September 28, 2020
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
We are beginning your work week with our community newsletter. The mid-term point arrives on Friday, and a reminder that school will be "dismissed" two hours early on Friday October 2. There will be no adjustment to the calendar, just less student support (green) time in the afternoon.
I encourage you if you have not done so recently to check your Titan's grades in Schoology, and reach out to their teachers if you have any questions. The Schoology page also contains information about when teachers are available to students during Student Support time in the afternoon for individualized assistance.
Two brief reminders: Our Main Office is open each day from 8:00am - 3:30pm to help you navigate virtual learning. In addition, teachers are taking attendance each day. If you have an excusal note, please send it to our attendance secretary at THS.Attendance@fcps.org
I hope your student's are taking advantage of the day off. We'll see everyone back in classes tomorrow.
With Titan Pride,
Christopher Berry, Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, September 26
Sunday, September 27
Yom Kippur (Begins at sunset)
Monday, September 28
Schools Closed Yom Kippur (Ends at sunset)
Tuesday, September 29
Virtual School Block 3
Virtual School Block 4
FLEX
Lunch
Student Support
Self Directed Student work Time
Spring Return to Play Workouts Begin
8:30 - 9:50 AM
10 - 11:20 AM
11:30 AM - 12 PM
12 - 12:30 PM
12:30 - 1:45 PM
1:45 - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, September 30
Self Directed Student Work Time
Virtual School Block 1
Virtual School Block 2
10 - 10:35 AM
10:40 - 11:15 AM
12:30 - 1:05 PM
1:10 - 1:45 PM
Thursday, October 1
Friday, October 2
2 Hour Early Release - NO AFTERNOON SUPPORT SESSIONS
Saturday, October 3
Sunday, October 4
See the FCPS calendar.
*Dates and times are subject to change .
Keeping You Informed - School News
Financial Aid Night at THS
Students and Parents, please join us for a Financial Aid Presentation on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 7 PM. Brenda Dayhoff from Mt. Saint Mary’s will be presenting important information about completing the FAFSA for this upcoming year.
Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/cjs-mudw-wad
Or by phone: US)?+1 681-495-3376
PIN: 411 085 803#
National Honor Society Candidate Selection
Juniors and Seniors with a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to complete a Candidate Information Form. Postcards will be mailed to eligible candidates the week of September 31. This postcard will contain a Schoology group code for eligible candidates to join to access the candidate information form. It will also provide details about a Parent Information Google Meet on Tuesday, October 6 at 7 PM. If a student believes they are eligible to apply but do not receive a postcard by Friday, October 2, they can contact either Ms. Crowell or Mrs. McGrew. Candidate Information Forms are due no later than 3:30 PM on Tuesday, October 20 and must be submitted through a google form in the Schoology group.
NHS Advisors: Trish Crowell (patricia.crowell@fcps.org) and Karen McGrew (karen.mcgrew@fcps.org)
College-Bound Sophomores and Juniors - PSAT Registration Deadline is TODAY!
PSAT Registration is now open and space is limited! The PSAT helps sophomores and juniors gauge their readiness for SAT or ACT exams. It also serves as a gateway to information about colleges and universities. All students who potentially will attend a 2 or 4 year college should consider taking this examination, which will be given in person at Tuscarora.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 14
PAYMENT: $17.00
If interested in the PSAT, you must do two things:
Students requesting bus transportation must register by 3 PM on Friday, September 25.
General registration closes on Friday, October 2, or when all spaces are filled, whichever occurs first.
Online practice PSATs are available on the Khan Academy website: https://tinyurl.com/yxcr3q6f
Titan Tutoring is Here!
Tuscarora has opening the Titan Tutoring/Extended Learning Opportunities. For the first term, we will have regular tutoring support for Math, English, Social Studies, Science, World Languages, Health/Physical Education, and Career & technology education! Supports starts at 4 PM, Monday through Friday, and goes until 8 PM, with support for most subjects daily. Students will be asked to sign in whenever they visit a class, and all school virtual learning policies still apply whenever students are in a Google Meet with teachers. Click the image below to go to the schedule:
THS Safe and Sane Begins Planning
The THS Safe and Sane group needs you!!! Safe and sane is a giant party honoring the seniors the night of graduation. If we are going to move forward, we need parental participation to make it happen.Meeting will be outdoors, please wear a mask and bring a chair. PLEASE JOIN US
When: Wednesday September 30
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Backyard of the Qasis residence, 5100 Dartmoor Court in Wellington Trace
Why: To help with the process of the party!!!
