May 11, 2018
News from Principal Christopher Berry
Mid May in a high school is marked by many culminating activities - award programs, athletic playoff contests, final projects and the like. But May is also a time when students sit for very important high stakes tests that play an important role in their achievement as students. Next work, students at Tuscarora and other high schools in Frederick County will sit for PARCC examination in core areas. Success on these exams is a graduation requirement. In addition, students who prepared both in the fall and this spring are in the midst of taking examinations for 20 Advanced Placement subjects. The scores on these exams determine whether a student receives college credit and/or advanced standing at many colleges and universities. Many 11th graders took the SAT in March and will once again sit for the SAT or the ACT this month. These exams are very much moments of accountability, and sometimes include pressure and anxiety that students feel.
In the midst of the Great Testing Season, I would offer you two perhaps contradictory perspectives. The first is a basic one. It is important for student next week and in the coming weeks to give their absolute best - to prepare at home in the ways that their teachers have recommended, and to give themselves the confidence that they need to be successful. It is a timeworn adage, but on the day of big exams, eat well, and get plenty of rest in advance. Persist to the end of the last question or essay, and “leave it all on the field” as coaches so often encourage their athletes. It is that little extra effort that sometimes wins the day and makes the difference. I am confident that our students are well prepared in these high stakes tests, but hearing from their parents and families to “do their best” is really an important, encouraging reminder. Every morning, my last words to my youngest daughter are “Have a great day in school. Work hard.” It’s a simple message among the “I love yous” and many other encouraging things we can say as parents. But it sends the message that effort counts, and while not a guarantee, can make a difference.
The other perspective is one that I also believe strongly as an educator. While we measure students with test scores, they are not the entire measure of who we are as learners. Intelligence is not solely determined by a round number. What our score is/was on the SAT has little influence on who we become as individuals adults. Whether a student scores a 2 or a 5 on an Advanced Placement exam matters less than the skills they developed to do college level work and the rigor or their studies. A PARCC score may be a graduation requirement, but it does not measure grit, determination, curiosity or competitiveness in many arena. Rather than debate the merits of high stakes testing, what I believe is that they are one of many ways we measure success in high school and education, in general. Take them for what they are: milestones on the road of life’s achievement. Work hard at success in the next few weeks, but don’t lose sight of the big picture.
I want to thank the PTSA and the many parents who played a role in Teacher Appreciation Week over the past five days. I don’t believe that it is by mistake that we put Teacher Appreciation Week at the end of the year when teachers need it most. I know our staff was greatly thankful for the many kindnesses this week. One parent who took my advice from last week and wrote their son’s teacher a note copied me with this thought: “Parents have all been to school, so we all believe we could be teachers. I couldn't if I tried. You work with xxxx in ways that I can’t. He frequently talks about what he’s doing in your class with excitement that is usually only there for his (hobby). You need to explain to me how you weave that magic! In the meantime, thank you.”
Thank you to teachers and parents, who work their magic every day.
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead--The Weekly Calendar
Saturday, May 12
Tennis at FCPS Tournament at Baker Park, 9:00 AM THS Horticulture Plant Sale, Greenhouse, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM THS Musical Annie, Auditorium 2:00 and 7:00 PM Boys Lacrosse at TJ HS for Sectional Semi-Finals, 6:00 PM
Monday, May 14
Biology AP Exam, 8:00 AM Physics C: Mechanics, 12:00 PM
Tuesday, May 15
Calculus AB and Calculus BC AP Exam, 8:00 AM Unified Track at PG Sportsplex for State Championship, 10:00 AM
Wednesday, May 16
Petition Eligibility Date English Lang & Composition AP Exam, 8:00 AM Macroeconomics AP Exam, 12:00 PM Track and Field at Watkins Mill High for Regionals, 4:00 PM
Thursday, May 17
World History AP Exam, 8:00 AM Statistics AP Exam, 12:00 PM Track and Field at Watkins Mill for Regionals, 4:00 PM
Friday, May 18
Eligibility Date ~ Interims Distributed to Students Learning for Life Class to Hershey Park, 8:15 AM – 6:15 PM Human Geography AP Exam, 8:00 AM Safe N Sane Paint Nite, Cafeteria, THS Solo and Ensemble Showcase, Auditorium, 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 19
Safe N Sane Community Shred, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Bring your documents and have them shred for $7.00 / box.)
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed--School News
Bell Schedule - Week of May 14-18
There is a good deal of standardized testing occuring during the week of May 14-18. Please be aware of the following special NON-FLEX bell schedule that is in place for Tuesday, 5/15, Thursday, 5/17, Friday 5/18 ONLY:
Bell Schedule - 5/15, 5/17, 5/18
Block 1
7:30-9:00
Block 2
9:05-10:35
Block 3
10:40-12:40
1st Lunch
10:35-11:05
2nd Lunch
11:25-11:55
3rd lunch
12:10-12:40
Block 4
12:45-2:15
Also, please note that AP testing will still be occurring next week all week. So, not only will we have a modified schedule on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, but the bells will be silent on Thursday and Friday for selected periods of the day.
