October 4, 2019
News from the Principal's Desk
Dear THS Families,
Autumn may have arrived officially two weeks ago, but finally it's beginning to feel like the season. And just in time, today begins our homecoming festivities. Encourage your son or daughter to get involved with the spirit activities next week, beginning with special dress up days each day. Monday is TicToc/Meme Day, Tuesday is Mathletes vs. Athletes Day, Thursday is Wacky Tacky Day and Friday is Class Color Day. The Homecoming Game Pep Rally will be next Friday, followed in the afternoon by the parade along Ballenger Creek where candy will be thrown to all community members from floats and cars. The parade will end at the Fanfest in the parking lot of THS, featuring games, face painting, temporary tattoos, food and fun for all families. At 6:30pm that night will be the Homecoming Football Game vs. Frederick, and the Homecoming Dance on day on 10/12. This is a great time of year to be involved with Tuscarora community activities, Titans, we look forward to everyone being a part of the activities next week!
Next week is the midpoint of the semester, and a good time for parents to have a look at grades, if you haven't done this recently. If you're not seeing the grade that you had hoped, or you're puzzled as to some aspect of your student's grade, encourage you child to have a conversation or drop an email to the teacher. Teachers are available every day during Flex, and all a student needs to say to a teacher is "I need some help, can you please call me for Flex?" Also, our Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) continues every Tuesday and Thursday after school with 1-to-1 tutoring from Titan teachers until 4:00pm. We are well into the term, but there is still plenty of time to earn the grade you and your student wish to see.
Enjoy a crisp, fall weekend, Christopher Berry Principal
Looking Ahead - The Weekly Calendar
Date
Event
Time
Saturday, October 5
SAT and Subject Tests
Band to Paint Branch High Competition
Cross Country at Lehigh University Run
1:15 – 8:30 PM
3:45 PM
Sunday, October 6
Monday, October 7
Homecoming Dance Ticket Sales
Field Hockey to TJ High
Boys Soccer home vs. Oakdale High
Girls Soccer at Oakdale High
Volleyball home vs. Oakdale High
Athletic Boosters Meeting, Media Center
During all lunches
V 4:00, JV 5:15 PM
JV 5:30, V 7:00 PM
JV 5:45, V 6:45 PM
6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 8
2-Hour Early Dismissal for Students
Yom Kippur (Begins at Sunset)
Interim Date
Golf at Maryland National Golf Club for CMC Tournament
Unified Tennis home vs. Middletown High
Cross Country at Middletown Park for “Run in the Valley”
9:00 AM
3:30 PM
Wednesday, October 9
Schools Closed
Yom Kippur (Ends at Sunset)
Thursday, October 10
Senior Make-Up Picture Day
Drama / Adv. Acting Class to Center Stage Baltimore
AP Biology Class to Antietam National Battlefield
PSAT Pre-Registration (Registration Closes on October 10 for PSAT)
Golf vs. Brunswick High at Musket Ridge GC
Boys Soccer at TJ High
Girls Soccer home vs. TJ High
Volleyball at TJ High
9 AM-2 PM
10:20 AM-10:55 AM
3:00 PM
JV 5:30, V 7:00
JV 5:45, V 6:45
Friday, October 11
Pep Rally in Stadium (weather permitting)
Parade and Fangate
Varsity Football home vs. Frederick High
1:00 – 2:15 PM
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 12
JV Volleyball Tournament at Oakdale High
Field Hockey at Linganore High
JV Football at Frederick High
THS Homecoming Dance
8:00 AM
V 9:00, JV 10:00 AM
10:00 AM
7:30 – 10:00 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
National Honor Society Fundraiser
Support the THS National honor Society Monday, Ocotber 7 ALL DAY at MOD Pizza. Bring the flyer below and MOD will donate 20% of your bill to support their great work.
NHS MOD Pizza Flyer
Senior Portrait Sittings
!!!Attention Seniors!!!
Next Thursday October 10 and Friday October 11, are the last senior portrait sittings scheduled to take place at THS. All seniors who have missed the previous dates have been scheduled by our photography provider and Mr. Hartman has a master list of dates and times.
If you have yet to sit for your senior portrait, and you are not sure when you are scheduled, you MUST see Mr. Hartman in Room A-202. If you miss these last sittings, you will have to travel to either Gaithersburg or Baltimore to have the senior picture taken at the company's studios.
If you need information, please contact Mr. Hartman at: Richard.hartman@fcps.org
Young Author’s Contest
Write a poem or short story to enter in the Young Author’s Contest at the school level. Winning entries move on to the county level!
Contest Parameters:
There will be winners for poems and short stories at each grade level. For additional details and guidelines, contact your local reading council Young Authors’ Contest Chairperson.
Digital Entries/cover sheets are due by Friday November 22 by 2:15 PM in Room B209. Submit Entries to lydia.kowalski@fcps.org
THS Red Cross Blood Drive is Coming!!
Our annual Fall Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, October 23, from 7:30 to 12 in the Auxiliary Gym. Students age 16 and up are eligible to donate with parent permission. Interested donors can sign up by contacting Lizabeth Mummert at lizabeth.mummert@fcps.org or at 240-236-6603. Students can obtain permission forms from Mrs. Mummert or from Biomed students during all lunch shifts.
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 Pictures for Students in Grades 9-11
We have a significant number of picture packages that were bought and paid for, but not picked up during our distribution in the cafeteria this week. At this point, students will have to go to Room A-202 before or after their lunch in order to pick up their picture packages. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Hartman at: richard.hartman@fcps.org
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/
One Maryland One Book Initiative
Each year the Maryland Humanities Organization offers the One Maryland One Book initiative. This year's title, What the Eyes Don't See, is sure to spark a lot of very strong emotions. You won't want to put it down. It is the story of how Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha discovered that the children of Flint, Michigan were being exposed to lead in their tap water and the epic battle she undertook to protect them.
