April 27, 2018
News from Principal Christopher Berry
(Previously published as a Find Out First message ) Dear THS families,
It has been an unusual week at Tuscarora High School. As I look back on the week, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect with you and the members of the wider community. I’d also like to share some informational updates and also to dispel rumors.
First, I want to emphasize how proud I am of THS students. The vast and overwhelming majority of our students come to school every day ready to work and share their talents and contributions with our wonderful community. Our students are focused, respectful, and hardworking. As I circulated in the building this week, the repeated message I received was that the events of this week were not what our school is about.
I also want to acknowledge and thank our staff. Like our students, our staff are clearly focused on the important work they do here. Their academic leadership is exemplary. More than that though, they work so hard every day to nurture and encourage our students, to mentor and guide them, and to help them make safe and responsible choices. I have learned in my brief tenure, and students remind me frequently: their teachers, staff, administrators, counselors and coaches are here for them. It is a clear strength of our school.
The events of this week were far outside of the norm for Tuscarora High School. Conflicts in the community were brought into our school by a small handful of students. The physical altercations earlier in the week were isolated and were a direct result of those community conflicts. Our staff and law enforcement partners worked quickly to stop fights and keep students safe.
On Tuesday morning at 9:00am a student began an altercation with another student in a classroom. Many adults quickly responded, separating the two students. One teacher was struck while breaking up that incident; that teacher has reported that his injuries were not serious. I will continue to follow-up with that teacher to ensure his wellbeing. A second altercation occurred between one of these two students and a third student. Also on Tuesday, a police deputy in our building withdrew his Taser and briefly activated it as a demonstration; the device was not used. The officer was trying to make his way to the scene of the fight on Tuesday and withdrew the device to help draw attention to his presence and the need to clear the area. No students were injured as a result of Tuesday’s incidents. After students had returned to class and the students involved in the incident had been removed from the building, our day’s routine returned to normal. I attended a previously scheduled meeting outside of the building with a team of Tuscarora teachers, returning at 1:00pm.
I assure every member of the THS community that serious and swift consequences – both disciplinary and legal – are following this week’s disruptions. This week, we also took additional follow up steps to help our students and staff understand and process this week’s unusual events. Counselors and other support personnel were available this week to talk with anyone who needed assistance. I am proud that several member of the Titan community took advantage of these resources. I appreciate the dialogue I have had with many parents in the community who have called and written. It has allowed many of us to not only understand honest perspectives on the school, but also the community at-large.
It was also important to communicate directly with students about these events. Here was my PA message to the whole school on Wednesday afternoon:
As most of you are aware, there have been a series of conflicts that have, in some cases turned into fights both inside and outside the building. I want to, first of all, commend the students who have been positive and helpful over the last few days. A number of you have made us aware when something was going wrong of when you heard something was about to happen. Some of you prevented others from becoming involved in conflicts where it wouldn’t have been helpful. But mostly, I want to commend those of you who went about your business of learning, and realize that the events of the past few days are not what’s really important and what defines who we are Tuscarora High School.
All of the adults work hard to keep the focus on teaching and learning. What you the students demonstrate over and over again is that you know what our expectations are and you meet and exceed them. Students treat one another with courtesy and respect at all times. You know that we do not tolerate inappropriate or unsafe behavior in school, and we will continue to reinforce these expectations. And you need to know that consequences for too many this week have been severe.
I have a couple of requests and I hope you’ll understand where I’m coming from. I would ask that you carefully consider the ramifications of social media. When we share fight videos, or share ideas or rumors that we don’t know to be true, we only add to the negative feelings that people have about our school. Don’t do that. In fact, I’m asking you now to do the opposite. When you tweet, snapchat, Instagram or just talk with other people, talk about the positive things that happened today. Many of you have said to me today, this is not what we want to be known for. Great. Let it start with you. Find someone positive you want to tweet about. Give a shout out to a teacher or about a class you really like. Change the message.
