January 22, 2021
Message From The Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Families,
The first semester is down to three final days. I hope students are completing assignments and turning in those final assessments on time. Hopefully this week you received your 2nd semester class schedule. I have heard from a number of you that this is the case, and if not, yours will undoubtedly be in your mailbox soon. Further directions about how to read and understand the 2nd Semester Schedule are below.
Similarly, this week we also sent out obligation letters for all students who have 1st semester materials which need to be returned. We will have 1st Semester material collection on January 26 from 4-8pm here at Tuscarora High School. Teachers have been reminding students this week in class if they have materials to return, and it is crucial that these materials come back. Direction on the contactless drive-thru return are also below in School News. 2nd Semester material distribution on February 3 - details to follow.
Please take a look at the 2nd Semester weekly schedule here which will begin on January 28, and begin to help your family make plans for these changes, especially the earlier 7:30 start time for all students!
More updates on the return to hybrid instruction in mid February will be coming next week. Please have a safe weekend.
With Titan Pride,
Christopher Berry, Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Here is the upcoming Weekly Calendar for Tuscarora High School and FCPS.*
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, January 23
Sunday, January 24
Monday, January 25
Virtual School Block 1
Virtual School Block 2
FLEX
Lunch
Student Support
Self Directed Student Work Time
Winter Athletic Season Practice Resumes
8:30-9:50 AM
10-11:20 AM
11:30-12 PM
12-12:30 PM
12:30-1:45 PM
1:45-3:30 PM
Tuesday, January 26
Virtual School Block 3
Virtual School Block 4
Self Directed Student work Time
End of First Semester
Wednesday, January 27
No School for Students
Teacher Work Day
Board of Ed Meeting, Teleconference
3 PM
Thursday, January 28
Second Semester Begins
Virtual Block 3/Lunch
Virtual Block 4
Independent Student Work Time
Work Time/Student Support
Academic Tournament Matches
(virtual)Virtual matches will be
recorded and posted online HERE.
The matches will be
viewable on the Mondays after
matches are completed
7:30-8:25 AM
8:30-9:25 AM
9:30-9:55 AM
10-11:30 AM
11:35-12:30 PM
12:30-1:30 PM
1:30-2:30 PM
Friday, January 29
Saturday, January 30
Sunday, January 31
Keeping You Informed - School News
1st Semester Obligation and Material Collection
SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021
Student Obligations and Materials Collections for 1st Semester will occur on Tuesday, January 26 from 4 - 8 PM. Obligation letters were mailed this week, so please expect to receive this soon. Only students who received an obligation letter or are otherwise directed by a teacher, should report to school to return materials.
Please return Semester 1 materials to the main office entrance side between 4-8 PM.
Please do not get out of your car. Someone will meet you at the curb to retrieve your materials. Using a sticky note, individually label all materials with your name and your teacher’s name. All materials should be placed in a plastic bag. Label your bag with your name. Thank you for your assistance!
COLLECTION ONLY!!!! WE WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTING 2ND SEMESTER ITEMS ON THIS DAY!!! Information about item pick up for Semester 2 will be forthcoming.
IMPORANT: THS 2nd Semester Schedule and Information
Student schedules for the second semester were sent out for mailing on January 13. Be on the lookout for this envelope, which will include your student's schedule, a letter with important grade-level information, and copy of the new daily schedule. That daily schedule (with first period starting at 7:30 AM daily) will be used for second semester whether we are in virtual or hybrid status.
Students’ cohort status is noted on their schedules in the “Team” field. CA = Cohort A. CB = Cohort B. Due to multiple factors, including social distancing requirements in classrooms, changes between cohorts are not permitted.
As indicated with the intent form sent out in December, changes between hybrid and virtual are permitted at end of term 3 only.
Schedule changes will be extremely limited due to the careful planning that went into making sure all social distancing requirements in classrooms are met.
After our letters were printed, there was a county-wide change in the date when students will have access to their second semester classes in Schoology. Students should be able to see those classes on Monday, January 25. Access codes for second semester Google Meets will be available in Schoology by the end of the day on Wednesday, January 27.
If you do not receive this mailing by Jan 25/26, please give us a call and we will provide you with schedule information.
We will send a separate FOF in the coming days with details about collecting semester one materials on Tuesday, January 26 and distributing semester two materials on Wednesday, February 3.
Titan Academic Team Tournament Goes Online
As with many extra-curricular activities, the show will go on with the Academic Team in a virtual format! If you’d like to catch the Titan Academic Team in competition with the other FCPS high schools, they will be playing each week on Friday's, at one of three times: Match 1: starts at 4:30 PM, Match 2: starts at 5:30 PM, Match 3: starts at 6:30 PM. Tuscarora’s Academic Team Schedule, the special category of the week, and times of their matches can be found HERE. The matches will be broadcast each week on Google Meet. Tuscarora’s Google Meet Code is: THSAcademicTournament2021. Join online and see how the team does, and best of luck to the Titan Academic Team!
