March 30, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
Once again, this week's edition of the Tuscarora Newsletter will kick off our academic week, the first week of distance learning. The events of our world continue to change by the hour. As I type this, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has issued a "Stay at Home" Executive Order, further limiting our movement and interaction in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As much as anything I can say this week, we want you to know that the Tuscarora staff remains connected to you.
Titan Students... hopefully you got underway today with your "Continuity of Learning" lessons and heard from all four of your teachers. If not, feel free to reach out to them and ask them how to best remain connected to you, whether thorugh email, Google classroom or Schoology. We want you to get the most out of these learning opportunities, so here are some helpful tips:
I mentioned this last week, but it should be repeated: we're not sure how long we'll continue learning this way, but the grades will count, and we all need to be patient and go with the flow. We ALL have a good deal to absorb about distance learning, and we're going to learn together.
It continues to be nice to hear from Titan families, especially when we're being told to "maintain a distance." While that may mean we should maintain a certain physical space, now more than ever we should work to remain connected as a community. Please continue sending those questions and we will continue to work together to provide you with information and problem-solve together.
Sincerely (from a distance!),
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, March 28
Sunday, March 29
Monday, March 30
Schools Begin Continuity of Learning
Tuesday, March 31
Continuity of Learning
Wednesday, April 1
Thursday, April 2
Friday, April 3
Saturday, April 4
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed - School News
Parent Help with Schoology
Most of our teachers at Tuscarora are using Schoology as our primary means of delivering information and activities as well as checking on students progress during the next four weeks of distance learning. If you have not already, we encourage all parents to join Schoology and connect to their child's Schoology accounts.
Here is the PDF of the sign-up guide for parents:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Go7GoCc2iWUhtfQ45141LpVpbouxaclF/view
Here are five short Schoology training videos for parents made by FCPS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DOSiPygdlg&list=PLukX28g2mPZhmDtZT4XrUz4pzLLHUAAXw
Your child's teachers are able to provide you with your student's unique Schoology access code. All students are already able to log in and use Schoology. This code will allow parents to connect to their student's accounts.
If you are having trouble or have questions regarding Schoology, please email Ms. Jorgensen at Judith.Jorgensen@fcps.org
A Message From the THS Counseling Department
We hope this message finds you and your family safe and healthy. The THS Counselors recognize that students may need assistance during this time. If you need assistance from your counselor, please contact us! Counselors will be available to respond to email messages Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm.
Students Last Name A-C
Danielle Moore, Counselor
Danielle.moore@fcps.org
Students Last Name D-Hd
Diane Cooper, Counselor long-term sub.
Diane.cooper@fcps.org
Students Last Name He-Mi
Carla Goto, Counselor
Carla.goto@fcps.org
Students Last Name Mj-Sc
Kay Wilson, Counselor
Kay.wilson@fcps.org
Students Last Name Sd-Z
Joshua Harrison, Counselor
Joshua.harrison@fcps.org
Students, it is important for you to check your FCPS email every day. As we navigate this new reality together, your counselor will be reaching out to you regarding grades, senior information, schedules for next year, among other things.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Our world has shifted dramatically over the past few weeks. Students and and family members who are experiencing difficulty may wish to contact the Frederick County Mental Health Association. (MHA)
The MHA's Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From intervention, a caring and supporting voice at a moment of crisis, to connecting you to resources and information, dial 211.
With the physical facility closed, MHA's Walk-in Behavioral Health Services has moved to an online telehealth platform. The program, and the services it provides, remains the same in all other aspects; and will still provide comprehensive safety/wellness planning, resource information, and referrals as appropriate.
To access: Go to www.fcmha.org and click on the yellow banner at the top to access an intake form for the service. After completing and submitting the form, information to access the platform will be provided. This can be accessed via computer, tablet, or smartphone (must have access to internet/cellular data)
The Virtual Walk-in Behavioral Health Service is operational Monday - Friday from 10 AM - 10 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM - 6 PM.
Help is available, if you or a loved one, friend or neighbor is hurting please seek help.
Senior Counseling Updates
SCHOLARSHIPS: Continue to monitor scholarships on Naviance. Updated deadlines are being added as they are received.
UPDATE YOUR NAVIANCE ACCOUNT: Please continue to log onto Naviance and update your account - acceptances to colleges, etc. If you have difficulty logging into Naviance, please click Forgot My Password.