Finally, as a personal reflection, I would like to share that it has saddened me to see this week’s unusual incidents used by some to attempt to tarnish our school, our students, and our staff. In fact, some commentators and critics who have never even bothered to visit our school have tried to paint this week’s events as representing THS; they insinuate that our school is dangerous or disorderly and spread unfounded gossip and cruel rumors on social media. Rumors become fact too quickly in the minds of some. And I would offer that it does not appear that these critics are seeking to be constructive or supportive of the THS community.
But those who know our school – members of our community, our students, teachers, and families – know that nothing could be further from the truth. We are a diverse and strong community; our scholars are known for their creativity, their ingenuity, and academic prowess. They achieve so much in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage. Take a good look at this week’s school newsletter at the sheer volume of kudos, commendations and praiseworthy events that reflect so many of our students and staff. And these really don’t begin to touch on the rigor, “a ha!” moments, creativity, discovery and collaboration that occurs over and over again in the classroom, every block, every day. As principal at THS, I am determined to see our school and students defined by their character and their achievements, not by the bad actions of a small handful. I hope all of you will continue to join me in that determination. Sincerely,
Christopher Berry Principal
Learn More
Looking Ahead--The Weekly Calendar
Saturday, April 28
Boys Track at Penn Relays THS Horticulture Plant Sale, Greenhouse, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM JV Baseball at Smithsburg High, 9:00 AM Varsity Softball at Urbana High, 4:30 PM Girls Lacrosse Home vs. Middletown High: JV 5:30 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM
Monday, April 30
Unified Track Meet at Oakdale High, 3:30 PM Tennis at Linganore High, 4:00 PM Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball Home vs. Linganore High, 4:30 PM Girls Lacrosse Home: JV vs. St. Johns Prep 5:30 PM, Varsity vs. Catoctin High 7:00 PM
Tuesday, May 1
Independent Living Students to Hood College, 7:30 AM – 10:45 AM Social Studies Students to Frederick Court House, 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM Varsity Baseball Home vs. Urbana High, 4:30 PM Girls JV Lacrosse vs. Urbana High, 5:30 PM
Wednesday, May 2
Track at CMC Championship at North Hagerstown High, 3:00 PM Tennis Home vs. Brunswick High, 3:30 PM Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball at Brunswick High, 4:30 PM FCPS Avoid Deny Defend Presentation, Cafeteria, 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 3
Varsity Baseball and Varsity Softball at S. Hagerstown High, 4:45 PM Girls Lacrosse Home vs. Middletown High: JV 5 PM, Varsity 6:30 PM Boys Lacrosse at Walkersville High: JV 5:30 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM
Friday, May 4
Boys Varsity Lacrosse at S. Hagerstown High, 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 5
Saturday School, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM THS Horticulture Plant Sale, Greenhouse, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Girls Varsity Lacrosse at CMC Championship vs. TBA at Hood College, 3:00 PM
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed--School News
Spring Musical The THS Spring Musical, “Annie” is fast approaching! Nearly 60 student actors, musicians and crew are involved in bringing this classic musical to the Tuscarora stage. This show is wonderful for the entire family! Performances on May 10, 11 and 12 and 7:00 PM, with an additional 1:00 PM performance on May 12. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Track Team The Girls and Boys Track teams traveled to the nationally known Penn Relays this week on the campus of The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The THS Girls 4x400 relay runs season best, winning their heat (and a Carnival wheel), finishing 35th out of 610 teams with a time of 3:58.83. The THS 4 x 400 Relay Team are: Natalie Markoff, Paris Hunter, Ryanna Kimbembe, Dardlie Lefevre. The 4x100 relay team were also heat winners, finishing 83rd out of 625 with a season best time of 49.88. The THS 4 x 100 Relay Team are: Jordan Johnson, Hardee Bolivar, Haley Stevenson, Dardlie Lefevre.
Attendance
Good attendance leads to success and boosts graduation. Our school goal is 96%.
