May 6, 2019
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear Titan Families,
While this has been a challenging few days on several fronts, I could not be more proud of our staff and students at Tuscarora. In the midst of sadness and anxiety, the Titan community has supported each other, worked to understand grief and tried to keep the focus on the positive of Tuscarora. It is gratifying to work within a school where even in the worst moment, the best emerges from people. For those of you who provided our students and staff a kind word, a firm handshake or pat on the back, or a card, a plate of cookies or donuts, we appreciate all of your support. It is also gratifying that, in the midst of sadness, we are also at a time of year where we celebrate excellence the way that we do. I would encourage you to congratulate and take #TitanPride in all of the commendations below and in the days to come as we end our year. The success of our students and staff are the direct result of who we choose to be collectively as an educational community. Thank you for the role that you play, in good times and challenging ones.
And very well timed, this week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. We are thankful that the PTSA is arranging a luncheon for our staff on Wednesday of this week as one way to honor the work of our teachers each and every day. Some parents will choose to send their students with gift cards or the like for special teachers. I have a suggestion that costs nothing more than a little time, and would be very well received right about now. If your child has been positively affected, mentored, pushed, inspired, or saved in some way by a teacher or staff member over one or four years, take the time to write them a note. A thoughtful email or personal hand-written message means the world to a teacher. Providing them with specifics about how they have helped your son or daughter is really the best gift you can give. Consider this "gift" for a teacher or several teachers, today, more than ever. A few minutes of your time can make the day or week of a teacher who has made a difference.
With Titan Pride,
Christopher Berry
Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Monday, May 6
Advanced Placement Exams
First Day of Ramadan
Track & Field at Frederick County Championships at Frederick High
Varsity Baseball and Softball at South Carroll HS
3:30 pm
4:30 pm
Tuesday,
May 7
National Teacher Day
Maryland National Guard Lunch Time Display
Wednesday,
May 8
National Bike to School Day
National School Nurse Day
Board of Education Meeting, Central Office
THS FFA Banquet
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
JV Track & Field at Urbana Meet
THS Jazz Concert, Auditorium
7:00 pm
Interim Date
2-Hour Early Dismissal for Students
Tennis at Frederick County Championships at Baker Park Tennis Courts
1:00 pm
THS Plant Sale
9:00 am
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed - School News
Warm Weather is Here - Dress Code Reminder
As we move into spring and warmer weather, please remember that short shorts, short dresses, strapless tops, and low-cut muscle shirts/tank tops are not permitted. At no time should bellies or undergarments be visible. Hats and other head coverings are also not permitted. Since the temperature varies throughout the building, students are encouraged to bring a sweatshirt or wrap of some kind even on warm days. To review the FCPS Dress Code Policy, go to Policy 439, Dress Code for Students.
Your Help Is Needed With the PTSA Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Please, join the PTSA in thanking the THS Staff with an Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8th. We are asking for sandwiches, sides, desserts and drinks. Please drop your items off in the front office on May 6th and 7th (by 3:30p), or 8th (by 10:00a). Thank you so much for your support!! THS PTSA
http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/StaffLunceon2019
Safety at Student Drop Off and Pick Up
We are asking all Titan families to seriously consider traffic safety. While it may be tempting or seem normal to park a car alongside the side of the school on Ballenger Creek Pike at the time of arrival or dismissal, this is actually illegal. Beginning at 2:00, cars are parking from the red light (in front of the school) southward to the other entrance to Tuscarora High School. At dismissal students are boarding vehicles, some of which are then crossing one and half lanes of traffic, making a U-turn to head north on Ballenger Creek Pike. Over the course of the last few weeks there have been at least two near accidents with the buses that come out of THS and turn south on Ballenger Creek Pike. If you are picking up a student at dismissal, please come into one of the two school parking lots and observe traffic flow reminders. Pedestrian safety is the priority at arrival and dismissal.
THS Horticulture Program Plant Continues This Saturday
The THS Horticulture Program Plant Sale continues this Saturday, May 11th 9:00 am-1:00 pm.
For more information, email Teresa.Stevens@fcps.org.
Everything is grown by the students and all of the money goes directly back into the program. Excellent, hearty bedding plants that will make your home look spectacular! Thank you for supporting the THS Horticulture program.
Senior Titan Scholar Awards
The application for the Titan Scholar Award is now available. There are two levels of the award. Students who have taken and earned a grade of at least a "C" in 3 AP, College level or Microsoft Certification Exams can receive a Level 1 award. Students who have taken and earned a grade of at least a "C" in 6 AP, College level or Microsoft Certification Exams can receive a Level 2 award.
