December 17, 2021
Message From The Principal's Desk
Dear Titan Families,
This has been an eventful week in FCPS and around the country with concerns related to social media postings and the fear of school violence associated with them. I want to thank our students who attended school today for keep the focus on teaching and learning and not engaging in the spreading of unfounded rumors. Students were helpful in providing information when they felt a school adult should be aware, making a difference in our ability to keeping the focus on the classroom. But despite our best efforts, social media has the power to produce fear and anxiety in our community. This coupled with the real events of our world lead parents and students alike to question the safety of schools, something that should be a given.
So, what are we to do? I’d like to focus briefly on one aspect of this challenge. There is no doubt that cell phones and social media have transformed our society, with too much power and sway over our teens. In an effort to work together to ensure appropriate use of cell phones for students, I encourage parents/guardians to review safe cell phone usage frequently and maintain open communication with your child about their cell phone use. Do you:
Where school is concerned, please reiterate with your child to not use their cell phone for unsanctioned purposes such as: cheating, harassing or bullying others, taking photos or videos of others without permission, checking personal social media accounts, or sexting. Some violations may have consequences not only related to student discipline, but victims have also pursued legal action against both the student and the parent/guardian. Those outcomes are best avoided when schools and parents partner together. Thank you, Titan Families, for all that you do to help us reinforce good digital citizenship.
COVID continues to be worrisome, with the number of positive cases trending in the wrong direction. I would remind you that if you child or an immediate family member tests positive for COVID, please contact the administrative team in Main Office so that we might do contact tracing properly. It is not sufficient to limit this contact to your child's teachers, or just keep you child at home without notification. Open communication with the administrative team will be held in confidence. We are working to keep all of our students as safe as possible.
There are a good number of students we are celebrating in our commendation section today. Please check out how our CTC students have fared in the latest Skills USA Competition and those who were inducted into the CTC Honor Society.
Next week we will have a spirit week to usher in the winter break. See the details below for dress up days and celebrating the good of this season. This is the last Titan Weekly of the calendar year. I wish you all a wonderful holiday celebration with family and friends. Enjoy the moments, the chance to truly relax and catch up with people far and near.
With Titan Pride and Warm Holiday Wishes,
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Here is the updated Weekly Calendar for Tuscarora High School and FCPS.*
Date
Time
Event
Friday,
December 17th
3:45 pm
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
Boys and Girls Indoor Track Varsity Invitational at HCC
Girls JV Basketball vs Urbana at Home
Boys JV Basketball at Urbana
Girls Varsity Basketball vs Urbana at Home
Boys Varsity Basketball at Urbana
Saturday, December 18th
7:15 pm
Titan Tempo Show Choir Benefit Concert - Auditorium
Sunday, Decemeber 19th
Monday, Decmeber 20th
2:45 - 3:45 pm
6:00 pm
NHS Food Drive
Boys JV Basketball vs Oakdale at Home
Boys and Girls Varsity Swim Meet vs Linganore at Walkersville
Girls Varsity Basketball vs Oakdale
Boys Varsity Basketball vs Oakdale at Home
Tuesday, December 21st
Boys and Girls Varisty Indoor Track & Field at The Baltimore Armory
Wednesday, December 22nd
Girls JV Basketball vs South Hagerstown
Boys JV Basketball vs South Hagerstown at Home
Boys and Girls Varisty Indoor Track & Field at HCC
Boys and Girls Varsity Swim Meet vs Brunswick at Middletown
Girls Varsity Basketball vs South Hagerstown
Boys Varsity Basketball vs Souther Hagerstown at Home
Thursday, December 23rd - Sunday, January 2nd
No School - Winter Break
Tuesday, December 28th
Wednesday, December 29th
Thursday, December 30th
10:00 am
2:00 pm
2:15 pm
5:45 pm
12:30 pm
7:30 pm
Girls Varsity Basketball Tournament at Oakland Mills
Varsity Wrestling Tournament at Francis Scott Key
Boys JV Basketball Tournament at Quince Orchard
Boys Varsity Basketball Tournament at Quince Orchard
Boys and Girls Varisty Indoor Track & Field at the Prince Georges Sports Complex
*Dates and times are subject to change.
See FCPS Calendar
Student Attendance Notes
If your child will be unable to attend school due to illness, doctor's appointments, or for any other reason, please communicate with THS via email: THS.Attendance@fcps.org
Keeping You Informed - School News
Titan Tutoring
Mondays & Wednesday have virtual options from 3:30pm - 6:30pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays have in person tutoring opportunities. As of now, there will be no bus transportation available. See the schedule here, with links the to google meet. (The codes are listed below.)
Quarantine Tutoring
Need academic support while at home quarantining or waiting for test results? THS is offering Quarantine Tutoring! If you would like to schedule a 1 hour google meet with one of our THS Staff members, please fill out the form: tiny.cc/thsqtutoring Reach out to Sarah Welker, sarah.welker@fcps.org, if you have any questions.
