September 27, 2019
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear THS Families,
As we turn the page to October, there are several important upcoming events in the life of Tuscarora High School. First is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or PSAT. All sophomore or juniors who are considering 2-year, 4-year colleges or post-secondary education are strongly urged to take this test on Wednesday, October 16. Why? First, it is a valuable practice for the actual SAT or ACT exam that is given, allowing students to understand the time constraints of the exam and the style of the test. While taking practice exams alone will not improve your score, they will allow you to become more confident with the exam itself. You simply cannot take too many practice exams in getting ready for the real SAT or ACT. Second, while the SAT is not a requirement for FCC or any community college, a certain level of score will exempt you from having to take remedial, zero credit courses that far too many students have to take at FCC. The PSAT puts you on the road to achieving that qualifying score to avoid costly remedial courses. Third, Tuscarora School Counselors will use these PSAT scores along with our Naviance program to education your son or daughter about what schools, programs and scholarships they may qualify for, or what improvements your child will need to make in order to qualify for a specific school you have in mind. Know now where you stand. Don’t make college a guessing game! Lastly, for Juniors, the PSAT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship program. With your permission, colleges will also send you information about their program which puts you in the mindset for the college search process. The deadline for registration for the PSAT is Wednesday, October 10. Please go online at SchoolCash (info below in the school counseling section) and register for this test. Parents, don’t be fooled by the comment from your children that it is “not worth their time.” All Sophomores and Juniors NEED to know where they stand.
If you've come into Tuscarora for after-school or evening activities, you may have noticed a change in our security procedure. Similar to how our access to the building has become more secure during the school day, we have put in place the same protocol at night. Door are no longer left unlocked and/or unattended during school events. Events hosts/sponsors will station greeters to open the door for you to give you access. While some may view this as unwelcoming or may cause you to wait a few extra moments to gain access to Tuscarora (or any FCPS facility), the safety of our students parents, and guests will always be our first and last concern. In that same vein, student who leave the building, arrive late, or leave early for FCC classes, internships, work study or the like have all been issued special ID cards which they must show when entering and perhaps exiting the building. In explaining this to our students, most "got it" when I explained that we're simply preparing them for the real world of entrance to building with swipe cards and the like.
Also as we turn the page to October, Homecoming activities actually begin a week from today. More about that next week.
Welcome to Autumn! Christopher Berry Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, September 28
Band to Mechanicsburg High Competition
3:45 PM – 11:30 PM
Sunday, September 29
Rosh Hashanah (Begins at Sunset)
Monday, September 30
Rosh Hashanah
Tuesday, October 1
Rosh Hashanah (Ends at Sunset)
Field Hockey at Walkersville High
Boys Soccer at Linganore High
Girls Soccer home vs. Linganore High
Volleyball at Linganore High
V 4:00, JV 5:15 PM
JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM
JV 5:45, V 6:45 PM
Wednesday, October 2
International Walk to School Day
Cross Country at TJ High
Varsity Field Hockey vs. Brunswick High at Ballenger Creek Park ~ Senior Night
Unified Tennis at Catoctin High
JV Football home vs. Urbana High
Girls 3:00, Boys 3:30
3:30 PM
6:00 PM
Thursday, October 3
Golf vs. TJ High at Clustered Spires Course
Boys Soccer at North Hagerstown High
Girls Varsity Soccer home vs. N. Hagerstown
Volleyball at North Hagerstown High
2:30 PM
JV 5:15, V 7:00 PM
JV 5:30, V 6:30 PM
Friday, October 4
Varsity Football Game at Urbana High
6:30 PM
Saturday, October 5
SAT and Subject Tests
Cross Country at Lehigh University Run
3:45 PM
See the FCPS calendar. *Dates and times are subject to change.
Keeping You Informed - School News
Homecoming Parade and Fangate
Homecoming is just around the corner, and we are in the process of organizing the pre-game events for October 11th from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
We will be continuing the tradition of the parade from Ballenger Creek Park to the school bus lot, and we will again have the Fangate activities prior to game time. We are looking for vendors along with community activities tables. Attached is a link to a Google Form that will allow anyone interested in participating in the Parade or the Fangate to sign up. Space for Fangate is limited, so Mrs. Biddle will be in touch with vendors.
We are looking forward to as much community participation as possible!
https://forms.gle/jYhHkWUjLftt48vv8
Writing Assistance for ALL Students
If any THS student needs help with an essay, research paper, or writing assignment for any class please consider using the THS Online Writing Center! It's Free! Students just need to log on to Classroom.Google.Com and join with the classroom code: dyi9bdq
Then students can submit an essay or research paper on this Google Classroom site. Within 24-48 hours, at least one National English Honor Society student will read over the student essay and provide some recommendations and suggestions for the paper. Take advantage of this amazing resource.