Students must complete the application and submit a copy of their unofficial transcripts with the application. A course list with grades can be found on Naviance. The applications are due by Friday May 17th to Mrs. Lisa Smith or Mrs. Golibart.
TRo Tuesdays at Chili's!
The 1st Tuesday of every month is now TRo Tuesday!
Come out for great food with friends at Chili's, May 7th, from 11 - 9:30 and help us bring the community together! A percent of your total bill benefits the THS Football Program. Make sure to show the flyer (below) or mention the Titans so they know you're one of us!
Tag us in your photos and see you there!
Mystic Fire: American Poems in Song
Eight high school students who have competed in Poetry Out Loud are reciting poetry in the Frederick Chorale concert Mystic Fire: American Poems in Song on May 5 and 6. One of these students is Grace Knor, from Tuscarora High, who is the 2019 Maryland Poetry Out Loud State Champion. She will be competing for the national title at the end of April. The other students are Cora McDaniel, also from Tuscarora High, and Christian Due, Nathanael Milliken, Joshua Milliken, Alyson Flora, Natalie Flynn, and Katija Mirich, all from Oakdale High. The concert is made up of exceptional American poems that bloom as interpreted by American composers and The Frederick Chorale. The spoken poems will sizzle and pop as recited by these local high school students. Come see them at the New Spire Stages on May 5th at 3pm or May 6th at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.frederickchorale.org.
Attendance
Good attendance leads to success and boosts graduation. Our school goal is 96%.
See FCPS absence procedures.
Congratulations, Commendations and Kudos
Two Titans Compete in "Shark Tank" Competition
Congratulations to two Titans who competed in the 3rd Annual Start Up Frederick Competition. It is a "shark tank" like competition that is put on by FCPS where students enter a business idea and compete to win scholarship money. The competition was held at at Oakdale HS on May 1st.
The two students competing from THS were Kailey Raymond and Angel Jara. The business they were competing with is the "Wakanda Roller". If you see either of these students please congratulate them for becoming the THS representatives and an excellent showing in the competition!
Tuscarora English Teacher Runner-Up for FCPS Teacher of the Year
A BIG congratulations goes out to Tuscarora High School Literacy Specialist Lydia Kowalski who was the runner-up for the FCPS Teacher of the Year Award. Of the 60+ nominees, she was chosen as one of five finalist and ultimately was the runner up to this year's winner, announced earlier this week. Ms. Kowalski has served as an English teacher and literacy specialist in FCPS. She has been dedicated to instilling a love of reading and literature in her students, and has specifically worked with Tuscaror'a English Learner population in the past few years. Ms. Kowalski also sponsors the Titan Reading Buddies program, in which Tuscarora students travel to our feeder elementary school to read to students and talk about the joys of reading. She collaborates with other THS teachers on literacy-based lessons and is a pressence in many classrooms. In receiving this award, Kowalski remarked that the teacher of the year process was "beyond flattering and humbling. This recognition has been the absolute highlight of my career. Your kind words and encouragement this year have been so appreciated." Congratulation to one of Tuscarora's finest, Ms. Lydia Kowalski!
Julia See - 12th Grade
Nominated by Mr. Ratti
Julia's refusal to accept anything less than excellence in her academics was tested last term, and Julia battled to increase her grades to a place that showed her excellence. Her personal drive and work ethic are the primary reasons for her success, and she shows true #TitanPride every day at THS.
All nominations included:
daniel.neuland@fcps.org
Angela Johnson
amanda.kremnitzer@fcps.org
Wesley Paz
jody.ratti@fcps.org
Julia See
ashley.staley@fcps.org
Alma Aparicio
nayibe.neuland@fcps.org
Emily Fitzgerald
sarah.welker@fcps.org
Ben Cebrat
christine.banovic@fcps.org
Maia Johnson
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
Kailey Raymond
Angel Jara
THS Titan Music Programs Conquer States
It was an epic week for both the instrument and choral programs in the Maryland State Music Adjudications! Congratulations first to the THS Orchestra on a fantastic performance earning them a overall "Superior Rating" at the State Orchestra Festival at Morgan State University. The Titan Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. John Karos earned its first "Superior" in program history at the State Level! Not to be outdone, the THS Concert Choir also road high on Friday on a fantastic performance at the State Choir Festival. The group, under the direction of Mr. Terry Moore earned all "Superior Ratings", as well. Congratulations to both of these groups for continuing the excellence in the performing arts tradition at Tuscarora. We are truly among the elite performers within FCPS!