Any questions please contact Amy Qasis at Asq9902@gmail.com or Ilysha Brown at ilysha.brown@fcps.org
Hope to see you there!!!!
Titan Athletes! Are You Ready For SPRING SPORTS? REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!
We enjoyed the fall sport season so much, we are now getting excited for the upcoming SPRING Skill-Based Coaching Season, which begins Monday September 28th, however, there are some very specific regulations that must be followed. Please read through the following highlights and make sure to read the full document at: Voluntary 1st Semester Conditioning and Skill-Based Coaching Seasons - this new document has links to all 3 required forms for every participant. (listed below as well)
For more information, contact your Head Coach or the Athletic Director, Coach Putterman
Titan Athletics Offering Titan Cup O'Joe
TIRED? NEED COFFEE? We all do! Make sure that coffee cup is full and ready to go every morning! Tuscarora Athletics has partnered to Foffee to provide our own special blend of "Titan Cup O' Joe" coffee and drinkware. We all need to purchase coffee - now you can have it delivered to your home AND help support Titan Athletics at the same time!
Go to https://foffee.org/collections/tuscarora-titans and check out your options! Spread the word! Spread the love! Spread the coffee!!!
Thank you for your support. Shop will be open until Thursday, October 15 - ORDER NOW, before it closes.
Titan Assistance with Technology and Schoology
Virtual Learning can be a challenge, especially when technology or a Schoology questions slows you down, or brings you to a stop. The solution for nearly every single Google issues in Schoology was found in the FCPS Troubleshooting Guide. For fast answers to your questions before calling the school or asking for assistance, this is a user-friendly guide. Please go to the link below, and bookmark it, or add the link to your toolbar.
Schoology Troubleshooting: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OJWzxwXeSumMlev5Ac8_-B0aaKhW5_ofMvuRO3a1pws/edit
For general assistance with chromebooks and internet use, don't forget students and families have access to our Technology Help Page (always found on our THS Website Home Page)
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/ths-tech-news/home
Student Attendance Notes
If your child will be unable to attend Virtual School due to illness, doctor's appointments, or for any other reason, please communicate with THS via email:
THS.Attendance@fcps.org
Please include your child's name, grade, reason for absence and a phone number where the parent can be reached. Paper communication is ALSO acceptable if email is not an option. Call 240-236-6400 with any questions.
The New Titan Virtual Learning Handbook
Each year, Titan students receive a student handbook with a good deal of information about how school works. This year is very different, and we've worked to bring you a handbook that helps Tuscarora students be successful in the virtual environment. The Titan Virtual Learning Handbook contains useful information for students and families: information about our programs, contact information, tips and strategies for learning in the virtual environment for students AND parents, the grading and attendance polices, extracurricular information and more! We will be adding to this document in progress. Students and families should bookmark the link below on their web browser, and refer back to it as a valuable resource. There is also a link on our web page.
Titan Virtual Learning Handbook
Got Schedule, Titans?
At the link below, you will find the daily/weekly Tuscarora High School Schedule. Know the difference between Blue, Green and Yellow Time, Titans! Your teachers are available to you at a number of different times during the day. Print this schedule out, and post it in your workspace for future reference. Please remember that you MUST attend all live/synchronous session during the different blocks. Attendance will be taken!
Weekly School Schedule
Also, at the link below is a weekly schedule that you can customize with the information and links to your own schedule. Have all of your Google links in one location, and the names of your individual classes. PLEASE MAKE A COPY OF THIS FILE BEFORE BEGINNING TO ADD YOUR INFORMATION! Refer to it in your Google Drive, or print for your workspace.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CN5o48Rlo3AAD9XkKO_nNEwlTegY-GuK5AG7QsK02AQ/edit
Congratulations, Commendations and Kudos
Titan Students of the Week
Each week, Tuscarora High School will honor two students of the week, chosen from the many student who were nominated by their teachers. One will recognize strong Titan character and work ethic, and the other will recognize strong scholarship. Here are this week's winners:
Titan Character of the Week: Dansani Young
Nominated by: Ms. MaryRose Reed
Comment: "Dasani has grit! She is persevering even though Computer Graphics has been tough for her."