School Picture for Students in Grades 9-11 Have Arrived
If you purchased a picture package on picture day this year, you can up them up during your lunch shift starting on Monday, September 30, 2019. Yearbook staff members will be distributing pictures in the cafeteria during all three lunch shifts on Monday 09/30, Tuesday 10/01 and Wednesday 10/02. After that time, students will have to pick up their pictures in room A-202.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Hartman at: richard.hartman@fcps.org
Health Class Curriculum - Parent Preview Night
Tuscarora High School will host a Parent Preview Night for parents to learn about high school health education materials on Thursday October 3rd at 6 PM in Room A120.
The high school health education course is updated with new lessons on contraceptives. In addition to a chart that shows effectiveness rates of contraceptive methods, the class includes examples of different methods including a demonstration of condom use. FCPS continues to promote abstinence as the best method for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The preview opportunity will allow parents to see the contraceptive kit and talk to the teachers about instruction.
Yearbook Sales Begin
Want to purchase a yearbook but don't want to pay full price? Good news! We are offering an 'EARLY BIRD' special for folks who want to pre-order the 2020 yearbook. From now until October 31st, the cost of the book is $65.00. Considering we sell extras at the end of the year for $90.00 this is a significant savings. So, don't wait, order your 2020 THS yearbook today by clicking this link:
https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/
THS Computer Science Honor Society News
Earlier this week, invitations to apply to Tuscarora's new Computer Science Honor Society were sent out to students who have successfully completed Foundations of Computer Science and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Applications are due next Tuesday, October 1st. (If you meet the criteria and did not receive your invitation, but are interested in applying, please contact Mrs. Bishop at mary.bishop@fcps.org)
#THS Reads - Show Us What You're Reading!
THS wants to promote reading for the THS community: staff, parents, and students. We hope you will play along! If you begin reading a new book for pleasure, work or class, pick up a magazine, a newspaper, etc. snap a quick picture and Tweet it with the #THSReads. We are going to track the data. Also monthly we will highlight & reward readers.
Our New Attendance Communication Tool - One Call Now
Tuscarora has developed a school improvement goal this year to increase student attendance, broaden communication with parents around attendance, and lessen chronic absenteeism. We have recently contracted a program, "One Call Now" that automatically places a call to the indicated number of all students who miss one of more block during the school day. When families receive these calls, is is good to first ask the student why they may have missed a class. Parents should also check attendance records in HAC to determine which Block(s) the student may have missed. If parents or guardians feel this absence is in error, they are encouraged to email or contact the class teacher to clarify the record. Daily notification will help families be more in the know about missed class time and, at the extreme, class cutting. Parents are also welcome to call the attendance secretary at Tuscarora if they have general questions about attendance or "One Call Now".
Season Passes will be available to purchase for the entire school year as well as for each athletic season as noted below. Make checks out to THS Athletics Passes can also be purchased online and sent to your phone at GoFan. Simply login and add the free App (GoFan) and purchase. No need to bring passes to games anymore - you can just show the pass on your phone at the ticket booth
Click Here to Order!
See FCPS absence procedures.
Congratulations, Commendations and Kudos
Two THS Students Honored for Medical Academy Work
Annemarie Amond and Kyla Poole were recently honored for their participation in the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists this past summer at Boston University. Both Titans had the privilege of interacting with Nobel Prize-winning scientists and observe medical procedures, among many activities. Congratulations Kyla and Annemarie!
Titan Reading Buddies Program Gets Underway
The Tuscarora Titans Reading Buddies Program has gotten underway for this school year. Each month, a group of Titan students visits one of our feeder elementary schools, visiting reading a book of their choosing to a classroom of future Titans. Here is today's group at Tuscarora Elementary School. Thank you TRB's, for showing how important and fun reading can be!
Khan Named National Merit Commended Scholar
Tuscarora Titan Senior Akbar Khan was recently named by The College Board as a "National Merit Commended Scholar". Khan achieved this honor for his high level of performance on the PSAT last fall. Nationally, less than 2% of students are commended by The College Board each year. Congratulations, Akbar!
Nominated by Ms. McGuinness (Mathematics)
Caitlyn is incredibly responsible and dedicated to her work. She is quick to help her classmates and asks valuable questions!