FCC Dual Enrollment Open House
Attend the virtual FCC Dual Enrollment Open House event via Google Meet to learn about all of the FCC Dual Enrollment opportunities for FCPS students: High School Based, Open Campus, Career Pathways, and Early College.
The Open House date is: Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 7 PM
Dual Enrollment courses allow you to earn college credits or industry credentials and your high school diploma simultaneously at a fraction of the normal cost. Your goals determine which option is best for you. Representatives from both FCC and FCPS will explain the benefits and requirements for each program
Register to attend one of three virtual sessions at: FCCDualEnrollment
Contact the Dual Enrollment Office with any questions at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu
Attention Students and Parents!
The THS yearbook needs your help! Thank you to all the parents and students who have responded to our requests for pictures and stories to include in this year's book! But, the year keeps going and we have a lot of pages to fill, so we are going to have to continue to respectfully ask that you consider getting involved and help us to tell YOUR story this year.
Please take a moment to look at the Link Tree account we have set up for the yearbook topics this year. We are updating topics each week and the links on our link tree open up google forms that you can use to send us pictures (cell phone pics are fine) and maybe a brief write-up about the pics you submit.
Thank you from Mr. Hartman and the Remember the Titans Yearbook Staff.
Link Tree Page: THStitanyearbook
PLTW Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Programs are offered at THS!
The application window for 2021-2022 is now open! Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, February 12, 2021.
Biomedical Science: Current 9th & 10th grade students are eligible to apply. Email Ms. Crowell (patricia.crowell@fcps.org) for more information. Check us out on twitter @THS_Biomed and our Google site.
Biomed Application: Biomed Application
Biomed Teacher Recommendation Form: Teacher Recommendation Form
Engineering: Email Mr. Miles (aaron.miles@fcps.org) for more information or CLICK HERE
Engineering Application: - Engineering Application
Engineering Teacher Recommendation Form: Teacher Recommendation Form
Review the PLTW Program Presentation for more info
2021 Yearbook Sales Are Underway
Attention Titan Nation! Sales are officially open for the 2021 yearbook!
The books can be ordered at: HERE Our school code is: 14640
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Hartman at: Richard.hartman@fcps.org
Titan Assistance with Technology and Schoology
Virtual Learning can be a challenge, especially when technology or a Schoology question slows you down, or brings you to a stop. The solution for nearly every single Google issue 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: CLICK HERE for help
For general assistance with chromebooks and internet use, don't forget students and families have access to our Technology Help Page (found on our THS Website Home Page) Technology Help Page
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.
Congratulations, Commendations & Kudos
14 THS FBLA Students Qualified for State Competition
Congratulations to the following members of the Tuscarora Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Each year, FBLA-PBL helps over 230,000 members prepare for careers in business. Students compete in competitions, both written testing events and competitive events. The following 14 Tuscarora business students QUALIFIED for the state competition in March! The students will either take the written test again or use their performance video again at the end of February to compete at the state level to hopefully qualify for the national competition that is held over the summer. Students that qualified are able to attend the state conference (virtually this year) and participate in breakout sessions with prominent business members of the community.
Please congratulate the students on their accomplishments!
Hamza Aurangzeb, Cyber Security; Andrew Edwards, Journalism; Tazana Gordon, Organizational Leadership; Kaleb Long, Organizational Leadership; Paizabu Min, Economics; Michael Miranda, Marketing; Brent Peate, Business Communication; Alvin Otieno, Political Science; Annabelle Sickles, Public Speaking; Nicole Tognetti, Introduction to Social Media Strategy; Samiha Vali, Political Science; Lucy Xie, Advertising; Sophia Yarros, Introduction to Business; Joyce Zhang, Health Care Administration
-Judi Jorgensen, Faculty Advisor
Staff Members of The Month of December
Mr. Miller is a math teacher who had this to say, "I graduated from Tuscarora many years ago. I've been teaching for 2 years now at THS and I have enjoyed being back the entire time! Being able to share my passion for mathematics with students is an amazing experience I am thankful for every day. Thank you to all my students, fellow teachers, and administrators for making THS home!"
Mrs. Miller shared this, "I joined the THS team in 2018 as an EL (English Learner) teacher and Department Chair. I teach English language and developmental math for students learning English and co-teach in content classes. I am currently serving as President of Maryland TESOL. I previously taught EL at FHS, GTJHS, and in Baltimore City. I am absolutely thrilled for the honor of SMOM and loves working with her students!"