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
04/20/2018
04/23/2018
04//24/2018
4/25/2018
4/26/2018
91.16%
92.61%
92.60%
93.00%
90.77%
See FCPS absence procedures.
Commendations, Congratulations, & Kudos
Way to Kristina Delos Reyes who was voted into the Secretary Position and Ademola Adeyemi as the first VP for the 2018 – 2019 FCASC leaders. Congratulations on your excellent position paper and for your great response to the Q & A! Due to the Empty Bowls Fundraiser we were able to donate $2400.00 to the Food Bank. Thanks so much to everyone who participated and helped make this important community fundraisor a huge success.
Congratulations to the 2018 Maryland State Skills USA Contestants. Our students were outstanding as their earned 22 Gold medals, 19 Silver medals, 7 Bronze medals, and 2 voting delegates. Our Gold medal winners are going to represent Maryland in the National SkillsUSA Competition held at the end of June in Louisville, KY! Congratulations to the following THS seniors for being nominated to the prom court- Girls: Madison Wilcom, Valentina Garces, Jannice Hall, Corrine Turner, and Adekemi Adeyemi. Boys: Hunter Suter, Calvin Van Tassel, Gabe Sandoval, Tome Xie, and Dayton Newman. Congratulations to the Concert Band on an excellent performance this week at Morgan State University. The band received a superior rating at the state festival and played some of the most difficult music of the day. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to excellence.
Congratulations to the Titan Tempo Choirs who scored ALL superior ratings (“1”) at the State Adjudication Festival on April 26th. The group was invited to the state competition as a result of their superior rating at the recent FCPS festival. The Choir is under the direction of Mr. Terry Moore.
Congratulations to the Tuscarora High School Environment Team. Tuesday 4/23, they placed 3rd out of 12 FCPS HS Teams in the 27th Annual competition. Categories included forestry, wildlife, aquatics, soils, & 5th issue. The “bronze” team members include: Zoe Baskerville, Mackenzie Chapin, Kayla Resnick, Sabrina Mann, Matt Foertschbeck, Julia Biser, and Emily Miller.
Frederick County Kiwanis presented Key Club Banquet on Tuesday April, 24 at Dutch’s Daughter. The attendees were Jason Wharton, Hathaikan Hanngon, and (Co-Advisors) Casey Rudzinski & Terri Bush. The THS Key Club Highlights are as follows:
Internships and Scholarships
Apprenticeship Maryland: Educating Tomorrow's Workforce
Current Juniors: If you are a hard-working, dedicated student who isn't sure of the next step after high school, consider the Apprenticeship Maryland Program!! Become an apprentice with a Frederick business, earn as you learn, get school credit, and possibly become a permanent employee after graduation!! For information visit http://www.fcps.org/academics/apprentice-program or contact Mrs. Mummert at lizabeth.mummert@fcps.org for information about the program.
Apprentice Program | Academics/Curriculum
www.fcps.org
Frederick County Public Schools was selected as one of two counties in Maryland to pilot the brand new first youth apprenticeship program in the state. Apprenticeship Maryland provides high school juniors and seniors with academic and occupational skills leading to both a high school diploma and a State Skill Certificate.
Counseling Office Updates
Election Day An opportunity for students who are 16 years old and older
If you are interested in serving as an election judge in the upcoming Gubernatorial Elections and are age 16 and above and a registered voter (in Maryland, you may register at age 16, but cannot vote unless you will be age 18 by the next general election), you may be able to help at a designated polling place in Frederick County. The dates of the election are Tuesday, June 26, 2018 and Tuesday, November 6, 2018. You will be paid at least $150 for working on Election Day, as well as an additional amount for attending a training session prior to the election. The training session will be no longer than 3 hours. You will be asked to assist in the set-up of the polling location which will take place on Monday evening prior to Election Day, and you will be required to work on Election Day from 6:00 a.m. until approximately 9:00 p.m. Your contact information will be provided to the Chief Judges assigned to the same polling place, so that they can coordinate information regarding Monday set-up and even food arrangements for Election Day. You will not be permitted to leave the premises of the polling place while you are serving as an Election Judge.
