January 31, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
This has been an eventful day at Tuscarora, and not necessarily in a positive way. If you read my Find Out First earlier in the day, you are aware of the passing of Will Enten, a senior student at Tuscarora. Will was liked and admired by many people in this school, as a positive young man who fought a courageous battle with cancer. His passing has deeply affected those who have known him only recently, as well as those who have known him his whole life. One of the things that struck me in conversations with Will was his grace. He didn't mind talking about his illness or fear the unknown. He lived in the positive moment, and put those around him at ease. He laughed, he worked hard, and he made the most of every day. In this sense, knowing Will was a gift. I've shared in "School News" the announcement that I made to students and staff this morning concerning his passing.
In another Find Out First, I notified the community that we had a previous planned lockdown drill at approximately 10:30 this morning. By unfortunate coincidence about an hour later, FCPS Security asked Tuscarora and several other nearby schools to go into a true lockdown, then partial lockdown due to events in the community. This procedure was eventually lifted, and we were informed that there was no longer a threat of danger in the community. While the timing of our drill and a real lockdown were unfortunate, our first priority every day is keep Titan students and staff safe, and to understand exactly what to do when there is threat potential. Today, like all days in these instances, Tuscarora students were cooperative, took direction and knew what to do.
The chance to start a new semester comes with reminders for our students about expectations that we have. In an announcement this week, I encouraged students to make those good first impressions with their new teachers, and work hard to understand what their teachers use as a measure for success. In addition, I reminded them about our policy on headwear, namely that FCPS does not permit head-covering of any kind, including hoods and caps. In addition, with the 1-to-1 Chromebook initiative, there is no real educational purpose for phones in classes. Most teachers have phone policies that require that students have phones off and away. Please reinforce these ideas with your students, as well as other specific expectation that come with the new semester. Ask to see your teen's class syllabi, as teachers take great care to produce written explanations of course topics, grading policies and information about how their class works.
There's a good deal of fresh news and announcements this week. Have a look!
Here's to a Restful Weekend,
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, February 1
Sunday, February 2
Monday, February 3
Textbook Review Week: C. Burr Artz Library
Petition Eligibility Day
Wrestling at Quince Orchard High
Athletic Boosters Meeting, Media Center
Performing Arts Boosters Board Meeting
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
Tuesday, February 4
Boys Basketball home vs. TJ High
Girls Basketball at TJ High
JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 5
Eligibility / Ineligibility Day
Lady Luminaries Club to Howard University
Mock Trail vs. Urbana High at Frederick County Courthouse
Wrestling at St. James High
BOE public hearing on the FY2021 Operating
Budget, Board Room, FCPS Central Office
7:45 AM – 2:00 PM
5:00 PM
Thursday, February 6
Indoor Track at Regional Meet at PG Sportsplex
Frederick County Diving Championship, Walkersville High Pool
4:00 PM
Friday, February 7
Report Cards Distributed
Boys Basketball Home vs. Linganore High
Girls Basketball at Linganore High
Academic Tournament at Frederick High
Saturday, February 8
ACT Exam at THS
Frederick County Swimming Championship, Walkersville High Pool
10:00 AM
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change .
Keeping You Informed - School News
Public Address Announcement on the Passing of Will Enten
Principal Christopher Berry shared the following message was shared this morning with Tuscarora High School students and staff:
I have some sad news to share with you this morning. Will Enten, who was a 12th grader here at Tuscarora High School, died last night. Will passed away after battling a long illness with cancer.
Whether you knew Will or not, it is important to remember him, and the example that he set for all of us. Over many years, Will never allowed his illness to define his life. He was a positive force, always looking forward, always demonstrating caring for others rather than himself. Despite his circumstances, he continued to take classes, and earn credits toward his diploma. He was a fierce member of the Tuscarora basketball team. His teammates loved him and drew great strength from the example of his perseverance. He was a kind and selfless young man.
We do not have any information about funeral arrangements at this time, but will share this information with you when we receive it. As we cope with this tragedy, please remember that you have teachers, counselors, school psychologists and administrators that are here to support you. The passing of a student, friend or family member hits all of us differently. You may not have known Will, and this event may cause sadness to you because of your own life circumstances. You are never alone. If you would like to speak with someone, please come to the counseling office at any point during the day today. We are here for you, Titans. Please make it the best day possible. Thank you.
Today's Boys Basketball Game Rescheduled
Today’s Boys Basketball Games scheduled at Reservoir High have been postponed to Monday, February 24. JV will play at 4:00 PM and Varsity at 5:30 PM on Monday, February 24.
