February 21, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
People will frequently ask me “What is the Tuscarora community like?” when I speak about my service as a high school principal. Most often, I believe they are interested in the kind of housing, defining geographical and demographic information of our area. However, if you want a clearer picture of our community, it’s more important to consider who we are and what our actions represent. This week our community has created for all of us a vivid landscape of Tuscarora.
Tuscarora is a community of students who thrive within their common interests. Our Mock Trial Team has been working diligently this winter and will enter the playoffs next week undefeated for the first time in recent memory. Our swimming and diving team enjoyed their county championship recently, and indoor track had a nice showing at the state meet in PG County this week. Students learned about African-American history by painting a scene from the book Children of Blood and Bone, led by student artist Alexa Hall, with her original artwork. The NEHS and Project Lit hosted nationally known YA author Neal Shusterman yesterday, where he explored what it means to be a writer and the writing process. Students and adults alike couldn’t help but come away from this experience having been inspired to communicate more creatively.
Tuscarora is a community whose students and staff forge a strong Titan identity. Today, our students ended the week with a fun, boisterous Pep Rally, featuring a student-staff volleyball game, and the celebration of winter athletic and activity teams. Tomorrow evening, a long-anticipated student event will take place with a winter dance in our cafeteria. Over 200 students will enjoy dancing and kicking back together as Titans. Best of all, the Breast Cancer Awareness Club is co-sponsoring this event as a fundraiser as the latest chapter of their diligent, ongoing efforts. It’s all a part of what it means to be a Titan.
And finally, Tuscarora is a community of sharing and support. On Tuesday, the parents, staff and students at the Boys Basketball game focused their attention on the life and family of Will Enten, a Senior Titan who recently succumb to cancer. To say Will was an inspiration doesn’t quite capture the positive effect he had on his community of friends and family. He made the most of his time here with all of us. The celebration for Will continues this evening at the Girls Basketball game vs. Frederick. In addition, the SGA is also wrapping up a Kindness Matters Week, bringing awareness to this simple and important act of character.
Below are just a few pictures from moments this week. They capture glimpses of who we are as a school community, and remind me how very proud I am to be a Titan.
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, February 22
George Washington’s Birthday
Wrestling CMC Championship at BHS
THS SGA Winter Dance
9:00 AM
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, February 23
Monday, February 24
Boys Basketball at Reservoir High
JV 4 PM, V 5:30 PM
Tuesday, February 25
Learning for Life Class to Giant
Mock Trial Team at Playoffs at Frederick County Courthouse
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
5:00 PM
Wednesday, February 26
Ash Wednesday ~ Lent (through April 11)
Board of Education Meeting, Central Office
6:00 PM
Thursday, February 27
Friday, February 28
THS Reading Buddies to Ballenger Creek Elementary School
10:20 – 11:00 AM
Saturday, February 29
First Day of Spring Sports
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change .
Keeping You Informed - School News
Author Neal Shusterman Visits THS
THS was excited to host award winning author, Neal Shusterman on Thursday, February 20 for a Question and Answer presentation followed by a book signing session. Students from Thurmont Middle, Urbana Middle, Ballenger Creek Middle, Brunswick Middle, Walkersville Middle, Urbana High, Frederick High and Carroll County were able to attend the session in addition to multiple classes from THS. Shusterman spoke about the writing process, his novels, and his upcoming projects. The event was sponsored by Tuscarora's NEHS and Project LIT Book Club.
Class of 2021 – Junior Class Information
Prom 2020
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/thsseniors2020/prom-2020
Community Yard Sale
Indoor yard sale at Tuscarora High School Saturday, April 4 from 10 AM - 2 PM. Sponsered by the class of 2021. Rent a double sided table for $15.00 or just come and shop, park near the tennis courts! Table sizes are 12 ft (L) by 29 in (W). Email tuscarorahs@yahoo.com to reserve a table.