Titan Tempo Show Choir Benefit Concert
Due to concerns for the health and safety of our students and community, the Tuscarora Titan Tempo Show Choir benefit concert scheduled for this Saturday, December 18th, is being postponed. Hold on to your tickets, though! They will be good for the new performance date. STAY TUNED!
November/December Staff Member of the Month Nominations
Is there a staff member who you think goes above and beyond? Nominate them for November/December staff member of the month! Go to https://tinyurl.com/NDSMOM. Submissions close on Monday, January 3rd!
Titan Free Store
The Titan Free Store will be open on Mondays and Fridays during Flex. Make sure to visit the Free Store for school supplies, personal hygiene needs, or other support -- all FREE!
Schoology Parent Group
Calling all THS Parents!! Join the Schoology group for Parents: Tuscarora High School Parents 2021-2022. In this group you will have access to important information related to THS and have the ability to ask questions!
How to Join: Click Groups (top menu in blue on Schoology) - Click My Groups (right side) - Click Join a Group (right side) - enter access code. The access code to join the group is GNZS-X4HQ-CRN3T.
Please reach out to judith.jorgensen@fcps.org with any questions.
Congratulations, Commendations & Kudos
Student of the Week
Week #12
Every year, the Carson Scholars Fund selects students to receive a $1,000 college scholarship, along with an Olympic-sized medal to celebrate their accomplishments. Carson Scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and display humanitarian qualities through community service. Tuscarora High School selects Alyssa Afari to move forward with her application, in the hopes of receiving this prestigious award.
At HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth), high school sophomores build their leadership potential through an inspiring Leadership Seminar based on three leadership perspectives: Personal, Group, and Societal. This year’s theme is: “Describe the most challenging and rewarding aspect of being a leader in your school and your community.” Schools may select 1-2 students, and Tuscarora High school has selected Elise Auldridge and Shon Haley for this wonderful opportunity.
2021 SkillsUSA Local Competition Awards
Congratulations to the Career and Technology Center medal winners from the local contests that were held at CTC this month. All first, second, and third place winners have earned the right to compete in the SkillsUSA Western Regional Competition in February.
Student Name
CTC Program
Skills Local Contest Program
Skills Contest
Leila Cornejo
CAD Engineering
4th Hon. Mention
Technical Drawing
Dominic Gomez
2nd
Dylan Jennings
Baking & Pastry
3rd
Commerical Baking
Zazing Mawi
Academy of Health Professions
Medical Assisting
Liam McTamany
Digital Design & Printing Methods
5th Hon. Mention
Photography
Diego Ramirez
Carpentry
Josephy Spillis
Television & Multimedia
TV Video Production
Justine Winkler
Homeland Security/Criminal Justice
Crime Scene Investigation
National Technical Honor Society Inductees
Congratulations to the following students. They were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society in a virtual ceremony on December 16th, 2021.
To be eligible for membership, students must meet the following criteria:
3.5 or over GPA (unweighted)
An “A” in your technical program (unweighted)
95% attendance
No suspensions
Possess the following traits: commendable character, honesty and dependability
Natalie Lepkowski
Physical Rehabilitation
Kinsey Tayler
Caylen Vachon
Homeland Security/Criuminal Justice
Student Services News
Registration for courses for the 2022-2023 School Year
Over the next few weeks, counselors and administrators will be visiting FLEX classrooms to discuss course selection for the 2022-23 school year. While this may seem early, in order to ensure that the appropriate courses are offered, we must have accurate registration information early.
Please take some time to discuss course sequencing with your student over the next weeks, and help them make the best possible choices.
The FCPS Course Offering and Course Planning Guides are available at https://www.fcps.org/academics/high-school-course-guides1
Reach out to your student's counselor after they have been visited in FLEX with any additional questions.
FCC Early Foundations Experience
10th grade students –would you like to become familiar with higher education pathways and experiences to help prepare you for your future college and career goals? Students will have the opportunity to take a career assessment / interest survey, learn about opportunities available at FCC, and visit the FCC campus later in the Spring.
Use this Google Form to register: https://forms.gle/rk2bQ9up7PkKVaj49
CTC Shadow Days are Continuing!!!
If you are interested in applying to one of the more than 24 programs at the Career and Technology Center, you still have time!
* Shadowing a CTC program is the first step in the application process and is open to students in grades 9-11.
* Students may shadow and apply to up to two programs.
Interested students can request a shadow from the CTC website www.careertech.net.
Log In: FCPS Student User ID (do not add @my.fcps.org) & Password.
Shadowing will be open November 2, 2021 - February 24, 2022.
Application deadline: March 4, 2022.