THS Agricultural Science Teacher Theresa Stevens Honored by FCPS
Tuscarora High School Agricultural Science Teacher Theresa Stevens was named as "FCPS Career and Technology Education Teacher of the Year" for 2019. The "prize patrol", consisting of CTE Coordinators Christine Pearl and Norm MacGaughey came to Tuscarora today to inform Ms. Steven she had been chosen, surprising her in front of her Small Animal Pre-Vet class. The students, joined by Principal Christopher Berry and Assistant Principal Jody Ratti applauded her selection! In placing her into nomination for this award. AP Ratti gave this assessment of Ms. Stevens' excellence.
As one of the leading agriculture teachers in FCPS, Ms. Stevens heads our Future Farmers of America club (who she took to St. Louis where they placed 5th in the nation), and is the leading voice in our agriculture program at THS. Her rapport with students who may otherwise not perform is unparalleled, and her ability to connect with anyone she meets allows her to show the possibilities that her program provides. Her commitment to the community of Tuscarora High School expands beyond the classroom as well. She supports staff and students in their endeavors, be they personal (designing flowers for multiple staff weddings), professional (seeking and providing professional learning), or academic (growing students seek out unconsidered career paths). Ms. Stevens is all that we could hope for in an agriculture teacher at Tuscarora, and we are #FCPSProud to nominate her for Outstanding High School CTE teacher of the year.
Senior Class of 2019 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
Twitter Account: @tuscarorahs2019
Date
May 15, 2019
May 17, 2019
May 23, 2019
May 28, 29, & 30, 2019
May 31, 2019
Internships, Scholarships and Job Opportunities
Johns Hopkins Summer Engineering Program - Don't Miss It!
Don't miss out! The last date to submit an application is Friday, June 7. Scholarships are still available! FCPS high school juniors and seniors... apply now for the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Engineering Innovation summer program, offered at Hood College again this year. Engineering Innovation (IE) will enable students to participate in a renowned college-level program that offers the potential to earn 3 college credits while exploring cutting-edge educational and career options. Students will also earn 1 FCPS elective credit.
The course is offered June 24 through July 19, Mondays-Fridays, 9-3 (with no class Thursday, July 4). Prerequisites are Algebra II, some trigonometry, a lab science (chemistry, biology, and/or physics) and experience with a spreadsheet application, As and Bs in high school math and science courses.
Application Fee: $85
Tuition: $3,080 (Financial assistance is available! Apply early for Financial Aid.)
Applications are online at: https://ei.jhu.edu/locations/hood-college/
Job Opportunity for Graduating Seniors
All Around Plumbing is currently seeking an entry level Administrative Assistant. Responsibilities include calculating time sheets, entering account payable, filing and scanning, answering phones, general office duties, etc. Applicants must be efficient in MS Office, detail oriented, organized, an effective communicator, willing to be trained and a quick study. Hours are M-F from 7:00 to 4:00. This position also offers benefits and a competitive wage. See Mrs. Mummert for application information.
Summer Employment at Harper Ferry NHP
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (NHP). This is an exciting opportunity for high school students to spend their summer doing meaningful work in a national park site. The YCC program is scheduled to last for eight weeks beginning on June 16, 2019 and ending on August 20, 2019 and is open to individuals 15 through 18 years of age. Enjoy a summer working with the National Park Service at Harpers Ferry NHP. Through this experience, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the nation's environment and heritage while helping to maintain and preserve our national parks for current and future generations.
For more information about YCC Summer employment then please visit: Harpers Ferry YCC Summer Employment website. This eight week program is from June 16 through August 20, 2019. Students must be able to work at least seven of the eight weeks. Schedules will vary depending on position type. All positions will work 7½ to 8 hours a day, five days a week, including weekends. A typical daily schedule is 8:00am - 5:00pm or 9:00 - 6:00pm. The Salary will be for all positions at Harpers Ferry NHP start at $9.00 per hour. Available Position are Living History and Historic Trades and Interpretation/Visitor Services.
To qualify, each applicant must meet all of the following requirements: Return their completed application by 5:00 pm on April 26, 2019; Be age 15 – 18; Be a U.S. citizen and have a social security card; Have transportation to and from work; Be able to work the assigned schedule for the program in which they are interested; Be able to work at least seven of the eight weeks from June 16 through August 20, 2019.
