September 21, 2018
News from Principal Christopher Berry
This has been a tremendous third week at Tuscarora. Students are well into their studies and routines are becoming familiar. If you have not taken the time to activate and check your HAC account, now is the time to do just that. We are twelve days into the term, which is approximately 25% of the total days. Grades are posted and students and parents should make a point to check these regularly.
Over 1,200 Tuscarora students have already picked up their Chromebooks or have indicated that they will opt to use their own laptop or tablet devices. Phones are not a viable option this year, so be sure to return your form to the media center in order to get your Chromebook ASAP. Teachers are using the Chromebooks in class for research, data collection, writing assignments, media and more. Some students choose to bring their own laptop or chromebook for this purpose, which is fine. But not having a tablet-type device is not an option in the classroom. If your child has not picked up a chromebook, now is the time!
As we get further into the school year, it is also appropriate to remind you about the pick-up and drop off procedures at Tuscarora High School. First and foremost, we ask all parents to leave plenty of time for drop off. We cannot predict what effect weather, traffic or other circumstances have on this process. Please be observant of pedestrians in all areas. Drivers should remain in the car drop-off lines on both sides of the school. While it is sometimes tempting to pull into the staff and student parking lot for a quick drop off, this creates a dangerous situation and one which resulted in a student being struck two years ago. Please be patient, as we attempt to move traffic along. In the afternoon, just a reminder that it is illegal to park in a lane on Ballenger Creek Pike, alongside of the school. While the road was being widened, this was possible, but there are now two lanes of traffic and no shoulder. Please pull into the pickup area, preferably after the buses have departed. All of these requests are in the name of student safety. While they may seem inconvenient at times, we all play a role in student and staff arriving and departing safely.
Finally, also beginning this week was Titan Extended Learning Time (ELO), Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 2:15 to 4:00. Teachers in several content areas are here to work with students 1 on 1, tutoring, assisting and helping them in specific classes of in general with their studying. Snacks are provided. An activity bus is provided at approximately 4:15 which drops students in their approximately neighborhood. No appointment is necessary… just drop in and take advantage of this FREE service that is available to all Titans! Have you priced out private tutoring? This is a great resource. Have your child take advantage of it!
Have a wonderfully relaxing weekend!
Christopher Berry, Principal
Looking Ahead--The Weekly Calendar
Saturday, September 22
First Day of Autumn Cross Country at Bull Run Invitational at Hereford High School, 9:00 AM Band at Spring Mills High School Competition, 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM Boys Soccer at Frederick High: JV 5:30 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM
Monday, September 24
Volleyball at Frederick High: JV 6:00 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 25
Golf at District Tournament at Oakmont Green Golf Course, 9:00 AM Learning for Life Class to Sam’s Club, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM ESSR to Earth Space Science Center, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Boys Soccer home vs. Urbana High: JV 5:30 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM
Wednesday, September 26
Board of Education Meeting, Central Office, 6:00 PM Varsity Field Hockey vs. Catoctin High at Ballenger Creek Park, 3:30 PM JV Football home vs. TJ High, 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 27
Golf vs. Frederick High at Clustered Spires Golf Course, 2:00 PM Unified Tennis at Walkersville High, 3:30 PM Field High at TJ High: Varsity 4:00 PM, JV 5:15 PM Volleyball at North Hagerstown High: JV 5:30 PM, Varsity 6:30 PM Girls Varsity Soccer at North Hagerstown High, 7:00 PM
Friday, September 28
Boys Soccer home vs. North Hagerstown High: JV 5:30 PM, Varsity 7:00 PM Varsity Football at TJ High, 6:30 PM
Saturday, September 29
Saturday School, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM Cross Country at Carlisle High School Invitational, 9:15 AM Field Hockey vs. Hammond High School at Frederick High Field: Varsity 10:00 AM, JV 11:30 AM
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed--School News
Attendance
Good attendance leads to success and boosts graduation. Our school goal is 96%.