Chipotle
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support THS Junior Class 2021. Come in to the Chipotle at 5223 Buckeyestown Pike in Frederick on Tuesday, February 25 between 4 PM and 8 PM. Bring the flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you're supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to THS Junior Class 2021.
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).
Off The Cuff Features THS World Language Teacher
This week, Off the Cuff features world languages teacher guest bloggers Lynne Griffin (Catoctin High School), Nayibe Neuland (Tuscarora High School) and Marcie Stutzman (Middletown High School) as we continue to explore The Compelling "Why."
See them now at: superintendent.fcps.org
Please share your views and ideas about blog topics through FCPS social media links at the site or via email to superintendent@fcps.org
Thank you for your interest in public education!
FCPS BLACK HISTORY MONTH WRITING CONTEST
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.
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.
If you have questions, please contact the main office at 240-236-6400.
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.
Student Attendance
Good attendance leads to success and boosts graduation. Our school improvement goal (and Maryland state goal) for attendance is 96%. Our school wide attendance for the past week was:
See FCPS absence procedures.
Congratulations, Commendations and Kudos
THS Junior Selected as a Bettie Awards Winner
Lucy Xie, a Titan Junior, has recently been selected as a “Bettie Awards” winner by Frederick’s Delaplaine Foundation. Bettie Delaplaine was a lifelong supporter of the arts in Frederick County. Her strong belief in the importance of the arts in our community -- and the importance of supporting young emerging artists -- inspired the Delaplaine Arts Center to create the Elizabeth Barker Delaplaine Award for Young Artists in her honor. The award program is an annual event run in March, nationally recognized as Youth Art Month.
Lucy’s piece, Self Portrait, becomes one of twelve pieces competing for the Bettie Award Grand Prize Winner, which will be announced On March 7th.
THS Mock Trial Team Enters Playoffs Undefeated
Tuscarora’s Mock Trial team was undefeated this year, winning all five matches. They will move on to the playoffs with three other county teams. This amazing group of students has put a lot of work into preparing and trying their case with the help of our attorney adviser, Carin Golze, of LeRoux & Winik, LLC.
Pictured is Omar Dia, Bilal Aslam, Carin Golze (attorney adviser), Ritik Gupta, Canaan Wolfe, Ademola Adeyemi, Emma Torbik, Annabelle Sickles, Lindsey Lian, Jade Vicuña, Victoria Uhl, Sara Geitner, and Edward Jackson Bicklesteth, Jr. in front. Missing is Naomi Barish.
Playoffs will be at the Frederick County Courthouse on Tuesday, February 25 at 5:00 PM. Please arrive before 5:00 PM because the courthouse closes and will not make any exceptions to unlock the doors after 5:00 PM. No Tuscarora affiliated clothing, embroidery, or even lanyards can be visible.
Tuscarora High School Student of the Week
Alyssa Afari, 9th Grade
Nominated by Ms. Neuland (Spanish)
"Alyssa comes to class prepared to work, participate and brings a smile to class everyday."
Here are all 12 nominations. If you see these students please take a moment to congratulate them!
lydia.kowalski@fcps.org
Jacob Wink
9th
shannon.green@fcps.org
Kevin Stitley
10th
daniel.wagner@fcps.org
Madison Hess
maria.bonet@fcps.org
Milca Barou
12th
andrea.kerslake@fcps.org
Antonio Bryant
11th
teresa.stevens@fcps.org
Mackenzy Crawford
nayibe.neuland@fcps.org
Alyssa Afari
sarah.biddle@fcps.org
Wesley Paz
Daria Lindsey
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Saniyah Traynham
Maurice Barbour
ashley.robinette@fcps.org
Nick Memenza
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:
Monday, June 1 from 8 am – 12 pm
Tuesday, June 2 from 8 am – 12 pm
Wednesday, June 3 from 8 am -12 pm (10 am – 12 pm will be the senior award’s ceremony)
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
March 3, 2020
Joe Corbi’s Fundraiser Due Date
Joe Corbi’s fundraiser packets and money are due to the Media Center or B203 on Tuesday, March 3. Seniors have the chance to earn free prom tickets and/or senior trip tickets or Amazon Gift Cards.