THS is lucky to have these teachers. Thank you for your dedication.
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 Outstanding Scholar of the Week: Abigail Rose Bartlett, nominated by Ms. McGrew: "Abigail earned the highest average in Forensics! Abby consistently shows up for meets and completes assignments with answers that go above and beyond."
Titan Outstanding Character of the Week: Eric Paul Stephens, Jr., nominated by Ms. Nickles: "Eric is a stellar young man with a huge heart. He always tries to do his very best! He is a terrific peer leader and shows his heart in his charity work. I am so honored to know Eric!"
Honorable Mention to All Nominees for Student of the Week #17:
Student First Name
Student Last Name
Staff Member Who Nominated This Student
Abigail
Angolia
karen.mcgrew@fcps.org
Bartlett
Laney
Barton
Kenadie
Clouser
Teah
Doan
Emma Heare
Heare
Brian
Amaya Paniqua
kimberly.hayden@fcps.org
Habikah
Baldeh
Leyla
Butler
ellen.mcguinness@fcps.org
Lughiana
Carigga Zevallos
Nina
Connors
Emily
Dunbar
Robert (aka Trey)
Hamilton (12)
meredith.nickles@fcps.org
Sean
elizabeth.geerlings@fcps.org
Savannah
Lowe
carla.goto@fcps.org
Ameer
Malik
Matthew
McLaurin
Keith
Miles
amanda.kremnitzer@fcps.org
Jacob
Orrego Flores
Kayla
Staton
Eric
Stephens
Gina
Tetteh
Ruth
Thluai
Dominique
Womack
Counseling Office Update
FCC Nights for Seniors
FCC will be holding two virtual FCC Nights for High School Seniors on Wednesday, February 3 and Thursday, March 4 at 6 PM. The events will cover information from Admissions, Counseling & Advising, Financial Aid, a Student Panel, and Academic Breakout Sessions where students will hear directly from faculty about our programs.
There is now a landing page for these events: www.frederick.edu/fccnight. Students can register for either event here or through the Upcoming Admissions Events.
Academy for the Fine Arts
Students wishing to apply to the Academy for the Fine Arts for the 2021-2022 school year must complete their online applications by Friday, January, 22. Auditions will be virtual this year and audition videos/portfolios will need to be submitted by Monday, February 15.
To apply, please visit: Art Academy Application
If you are interested in participating in our last virtual shadow day of the year on Friday, January 21, please register online by visiting: Register Here
The Academy for the Fine Arts is a college and career pathway program for FCPS students in grades 10-12 offering focus areas in art, dance, music and theatre. The AFA is housed in Gov. Thomas Johnson High School and meets the first half of each school day. Transportation is provided to and from TJ High so that students can attend afternoon classes at their home high school.
For more information about the AFA, please visit our website or check out this short promotional video: AFA Informational Video
Career & Technology Center Virtual Shadowing Is Now Open!
FCPS students in grades 9, 10 & 11 interested in learning more and/or applying to a program at the Career & Technology Center for the 2021-2022 school year can now sign up for a virtual shadow experience. November 12th - February 26th
Click here to request a virtual shadow: Request a Virtual Shadow
Click here to apply to the FCPS Career & Technology Center: Apply HERE
Note: Shadowing is a requirement to apply.
Click here to learn more about the FCPS Career & Technology Center admissions process: Admissions Info
The Career and Technology Center (CTC) is part of the Frederick County Public Schools system. With more than 24 programs to choose from, students have the opportunity to gain college and career experience in a variety of areas.
For additional information about the CTC, the application process and more go to CTC Info, email Kristen.Daly@fcps.org or call 240-236-8493.
FAFSA Virtual Finish Event
A number of community partners are bringing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Finish Virtual Events to the community this fall to provide students and parents with assistance in completing the FAFSA. These virtual appointments are also available to assist families in completing the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA), which allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition under §15-106.8 of the MD Education Article to apply and be considered for certain types of state need-based financial aid.
During these virtual appointments, a financial aid expert will work with students and parents in completing these applications and will be available to answer any questions. FAFSA and MSFAA applications must be completed by March 1, 2021 for a student to be considered for state-based financial aid. For more information and to request an appointment, visit: www.FrederickCountyGives.org/fafsa
Counselor Break Down By Student Last Name
Danielle Moore A - Cr
William Gill Cs - Ja/Special Programs
Carla Goto Jb -M
Kay Wilson N - Se
Joshua Harrison Sf - Z
Diane Cooper English Learner
Internships, Scholarships, Service & Job Opps
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/
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
Ways to Pay for College
Join the Maryland State Department of Education and Mario Armstrong as he guides you through the twists and turns of finding money for college, and meet Maryland students as they share their own financial aid success stories. This hour special contains interviews with college financial aid advisors and experts that can answer viewer questions. Here is the link to access the program: https://youtu.be/LB-BW3Zwk_c?t=8
Johns Hopkins BioMedical Innovation Course
Johns Hopkins is offering 3-credit college course: EN.500.130: Biomedical Engineering Innovation, January 25 – April 23, 2021. To be eligible, you must have completed the following prior to starting the course: Algebra 2, a class that covered the trigonometric functions, Chemistry and/or Physics and have As and Bs in your high school math and science classes. If interested, apply HERE.