For additional information about the Career & Technology Center visit www.careertech.net.
DUAL ENROLLMENT OPEN HOUSE
FCC invites you to attend for one of the following virtual Dual Enrollment Open House events to learn about all four Dual Enrollment programs:
-Thursday, January 6, 2022
-Tuesday, February 8, 2022
7:00 - 8:00 pm via Google Meet Register to attend one of three virtual sessions at https://tinyurl.com/FCCDualEnrollment.
Dual Enrollment allow students to earn college credits or industry credentials while completing their high school diploma 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: High School Based | Open Campus | Career Pathways | Early College
FAQs, forms, and information about our programs can be found at http://www.frederick.edu/de.
Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, 301-624-2893, or http://www.frederick.edu/de.
9th and 10th Grade Students
FCC invites you to register for one of the following virtual Early College Information Nights to learn about the FCPS-FCC Early College program:
- Tuesday, October 19, 2021 - Wednesday, November 17, 2021
- Thursday, February 17, 2022 7:00 - 8:00 pm
The FCC Early College program is a way to earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously by attending FCC full-time during your junior and senior years. The program was created to increase participation and completion for students from populations historically underrepresented in higher education and is open to all FCPS high school students.
FCPS students apply to Early College as sophomores.
Members of the Dual Enrollment Team will go through the details of the Early College program and acceptance process, and they will answer questions from interested students and families.
Please register here to attend: www.tinyurl.com/EarlyCollegeInformationNight . After you register for a session, you will receive the link to the Google Meet session in your registration confirmation email.
Visit www.tinyurl.com/FCCDualEnrollment to register for a Dual Enrollment Virtual Open House to learn about all DE opportunities. Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, 301-624-2893, or http://DualEnrollment@frederick.edu.
FAFSA Finish Events
Register below to participate in a Frederick County FAFSA Finish event. Financial aid experts will be available to help answer your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) questions during these workshop-style events.
These appointments are also available to assist families in completing the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA). The MSFAA 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.
FAFSA and MSFAA applications must be completed by March 1, 2022 for a student to be considered for state-based financial aid.
These events will be taking place inside at Frederick County Public School (FCPS) locations. At this time, all students and adults entering an FCPS school building are required to wear a face covering. For more information, event locations, and registration information, use the following link: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=imU6Uv
The entire Student Services department would like to wish everyone a very restful, safe, and healthy Holiday season. Enjoy your time off and time with family and friends.
If you are in need of resources or someone to talk to while school is not in session, here is a link to some community resources.
Counselor Breakdown by Student Last Name A-C Danielle Moore D-Ja William Gill Jb-M Carla Goto N-Se Diane Cooper Sf-Z, Learning for Life Joshua Harrison
English Learner Students Amy Pearre
Internships, Scholarships, Service & Job Opps
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=
Titan Athletics
Winter Competitions are Underway! Our first few weeks of competition have seen some exciting contests. Our Boys Basketball teams opened up 2-0 and had a nice article written about them this past week. They travel to Urbana today in a divisional matchup. The Girls had a GREAT game against a strong Middletown team, only to fall right at the end, and will HOST Urbana Friday at 7pm. Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving opened up with strong matches against Frederick HS last week and swim vs Linganore and Brunswick next week. Boys and Girls Track opened last Friday and each team had a top 3 finish, with Edwin N winning his jumping event. Way to go, Edwin! They are competing at the Smithsburg Invitational tonight at HCC. Wrestling opened with a win against Catoctin and lost a close one to powerful Century. Then they participated in the Battle at the Boro this past weekend. Their next match is at the FSK Winter Break Tournament. Finally, both of our Cheer teams are sharpening their skills and rooting on our teams at home events, and even traveled to Frederick this week for an intense game.
Senior Class of 2021
THS Senior Page: Seniors 2022
Twitter Account: tuscarorahs22
Instragram: thssenior22
Email: ths2022@yahoo.com
Senior Class Advisors: Judith Jorgensen, Carrie Palmer, & Aaron Miles
News From the Titan Media Center
Click on the image above to activate all the links. Learn more about the School Library Journal Best Young Adult Books of 2021.
2022 Reading Challenge
Click on the link for more information.
Media Center Hours and Contact
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.
Visit Our Online Resources
PTSA and Titan Booster Organization
PTSA News
PTSA Membership
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
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
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).
https://fcmha.org/coronavirus
Phone 211 or 301-663-0011
Location: 226 South Jefferson Street, Frederick, MD 21701
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
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 Newsletters
Contact us
Chistopher Berry - Principal
Andrew McWilliams - Asst Principal
Robert Nulter - Asst Principal
Jodi Ratti - Asst Principal
Tanisha Smith - Asst Principal
5312 Ballenger Creek Pike Frederick, MD 21703
240-236-6400 - Phone
240-236-6401 - Facsimile