March 13, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
There is an old proverb which reads, “May you live in interesting times.” While this may infer a blessing to some, other interpretations read it as a curse. Regardless of your perspective, we certainly live in interesting times. Allow me to begin my thoughts on recent events by expressing gratitude for how our Titan students and staff have conducted themselves this week, in the face of uncertainty and constantly shifting messages. I have asked our students to remain connected and flexible, not just today but in the weeks ahead. Allow me to share some other important thoughts about our response to COVID-19 moving forward.
While we currently have many more questions than we have answers, we do have the ability to remain in contact and communicate as we receive information, clarification and future plans. I am encouraging all families to check their email for Find Out First updates from both FCPS and Tuscarora High School daily. In the School News section below, we have provided website locations where you will find updates and remain informed, not just with school information but COVID-19 information from a county, state and national perspective. Our world frequently presents us with information overload. Now more than ever, fact-based, reliable news sources rather than social media should be our choice for accurate information.
Until further notice, all school-related activities are cancelled. Until we have been instructed otherwise, assume the school building is off-limits to schools, families and outside user groups. Students were given directions today by their teachers and administrators to bring home all valuables, their technology devices, and materials that teachers may use to continue instruction during this time we are not at school. Teachers have also assisted over the past two days in determining which families may have internet access challenges.
Which brings us to our next topic: continuing with schoolwork while we are not present in the building. As of this writing, this is certainly a possibility for FCPS, but will not begin immediately. As we potentially head into this uncharted territory, FCPS will be thoughtful and well-planned in terms of what form virtual education might take. If this becomes reality, FCPS will provide clear, explicit information about expectations and how students and families should participate. We at Tuscarora will work to ensure that all students are informed and engaged. Stay tuned on this question.
It is unsettling to not have many unanswered questions, especially for those most basic of routines such as school. Please feel free to reach out via email with your questions, and we will work to get you accurate, timely answers. I appreciate all of the supportive messages that so many of you have provided to the Tuscarora staff. We will continue to serve our students in the best way possible, provide you with information, and problem-solve together. I am proud to be a Titan, together with you all.
With gratitude,
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, March 14
SAT-1 at TJ - CANCELLED
Sunday, March 15
Monday, March 16
Tuesday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
Wednesday, March 18
Thursday, March 19
First Day of Spring
Friday, March 20
Naw-Ruz
Saturday, March 21
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed - School News
Coronavirus COVID-19 Information FCPS is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff. We are working closely with the Frederick County Health Department, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Maryland State Department of Education to monitor the status of COVID-19. To keep our community informed on this matter, we post related information and updates online at www.fcps.org/update. You are encouraged to visit the FCPS site for answers to frequently asked questions and information about actions you can take to promote good health.
In addition to the FCPS COVID-19 web page, check the following reputable sources to avoid spreading misinformation: https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/CivicAlerts
http://www.health.maryland.gov/coronavirus
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
FCPS is following Governor Larry Hogan's directive to close all Maryland schools Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27, 2020. The purpose of closing schools statewide is to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
All FCPS sponsored activities, sporting events, field trips and extracurricular activities are now cancelled until further notice. Therefore, athletic practices, scrimmages, meetings, etc. originally scheduled for today, Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 are now cancelled. No gatherings of students are to be scheduled until further direction is given. All FCPS and community-group after school and evening activities are canceled or postponed. This includes school-based daycare programs, Parks and Recreation programs in school gyms, and use of facilities scheduled by outside user groups.
While schools are closed schools and facilities will undergo deep cleaning and disinfecting. We recommend that you visit reliable sources for information about COVID-19 symptoms, prevention and updates. FCPS posts information at www.fcps.org/update including links to the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD), the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All are reputable sources of information.
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 19! A Titan Community Event to benefit the THS Athletic Boosters AND the Instrumental Music Boosters! Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race?raceId=83768
Class of 2021 – Junior Class Information
Prom 2020
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/thsseniors2020/prom-2020
Community Yard Sale
Where: Tuscarora High School in the Cafeteria
Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Rent a table for $15: 12-feet-long by 29-inches-wide
Email tuscarorahs2020@yahoo.com to reserve your table.
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 Student Selected "Student of the Month" at FCPS Career and Technology Center
Congratulations to Isabella Witherell, 12th grade, for being selected as "Student of the Month" at the Frederick County Public Schools' Career and Technology Center. Isabella was nominated to receive the award by her Television and Multimedia Instructor, Adam Frank, and selected on her merit out of a field of other nominees by the Student Achievement Committee.
Tweet of the Week Features Project Literacy Paint Night
Two Tuscarora Students are featured on this week’s FCPS webcast Tweet of the Week, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban. The eight minute program features Titan Sophomores Alexa Hall and Ebony Dobson, as they discuss a recent creative project they designed as part of THS’ “Project Literacy” program. Hall and Dobson’s project tied into a celebration of Black History Month and featured a paint night held in the cafeteria, focused on Tomi Adeyemi's book, Children of Blood and Bone. THS students discussed the piece and similar pieces of literature they had read, while they created individual artwork.
Be sure to check out the webcast to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBcmO1tMuXs
Tuscarora High School Student of the Week
Tyler Durham,10th Grade
Nominated by Mr. Chuhran
"Tyler aced his first Government test and constantly demonstrates that he understands our curriculum. He is working very hard to make up missing work and is concerned with the progress of his classmates."
