January 29, 2021
Message From The Principal's Desk
Dear Tuscarora Titan Families,
This week just felt different. We began a 2nd semester which is always full of promise. Students and teachers broke into new routines, including the earlier start time and having all four classes daily. In addition, all teachers are now teaching from their classrooms at Tuscarora and preparing for the return of some students in the hybrid model. Whether you child is remaining at home or returning to school, the class expectations will be the same. Our creative teachers are hard at work preparing to teach students in person and continue excellent virtual instruction. We look forward to a great semester.
There are many events tied to the beginning of this new semester, so I would encourage you to pay close attention in the coming days to your Find Out First Messages. Some days they come frequently, but among the activities upcoming in the next few weeks are:
Please watch you email carefully for details, times, virtual access codes and reminders on each.
Have a wonderful weekend, the possibility of snow on Monday, and (dare I jinx it) a snow day?
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, February 6
Sunday, February 7
Monday, February 8
Block 1
Block 2
FLEX
Block 3/Lunch
Block 4
Independent Student Work Time
Work Time/Student Support
Material Distribution
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
2 - 6 PM
Tuesday, February 9
Virtual Meet The Teacher
7 - 8 PM
Wednesday, February 10
Thursday, February 11
Friday, February 12
Saturday, February 13
Sunday, February 14
*Dates and times are subject to change See the FCPS calendar.
Keeping You Informed - School News
Kicking Off the 2nd Semester - "Meet the Teachers" Night
On Tuesday, February 9, Tuscarora High School will host a virtual "Meet the Teachers" Night from 7:00-8:00pm. Join us as each teacher (Blocks 1-4) will take 15 minutes to highlight their course content, grading policies, how to use their Schoology page, the ways that class will work in a virtual environment, how they will support their students, and more. Teachers will meet parents and students at the class Google Meet link, which will be sent in a Schoology message to all parents prior to the evening. The schedule will be as follows:
Block 1 7:00 - 7:15pm
Block 2 7:15 - 7:30pm
Block 3 7:30 - 7:45pm
Block 4 7:45 - 8:00pm
A new semester means a fresh start - new classes, new expectations and new teachers. Please join us for this quick and informative evening from the comfort of your home.
Materials Distribution
Monday, February 8, materials for Semester 2 classes will be distributed at Tuscarora High School from 2:00 - 6:00pm. Many 2nd Semester classes will not have materials to distribute, so students and parents are encouraged to take note from teachers if there will be materials to pick up that day. More details will follow early next week.
Black/African American History Month Student Showcase
FCPS is accepting student entries for a Black/African American History Month Student Showcase for Grades K-12.
All students are encouraged to participate!
Please see details here: Please see details here.
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!
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
Titan Senior Honored with Art Award
Computer Graphics student, Julikaha Khan (12th grade), was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2020 Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Contest for her digital work titled, "Genus: Panthera". Juli is a student in Ms. Clague’s Computer Graphics class. This piece was created using Adobe Illustrator.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for young creatives in grades 7-12. There are 28 categories in art and writing to choose from in which to enter single works or whole portfolios. The work is judged regionally. Submissions are judged by luminaries in the field of art and literature. There are three categories of awards: Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention. Gold Key winners go on to be judged at the National Level.
Congratulations Juli!!
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: Sean Connor Heare, nominated by Ms. Geerlings, AP Chemistry Teacher:
"Sean has been a model AP student from the very first day of class. He completes assignments with integrity and submits exemplary work by the deadlines. He participates in class, answers questions, solves complex problems, and encourages his fellow students. He makes teaching feel appreciated and enjoyable!"
Titan Outstanding Character of the Week: Savannah Hope Lowe, nominated by Ms. Goto, Counselor:
"Savannah demonstrated great determination and perserverence this past semester. I am incredibly proud of her accomplishments!"
Honorable Mention to All Nominees for Student of the Week #17:
Student First Name
Student Last Name
Staff Member Who Nominated This Student
Mrs. Nickles’ Entire Accelerated English Class
Accelerated 10/11 English
meredith.nickles@fcps.org
Alyssa
Afari
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Myles
Duran
kathleen.moore@fcps.org
Claudia
Flores
katherine.miller@fcps.org
Dominic
Gomez
jennifer.creter@fcps.org
Sean
Heare
elizabeth.geerlings@fcps.org
Amaya
Hoes
Shengnan
Lin
Savannah
Lowe
carla.goto@fcps.org
Madison
Martinez
katherine.engelstatt@fcps.org
Asly Estefany
Montoya
FBLA
Students
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
Cristopher
Valle Flores
Selcuk
Yeniceli
Counseling Office Update
10th GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS!
IT'S TIME TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR 10TH GRADE CONFERENCE
Great chance to talk about graduation requirements and much more. Moore (student last names A-Cr)- Sign up Here
Gill (student last names Cs-Ja)- Sign up Here
Goto (student last names Jb-M)- Sign up Here
Wilson (student last names N-Se)- Sign up Here Harrison (student last names Sf-Z)- Sign up Here Cooper (all EL students)- Sign up Here
Conferences are running from February 8 - March 12! Sign up NOW!
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.
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. Last date is 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
Titan Athletes! Are You Ready For FALL SPORTS? Football, Soccer, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Golf, Cheerleading and Unified Tennis REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!
Fall Sports are to begin on Saturday, February 13. Below find links to all 3 required steps for every participant.
Contact your team/program's Head Coach for more specific info and schedules as they are finalized later this week.
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN Fall RTP, YOU ARE GOOD TO GO (as long as you are not changing sports)
If you have not done any RTP Sessions with us yet, or are changing fall sports, then you must do the following: All participants MUST turn in a new FCPS Sport's Physical dated after 4/1/2020. Page 2 (History Form), Page 3 (Physical Exam with Doctor's signature), and Page 5 (Supplemental COVID-19 Questions) MUST be submitted to the head coach (no more electronic submissions!)
If you participated in RTP - we have your physical on file.
All participants MUST also print and submit the FCPS COVID-19 Parent-Student-Athlete Participation Acknowledgement Statement form - this is separate from the physical!
again, if you participated in an RTP, we have these forms on file
All participants MUST do Online Registration BEFORE the first day - IF YOU DID Fall RTP then there is no need to register (unless you are changing sports).
There will be an Informational (Virtual) Meeting (with a Question & Answer session) scheduled for Monday, February 8th to go over guidelines, paperwork and mitigation strategies for COVID-19 safety. More info will be sent out next week on how to attend. For more information, contact your Head Coach or the Athletic Director, Coach Putterman
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- HERE. This week you can learn about hoopla. It's a groundbreaking digital media service offered by the public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV!
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
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