home and the Girls are at Frederick. Why not take the time to come out and catch a game, Titans?
Sincerely,
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, January 25
All-County High School Music Festival at Gov. Thomas Johnson HS (Snow date January 27, 7 – 10 PM)
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 26
Monday, January 27
Wrestling home vs. Brunswick High, Senior Night
Swimming vs. Walkersville HS at Walkersville HS Pool
Guidance Junior Night (Snow date Jan. 30)
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Tuesday, January 28
Term Ends
Girls Basketball home vs. Urbana High
Boys Basketball at Urbana High
JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 29
Schools Closed for Students
Wrestling at Smithsburg High
Thursday, January 30
Unified Bocce Frederick County Championships at THS
Mock Trial vs. Catoctin High at Frederick County Courthouse
Swimming vs. Middletown HS at Middletown HS Pool, Senior Night and Coaches vs. Cancer Night
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
Friday, January 31
Reading Buddies to Tuscarora Elementary
Girls Basketball home vs. Reservoir HS
Boys Basketball at Reservoir HS
Academic Tournament at Frederick High (THS, Match 1, vs. TJ HS and UHS
10:20 – 11:05 AM
Saturday, February 1
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change .
Keeping You Informed - School News
Out of District Families
This is a reminder that the FCPS Assignment and Transfer of Students Regulation 400-15 is revised to include new application dates. Parents/legal guardians who wish to apply for a child to attend a school outside the usual attendance area must do so by March 1* prior to each new school year. FCPS has posted the out-of-district application at www.fcps.org in the section labeled For Families and Students. Here's a direct link: https://pubforms.fcps.org/view.php?id=11214 Note: Schools that are projected to be over capacity in the coming school year are restricted, so that only students residing in the school's attendance area may go there. Students may not transfer to a school projected to be over capacity. FCPS has published the list of schools that are restricted for the 2020-2021 school year.
MOD Pizza Fundraiser Supporting THS PLTW Biomedical Science
Come out to MOD Pizza in the Westview Promenade on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Show the flyer below and MOD will donate 20% of your bill to support the THS PLTW Biomedical Science program. Thanks in advance for your support of these students and their great work!
MOD Pizza Flyer
TUSCARORA HS BAND BINGO FUNDRAISER
The THS Band Bingo will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles at 401 Central Avenue in Brunswick, MD. Doors open at 11 AM and the games will begin at 1:30 PM. Buy your tickets in at advance for $35 or $40 at the door. Prices include nine cards and lunch. Proceeds benefit the Tuscarora High School Instrumental Music Program. For ticket information contact Caroline Hendy at 301-471-5477. Or visit www.THSIMB.org. Click here for BINGO Details.
First Annual Titans On The Run 5k
Calling All Runners, Walkers, Athletes and Musicians! Join the 1st Annual TITANS ON THE RUN 5k - Saturday April 19th! A Titan Community Event to benefit the THS Athletic Boosters AND the Instrumental Music Boosters! Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race?raceId=83768
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? 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.
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
Do you have an end of semester research paper or essay? Any THS student who needs help with an essay, research paper, or writing assignment for any class should 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
Young Writer's Contest Winners and Other Opportunity
Three Tuscarora Titans entered their writing into The Young Writer's USA Mission Contamination Competition and were offered the chance to be published. The students wrote short 100-word stories about a post-apocalyptic world in which the few survivors have to make decisions that decide the fate of humanity. Congratulations to Nadia Rusu, Abdullah Hasson, and Karina Rodriguez, who were all selected to have their work published in Mission Contamination - Survival Stories.
THS Teachers Proposal Approved for the Franklin and Bess Gladhill Fund
Congratualtions to THS teacher Ms. Teresa Stevens! Ms. Steven's "Native Pollinator Garden" proposal for the Franklin and Bess Gladhill Fund for Agricultural Education Grant has been approved. Ms. Stevens will receive $500 and her horticulture students will create a pollinator garden at the school. The pollinator garden will include native plants grown from bulbs, seeds and cuttings. This will serve as an extension of the classroom, as the FCPS horticulture curriculum includes units on pollinators and native plants.
THS December Staff Members of the Month
The Titan community would like to recognize December's staff members of the month, Ms. Rosensteel and Dr. Dawes. Ms. Rosensteel, an English teacher in her second year of teaching, was nominated by students and co-workers for her hard work and welcoming personality. Dr. Dawes, a doctor new to teaching, was nominated by a student for the way that she makes learning fun. THS is grateful to both teachers for their positive impact in the school.
Tuscarora High School Student of the Week
Student of the Week
Kooper Clark, 12th Grade
Nominated by:
Ms. Rosensteel (English): "Kooper is a wonderful SSL for my English class. He is always willing to help the students in my class and work with them in a one-on-one basis. Kooper is incredibly patient with the kids as well and does not mind explaining concepts or directions multiple times until the other students understand. This class will not be the same without him next semester."
and
Mr. Coates: "Kooper has gone above and beyond to help the students in our 2nd block English 9 class. He always has a positive attitude and helps some of the more difficult students complete work. We will miss him in our classroom when this term is over."