Here is a list of all 29 nominations! If you speak with these student, please take the time to congratulate them.
nayibe.neuland@fcps.org
Michael Cunningham
andrea.kerslake@fcps.org
Ruth Hassad
sophia.hamilton@fcps.org
Madison Hess
laura.taylor@fcps.org
Torrell Winston
shannon.green@fcps.org
Dillian Williams
Hope Wolfe
lindsey.beck@fcps.org
Chase Patton
kristina.weber@fcps.org
Christopher Arguello
Alex Zarate
mary.hull@fcps.org
Connor Wainberg
dorothy.farmer@fcps.org
Dylan Danko
Madison Carreiro
Angelo Petto
christine.banovic@fcps.org
David Gaver
kim.hayden@fcps.org
Shania Panton
daniel.neuland@fcps.org
Mirna 'Judith' Martinez Hermandez
ellen.mcguinnes@fcps.org
Caitlyn Wilhelm
Ismael Chavez
Patrick Jeffers
jody.ratti@fcps.org
Brayn Teddy Nguehou Dzumekem
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
Xavier Chase
richard.hartman@fcps.org
William Roelkey
ashley.robinette@fcps.org
Aaron Roberts
karen.mcgrew@fcps.org
Nathan Neubauer
amanda.kremnitzer@fcps.org
Ryan DeSanto
elizabeth.geerlings@fcps.org
Alyssa Taylor
Samiha Vali
Michaela Clune
maria.fahnestock@fcps.org
Krystal Morales Irizarry
Senior Class of 2020 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/thsseniors2020/home
Class of 2020 Graduation: Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 10:00 am
Class of 2020 Twitter Account: @tuscarorahs20
Presentation from 9/27 Senior Class Meeting: https://youtu.be/PIbMWevnSvo
Sept. 27, 2019
Claire's Gormet Fundraiser
October 3, 2019
Senior Shirts
The deadline to order senior shirts online is Thursday, October 3rd at midnight. $20 cash or check made payable to THS is due by Friday, October 4th to the media center or B203. Order online at https://www.imagemarket.com/7a74cbf1
Internships, Scholarships, Service and Job Opportunities
2020-21 NCI Science Internships at Ft. Detrick
Applications for the Werner H. Kirsten Science Internship Program at Ft. Detrick will open on October 1. Current juniors interested in participating during their senior year should apply. Students must be 17 by start of the internship in June. An informational meeting for the NCI internships will be held during FLEX on Wednesday, October 2. Interested students can sign up with Ms. Mummert. The application can be found at https://ncifrederick.cancer.gov/careers/student_programs/internships/sip/.
Registration is required.
Volunteers Needed for Tuscarora ES Fall Festival
Tuscarora Elementary is having their fall festival on October 4th hosted by the PTA. Volunteers are needed from 6-9pm to help with games and food. Volunteers will receive SSL hours (bring the form to the event to be signed) and free food. Contact Ms. Flowers-Jackson or email her at tiffany.jackson@fcps.org if interested.
Leadership Opportunity for Juniors and Seniors
The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek will be hosting a fall leadership program for junior and senior students in the county. This program will be an intense experience for up to 30 students who are interested in exploring the dynamics and day-to-day challenges of contemporary leaders in our community. These sessions will include: discussions of leadership principles, skills and behaviors, and group experiences to county/city facilities.
There is an application process and a $25 participation fee for this program. If you are interested in this program, please speak with your counselor for more details. Applications will be available in the THS Counseling Office.
Booster Club Scholarship Available
Counseling Office Updates
College Bound Sophomores and Juniors - PSAT Registration is Open!
PSAT Registration is now open and space is limited! The Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test (PSAT) is taken each year primarily by Sophomore and Junior students to help them gauge their readiness for the SAT or ACT exams. It also serves as a gateway to information about colleges and universities. ALL sophomore and junior students who potentially will attend a 2 or 4 year college should sign up to take this examination, which will be given during the school day.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 16th during Blocks 1 and 2
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 payable to Tuscarora High School to Ms. Muby Pampori in the Guidance Office. Registration closes on Thursday, October 10th.
Student practice guides are available in the Guidance Office. Students should stop by after they have registered to get their copy!
October 15th - How to Get Money to Help Pay for College
This evening program, geared especially for Juniors and Senior parents and students features a college Financial Aid Director will explain the financial aid decision making process, the forms that are required, and the typical timeline when applying for financial aid. Please mark your calendars for this very important presentation on October 15th, 7:00pm in the THS Auditorium. Please enter through the Guidance side doors.
FAFSA Finish Programs
Registration begins October 1: frederickcountygives.org/FAFSAFinish
These programs will give you the opportunity to work individually with a Financial Aid expert who will help you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Participants could receive one of eight $1,000-$2,000 scholarships upon completion of a post-event survey.
October 7
Catoctin High School
7:00-8:30 p.m.
October 12
Frederick Community College
1:00-4:00 p.m.
October 15
Hood College
October 16
Brunswick High School
October 17
Frederick High School
6:00-8:00 p.m.