Please stop by the Guidance Office for a parent permission form.
FCC and CTC Opportunities SENIORS planning to attend Frederick Community College Mark Your Calendars!! Two important dates!!! ALL FCC-Bound Seniors and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend FFC NIGHT on April 24th at 7:00 PM in the THS Auditorium. Admissions and Financial Aid counselors from FCC will be presenting very valuable information regarding your Freshman year of college at FCC.
FCC Scholarship Deadlines Approaching Frederick Singles Scholarship
One-year, need-based scholarship awarded to one graduating FCPS senior from a single-parent household. The scholarship is valued at $1,000 ($500 per fall and spring semester for one year) FCPS Guidance counselors, teachers, or other school administrator may select one graduating senior in good standing who meet the criteria. Deadline: May 1
Routzahn Family Business Scholarship
Two-year scholarship awarded to one graduating senior from each FCPS high school The scholarship is valued at $1,000 ($250 per fall and spring semster for two years) FCPS Guidance counselors, teachers, or other school administrator may select one graduating senior in good standing who meet the criteria. Deadline: May 1
FCC Merit Scholarship
Two-year scholarship awarded to one graduating senior from each FCPS high school The scholarship is valued at up to $8,800 ($2,220 per fall and spring semester for two years) Each FCPS High School Principal may select one student who meets the criteria. Deadline: May 1
Post-Dual Enrollment Scholarship One-year scholarship awarded to one graduating senior from each FCPS high school who participated in the Dual Enrollment Program (High School Based or Open Campus) through FCC. The scholarship is valued at up to $4,400 ($2,200 per fall and spring semester for one year). Each FCPS High School Principal may select one student who meets the criteria. Deadline: May 1
FCC Foundation Scholarships
General Fall scholarship application for hundreds of scholarships for students planning to attend. FCC Deadline: June 30
9th and 10th Graders interested in CTC CTC Shadowing has reopened for the following programs: Advanced Floral Design AgriBusiness Auto Body Carpentry Culinary Electricity HVAC/Plumbing Landscaping Teacher Academy (shadowing for a waitlist spot only) Auto Tech (shadowing for a waitlist spot only)
Shadowing will begin Wednesday, April 18th and run through Wednesday, May 30th. Please sign up with Mrs. Packan in the counseling office if you are interested.
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Serving students with last names: A-C Danielle Moore D-I Jessica Mills J-N Carla Goto O-Sv Kay Wilson Sw-Z Elizabeth Forbes
Activity News and More
Safe and Sane The current price for Safe & Sane is $70. This price is only good through April 30th. Starting May 1st, the new price will be $80. Get your registrations in now to get the lower price. Registration forms can be found on our Safe & Sane page: education.fcps.org/ths/safensane Safe and Sane is in need of donations. Please look over the list and help where you can. Thank you in advance. Safe& Sane Donations needed !! Less than 2 months until Graduation! Which also means less than 2 months until Safe and Sane! Let's make this the BEST ATTENDENCE EVER for any graduation class! Get your registrations in before the cost goes up! Currently the price is $70, until April 30th. After that, the price goes up to $80. Get your forms in now. Forms can be found in the front office, around the school near posters, and on our page: Safe N Sane | Tuscarora High School
Fill it out and either mail it to the school, or drop it off at the front office.
Every Friday is Dollar Donut Day! We've added chocolate donuts now! Still only $1/donut every Friday morning before school on Main Street.
Bingo has been cancelled. Upcoming Restaurant Fundraiser Night: 4/30: Café Rio. Mention THS Safe and Sane for us to get a percentage. Save the date! We have a great paint night coming up on May 18th. Details to come soon.
