April 14, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
Welcome to the 4th Term as we work together on this adventure we call Continuation of Learning. It was good from my perspective to have a few days off, and the chance to focus on simple things - spending time on family and a little fun.
FCPS will be communicating with families this week about how grading will work for the 4th Term. It stands to reason that with a different vehicle for learning, we will need to make adjustments to how we assess students. Our leaders are taking the time to thoughtfully consider what allows us to hold students to challenging standards, yet also recognize the unique circumstances of distance learning. I encourage you to read and think about this plan when it is released.
You'll notice in today's newsletter that we continue to include the congrats, commendations and kudos section. Even from a distance, it is possible to have a student of the week, and give shout-outs to students and staff. Some of you have shared the content in this week's section, and I would encourage families who have GOOD NEWS or accomplishments to send them to me at christopher.berry@fcps.org so that we can all celebrate. This is a special invitation, in particular, for seniors who are receiving those college or post secondary invitations or scholarships. Let us know the good news so that we can all celebrate Titan greatness!
Finally, I decided to take the advice I've been giving our Tuscarora teachers to record videos of themselves with a greeting, clarifying directions or giving lectures on content. If I were a student at this time, seeing a face or hearing a familiar voice would make all the difference in tackling assignments. Even with distance learning, education is a human business, and we need to move beyond the keyboards and images in order to make learning more personal. Every few days, I'll be sending a message and keeping you informed about announcements and updates from Tuscarora. Here's today's message, with some important information for Seniors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L13ti1xoLBE
Welcome to 4th Term!
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, April 11
Sunday, April 12
Easter
Monday, April 13
Spring Break-No Student Instruction
Tuesday, April 14
Continuity of Learning
Wednesday, April 15
Thursday, April 16
Friday, April 17
Saturday, April 18
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed - School News
AP Exam Schedule 2020 - AP Coronavirus Updates
The College Board has released the new dates and times for the 2020 Advanced Placement exams. Please note that Frederick County Public Schools is located in the Eastern Time Zone: https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/educators/taking-the-exams/ap-exam-schedule
All exams will be administered via an internet-connected device. Each exam is 45 minutes.
FCPS-issued Chromebooks will work for the exam if connected to a reliable internet source.
If you need assistance with technology for taking an AP exam, please reach out directly to the College Board: https://collegeboard.tfaforms.net/74
In late April, the College Board will provide AP students and educators with information on how to access the testing system on test day, and video demonstrations so that students can familiarize themselves with the system prior to testing. Learn more here: https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/educators/taking-the-exams
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
Calling Senior Bloggers and Vloggers!
Reflections from the Class of 2020: Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban invites students to submit guest blogs/vlogs for her Off the Cuff blog.
Class of 2020 Survey
FCPS invites input on how we can celebrate the Class of 2020. Take the Class of 2020 Survey
The Titan Times Continues to Publish
Stay informed and stay connected through the Titan Times! The Titan Times is the online student news site for Tuscarora High School. New articles are published weekly and we cover everything from popular culture to the latest updates about Covid-19. Check out the NEW stories this week:
https://titantime.org/
Technology Support During Distance Learning
Mrs. Bush is the user support specialist (tech person) for THS. She is available to help teachers and students who have any issues using their devices as we adjust to learning from home over the next month or so. She will also assist students who are still in need of a Chromebook, Hot Spot or replacement equipment such as a charger. Although it may take a few days to secure an item for you, she is here to provide the best service possible.
Students with issues with the technology, please send an email to marie.bush@fcps.org or call her at 240-236-6640 between 7:00 am -2:00 pm Monday - Friday. Please leave a message with the student name and the issue you're having. She will work to address all issues in the order they are received. Once she has received a request and has returned your call or email she will arrange times for pick-up or drop-off of equipment. At this time all pick-up and drop-offs will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm at THS. Prior to pick-up or drop-off you will receive final confirmation from Mrs. Bush.