Fundraising packets are available in the Media Center or front office.
March 26, 2020
Parent Meeting
There will be a senior parent meeting in the auditorium at 7 pm on Thursday, March 26th. 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
Snack/Drink Donations: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F49A4A628A6F58-thsprom1
Deadline: April 1, 2020
Senior Trip to Hershey Park
Friday, May 29
Cost: $60 per senior
Deadline for $ and Permission Form: April 1st 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 Wednesday, 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.
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program
Summer Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program!!! Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 are eligible to apply for the SEAP Program, a direct mentor-student relationship between the Department of Defense scientists and high school students. Participants receive first-hand research experience and exposure to DOD laboratories. Deadline for applying is March 2. Visit https://www.usaeop.com/program/seap/ to apply.
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) | AEOP
www.usaeop.com
For high school students, the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) matches practicing DoD scientists with talented high school students to create a direct mentor-student relationship. This level of first-hand research experience is unparalleled at most high schools.
MAGICC Fair
The MAGICC Fair is coming!!! The Maryland Agricultural, Green and Industry Career and College Fair is coming to Frederick on Wednesday, April 1. It is open to the public from 2 to 4:30 PM at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Colleges and businesses related to agricultural, green and CTE industries will be present with hands-on activities, workshops, and on-the-spot interviews. For more information, visit www.magiccfair.com.
Counseling Office Updates
FRESHMEN and Freshmen Parents
The THS School Counselors will be offering individual conferences to help Freshmen plan for their Sophomore 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.
Please sign up on the following link below according to your students' last name:
Student last name A-C: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-moore3
Student last name D-Hd: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-cooper
Student last name He-Mi: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-goto3
Student last name Mj-Sc: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-wilson3
Student last name Sd-Z: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E4AACA92AA1FC1-harrison3
This link will be active today through Friday, February 28. The Freshmen Conferences will be scheduled from Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 13. 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.
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.
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 News
As of today, we are happy to share we are now at 134 members- THANK YOU for all your support! Check out the PTSA's website for a list of meeting dates, names of PTSA Board and Committee Chairs and more!Not a member of the PTSA yet? Find out how to Join the PTSA
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 - DISCOUNT Would you like a discount on your Safe and Sane registration price? The current price is $75 for the evening and scheduled to rise as the event gets closer. However, as a fundraiser we are selling March Madness Hoops Mania sweepstakes tickets. There is a potential of winning up to $4,000. Every ticket has a 1/19 chance of winning a prize. For every 10 tickets you sell you will get $10 off your registration! If you are interested in selling tickets for your discount or just to help us with the fundraiser, please contact Kim Nowak at kim_nowak@yahoo.com immediately. These tickets need to be turned in for activation NO later than Sunday, March 15. If you have already paid your registration you will be reimbursed.
Future Starvin Marvin Day - Mark your calendar! Tuesday, March 3, 2020
THS Safe and Sane Day at Silver Diner - Thursday, March 2020 5 - 8 PM.
M. Stein Tux Rentals for Prom - March 12th and 13th M. Stein will be in the THS cafeteria during lunch to measure boys for tuxedos. M. Stein comes to THS to measure, the tux's are delivered to the school, and the tux's are returned back to school. Get measured even if you aren't sure you will attend prom. Sizes are kept on file.
AR Workshop Fundraiser Sunday, April 26, 2020 1 - 4 PM -Join us at AR Workshop Frederick for a DIY class to make anything from our project offering. In the workshop, you will have the opportunity to customize your project with your choice of designer paints and (non-toxic!) stain colors. Link to register https://www.arworkshop.com/event/?loc=frederick&ev=151279
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.
Beanstack
A Read Across America Reading Challenge is starting on Saturday, February 29. Login to Beanstack to get registered.
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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