Students Parking Illegally at Ballenger Run
From Justine Jones, Leasing Manager of Orchard Park at Ballenger Run:
Since the beginning of the school year we have noticed students parking on our property and walking across Ballenger Creek Pike to the school. We are private property and our parking is for our tenants only. About a month ago we placed signs on our property stating this. This is to inform you that beginning 2/10/2020 any students that park on our lot will be towed at the owner of the vehicles expense. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 301-662-8510
Please note: Tuscarora High School is sharing this as a courtesy to the local business community. THS has no role in the development or enforcement of this policy.
Free SAT for ALL Juniors – March 24
Attention all JUNIORS, are you ready for your School Day SAT on Wednesday March 25? The test will take place at THS, and will start promptly at 7:30 AM. It’s Free! Yes, FCPS provides this FREE opportunity for ALL juniors! We will take care of the registration for you! We will hold pre-registration sessions during school. More information regarding this will be sent out later on in February. Have you started to prepare? Research has shown just 6 hours of practice on Khan Academy (khanacademy.org/sat) can help increase your score 90 points! Link your College Board account to get a personalized practice plan!
If you have any questions, please contact our School Day SAT Supervisors, AP Tanisha Smith (tanisha.smith@fcps.org or CCR teacher, Sarah Welker (sarah.welker@fcps.org).
Seeking Cast Members for the THS Spring Production of "Footloose The Musical"
Seeking Dancers, Singers, Gymnasts, Actors, Athletes, and THS Students to join our Spring production! But, ALSO seeking middle students, elementary school students, & THS teachers to take part in Footloose The Musical! Interested in taking part in the Tuscarora High School Spring Musical FOOTLOOSE?
Questions? Contact: Kathleen Moore - Director- kathleen.moore@fcps.org or Terence Moore - Music Director- Terence.moore@fcps.org
High School Student Auditions: Monday, February 3 & Tuesday, February 4 from 2:30 - 5:30 PM
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/5oan9FbSAhcZ586Z6
Prepare one of the songs from the list of approved Footloose Songs below!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HVsEQNGILsGv9PCm96a-yAlH5Kid9XgRU3cr9MEeoH0/edit?usp=sharing
Callbacks: Tuesday, February 11 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM
FCPS PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT BLACK HISTORY MONTH WRITING CONTEST
February 2020
The Public Affairs Department’s Black History Month Writing Contest: Public Affairs is sponsoring a system-wide Black History Month Writing Contest encouraging students to write and submit entries about the contributions of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. Each school is encouraged to submit entries from no more than 2 students for the contest. Submissions are due by 4 PM Monday, February 10 in pdf format to 2020 Black History Month Writing Contest Submissions using the following naming convention: School Acronym-Level*-Author First & Last Name i.e., LNES-Primary-John Doe
The Public Affairs Department will video the 2 winners from each level [primary, intermediate, middle and high (see next section)] reading their entries at their school the third week of February. For the video, finalists will each state their name and school and read their entry. Middle and High school students are also invited to participate in a brief interview. Videos will air on FCPS TV and YouTube channels and via FCPS Maryland social media the fourth week of February.
Grouping Levels and Contest Guidelines:
Primary – Students in grades K-2 are encouraged to write a sentence about Harriet Tubman or Frederick Douglass
Intermediate – Students in grades 3-5 are encouraged to write a 1- to 2-paragraph essay entitled Who Was Harriet Tubman? or Who Was Frederick Douglass?
Middle - Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to write a 1-page essay entitled If Harriet Tubman Were Alive Today, What Message Would She Bring to Us? or If Frederick Douglass Were Alive Today, What Message Would He Bring to Us?
High - Students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to write a 1- to 2-page essay in response to one of the following questions:
In his book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave, Douglass expresses his belief that education will set him free. What does he mean by this? Explain how education today can set you free.
or
Harriet Tubman was a leader in freeing slaves via the Underground Railroad. Write 3 historical facts about Harriet Tubman. Explain why the facts are important and explain their differences or similarities with the life experiences of African Americans in the United States today.
A team of volunteers will evaluate the entries. We look forward to reading the submissions from our students and celebrating these great African Americans!
If you have questions, please contact FCPS Executive Director of Public Affairs Daryl Boffman at 301- 696-6846 or Daryl.Boffman@fcps.org.
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.