Student Count
Absent Count
Attendance %
Tuscarora High School
09
438
33
92.47%
10
407
25
93.86%
11
367
97.00%
12
373
13
96.51%
1,585
82
94.83%
See FCPS absence procedures. Homecoming The PTSA and the SGA are working collaboratively to coordinate efforts for this year's Homecoming, October 6th. We are in need of food donations for the "Enchanted Forest" Candy/Snack/Water Bar, and we need volunteers to help in several areas. Please, take a look at the three separate links below to sign up to donate food or to volunteer for ticket sales or the night of the dance. Homecoming is a large event, and we appreciate all the support we can get from our THS community so that this can be a FUN event for our students!!! Thank you for your support!!!
Food Donations: http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/Homecoming2018 Homecoming Ticket Sales Volunteers: https://www.volunteersignup.org/89CBB Homecoming Dance Volunteers: https://www.volunteersignup.org/LJK94 ELL Program As the next school feeder pattern in FCPS to be decentralized, we are welcoming 36 new EL 9English Learner) students to join the 26 students already here whose parents were previously at THS. These students come from El Salvador, Guatemala, Brazil, Venezuela, and Vietnam. The EL program teachers are Katie Miller and Diana Coady. Ms. Miller started teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools in 2007 and moved to FCPS in 2014, teaching EL at Frederick High and TJ High. She is certified in Secondary English and ESOL PK-12. Ms. Coady began her EL career in 2010 volunteering and working at Carlisle High School, in Pennsylvania. In 2015, she moved to Virginia and accepted a teaching position at Alexandria City Public Schools. This is Ms.Coady’s first year at FCPS. She is also certified in Secondary English and ESOL PK-12. THS will also be welcoming a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) liaison to help facilitate communication among families, staff, and the community. We are ready to serve our students and teachers!
Commendations, Congratulations, & Kudos
Student of the Week Tuscarora High School wants to recognize outstanding students for their efforts at school, so each week we will be highlighting and honoring one student from teacher nominations. This week there were 16 nominations for "Student of the Week."
This week's winner is...
Xquiszet Allen Xquiszet was nominated by Ms. Moore for her efforts in dance class. Ms. Moore said, "She comes into dance class prepared and works hard when we are dancing. She listens to corrections and actively tries to make those corrections. She has never taken ballet before but the movement comes naturally to her. She is not afraid to try new things and she is a great example in class."
Community Liaison Tuscarora is pleased to welcome Maria Fahnestock the EL Community Liaison. U.S. Senate Youth Program Colin Lang, senior, was selected as the nominee for the United States Senate Youth Program..
Each year, two students are selected from each state to attend a week-long government and leadership program in Washington, D.C. Each participant also receives a $10,000 scholarship. The student selected has to be a student body officer, participate in academic clubs, submit a video on the selected topic, and submit a letter of recommendation from the advisor of the activity in which he holds the elected position.
Safe and Sane
Come out to Roy Rogers on Ballenger Creek Pike Monday, September 24 AND/OR Tuesday, September 25 and enjoy dinner or dessert and support THS Safe and Sane Program. Just mention THS when you dine in/carry out/drive thru! All proceeds benefit THS Safe and Sane program!
Calling all Seniors! Stop by Roy Rogers and register for the Safe and Sane Party and take advantage of the low introductory price of just $65! This price will increase on 10/2 so come out to Roy Rogers either Monday or Tuesday and we will have Registration Forms available for you to fill out or we can assist you with registering on-line!
We will be selling the ever-popular Sheets from Amy the Sheets Lady on both nights! Sheets sets are 1200 thread count! Tons of colors to choose from! We will have a sample for you to see and feel and the color charts! $40 + tax for ANY size sheet set! Wrinkle resistant, deep pockets, easy care, all sizes AND they make great gifts!! Stop by and check them out! This fundraiser will run thru October 15th! If you are interested in placing an order or need more information, stop by Roy Rogers or email THS2019SafeandSane@gmail.com or feel free to place your order on Facebook Page “Amy The Sheets Lady” or email her directly at amythesheetslady@gmail.com and mention THS Safe ‘n Sane when placing your order. She can ship!
