February 7, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
If you read the Find Out First from this morning, you know that all of FCPS was in a Tornado Warning Lockdown from approximately 7:35 - 8:15. These sort of weather emergencies are often scary, even for high school students. I am pleased to report that our students and staff remained calm, and quickly "understood the drill" as we moved all 1700+ students and staff to safe locations in the building. It is once again a testament to the fact that our students understand the importance of always doing what is expected in these situations. I was pleased with the response, and thankful that the worst thing that happened was lost instructional time.
Today is report card day. Please take time to have a look at your teen's report card. High fives and congratulations are hopefully in order, or perhaps a discussion about second semester goals. I am very proud of the 842 Titans who earned 1st and 2nd Honors for the 2nd Term. It was the best part of my day to hand out ice cream sandwiches to those students during all lunch shifts today. Hard work does pay off.
Enjoy the weekend ahead!
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, February 8
ACT Exam at THS
Frederick County Swimming Championship, Walkersville High Pool
10:00 AM
Sunday, February 9
Monday, February 10
Performing Arts General Meeting, Chorus Rm
7:00 PM
Tuesday, February 11
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
Learning for Life to Dollar Store
Girls Basketball at South Hagerstown High
Boys Basketball home vs. S. Hagerstown HS
10:30 AM – 12:50 PM
JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 12
Mock Trial vs. Walkersville High, Frederick County Courthouse
Board of Education Meeting, Central Office
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
Thursday, February 13
Girls Basketball home vs. N. Hagerstown HS
Friday, February 14
2-Hour Early Dismissal
St. Valentine’s Day
Academic Tournament at Frederick High
Boys Basketball at N. Hagerstown HS
Saturday, February 15
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change .
Keeping You Informed - School News
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.
Project LIT Book Club Paint Night
The Project LIT Book Club is sponsoring a "Paint-Nite" event during the two-hour early dismissal on Friday, February 14 to celebrate the mythology of Orisha that inspired Tomi Adeyemi's "Children of Blood and Bone." THS Artist Alexa Hall will lead the event, which is free for students. Sign up by Monday, February 10 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp8ilY0f8Ppn_Zto3U1wXB51OTsZcYXTG0rKFe1bGAserm_g/viewform
Class of 2021 – Junior Class
Joe Corbi’s Fundraiser – The Fundraiser will kick-off on Tuesday, February 11. Packets and money are due to B203 or the Media Center by Tuesday March 3. Juniors will have the chance to earn free prom tickets and other prizes. Funds from the fundraiser will help support the activities during the Class of 2021's senior year.
Interested juniors can pick up a fundraising packet in the Media Center or front office.
Save the Date – Community Yard Sale on Saturday, April 4 sponsored by the Class of 2021.
Vote for Your Favorite Staff Member for the Month of January
Bring on the compliments! If you or your students have a staff member in mind who deserves some praise for something that they have done, then nominate them for Staff Member of the Month of January. Just open the link and vote. All staff will see the comments, whether their names are selected or not. Two winners will be randomly chosen and announced Friday, February 14. The staff members will receive gift cards, a Titan sticker, and have a write up in the Newsletter. Be sure to nominate any and all staff members who have had a positive impact in your life.
https://tinyurl.com/JanSMOM20
January SMOM Voting Page
tinyurl.com
Vote for your favorite staff member for the month of January! Nominate staff from 2/6 to 2/13
Winter Dance Refreshments
Hello all! The THS PTSA is pulling together refreshments for the Winter Dance! The PTSA is creating a candy and snack bar. Please, take a look at the list below and sign up for the item(s) that you are able to donate to the dance. All donated items can be dropped off in the main office as early as Tuesday, February 18, up until Friday, February 21. As always, we appreciate your assistance and the students will appreciate it even more!!! If you have any questions, please, contact Rubina Shreiner at RHShreiner@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!!!!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d49a5ad2ba3f58-winter
Rotary Club Speech Competition
Rotary Club Speech Competition will be Monday, February 24 during FLEX or after school. Students in 11th and 12th grade only may pick any topic for their speech, but it must be more than 5 minutes, but less than 6 minutes.
All speeches must include: The Rotary Four-Way Test
Of the things we think, say or do…1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
One winner will be chosen to compete at the FCPS level on Monday, March 2 at 7 PM at Hood College for a chance at cash prizes.
First place: $500
Second place: $425
Third place: 350
Fourth place: $300
Students must make an appointment with Ms. Kowalski for a competition time. Please contact her at lydia.kowalski@fcps.org
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).
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
FCPS publishes a list of restricted schools annually. Parents and guardians must renew out-of-district transfers for students every year. Parents or guardians who wish to request an out-of-district transfer must apply by completing the appropriate form, online at www.fcps.org in the section labeled For Families and Students, through March 1, 2020. Those seeking to renew a request approved for the current school year must re-apply online, also by March 1, 2020. Families will be notified of the decision by April 1, 2020. For assistance completing the form, families may call 240-236-2493. FCPS will restrict out-of-district transfers at 32 schools in the 2020-2021 school year, in accordance with FCPS Regulation 400-78.