Titan Scholar of the Week: Marla Bustillo
Nominated by: Ms. Judith Jorgensen
Comment: "Marla blows me away every time I give her something new to do. She is super fast and super proficient in her work. In her flipgrid assignments she is extremely personable and she makes me excited to have her as a future manager or entrepreneur."
Watch this space for other good news, awards and special recognition of our Titan students and staff!
Senior Class of 2021 News
TITAN SENIOR NEWS
Listed below are important dates and information for the Class of 2021.
Visit the THS Senior Page for up-to-date Senior Information -
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/thsseniors2021/home
Twitter Account: @tuscarorahs21
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ths21seniors/
Email: ths21@yahoo.com
Senior Class Advisors: Judith Jorgensen, Carrie Palmer, & Aaron Miles Contact Information
Congratulations to the Class of 2021 Senior Class Officers!
President: Omar Dia
Vice President: Kristina Delos Reyes
Class Officer: Richmond Akondo
Class Officer: Asiah Florczak
Class Officer: Liam Jennings
Friday, September 25
Claire’s Gourmet Popcorn Fundraiser
An all online fundraiser kicks-off today.
We are currently running a Claire’s Gourmet POPCORN Fundraiser. Please see the letter for all important information and dates.
Click here for the popcorn brochure.
We appreciate your support of this fundraiser, as it provides much needed funds and allows seniors to earn free or ½ priced caps/gowns or gift cards.
Ready to get started? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Deadline: Midnight on Friday, October 16th
Internships, Scholarships, Service and Job Opportunities
Ways to Pay For College
Each year, the Maryland Public Television (MPT) hosts an informational financial aid segment, Ways to Pay for College. Here is the link from last year's program here. Participants of the program include representation from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and local college financial aid experts. The MPT will be hosting their 2020 financial aid program on September 24th with an element of interactivity in this event.
An email address, college@mpt.org, is being made available for students and parents to send their financial aid questions. Questions can be sent before the event. Some questions may be answered during the live broadcast. All submitted questions, whether included in the broadcast or not, will be answered via email by financial aid experts at Anne Arundel Community College, one of the partners in this event.
This year, an interactive online OVEE screening will be held on Wednesday, September 30, during which viewers can watch an encore of the program, and a team of financial aid experts will be available to answer text questions in real-time. In addition, MPT will be releasing a newsletter within the week with further details. The newsletter will be forwarded as soon as it becomes available.
Science and Engineering Internship Opportunity
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at Carderock. SEAP provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer. Here is the link with information https://seap.asee.org/
Counseling Office Updates
THS Parents - Important Grade Level Schoology Groups are Here!
The THS Counseling department has set up an information hub/group in Schoology for each grade level. It is titled "THS Counseling - Class of 2022, Class of 2023, Class of 2024" respectively. Information and resources particular and helpful to each grade level will be shared throughout the school year. Since students and parents are already using Schoology for courses and to check grades, we figured it would be best to keep all THS information in one location instead of getting notifications from multiple sources. Students have already been added as members to their specific class group. Parents, if you would like to join the group for your student or students, please follow these directions and use the access code provided:
1. Click "Groups" at the top of Schoology. 2. Select "My Groups". 3. Click "Join Group" on the right. 4. Enter the Group Access Code.
Access Codes: Class of 2021 VC9G-B59K-F4N3T
Class of 2022 C4MK-FFF3-9V3FH Class of 2023 765H-5WC3-5M9SC Class of 2024 M63X-9RRZ-D9VQX
5. Click "Join".
The Counseling department looks forward to sharing important information with you and working with you throughout the school year!
Virtual College Fair
Frederick County Public Libraries will be holding a Virtual College Fair on September 26 and 27. The following colleges will be participating: Saturday, September 26 11:00 AM - Hood College 12:00 PM - Frederick Community College 1:00 PM - Gettysburg College 2:00 PM - Mount St. Mary's University 3:00 PM - FASFA Informational Session Presented by Hood College Financial Aid 4:00 PM - St. Mary's College of Maryland Sunday, September 27 11:00 AM – Frostburg University 12:00 PM - University of Maryland, Baltimore County 1:00 PM - Sweet Briar College 2:00 PM - McDaniel College 3:00 PM - Maryland Higher Education Commission 4:00 PM - HACC York Campus To register, visit the Virtual Program Page on their website, https://www.fcpl.org/programs/calendar. Everything will be recorded and posted on our Discord server if anyone can't make the live airings.