Here are all 38 nominations. If you see these students please take a moment to congratulate them!
andrea.kerslake@fcps.org
Alisha Toy
11th
kimberly.hayden@fcps.org
Andrew Robinson
12th
lindsey.beck@fcps.org
Andy Monyak
10th
maryrose.reed@fcps.org
Angela Fortuno
kierstin.rosensteel@fcps.org
Annabelle Sickles
9th
helen.golibart@fcps.org
Austin Kaplan
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Avalon Monroe Adair
Brent Peate
shannon.green@fcps.org
Camron Harry
meredith.nickles@fcps.org
Christian Barahona
Clara Portillo
daniel.wagner@fcps.org
Corinne Heurich
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
Daniela Silva Hermida
mary.bishop@fcps.org
Ebony Dobson
christopher.babb@fcps.org
Ella Davila
Gavin Reeder
cameron.beckner@fcps.org
Grace Marshall
sophia.hamilton@fcps.org
Gwyn Sewell
Hardee Bolivar
Heidi Stephenson
jennifer.creter@fcps.org
Jazmine McDonald
lydia.kowalski@fcps.org
Juliana Batista
katherine.miller@fcps.org
Karthick Sankar
kristina.weber@fcps.org
Korneal Jackson
Kristen Peel
teresa.stevens@fcps.org
Mackenzy Crawford
Michael Quach
brandon.chuhran@fcps.org
Nadia Willis
karen.mcgrew@fcps.org
Naria Franco-Argueta
howard.putterman@fcps.org
Nicole Tognetti
sarah.biddle@fcps.org
Raul Velasco
deanna.englar@fcps.org
Robert Hallman
james.jensen@fcps.org
Samuel Bentz
Sandra Prudencio Chavez
elizabeth.geerlings@fcps.org
Shania Panton
Sophia Yarros
Tyler Durham
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 1st from 8 am – 12 pm
Tuesday, June 2nd from 8 am – 12 pm
Wednesday, June 3rd 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
Order online at https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/home
Senior Shirts
The second round of ordering has begun for senior shirts. Order online by March 13th and bring $20 cash or check payable to THS to the media center. https://www.imagemarket.com/7787e869
March 26, 2020
Parent meeting is cancelled until further notice.
March 30, 2020
Joe Corbi’s Delivery Date
Assuming schools are open, students who sold Joe Corbi’s need to pick up their orders on Monday, March 30th in the Media Center.
Deadline: April 1, 2020
Senior Trip to HersheyPark
Friday, May 29th - Assuming out of state FT's are approved
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 April 1st by 2:30 pm. Audition date is Tuesday, April 7.
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 April 1st by 2:30 pm. The audition date is Monday, April 6th at 2:30 pm in the media center.
April 24, 2020
Prom
The prom is Friday, April 24th from 7:30 – 10:30 pm at the Null Building at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Tickets will be on sale starting April 14th during all lunch shifts in the cafeteria. This year’s theme is “A Night in Paris.”
Sign-up for water/snack donations: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F49A4A628A6F58-thsprom1
Deadline:
May 1, 2020
Senior Video
This video will be played at the senior award's ceremony on Wednesday, June 3rd and before the graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 4th. 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
Job Opportunity with Frederick County Parks and Recreation
Job Opportunity with Frederick County Parks and Recreation: Applications are currently being accepted for Seasonal Parks Maintenance Technician positions. Students must be 16 years old. This is full-time employment during the summer and reduced hours during early and late season. Job will begin approximatley mid March and last through late September. Duties include mowing, planting, park clean-up, etc. See Mrs. Mummert for more information.
"Healthy Kids Running Series" Volunteers Needed
High School Volunteers are needed for the "Healthy Kids Running Series" for Spring 2020. Students are needed to help during the 5-week running program for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. The program runs through April and May at The Banner School in Frederick at 3 PM. Volunteers can sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Frederick/HKRSFrederickMD.
Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2020 - Frederick, MD
https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Frederick/HKRSFrederickMD
The Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2020 - Frederick, MD is on Sunday April 19, 2020 to Sunday May 17, 2020. It includes the following events: PreK 2/3 Yr Old - 50 Yard Dash, PreK 4/5 Yr Old - 75 Yard Dash, Kindergarten & 1st Grade - 1/4 Mile, 2nd & 3rd Grade - 1/2 Mile, 4th & 5th Grade - 1 Mile, and 6th to 8th Grade - 1 Mile.
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
FCC Spring Open House (check website for potential cancellation)
Main Campus
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
Hoopsmainia Ticket Turn-In Friday March 13 at 7 PM Roy Rogers Ballenger Creek- March Madness Hoops Mania sweepstakes tickets must be turned in to Kim Nowak no later than Friday, March 13 for activation. She will be at Roy Rogers 301 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick on Friday, March 13 at 7PM to collect Hoops Mania Ticket money. 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 have any questions, please contact Kim Nowak at kim_nowak@yahoo.com.
Restaurant Raffle Tickets are for sale $5 each or 5 for $20. To get tickets or have questions, please contact Amber Dawson at amber53182@gmail.com. Daily Drawings held beginning April 1. Winners will be notified by phone or email.
Future Starvin Marvin Day - Mark your calendar! Tuesday, April 21, 2020
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
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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