February , 2018
News from Principal Christopher Berry
The SAT is Coming! On Wednesday, March 5, FCPS is providing the opportunity for all 11th grade students to take a real, College Board SAT for free. This is an incredible chance for juniors to measure where they stand in the college entrance process, as well as potentially attain “Career and College Ready” (CCR) status from the State of Maryland. Allow me to elaborate on both parts. March of the Junior year is a common time when students take their first real SAT. For some students, it may be the first of two times that they take the exam, and it allows them to determine if they wish to do more preparation prior to the 2nd test administration. It also allows students and families to see what 2 or 4 year colleges they may qualify for now or in the near future when they begin to apply. Life beyond high school begins to come into full focus as a result of this exam, and it’s exciting for many students to see what options they have.
The second value of the SAT is that, with a score on the Literacy or Math section above 500 and 550, respectively, students attain CCR status. What does this mean? Students that have attained this status do not need to take any remedial, 0 credit classes at Frederick Community College (FCC) or many other 2 years schools you may wish to attend. It is not a graduation requirement, but it is a “benefit” students may earn as a result of a qualifying SAT score. Too often, students have to begin college at FCC taking courses that earn them no credit. Attaining CCR is the student’s ticket out of these classes. In addition many 4-year schools have writing requirements that students can test out of with a high SAT score. So, the SAT is not just about getting INTO college, but where you START once you are in.
What can 11th grade students do to really be ready on March 5? NEXT Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (2/26-2/28) a Princeton Review representative is visiting our school during FLEX to give juniors some important test taking strategies. Each day we will meet with a different group, and will make an announcement at the beginning of FLEX for the following students to come to the auditorium:
This and That
Have a great weekend! Christopher Berry Principal
Looking Ahead--The Weekly Calendar
Saturday, February 24
Saturday School, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM Swimming at State Championships at UMCP, 9:30 AM Wrestling at Regional Championships at Clarksburg High, 10:00 AM Girls Basketball Sectional Quarterfinals, Home vs. South Hagerstown High, 6:00 PM
Monday, February 26
FCPS Technology Fair at FCPS Career and Tech Center, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Conversation with the Superintendent at Ballenger Creek Middle, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 28
THS Mock Trail vs. Saint John Prep, Frederick County Court House, 5:00 PM THS Safe N Sane Meeting, Media Center, 7:00 PM Board of Education Meeting, Central Office, 6:00 PM
Thursday, March 1
First Day of Spring Sports
Friday, March 2
2-Hour Early Dismissal for Students: Teacher Work Session Interim Date Read Across America Day THS Movie Night sponsored by Class of 2019, 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 3
Youth Art Month at Delaplaine Visual Arts Center
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed--School News
Please plan to attend JUNIOR NIGHT on Tuesday, March 6th in the THS auditorium at 7 PM
Your THS School Counselors will be presenting important information regarding the college application process.
Topics that will be covered are: College Testing, Resumes, College Summer Visits, and the Naviance application process.
If you have not yet signed up for your individual counseling session with your school counselor, please contact the THS Guidance Office.
If you plan to attend and would like to request an interpreter. Please contact Angela Packan at angela.packan@fcps.org
SAT HELP
SAT Help will be offered by Ms. Bluman and the NMHS after school in room B172 on Wednesday 2/28 and Monday 3/5 until 3:15 PM.
Songwriting Contest
FCPS is offering its first ever songwriting contest. For more information about rules and how to enter please visit the website here.
First prize wins $400 and 4 hours of studio recording time PLUS a YMCA summer membership!
AP Exam
Online exam registration will begin on Friday February 16, 2018 @ 7 AM and end on Tuesday March 30, 2018 at 1:25 PM. In order to register, students should click on the link provided on the school website or visit here to register.
To complete registration, students must answer all of the required questions. Registration is not complete until students have printed the PDF of the confirmation page that is provided at the end. We know that parents may desire to register their students for exams. We strongly recommend that parents and students are both present while registering to ensure that the correct exams are ordered.
Attendance
Daily attendance is one of the single most important factors in a high school student’s success. 96% or better attendance each day is the goal for Tuscarora High School. Please help students meet the goal every day! Talk with your student about the importance of attending school as well as the importance of being engaged in every class. Here is our attendance data for this week:
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
2/16/2018
02/19/2018
02/20/2018
2/21/2018
2/22/2018
87.30%
Presidents Day
91.84%
93.03%
93.88%
See FCPS absence procedures.
Commendations, Congratulations, & Kudos
THS is proud to announce our Techer of the Year nominee, Nicole Dills. A BIG congratulations to you. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to our students and our school!
11th Grade
Come see The Minion Movie!!
Hosted by the THS Junior class! Come support the Class of 2019!
When: Friday March 2nd, 2018 Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the movie will begin at 7:00 pm.
Where: Tuscarora High School in the THS auditorium
Price: $2 a person or $5 with a snack pack Tickets will be available at the door
Contest:
Dress like a minion! The best looking minion will win a prize at the end of the movie!!
Counseling Office Updates
Current Juniors It is time for junior conferences! Please use the links below to sign up for an individual conference with your junior student and their counselor. These meetings will cover very important topics such as graduation requirements, college prep testing, the college application process, etc.
Ms. Moore(A-C) http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4caaaf2fa7fb6-msmoore2 Ms. Mills (D-I) http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4caaaf2fa7fb6-msmills2 Ms. Goto (J-N) http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4caaaf2fa7fb6-msgoto2 Ms. Forbes (O-Su) http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4caaaf2fa7fb6-msforbes2 Ms. Wilson (Sw-Z) http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4caaaf2fa7fb6-mswilson2
If you plan to attend and would like to request an interpreter, please contact Angela.Packan@fcps.org at 240-236-6439
*Please note there is also a link to sign up for junior conferences on the THS homepage*
PTSA and Booster Organizations
Parents & Guardians:
The THS PTSA is pleased to announce that Kevin Graditor, LCSW-C, will join us to talk about teen mental health on Tuesday, March 27th, at 7 PM. Mr. Graditor has extensive experience working with FCPS faculty on mental health issues. We’ve asked him to share his insights and expertise about teen mental health issues such as Generalized Anxiety, Depression, and how to promote good mental health.
We will be meeting in the Tuscarora High School Auditorium.
Thank you!
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Media Center Updates
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@mediacenterTHS
Follow us on Twitter to learn about upcoming events, new books, and Chromebook tips.
Chromebook Tip of the Week The preferred way to carry your Chromebook is in the case. Students who keep their Chromebooks in the case rarely have damages.
Proper: If the Chromebook has to be taken out of the case, then it should be carried like this.
Improper: Never carry your Chromebook by pinching the keyboard or the monitor.
Media Specialist: Carrie Palmer
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PRINCIPAL Christopher Berry TUSCARORA HIGH 5312 Ballenger Creek Pike Frederick, MD 21703 240-236-6400 Phone 240-236-6401 Fax
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ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS Helen Golibart Lisa Smith Mark Smith Cynthia Zimmerman Helpful Links: School Cash Online Menus & Meals Grades Online www.fcps.org
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