FCC Virtual Admissions Information Sessions
FCC has finalized their Admissions Virtual General Information Sessions. These sessions are for prospective students and will cover general information about FCC. Each session will feature a special presentation from a dedicated area of the college.
Thursday, October 15, 6:00- 6:45 pm (Counseling & Advising and Transfer Services Presentation)
https://fccVirtualOctober15.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2:00- 2:45 pm (Multicultural Student Services Presentation)
https://fccVirtualOctober21.eventbrite.com
Monday, November 2, 6:00- 6:45 pm (Adult Education and ESL Presentation)
https://fccVirtualNovember2.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, November 17, 6:00- 6:45 pm (Academic Pathways and Course Formats Presentation)
https://fccVirtualnovember17.eventbrite.com
This is listed on FCC’s college calendar website, as well. FCC asks that students register ahead of time so they have an idea of how many will be attending.
FCPS Academy for the Fine Arts
During virtual learning at FCPS, students interested in the FCPS Academy for the Fine Arts (AFA) are encouraged to sign up for a virtual Shadow Day, held once monthly on a Thursday from 12:30 - 1:30 PM.
During the visit, students will get a virtual tour of the program and have the opportunity to meet staff and students while participating in a question-and-answer session.
Open to students countywide in FCPS grades 10-12, the AFA is a college and career pathway program that offers focus areas in dance, music, theatre and visual arts. Based at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, the AFA meets during the first two instructional blocks only, permitting students to attend their neighborhood school programs for the afternoons. Transportation to and from TJ High is provided via FCPS Career and Technology Center shuttles.
The AFA provides an intense curriculum that challenges and engages serious high school students while fostering refinement of individual artistic styles, techniques and portfolio development through enrichment opportunities like field trips, concerts, plays, museums, workshops and interaction with professional artists and mentors.
Auditions for the AFA will take place on Saturday, February 20 and 27.
To register for a virtual shadow day, visit the AFA Website. https://www.fcpsartsacademy.org/afa-virtual-visit.html
Virtual FCC College Night
FCC is hosting a Virtual College Night on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 6:30- 7:30 pm. Local college admissions representatives will be presenting on their institutions. Panel participants include Frederick Community College, Hood College, Shepherd University, Towson University, and University of Maryland.
Register at: www.frederick.edu/collegenight2020
Financial Aid with FCC
High school seniors: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available at www.fafsa.gov on October 1, 2020. Please be sure to check with colleges for deadlines. For any Maryland State financial aid, the deadline is March 1, 2021. The FCC Office of Financial Aid is open, remotely, 8:30 am- 4:30 pm Monday-Friday. You can contact them at financialaid@frederick.edu or (301) 846-2658. For FCC scholarship information or questions, contact mthornton@frederick.edu .
FCC will be hosting a Virtual General Information Session on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from 6:00- 6:45 pm on Financial Aid. https://fccVirtualSeptember15.eventbrite.com
Senior Conferences Sign Up
Counselors are in the process of scheduling senior conferences. Please click on your counselor's link below and sign up for a time slot for your conference. Parents are more than welcome to attend these meetings with your students. More details are in the links below.
Ms. Moore (Last Names A-Cr): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094BABA928A0FA7-senior
Mr. Gill (Last Names Cs-Ja, Pyramid & Learning for Life): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EAAAA2EA2FBC07-senior
Ms. Goto (Last Names Jb-M): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4EA9AC2CABF85-senior
Ms. Wilson (Last Names N-Se): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C45AFAD2AA4FE3-senior
Mr. Harrison (Last Names Sf-Z): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050948A5AB23AAF85-senior
Ms. Cooper (EL Students): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054CADAC2AA0F49-senior
Please contact the school at 240-236-6400 if you have any questions.
Financial Aid Night with THS
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
Substance Use Concerns: https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/131/Behavioral-Health-Services
Office Phone: 301-600-1755
Alateen: http://www.alateenmddc.com/alateen-meetings-in-this-area/
Alanon: https://sites.google.com/view/afg24district2/electronic-meetings-temporary?authuser=0
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
Heartly House: support for survivors of domestic violence and child abuse.