Do you have an unused gift card that you would like to donate to Safe and Sane? Restaurant? Big box store? Gas station? Amazon? Uber? Etc.? We would gladly take them off your hand to use for the night of Safe and Sane. We want to see every student in attendance at Safe and Sane to be able to leave with a prize. Don't have a gift card? Do you have anything new in the box/with tags you would like to donate instead? Printer? Beach chairs? Beach umbrella? Keurig? Speakers? Beats? Amusement park tickets? TV? Etc.? Feel free to contact us at either email below and we will gladly pick anything up from you.
Tired of buying cookies, pretzels, and wrapping paper? Well here's your chance to help Safe and Sane and buy something you'll love--JEWELRY!! To see the entire collection SHOP online: http://www.mymagnoliaandvine.com/4326/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E53291&from=DIRECTLINK
Share this link with others so they can purchase too. This shopping will be open until March 30th with 10% of the total sales being donated to Safe and Sane. Also available is our THS Custom Snap, which must be ordered directly through Melissa Winpigler. All orders are DIRECT SHIP only! Visa and MasterCard accepted. Any questions, contact Melissa Winpigler at 301-748-1679 or at snapyourwaymwinpigler@gmail.com.
Social Media: Facebook: THS2018SafeandSane Twitter: @THS_SNS_2018 Instagram: THS_SafenSane_Classof2018
If you have any questions, feel free to email either Ktgrubb@comcast.net or bethfoundas@yahoo.com
Senior Class News
TITAN SENIOR NEWS
Listed below are important dates and information for seniors. Visit the THS Senior Page for up-to-date Senior Information - http://tuscaroraseniors.wixsite.com/ths-seniors-2018
Date
May 1, 2018
Senior Shirts Senior shirts should arrive at the school. Distribution will begin later in the week.
Senior Video If you would like to have pictures in our senior video that is played during the award's ceremony on May 31st and before the graduation ceremony at Mount Saint Mary's on June 1st please submit photos to the email address below. tuscarorahs2018@yahoo.com
May 4, 2018
Senior Meeting Canceled
May 18, 2018
Titan Scholar Award During the Senior Award's Ceremony on Thursday, June 1st students who meet certain academic requirements can receive one of the following awards: Level 1 – Titan Scholars - Three or more AP, FCC, or Microsoft Certification Exams taken or college courses completed with a minimum final grade of “C” in the course. Level 2 – Titan Advanced Scholars - Six or more AP, FCC, or Microsoft Certification Exams taken or college courses completed with a minimum final grade of “C” in the course. http://tuscaroraseniors.wixsite.com/ths-seniors-2018/titan-schlor
Graduation Gowns Distributed Graduation gowns will be distributed during lunch shifts in the cafeteria.
PTSA and Booster Organizations
Scholarship Opportunity Graduating seniors may apply for the THS PTSA Scholarship. This year the PTSA will be awarding two $500 scholarships. Seniors will need to complete the application including an essay question and copy of transcripts by the deadline of April 30, 2018. Applications are on Naviance, in guidance, or on the PTSA website Luncheon Please, join the PTSA in thanking the THS Staff with an Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, May 9th. We are asking for several donations to help us make this luncheon a success! Please take a look at the attached link and sign up for the item(s) you wish to donate.
http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/THSStaffAppreciationLuncheon2018
Your generosity is appreciated, and we thank you so much for your support!! THS PTSA
Not a member yet? Find out how to Join the PTSA
See names of PTSA Board and Committee Chairs and more
Media Center Updates
April is National Library Month Come to the media center and make some connections!
Media Specialist:
Carrie Palmer
Visit Our Online Resources
School Health
Health Room Technician: Bruce Thompson School Nurse: Rebecca Montes, RN Health Room: 240-236-6400, option 4
Photo Gallery
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 Helen Golibart Lisa Smith Mark Smith Cynthia Zimmerman Helpful Links: School Cash Online Menus & Meals Grades Online www.fcps.org
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