NEED A TRANSCRIPT? Please request via Naviance or contact your counselor directly. If you are applying for a scholarship that is requesting an official transcript, you should let your counselor know. The counselor can email your transcript directly to the scholarship committee. If you need an unofficial transcript, let your counselor know. The counselor will email a copy of your transcript to you, directly.
NEED A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION? Please contact your counselor and/or teacher directly. Please note, most students have "waived" their rights to seeing the counselor and teacher letters. Because of this, counselors and teachers are obligated to send the letters directly to the scholarship committee, instead of the student. Students should share the scholarship committee's email address with the counselor and teacher, and the counselor and teacher will send the letter(s) directly.
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, April 24, 2020. All FCPS sponsored activities, sporting events, field trips and extracurricular activities are now cancelled until further notice. 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.
Important Dual Enrollment Information
All Dual Enrollment students are expected to check their Frederick Community College communications (email and Blackboard) for updates about college courses: https://myfcc.frederick.edu/portal.aspx.
High School Based To make up for lost instructional time during this two-week closure, FCPS will modify the semester calendar when instruction resumes. All high school based 15-week courses will now end on Friday, May 22. Please be sure to note any changes to your syllabus timeline provided to you by your instructor.
Open Campus Frederick Community College is not closed during this time and has moved instead to distance learning for these two weeks. Please follow all directions from your professors to continue your academic program.
Early College at FCC The application deadline for Early College at FCC has been extended to Wednesday, April 15.
Please direct any questions about the Dual Enrollment program to FCPS Coordinator for Dual Enrollment Diana.Sung@fcps.org
Important Advanced Placement and SAT Test Information
The College Board has announced that traditional in-person Advanced Placement exams will not take place. For the 2019-2020 exam administration only, students can take a 45-minute online exam at home.
The AP central website posts details with links to solicit feedback: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update
The College Board is offering many AP instructional resources free to students during this time. As students prepare for AP test(s), they may use these resources: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates#free-ap-classes
SAT Exam News
The College Board has announced it has canceled March and May domestic and international SAT administrations. Students will be able to sign up for future dates or receive a refund. For more information, please visit https://pages.collegeboard.org/natural-disasters
The FCPS SAT Schoolday administration scheduled for March 25 and the April 14 makeup test dates are canceled.
The College Board is working on the possibility of adding more SAT administrations in the fall for both national and schoolday SAT dates. FCPS will share more information as the College Board provides it to us.
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.
Congratulations, Commendations and Kudos
Send Us Your Good News, Commendations and Info to Crow About!
Have you or your student received an award, a scholarship or received good news in these challenging times? Has your extra-curricular group received recognition or something worth sharing with the Tuscarora Community? Send it along to us at christopher.berry@fcps.org and we'll be sure to continue to share it with everybody while we're continuing instruction from a distance!
Titan Reading Buddies Goes Online!
Why should time away from school stop the popular "Titan Reading Buddies Program" with our feeder elementary schools? Senior Titan Hannah Thompson created a great read aloud that is perfect for Pre-K through 1st grade. Enjoy Hannah reading How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? and share it with YOUR friends. Great job, Hannah!
https://youtu.be/MUHoeoF_cdE
Tuscarora High School Student of the Week
As we begin Continuity of Learning, we'll be looking to continue the Student of the Week Program while we're away. Teachers will be keeping there eyes open and continuing to nominate students who are working diligently from a distance.
Senior Class of 2020 News
TITAN SENIOR NEWS
Listed below are important dates and information for seniors. While much of this information is TBD at the moment, stay tuned here for updates to important senior events.
Also, 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
TBD
Senior Shirts
March 26, 2020
Parent meeting is cancelled until further notice.
Joe Corbi’s Delivery Date
Deadline: TBD
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 TBD. Audition date is TBD.
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 TBD. The audition date is TBD in the media center.
Prom
As a result of the decision to close schools for an extended period of time, the Tuscarora High School Junior-Senior Prom will not take place on April 24. Despite this disappointing news, we are hopeful that we will still be able to offer our Juniors and Seniors a prom experience at some point during this school year. We are not in a position yet to choose a new date or make revised plans regarding prom, because we do not yet know the extent or end date for the current school closure. We will work within the guidance we receive regarding the status of schools after April 24 and will make plans at that time.
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.
Counseling Office Updates
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
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.
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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