Titan Athletics
Athletic Update
Titans, I wish I had more "concrete" information to pass along, however such is not currently the case. This is a hard time, but we stay encouraged and hopeful. Please remember to follow us on Twitter (@THSTitans) for the most up to date info. As an update:
A quick reminder of dates, as they currently stand:
Fall sports - February 13, 2021 to April 17, 2021
Spring sports - April 17, 2021 to June 19, 2021
Our Athletic Trainer (megan.little@fcps.org) is going to be making herself available for virtual "office hours" for our student-athletes. This can be for injury discussion or follow-up, nutrition talks, stretching routines, or just to "hang out" and say "hello."
More info on this will be advertised on Twitter and from your coaches in the near future.
COVID-19 Return to Play Form: That's right, a new form is coming down the pike.
Any student-athlete that has been diagnosed with COVID-19 at any time MUST get this form filled out by a doctor to allow for return to play.
New MPSSAA RTP COVID-19 Infection Medical Clearance Form Winter Sports:
At this time, all in-person winter athletic activities are suspended indefinitely.
FCPS' goal is still to provide our winter student-athletes and coaches with a competitive season if at all possible, even a short season.
Fall Sports: At this time, all in person athletic activities are suspended indefinitely, but FCPS continues to prepare for fall sports to begin on Saturday, February 13.
That is all for now. I will be in touch as soon as we learn more. Titans, we miss you! Stay Encouraged!
Athletic Boosters - Our Titans Need your Help and Support!
Please join the Athletic Booster Club to help support our student-athletes using the links below.
Mail in Membership form: Mail In Membership Form Online Membership Form: Online Membership Form
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!
Titan Athletic Boosters meet virtually on the first Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30 PM.
Watch Social Media or your email for monthly links to join our meetings! "See" you there!
Senior Class of 2021
THS Senior Page: Seniors 2021
Twitter Account: @tuscarorahs21
Instagram: THS21Seniors
Email: ths21@yahoo.com
Senior Class Advisors: Judith Jorgensen, Carrie Palmer, & Aaron Miles
Titan Senior Summary
Description
Deadline: February 1, 2021
Senior Quotes for the Yearbook
Seniors please fill out this form to have your senior quote included in the yearbook.
Deadline:
May 2, 2021
Senior Class 2021 Video
How have you and your classmates grown over the years? What was it like when you were young and silly, and what image captures you and your friends today?
Please submit no more than 3 photos for the senior video.
** Please label the photos with the name of the student and age.
You will receive a confirmation email that your photos were received. If you do not receive a confirmation in 7 days, please check the email address and resubmit.
Submit photos to ths21@yahoo.com.
Submit music requests to https://tinyurl.com/2021seniorvideomusic
If you have any questions, please contact judith.jorgensen@fcps.org or email the address above: ths21@yahoo.com.
News From the Titan Media Center
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.
Weekly Media Center News
Check out this week's media center news. We have over 200 new EBooks available on our Sora reading app. As always, students can link their FCPS account with their public library account and enjoy even more books!
Daily Announcements
Daily recorded Tuscarora High School student announcements can be found on the homepage of the THS website.
Visit Our Online Resources
PTSA and Titan Booster Organization
Tuscarora High School 2021 Safe & Sane
Fundraiser at Roy Rogers on Ballenger Center Drive (Drive-Thru only) on Friday, January 22 between 5 and 8 PM. 20% of the total sales will be donated to THS Safe and Sane.
Please mention THS Safe & Sane when you place your order in the Drive-Thru.
You do not need to have a senior to make this a wonderful event for the THS Senior Class of 2021.Thank you for your support!
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 Email: TuscaroraHighPTSA@gmail.com
COVID Resources
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
Mental Health / SEL Resources 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
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
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 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
Helpful Links
School Cash Online
Menus & Meals
Grades Online
FCPS Website
THS Past Newsletter
Contact us
Christopher Berry - Principal
Andrew McWilliams - Asst Principal
Robert Nutter - Asst Principal
Jody Ratti - Asst Principal
Tanisha Smith - Asst Principal
5312 Ballenger Creek Pike Frederick, MD 21703
240-236-6400 - Phone
240-236-6401 - Facsimile