Learn More
Internships, Jobs, and Scholarships
Paid Internship for current Junior/Seniors: Barnstorming Designs, a graphic design studio in downtown Frederick is offering a paid internship. Experience with Adobe programs (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) a plus. Resume and Cover letter required for application. Contact Mrs. Mummert at 240-236-6603 or lizabeth.mummert@fcps.org if interested.
Counseling Office Updates
COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS (and Parents) OCTOBER 2, 7:00p.m., THS Auditorium-This presentation will be “How to Pay for College”. A college financial aid director will speak about the forms, timeline, and procedure you will need to follow to receive financial aid.
If you are planning to attend college, at either FCC or a four year school,this meeting is extremely important!
Senior Conferences Individual Senior Conferences will begin next week. Please note the new counselor assignments for the 2018-2019 school year and sign up to meet with your students counselor. Parents are encouraged to attend this very important meeting. Counselors will review the college application process, financial aid, scholarship searches, etc. Please use the link below to sign up for a senior conference.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SENIOR CONFERENCE!
COLLEGE-BOUND JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES Registration for the PSAT is now open! Space is limited! Register by SEPTEMBER 28TH.
When: October 10th, 2018- Blocks 1 and 2 Where: THS Payment: $17.00 Please pay on the following link https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com/ If you are not able to pay through the above link, you may bring a CHECK (made payable to Tuscarora High School) to Mrs. Packan in the counseling office.
Practice Student Guides are available in the Counseling Office and Mrs. Welker’s room (A122).
PSAT PREP SESSIONS: Registered students are offered Prep Sessions during FLEX. You must bring your Chromebook to each Prep Session. Register for the Prep Sessions: https://goo.gl/forms/vyEVxK32tlahqH6z1
Serving students with last names: A-C Danielle Moore D-Hd Jessica Mills He-Mi Carla Goto Mj-ScKay Wilson Sd-Z Elizabeth Forbes
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 - https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/thsseniors2019/home - New Web Address Twitter Account: @tuscarorahs2019
Date
Sept. 28, 2018
Claire’s Gourmet Fundraiser Kick off for the fundraiser is Friday, September 28th during FLEX.
Sign up for Senior Class Club https://goo.gl/forms/jtpwkD5OIZeT6HEk2
PTSA and Booster Organizations
The PTSA is looking for new members!! We support our students, staff, and our community, and we need parental, student, and staff to help us make it all happen!! Click on the PTSA link to find our website and the membership form. Once completed, the form can be returned to the main office. We appreciate your support!!!
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 Center Hours Monday – Friday: 7:20 am – 2:40 pm Media Center Website: https://education.fcps.org/ths/mediacenter Media Center Twitter: @mediacenterTHS
Chromebook Distribution If any students who turned their Chromebook paperwork did not receive a device, please advise them to come to the media center during their lunch shift.
Forms and Additional Information: https://education.fcps.org/ths/node/1424
Frederick Public County Library Access for all FCPS Students Students with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) can access a variety of library resources and materials offered by Frederick County Public Libraries at no cost. With their FCPS student ID number, students can now:
How it Works FCPS students can use a combination of their student ID number and a special prefix (119829) to access library resources.
Keep Your Current FCPL Card Students who already have a Frederick County Public Library card can keep their card. It will allow students to borrow up to 75 items and access additional materials, such as DVDs and video games.
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
Follow Us on Twitter @THSTitanPride Visit Our Website
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS Helen Golibart Lisa Smith Tanisha Smith Jody Ratti Helpful Links: School Cash Online Menus & Meals Grades Online www.fcps.org
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