October 21
Oakdale High School
October 24
Walkersville High School
October 29
Thomas Johnson High School
College, Trade, and Scholarship Information Fair
When: Sunday, September 29th 2 PM - 4 PM
Where: C. Burr Artz Public Library
110 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701
The following organization will have representatives at this event:
The Community Foundation of Frederick County
Penn State
Holistic Massage Training Institute
Maryland 529
Sweet Briar College
UMBC
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Job Corps
Stevenson University
Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services
MD Dept. of Education Division of Career and College Readiness
McDaniel College
Financial Aid Workshop at Hood College
Hood College invites all FCPS high school students and their families to attend a FREE Financial Aid Seminar. This will be held Tuesday, October 15 at 6 PM at Hood College in the Whitaker Campus Center. After the seminar all seniors and families are invited to complete their FAFSA, with the help of Hood’s Financial Aid Office. Please register for the FAFSA finish portion at https://www.frederickcountygives.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships
Counseling Department Evening Programs
Please mark your calendars for the following presentation. This presentation will be in the THS Auditorium at 7:00 PM (Please enter through the Guidance side doors.)
October 15th-- How to Get Money to Help Pay for College. A college financial Aid Director will explain the financial aid decision making process, the forms that are required, and the typical timeline when applying for financial aid.
Students Interested in Attending a Military Academy
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. Congressman Trone may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district.
Congressman Trone is accepting applications for potential candidates through October 11th at 5:00 p.m. To request a Military Academy Nomination from his office, please complete this application form on his website.
College Representatives at Tuscarora High School
The School Counseling Department has begun scheduling college representative visits at Tuscarora--starting as early as this coming Monday! Please check your Naviance account by going to "Colleges I'm Thinking About" and then "College Visits." From here, you will see the list of colleges that are visiting THS and this is where you sign up to meet with the college's representative. Register for the college visit by simply clicking on "Register Now."
Counselor Breakdown by Student Last Name: A-C Danielle Moore D-I Jessica McDonald J-N Carla Goto O-Sv Kay Wilson Sw-Z Joshua Harrison
PTSA and Booster Organizations
PTSA Membership
Thank you for your support to our membership campaign at Back-to-School Night, we are happy to share 94 MEMBERS gave us their positive response that evening! Our goal is 142 and this is very much attainable- we are close and with your help, we can deliver. If you are interested in joining and/or donating, a membership form can be found at https://tuscarorahsptsa.org/ in the forms section.
Other PTSA News
Not a member of the PTSA yet? Find out how to Join the PTSA
See names of PTSA Board and Committee Chairs and more
Safe and Sane Graduation Celebration
Time is running out to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount for Safe and Sane in September! $65 registration until Sept. 30th. The price increases to $75 on October 1st! https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=11854
The next Safe and Sane Planning Meeting will be Tuesday, Oct 8th 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Roy Rogers 301 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703. We need more volunteers to help make this a wonderful event for our seniors!
Safe and Sane has a Fine Linens and Pillow Fundraiser through the Sheetslady. Sheets are $40/set any size Twin-California King including Twin XL. You can order from any Safe and Sane Committee member or at: www.sheetslady.com. Email questions to amythesheetslady@gmail.com.
THS Class of 2020 Safe and Sane T-Shirts and Tumblers are available to order. https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/Frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=11853
Dollar Donut Days every Friday. Safe and Sane will be selling Krispy Kreme donuts Friday mornings on Main Street $1/donut. If you would like a dozen or more donuts, you can pre-order them by emailing merearick@gmail.com by Wednesday evenings for that Friday. Please include your name and phone/extension number.
Puravida Bracelets will again be for sale on Dollar Donut Fridays! $10/bracelet.
La Paz Restaurant Night Oct 15, 2019 (Tue), 4:00 PMto 9:00 PM Must mention THS. La Paz 51 S Market St Frederick, MD
Like the THS Class of 2020 Safe and Sane Facebook page to get up to date information.
Email ths2020safeandsane@gmail.com with questions.
Future Starvin Marvin Days - Mark your calendar!
Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Tuesday, January 7, 2020, Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Learn More
Media Center Updates
Media Center Hours and Contact
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 are still in need of a device, please come to the media center in the morning or during their lunch shift.
Beanstack
We are excited to announce that students now have access to Beanstack a site that allows students to keep track of their reading and earn badges. There is currently a county wide challenge happening. Stay tuned for a Tuscarora specific reading challenge coming soon! https://fcpstuscarorahs.beanstack.org/reader365
Daily Announcements
Daily recorded Tuscarora High School student announcements can be found on the homepage of the THS website: https://education.fcps.org/ths/
Visit Our Online Resources
Titan Health and Wellness Health Room Technician: Bruce Thompson School Nurse: Tae Ju, 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 Cynthia Hanlon Jody Ratti Tanisha Smith Helpful Links: School Cash Online Menus & Meals Grades Online www.fcps.org
View Past Newsletters