Crisis Hotline 301-662-8800 https://www.heartlyhouse.org
Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs: 301-631-2670
Salvation Army: 301-662-2311
Resources for Needs of Homeless Students / Families:
We've created an online page to capture those needs which we in turn will work to gather, fulfill, and deliver. www.shipfrederick.com/emergencyneeds
American Red Cross: 301-739-0717 1131 Conrad Ct, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Mental Health / SEL Resources
Mental Health Association – Walk-in Behavioral Health Services
Walk-In is a free service where a Crisis Specialist will meet with you to help resolve a current crisis or concern and assist with connections to ongoing support. Available to adults, youth and children (under the age of 18 accompanied by a guardian) who are:
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
Phone 211 or 301-663-0011
Location: 226 South Jefferson Street, Frederick, MD 21701
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 10:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
For Telephone Support: Call 211 or 301-662-2255,
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week www.fcmha.org
Guide to Mental Health and Community Support Services (a comprehensive online guide to local resources) https://fcmha.org/mhaguide
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
Community Food Resources
Brunswick Food Bank: Drive through service at the American Legion, 18 South Maple Ave., Brunswick, MD 21716 Drive through only. Thursdays 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Contact 301-834-9718
Frederick Community Action Agency: George L. Shields Foodbank, 14 E. All Saints St., Frederick, MD 21710
Food Bank: Mon, Tu, Thu, Fri, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Soup Kitchen: Daily 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
Carry-out only. Contact 301-600-1506
Frederick Rescue Mission: 419 South St. Frederick, MD 21701
Meals to Go:
Breakfast Mondays - Sundays 7:00 - 8:00 AM;
Lunch Mondays - Saturdays 12:00 - 1:30 PM and Sundays 1:00 - 2:00 PM.
Food Distribution Pantry Center Tu and Wed, 1:30 - 3:30 PM; Thu 2:00 - 6:00 PM Food Pantry Closed Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Contact 301-695-6633
Jefferson Food Bank: 3866 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson, MD 21755 First and third Saturdays of each month, 10:00 - 11:30 AM. Contact 301-371-5721
Academic Resources
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
College Board / SAT / AP: https://www.collegeboard.org/
ACT: https://www.act.org/
Counselor Breakdown by Student Last Name A-Cr Danielle Moore Cs-Ja/ L4L/ Pyramid William Gill Jb-M Carla Goto N-Se Kay Wilson Sf-Z Joshua Harrison
English Learner Diane Cooper
PTSA and Booster Organizations
PTSA News
The PTSA has launched a new website. If you are looking for board members or meeting dates, the PTSA website has that information. Not a member of the PTSA yet? Find out all about membership and joining the PTSA, as well purchasing a membership and making donations. Memberships and donations fund grants, scholarships, staff appreciation, and PTSA programs.
Get connected - Follow us on:
Twitter @tuscarorahsptsa Instagram @tuscarorahsptsa Facebook @THSptsa14 Email: TuscaroraHighPTSA@gmail.com
Athletic Boosters - Our Titans Need your Help and Support!
FCPS Athletics is a MD State Leader! We are one of the ONLY local counties to have any sort of athletics occurring right now! The student athletes are having a blast, seeing their teammates, connecting with their coaches and staying safe! However, there are no competitions, and therefore, no athletic budget (which comes solely from gate receipts). The state is now looking at the possibilities of incorporating three shortened seasons in the spring, and there is a lot of work to be done to prepare and plan for such a non-traditional plan for interscholastic athletics. Please consider joining us to be a part of the solution. Our teams, our coaches, and most importantly, your students NEED our support and positivity now and this upcoming year. The loss of a traditional fall and winter ticket gate means the serious loss of all athletic funding. Come help us determine how we can/will be able to support ALL athletic teams moving forward.
BE A PART OF THE 2020-21 THS ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB!
As we prepare for whatever HS Athletics will look like during the upcoming year, the THS Athletic Boosters wants your input, welcomes your ideas, and needs your support. With the uncertainty of the upcoming year and the current financial conditions, this is the best possible way to help support the student athletes at Tuscarora. Each and every program is going to need our help navigating this year.
Click Here to Join the Booster Club!
Learn More
Media Center Updates
Media Center Hours and Contact
Media Center Website: https://education.fcps.org/ths/mediacenter
Media Center Twitter: @mediacenterTHS
Check out the virtual THS Library Media Center at tinyurl.com/thslibrarymediacenter
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 Andrew McWilliams Robert Nutter Jody Ratti Tanisha Smith Helpful Links: School Cash Online Menus & Meals Grades Online www.fcps.org
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