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
Dual Enrollment 2020-21 Registration Information
The Accuplacer scheduled for Friday, April 17 at Tuscarora High School has been canceled. A new date for Accuplacer will be set by FCC at a later time. If you have dual enrollment packets and test permission slips, you may email them to Ms. Moore at danielle.moore@fcps.org
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 SAT Test Information
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.
Congratulations, Commendations and Kudos
Tuscarora Sophomore Takes Individual History Day Prize
Congratulations to sophomore Chrystel Bollozos Josol, for her recent victory in the county level of the National History Day competition. Josol prevailed in the high school division, taking 1st Place in the Individual Document Exhibit for her work on the project, “Hong Kong Protests”. Chrystel was assisted by her faculty advisor, American Studies teacher Katie Bartman. Despite the challenge of the movement to a virtual competition, this valuable program was provided to students through the hard work of advisors and local coordinator Mary Atwell, Archivist at Hood College Library. Best wishes to Chrystel as she moves on in the program!
Tuscarora High School Virtual Student of the Week
For the week of 3/27/20-4/3/20
Zenon Drain, 11th grade
Nominated by Ms. Nickles (English)
"Zenon is a tremendous young man. He is the keeper of our "Dad Joke of the Day" thread on our Schoology - keeping us rolling our eyes at his bad jokes just like each day in class! He has been REALLY persistent about asking questions, getting his work accomplished each day -- all while expressing concern for me and others. What a kid!"
Here is a list of all 48 Nominees. Congratulations to all of you!
THS Science Students Place at FCPS Science Fair
Despite the in-person FCPS Science Fair being cancelled this year, numerous Titan students went the extra mile and submitted online entries, under the direction of their advisor, Ms. Geerlings! Two were winners in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Category.
Taylor Sims, grade 12 took 2nd Place - The Effect of Acid Rain on Magnesium Exchange Capacity in Tennessee Soils
Reese Hyden, grade 12 took 3rd Place - The Effect of Lightning on Orange Production in Florida via Nitrogen Fixation
Please see the presentation below for pictures of these two presentations. Congratulations to both Taylor and Reese!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oreuQzmrGvUWXhpnu6rnxdV6kfZsxx-N/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aUnrQdlNGMaVgpC9BrEM2Gy9xYwds8Op/view?usp=sharing
Titan Senior Waskewich Earns Scholarship
Congratulations go out to Titan Senior Kirsten V. Waskewich, who recently was awarded a scholarship from Penn State University. Waskewich was granted the "Discover Award", and its annual value is $26,000. Way to go, Kirsten, on this prestigious scvholarship!
March Staff Member of the Month Chosen
Congrats to Mr. Dean Swink (PE) and Mr. Scott Motter (English) for being selected the Titan March Staff Members of the Month. Especially during this unusual time, it’s important to recognize the role that our teachers take in keeping daily life normal.
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!
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
FCC Scholarships
Frederick Community College (FCC) offers several scholarships to it's incoming Freshman class. FCC's Foundation Scholarship page shares the different opportunities, along with the directions for applying. The scholarships are going to be handled differently this year. Students will complete all applications using our online platform. Students can only apply online. No paper applications will be accepted. Students can upload transcripts (official or unofficial), letters of recommendation, and other required documents directly into the system. This is the location of all FCC Foundation scholarships:
www.frederick.edu/foundationscholarships
To apply
Students will need an FCC student ID number, FCC email address, and password.
Click “Sign In” in the upper right-hand corner of your screen to begin.
Complete and submit the General Application.
Click on and complete any Special Scholarship Applications not covered by the General Scholarship.
Once on that page, students will scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Fall Semester Scholarship Application. Applications are accepted April 1, 2020 - June 30, 2020.
Now Accepting Applications for Summer Warehouse Interns
$11.28 per hour
Frederick County Public Schools Warehouse Department is collecting applications for summer warehouse interns. Candidates must be 16 years or older with reliable transportation. For more information about the job, requirements, work days/hours, and to apply please click on the link below.