Apply by filling out at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/upload/YCCform-Crew-Member-Application-508-4.pdf which may be obtained at the Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center (171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425), by emailing the park, or from the NPS Youth Conservation Corps subject site. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm, April 26, 2019. Completed applications may be submitted to the park by email or mail. Preferred: Email your application to our YCC Program Coordinator Samantha Zurbuch at samantha_zurbuch@nps.gov
Counseling Office Updates
Summer School Registration
SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Find details and registration materials for 2019 POSS* and TRAD** at https://education.fcps.org/fcvs/ (select "Summer Session Learning Options")
See participation expectations, dates, times and registration fees.
Deadline: Completed registration forms must reach school counselors before Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 3 PM. Do not delay! Enrollment is limited. Courses do fill up quickly so return the form as soon as possible.
2019-2020 Virtual School (VOS) Course Registration Opens
VOS (Virtual Outside of School) is a blended-learning program designed for students who are independent learners and have consistent access to the Internet and a computer outside of school. Online resources are the primary source of learning, and most courses are taught at the honors level. Students are required to attend a few face-to-face evening sessions for instruction and/or proctoring exams with the course teacher. Who can attend VOS? Currently enrolled and attending FCPS students in grades 9-12.
Sign up EARLY to reserve a seat in the course you want to take because courses fill up quickly! Students register through the school counselor. You may download information about attendance requirements, fall and spring schedules, submission deadlines and the pre-registration form to submit to the school counselor under 2019-2020 Fall and Spring Course Info here: https://education.fcps.org/flex/vos
CTC Updates and Shadowing
Students who applied to a CTC program should have received a letter from CTC indicating whether they were accepted to their program of choice or placed on a waitlist. There are several programs that will re-open for shadowing and the opportunity to apply. If you are interested in any of the programs listed below please see Mrs. Pampori in the counseling office to sign up to shadow.
Programs open for shadowing & applications for waitlist only:
All Seniors Need to Complete Senior Survey
The 2019 Senior Survey is now live and active on Naviance. Please go to your account and under Planner and Tasks Assigned to Me you will find the survey. This survey is used on both the State and County levels to improve educational programs.
Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Summer Program
The JHU Engineering Innovation Summer Program will be held at Hood College this summer and will run from June 24-July 19. This summer course is a great opportunity for students to try college engineering while still in high school. Students who earn an ‘A’ or a ‘B’ in the course will receive 3 credits from JHU. For more information and to apply please click on the link below.
https://ei.jhu.edu/locations/hood-college/
Serving students with last names: A-C Danielle Moore D-I Jessica McDonald J-N Carla Goto O-Sv Kay Wilson Sw-Z Elizabeth Forbes
PTSA and Booster Organizations
The PTSA at Tuscarora Needs You!
The THS Parent Teacher Student Association (THS PTSA) is an organization that provides support to school-sponsored events, supports the school's staff, as well as supports our community. The THS Parent Teacher Student Association is announcing nominations for its 2019-2020 board. The voting will take place at our May 21st general meeting at 6:30p, in the THS media center.
President: Tanya Wagstaff
Vice President: Open
Treasurer: Diana Schelero
Secretary: Rubina Shreiner
County Council Rep.: Kimberly Scott
Please know that if you are interested in the Vice President positions, your time commitment will be minimal and you will be coming into an experienced and supportive current board. If you are interested in filling one of these positions or have any questions regarding any of these positions, please contact Dawn Beall at dabeall1@yahoo.com.
Not a member of the PTSA yet? Find out how to Join the PTSA
See names of PTSA Board and Committee Chairs and more
Learn 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
Congratulations
Congratulations to Kayleen Turner. She was the winner of the book title emoji challenge during School Library Month!
Senior Chromebook Collection
Chromebook collection for seniors will begin on Thursday, May 16th. Your FLEX teacher will know your turn-in date and time. Chromebooks need to be returned along with the case and charger.
AP Exams
Stop by the media center and check out an AP study guide to get some final studying in before the big day.
Media Specialist: Carrie Palmer
Visit Our Online Resources
Titan Health and Wellness
To delete any of these sections, right click in the section, and choose Delete Table. 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 Jody Ratti Lisa Smith Tanisha Smith Helpful Links: School Cash Online Menus & Meals Grades Online www.fcps.org
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