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
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
Titan Reading Buddies Dedicate Visit
Today, the Tuscarora Titan Reading Buddies visited Tuscarora Elementary School. 26 high schoolers made their monthly visit, reading to classes of students in our feeder pattern. This particular Titan Reading Buddy visit was dedicated to Will Enten, Tuscarora Class of 2020, who passed away yesterday. Will was a strong Reading Buddy, loved the program and wanted to be part of today’s visit.
Tuscarora High School Student of the Week
Student of the Week
Cassie Huntington, 9th grade
Nominated by
Ms. Bartman (SS): "Cassie always tries her very best! She is a responsible, mature, and conscientious student."
Mr. DeRose (English): "Cassie was a pleasure to have in my class this semester. She was always respectful and polite, helpful towards her peers, and worked diligently throughout the class."
Here are all 31 nominations. If you see these students please take a moment to congratulate them!
kristina.weber@fcps.org
Alexander Zarate
10th
lydia.kowalski@fcps.org
Alexandra Kish
11th
andrea.kerslake@fcps.org
Alicia Toy
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Allison Fitzgerald
francisco.derose@fcps.org
Bridget McGeehan
9th
nayibe.neuland@fcps.org
Bryan Majano
12th
katherine.bartman@fcps.org
Cassie Huntington
daniel.wagner@fcps.org
Cora McDaniel
lindsey.beck@fcps.org
Danielle Flippen
karen.mcgrew@fcps.org
Erin Souder
Gina Tetteh
charles.zitrick@fcps.org
Heidi Nkrumah
ilise.haldeman@fcps.org
Ja Nia Jones
kierstin.rosensteel@fcps.org
Jack Congleton
katherine.miller@fcps.org
Kaua Silva Campos
laura.taylor@fcps.org
KayLeann Brown
Lana Williamson
Lilian Cogswell
jessica.mcclain@fcps.org
Melissa Torres
Natalie Lepkowski
jennifer.creter@fcps.org
Nathaniel Fox
Nathaniel Nyankene
Piper Guzman
RIchmond Akondo
Riley Madore
Ruth Orellano Salgado
Skye Renshaw
Taylyn Nguyen
Vincent Lombardi
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
Gowns need to be ordered ASAP to ensure that the graduate will have. These gowns are custom made by Herff Jones.
Order online at https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/home
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.
March 26, 2020
Parent Meeting
There will be a senior parent meeting in the 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
Senior Trip to HersheyPark
Friday, May 29
Cost: $60 per senior
Deadline for $ and Permission Form: Wednesday, April 1 to B203 or the Media Center
More Information and Permission Form: https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/thsseniors2020/senior-trip
Permission forms are also available in the media center.
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
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.
Frederick Community College – Financial Aid Night
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
THS 2020 Safe and Sane Graduation Night, June 4, 2020 from 8 PM to 5 AM at Adventure Park USA Registration Fees: $75 - Price increase to $85 on April 16th! - You Must Be Registered to Attend!
Registration forms can be found in the office or click on this link. Registration Form
Safe and Sane Planning Meeting Tuesday, February 4 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Roy Rogers 301 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703. 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.
Sell 10 Football Mania tickets and get $10 off your Safe and Sane Registration Fee!
REMINDER: Final days to sell Football tickets. Fundraiser ends Saturday Feb 1st - NO EXCEPTIONS! Kim Nowak will be at Roy Rogers, Saturday noon-1:00 collecting all money, ticket stubs and unsold tickets for our Football Mania fundraiser.
Skate Frederick Fundraiser -Saturday, February 8, 2:00-5:00 PM.
Future Starvin Marvin Day - Mark your calendar! Tuesday, March 3, 2020
THS Safe and Sane Day at Silver Diner - March 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 this link. Order Form
Dollar Doughnut Days every Friday. Safe and Sane will be selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Uncle Ralph's cookies every Friday morning 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.
Have time to help sell doughnuts? Sign up here to help us sell! All you have to do is show up, help collect money and hand out doughnuts. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4dabad28a46-safe
-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.
EBooks & Audio Books
Axis 360 is an online tool that allows the user to browse, select, and download EBooks and/or audio books. Users can use the website on a desktop, laptop, or Chromebook. The app can be downloaded on phones for reading. To download a book, students will enter their student ID number. Staff that wants to download a book will need to enter their staff ID number.
Downloads are available for three weeks.
More information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ozF5ji7iMfRIFcyCL5QmjjVeAKbplerSQiEi_UGLmQk/edit?usp=sharing
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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