Here are all 41 nominations. If you see these students please take a moment to congratulate them!
kimberly.hayden@fcps.org
Amiyah Rayford
11th
daniel.wagner@fcps.org
Arik Lewis
Arly Lopez Saavedra
tyler.hanson@fcps.org
Breanna Snowden
Brenna Lewis
10th
richard.hartman@fcps.org
Cali Cammarata
charles.zitrick@fcps.org
Cali Haas
9th
mary.hull@fcps.org
Christan McRae
12th
lydia.kowalski@fcps.org
Cora McDaniel
lindsey.beck@fcps.org
Danielle Flippen
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Danielle Hankey
teresa.stevens@fcps.org
Emily Shreiner
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
FBLA Students
andrea.kerslake@fcps.org
Haley Livingston
Kailey Raymond
tiffany.kelly@fcps.org
Kara Olson
Katherine Arazanmendi
Kelsey Hyde
Kinsley Taylor
kierstin.rosensteel@fcps.org
Kooper Clark
harry.coates@fcps.org
Krystal Morales
francisco.derose@fcps.org
Lana Williamson
christine.banovic@fcps.org
Lauren Moore
jennifer.creter@fcps.org
Liam Demski
sophia.hamilton@fcps.org
Mia Hill
ellen.mcguinness@fcps.org
Narineh Tekeyan
Natalie Lepkowski
ashley.robinette@fcps.org
Omegan Wright
jody.ratti@fcps.org
Onege Asam Eyong
Rachel Bermudez
amanda.kremnitzer@fcps.org
Rakiya Mahama
Ritter Woods
Robert Hallman
Ruth Hassad
Skyler Smith
Thalia Zamora
Tiffany Shell
William Roelkey
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
ASAP
Graduation Gowns
Order online at https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/home
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 February 11. Seniors will be called to FLEX in two groups. Other important senior information will be shared.
March 26, 2020
Parent Meeting
There will be a senior parent meeting in the THS auditorium at 7 PM on Thursday, March 26. Prom, graduation, and other end of the year information will be discussed. Administration and senior advisors will host the meeting.
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 Tuesday, April 14 during all lunch shifts in the cafeteria.
Theme: Paris
Deadline: April 1, 2020
Musical Auditions
Use this link to sign-up to audition to be a musical performer at the graduation ceremony. https://forms.gle/ZLd7NNyhgoQvispC6
The deadline to register is April 1 by 2:30 PM. The audition date will be announced soon.
Speaker Auditions
Use this link to sign-up to audition to be a speaker at the graduation ceremony. https://forms.gle/gkYod9cvF4jPqtjP7
The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 1 by 2:30 PM. The audition date is Monday, April 6 at 2:30 PM in the media center.
May 1, 2020
Senior Video
Please use the email address listed below to submit photos for the Class of 2020 senior video. This video will be played at the senior award's ceremony on Wednesday, June 3 and before the graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 4. Please submit no more than 3 photos.
Submit photos to tuscarorahs2020@yahoo.com
Submit music requests to tinyurl.com/2020seniorvideomusic
Internships, Scholarships, Service and Job Opportunities
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
Frederick County Songwriting Competition
The 2019-2020 STEP UP! Frederick Student Songwriting Contest is here with thousands of dollars worth of prizes. You DON’T need to play an instrument, have a great voice or be able to read music. You DO need to write a creative and powerful song on your own or with others. Click here to check out the website and think about a subject that meets the song subject criteria. For song subject ideas and questions, contact: StepUp@ChordsofCourage.org. Plus, there will be 3 free songwriting workshops Saturday February 1, 8 and 15. Lunch is provided. Sign up now to secure your place: StepUp@ChordsofCourage.org
Naviance Passwords
All students and parents MUST reset their Naviance password by January 27. New passwords must meet the following criteria:
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.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment please contact Ms. Mejia at 240-236-6438.
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.
THS Counseling Evening Programs
The Evening Program for Juniors scheduled for Monday January 27 is postponed until a later date TBD. The updated date/time will be shared in next week's newsletter!
Frederick Community College – Financial Aid Night
Tuesday, February 4
6 - 8 PM
Want to learn more about the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Program and how to apply for financial at Frederick Community College?
There will be a presentation from 6 PM – 7 PM. From 7 PM – 8 PM financial aid staff will be available to answer individual questions.
To register for this event:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f49ada829a7f49-fccfinancial
FCC Spring Open House
Main Campus
Saturday, March 21
10 AM - 12 PM in the Student Center
Event will include a table fair with academic and campus resources. Campus tours will also be given by current FCC students. For more information and to register, visit: www.frederick.edu/openhouse.
Monroe Center Open House
Tuesday, April 21
5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Monroe Center
Event to explore all the programs offered at the Monroe Center and to tour the facility. There will also be career exploration workshops offered. Registration will open at a later date.
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! Price increases to $85.00 on April 16, 2020.
Registration forms can be found in the Main Office or click here. Safe and Sane Registration Form
-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. Sell 10 Football Mania tickets and get $10.00 off your Safe and Sane Registration Fee!
-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.
-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
AP Study Guides
Students who are finishing a 1st semester AP class can stay ready for the exam by reading one of our many AP study guides. Students should stop by the media center to check one out.
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.
Chromebooks for 2nd Semester
Students who did not get a Chromebook 1st semester can still get one for the upcoming 2nd semester. Forms are available in the media center or the fee/forms can be completed online using School Cash.
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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