5/14
Blocks 3-4 Silent
A276
5/16
5/17
5/18
Blocks 1-3 Silent
Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this very busy time of year!!
Attendance
Good attendance leads to success and boosts graduation. Our school goal is 96%.
See FCPS absence procedures.
Commendations, Congratulations, & Kudos
Big congratulations to Mr. Wagner, THS English teacher, for his selection as an FCPS ELITE Teacher Leader for the 2018-19 school year. Dr. Marco personally delivered the good news during Mr. Wagner’s AP English class today! A special shoutout and congratulations to Caraline Lynch. Caraline attends CTC and received the Achievement Award in the Transitional Skills Program. Way to go Caraline! Conratulations Lydia Kowalski and Scott Motter for being recognized in Newsela for Teacher Appreciation Week. Selena Srirattanapirom has been recognized with the Student Peace Awards of Frederick County. She has made her platform on peace about the pwoer of meditation! Selena says, "Meditation gave me the inspiration to spread loving kindess and peace, which enabled me to undertake this service and then receive the Student Peace Award. As a high school student, I feel very proud and accomplished that I could become part of a society that would spread peace throughout the world."
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
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 Scholarship Deadlines Approaching
FCC Foundation Scholarships
FCC Ambassador Scholarship
9th and 10th Graders interested in CTC
CTC Shadowing has reopened for the following programs:
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.
Attention Seniors!
The Senior Survey is now live! You may now complete the survey.
In order to make this process easier for you, you will want to collect the following information before you start the survey:
Also, in your Naviance account, please indicate your acceptance status for each college in which you applied. This will help current Titans in understanding GPA/SAT/ACT acceptance rates. Your name will not be associated with the acceptance, waitlisted or denied. Lastly, please indicate which college you will be attending. This lets your counselor know where to send your final transcript.
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
Learn More
Activity News and More
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
Claire’s Gourmet Popcorn Fundraiser If you turned in an order for the fundraiser, please stop by the media center to pick up your order.
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. Students who are not here during lunch should be able to pick them up during FLEX.
Senior Field Day Field day will take place on Thursday, May 24th during 4th block. The cost is $5 for each senior. A picnic lunch will be provided. There will also be games, music, and prizes. Tickets will be sold:
Seniors Last Day
Final Make-Up Day for Seniors
Graduation Graduation takes place on Friday, June 1st at 2 pm. The ceremony is at the PNC Complex at Knott Arena on Mount Saint Mary’s campus in Emittsburg. Please review the senior website for important information regarding graduation day and practices leading up to graduation. General information: http://tuscaroraseniors.wixsite.com/ths-seniors-2018/graduation Graduation practices: http://tuscaroraseniors.wixsite.com/ths-seniors-2018/grad-practices Tickets: http://tuscaroraseniors.wixsite.com/ths-seniors-2018/graduation-tickets
PTSA and Booster Organizations
Safe and Sane
3 weeks until Graduation! Which also means 3 weeks until Safe & Sane! Get your registrations in ASAP! No registrations will be taken at the door. The price is now $80. Forms can be found in the front office, around the school near posters, and on our page: education.fcps.org/ths/safensane
Fill it out and either mail it to the school, or drop it off at the front office.
Safe & Sane Details for the night: Students are to arrive at Tuscarora (Main Side) by 7:45 pm. We will check students in, have them board the buses, and head to Adventure Park. If any student is not present by 9:30, a parent will be called and notified. Once at Adventure Park, students are not to carry backpacks. We will have a place to leave purses, backpacks, etc. that will be guarded by adults. Students are allowed to carry their phones only. They can access their purses/bags if needed. Buses will depart Adventure Park around 3:00 am and head back to Tuscarora High.
Signups will be out next week for the night of Safe & Sane. We will need a lot of parents hands at Adventure Park.
Don't forget Friday's Dollar Donut Day!
Need to get a bunch of stuff shred? Want to help Safe & Sane at the same time? Bring your boxes/bags to Tuscarora High School on Saturday, May 19th from 9am-12pm! For $7/box, we will shred your stuff.
Are you wondering what you can do to help?
Safe & Sane Donations needed
Safe & Sane is just around the corner. Many have asked what they can do to help. We are in need of donations. Do...
Want to paint something fun for your dorm? Maybe a gift to your graduate? Come to our Paint Night! Friday, May 18th, 6pm-9pm at Tuscarora High School. $40/person. Tickets need to be purchased here: 2018 Senior Pallet Painting
Join us for a fun evening while we paint signs and raise funds for the Tuscarora High School Safe & Sane Program...
Social Media:
Facebook: THS2018SafeandSane
Twitter: @THS_SNS2018
Instagram: THS_SafenSane_Classof2018
If you have any questions, feel free to email either Ktgrubb@comcast.net or bethfoundas@yahoo.com
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
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
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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