Based on enrollment projections, the following schools will be at or near 100% capacity when schools open in August 2020. Consequently, their enrollment is limited only to those students who reside within each school's attendance area.
Restricted high schools are: Frederick, Urbana, and Walkersville
The at-capacity schools that are restricted for out-of-district transfers in September 2020 will continue under that designation for the 2020-2021 school year. School designations are re-evaluated annually based on projections.
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
FCPS Finalist for Washington Post Teacher Award
Tuscarora High School Literacy Specialist Lydia Kowalski learned this week that she is the FCPS finalist for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award contest. Ms. Kowalski accepted the award from FCPS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Theresa Alban and Board of Education President Mr. Brad Young, in addition to her family members who surprised her for the announcement.
Each year The Washington Post recognizes teachers in the Washington Metropolitan area who exemplify excellence in their profession and who contribute to improvements in education. The Washington Post will announce its winner in April.
Tuscarora is home to many exemplary teachers, and Ms. Kowalski will represent not only the THS community, but our county well in this competition. Please see the news release at this link for photo and details: https://www.fcps.org/about/news/1673551/teacher-to-represent-fcps-in-washington-post-contest
2020 SkillsUSA Western Regional Competition Awards - Medal Winners
Congratulations to the following Tuscarora Titans who are enrolled at the Career and Technology Center (CTC) for their recent performance in the Western Branch of the Skills USA competition. Each of the students listed received a 1st, 2nd or 3rd Place medal and have earned the right to compete in the SkillsUSA MD State Competition in April.
Program
Skills Contest
Last Name
First Name
Grade
Home School
Place
Cosmetology
Nail Care
Beach
Madison
12
THS
2nd
Automotive Technology
Automotive Maintenance & LIght Repair
Cunningham Jr.
Michael
10
3rd
Television & Multimedia
Digital Cinema Production
LeBlanc
Jackson
Serrano
Loreli
Academy of Health Professions
Nurse Assisting
Teal
Samantha
11
Witherell
Isabella
Senior Blundell Signs Letter of Intent
Congratulations to Senior Gianni Blundell, who signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at the collegiate level at the University of Charleston. Gianni was saluted by Athletic Director Howard Putterman and her coach Ricardo Vera. Her family and a large group of students were present to celebrate this great moment representing years of hard work. Congratulations, Gianni!
Celebrating Report Card Day
It’s report card day, which means that any student who was on honor roll receives a complementary ice cream sandwich from the administration. Congratulations to all the students who received first or second honors, over 800 at Tuscarora high school. Way to go, Titans!
January Students of the Week Luncheon
Congratulations to the January Titan students of the week, as they enjoyed the luncheon in their honor. Parents as well as the teachers who nominated attended, and the event was hosted by Ms. Kowalski and Ms. Golibart. The student winners are Megan Lizambri, Kooper Clark, Odhin Batten and Cassie Huntington.
Tuscarora High School Student of the Week
Rachel Nicholas, 11th grade
Nominated by Ms. Crowelll (Science) "Rachel has worked hard on developing a list of ideas for her independent research project."
Here are all 11 nominations. If you see these students please take a moment to congratulate them!
ashley.robinette@fcps.org
Alma Aparicio
10th
katherine.greene@fcps.org
Khadeeja Valbrun
12th
kierstin.rosensteel@fcps.org
Tifany Monterroso-Monterroso
9th
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Rachel Nichols
11th
Kendra Turner
francisco.derose@fcps.org
Shanelle Shaw
Cecelia Zombro
richard.hartman@fcps.org
Cassidy Farmer
Ian Ruddell Borda
deanna.englar@fcps.org
Shea Taylor
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
Akbar Khan
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
Senior Meeting and Fundraiser Kick-Off
The Joe Corbi’s fundraiser will start on Tuesday, February 11. Seniors will be called to FLEX in two groups. Seniors who have FLEX on the 1st floor will report immediately after 2nd block to the auditorium. Seniors who have FLEX on the 2nd floor will wait for the announcement mid-FLEX.
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
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 Program
JUNIOR NIGHT
Tuesday, February 18 (snow date February 25)
7:00 PM-Tuscarora High Auditorium
This informational program is geared towards College bound Juniors and their Parents. THS Counselors will be presenting important information regarding the College Application process--including what juniors should be doing this summer to prepare for college.
FCC Night for Seniors
Main Campus-Visual & Performing Arts Center
Thursday, February
6 PM - 8 PM
This event will begin with an academic and campus resource table fair where guests can interact with faculty and staff. This will be followed by a presentation from Admissions, Counseling & Advising, and Financial Aid. For more information and to register, please visit www.frederick.edu/fccnight.
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
Skate Frederick Fundraiser -Saturday, February 8, 2:00-5:00 PM.
Safe and Sane Planning Meeting Tuesday, February 18 from 6:30 - 8 PM at Roy Rogers 301 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703. Grab dinner and join the meeting
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.
Join the THS Safe and Sane 2020 Facebook group 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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