THS was fortunate enough to get an entire class set of this title for free. If you would like a copy please stop by room B209.
Parents & Students please join us for a casual book discussion of this title on Wednesday, October 30, after school for parents, students and teachers. Then on Sunday, November 3 at 6 PM in Hagerstown at the Maryland, Theatre Dr. Mona will be speaking for free.
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 Service in the Community
Kiera and Kiana Turner were honored this week by the organizers of the U-Turn 116 foundation for their service to the organization and community at large. They could be found this past summer working the organization's concession stand at the Frederick Keys games. Both young ladies received a President's Volunteer Service Award, signed by President Donald Trump, and a medal to signify their hours completed. Congratulations to these Titans of character!
Titan Student of the Week
Michael White-9th Grade
Nominated by Ms. Beck (Mathematics)
Michael has shown improved effort this year and is participating in class. He is asking questions and helping others. This hard work has paid off, earning him an amazing grade on our first unit test of the semester.
Here is a list of all 27 nominations! If you speak with these student, please take the time to congratulate them.
sophia.hamilton@fcps.org
Sophia Ferrer
Mekhi Albert
nayibe.neuland@fcps.org
Brent Peate
Luis Rodriquez
lindsey.beck@fcps.org
Danielle Flippen
jessica.mcdonald@fcps.org
Lia Dotson
patricia.crowell@fcps.org
Jabbari Ince
Aylene Hernandez
deanna.englar@fcps.org
Trenton Ambush
Wyatt Brocatto
daniel.wagner@fcps.org
Rida Saifullah
eric.cullings@fcps.org
Kim Anyomi
jennifer.creter@fcps.org
Daniel Balram Watson
kristina.weber@fcps.org
Korneal Jackson
Alexander Zarate
Christopher Arguello
kim.hayden@fcps.org
Shania Panton
judith.jorgensen@fcps.org
Amar Brinson
krista.rivera@fcps.org
Brianna Hannan
Michael White
Amberlyn Weeks
ashley.robinette@fcps.org
Clara Portillo
Ollie Rearick
ellen.mcguinnes@fcps.org
Narineh Tekeyan
jody.ratti@fcps.org
Hope Wolfe
Olivia Nguyen
Hunter Shiblie
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
Onging
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. 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.
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.
Counseling Office Updates
FCPS Academy For the Fine Arts
FCPS 9th, 10th and 11th graders countywide interested in a Fine Arts career pathway!The FCPS Academy for the Fine Arts (AFA) offers focus areas in visual art, dance, music and drama. The AFA hosts Shadow Days monthly, beginning Wednesday, October 16. On a Shadow Day, students visit the AFA the first half of the day to view a student presentation, take a tour, and sit in on a class or two in their focus area.
To register for a Shadow Day, use this link: https://www.fcpsartsacademy.org/visit-the-afa.html.
Learn about applying to the AFA for next school year: https://www.fcpsartsacademy.org/application-information.html
The application deadline is Friday, January 24, 2020. Students from all FCPS high schools are welcome!
FCPS Career and Technology Center Open House and Shadowing
CTC shadow requests/applications will be available in the Guidance office beginning Tuesday October 1st.
Shadowing begins on Tuesday November 5, continuing through Thursday February 27. Students interested in CTC programs must complete shadowing for that program before applying.
CTC open house is ThursdayOctober 24 6 PM-8 PM. This is open to ALL students, families and community members. It's a great opportunity to come visit the CTC building, meet the teachers and explore their programs.
Sophomores and Juniors - PSAT Registration Ends Soon!
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!
**Students that have already registered for the PSAT were requested during FLEX this week to get information on online review materials offered through Khan Academy. Extra copies of directions to access Khan Academy PSAT Practice can be picked up in the Counseling Office **
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
FCC Open House-Main Campus
Saturday, October 26 10 AM- Noon
Student Center
Students will be able to tour campus and talk with faculty and staff at an academic and campus resource fair. RSVP at: https://www.frederick.edu/credit-admissions/open-house.aspx
Career Exploration Open House and Workshop at FCC’s Monroe Center
Wednesday, November 13 5 PM -7:00 PM
The Monroe Center
Students will be able to tour the Monroe Center and talk with program managers. There will also be hands-on workshops at 5:30 and 6:30 PM to help explore career options.
RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-2019-career-exploration-open-house-workshop-registration-68525482563
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
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
Athletic Booster Club Meeting
Please consider joining us! Find out about new Initiatives & fundraising! Bring your expertise to help build or new concession stand! Get Involved - Help make THS Athletics better for ALL ATHLETES!
Monday, October 7 at 6:30 PM - In the Media Center. All are welcome!
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
Get your registration for Safe and Sane along with the $75.00 registration fee on today! Registration forms can be found in the Main Office or click here. Safe and Sane Registration Form
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. Order forms can be found in the Main Office or by clicking here. ORDER FORM
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
Any students 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
Frederick Community Health Fair
12th Annual Frederick Community Health Fair Saturday, October 26 8 AM-3 PM Great Frederick Fairgrounds 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick
FREE Health and Wellness Services and Activities Include: Flu shots (for adults and children)
Screenings for hearing, vision, bone density, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, diabetes, Hepatitis B and C, HIV testing
Oral health education and referrals
Mental health evaluations
Access to interpreters in 13 languages
Access to 1-on-1 sessions with doctors
Tobacco education
Fitness challenges
FREE grocery distribution by Maryland Food Bank
Over 70 community service providers See details online now: https://aacfmd.org/community-health-fair
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
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