Application for Warehouse Worker Summer Internship
Limited number of internships available. Deadline to apply is Thursday, May 7, 2020.
Youth WORKS! 2020 Summer Jobs Program
For youth between the ages of 14 and 21, looking for a part-time summer job. For six weeks, July 13 - August 21, this summer you can earn a paycheck, learn valuable new skills, and get that job experience for your resume! Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements listed below.
ELIGIBILITY
Students eligible to apply for this program must be Frederick County residents between the ages of 14 and 21 with one (or more) of the following barriers to employment:
Low-income family status
Possessing one or more disabilities
Receiving assistance from Social Services
Enrolled in the Foster Care system
Connected with the juvenile justice system
Participating in Special Education
For more information please go to http://www.frederickworks.com/summer
United Way of Frederick County's Summer Serve
For youth ages 12-17 in volunteer service projects at various nonprofit agencies throughout Frederick County. The program provides participants a comprehensive understanding of areas of need in our community.
Summer Serve 2020 Dates
Session 1: June 22-26 and July 6-10 (week of June 29 - July 3 off for 4th of July holiday)
Session 2: July 13-17 and July 20-24
Session 3: July 27-31 and August 3-7
Leadership Week: August 10-14 (if you participate in any of the above Summer Serve sessions)
Scholarships Are Available!
To see if you qualify for scholarships or more information on Summer Serve and to register, visit http://www.unitedwayfrederick.org/summerserve.
Counseling Office Updates
Students Please Check your "my.fcps.org" Email Everyday
It is so important that every student check their “ my.fcps.org” email every day. Your School Counselors and other THS staff members are using this email address to give you important information, including schedules, Naviance information and career and college planning.
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 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM.
Students Last Name A-C Danielle Moore, Counselor Danielle.moore@fcps.org
Students Last Name D-Hd Diane Cooper, Counselor LTS 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
Complete List of Support Services During COVID-19
COVID-19 Information
Frederick County Health Department https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=271
Maryland Department of Health https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/
Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Frederick County Health Department
Program Guide: https://md-frederickcountyhealth.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1310/FCHD-Brochure-May-2017?bidld
Community Health Services: 301-600-1733
Healthcare Connection and Preparedness: 301-600-8888
School Health Services: 301-600-3312
Women, Infants and Children (WIC): 301-600-2507
Frederick Health Hospital: 240-566-3300
Community Agencies
Frederick Community Action Agency www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/183/Frederick-Community-Action-Agency
301-600-1506 or 301-600-3955
Frederick County Department of Social Services: 301-600-4555
Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs: 301-631-2670
Salvation Army: 301-662-2311
Student Homelessness Initiative: Phone- 240-415-8971 Email- info@shipfrederick.com
American Red Cross: 301-739-0717 1131 Conrad Ct, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Mental Health/SEL Resources:
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.
Guide to Mental Health and Community Support Services (a comprehensive online guide to local resources) https://fcmha.org/mhaguide
Virtual Walk-in Behavioral Health Services (crisis support).
Click on the link to schedule a virtual appointment during COVID-19 related closures: https://fcmha.org/coronavirus or reach us by phone 211 or 301-663-0011.
Frederick County Health Department Elderly Mental Health Outreach (grant funded counseling program ages 60 and older) https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/541/Ederly-Mental-Health-Outreach
Office phone: 301-600-11029
Substance use concerns, all ages https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/131/Behavioral-Health-Services
Office phone: 301-600-1755
FCPS Coordinator of Mental Health Services: 301-600-5306
Anxiety - https://adaa.org/
Depression - https://www.samhsa.gov/
Cyberbullying - www.fcps.org/academics/stop-bullying
Academic Resources
Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/
College Board / SAT / AP - https://www.collegeboard.org/
ACT - https://www.act.org/
Virtual Field Trips - https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/
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.
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 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
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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