THE COUGAR CONNECTION
The Catoctin High School Newsletter • November 26, 2024
Catoctin Students Pledge School is No Place For Hate®
This year, all Catoctin Feeder Schools are committed to implementing the No Place for Hate® program.
Catoctin High School held a No Place for Hate® spirit week with daily theme days, a pledge signing day, and ended the week with a pep rally.
The Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate® (NPFH) initiative provides schools and communities with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate. No Place for Hate® is an organizing framework for K-12 schools committed to creating sustainable change that leads to improved school climate. Participating schools can incorporate ADL’s anti-bias and anti-bullying resources within their existing programming to form one powerful message that all students have a place to belong. Since the program was launched in 1999, over 1,700 schools across the country have joined the No Place for Hate® movement nationwide.
No Place for Hate schools receive their designation by:
Building inclusive and safe communities in which respect is the goal, and all students can thrive.
Empowering students, faculty, administration and family members to take a stand against hate and bullying by incorporating new and existing programs under one powerful message.
Engaging schools and communities in anti-bias activities throughout the year.
Sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place to belong.
The Catoctin feeder principals have been collaborating to establish student leadership committees at each of our schools and to engage in this work at our schools and as a Catoctin community.
Mark your calendar!
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break
December 2-7 - Inclusive Schools Week
December 9 - January 10 - MCAP Testing (see article below)
December 23- Jan. 1 - Winter Break
January 2 - Schools Reopen
January 16, 17, 20 - School Closed
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
I will admit this is almost exactly the same message I shared at this time last year (and, quite likely, the year before). It is so timely and appropriate that I will continue to share it this November (and in the years to come). We have a lot to be thankful for at CHS!
Last week was American Education Week and this week we observe Thanksgiving. These two celebrations provide us a great opportunity to recognize and be thankful for the work of our educators. Teaching is both challenging and rewarding. In my opinion, there is no greater responsibility than nurturing and fostering the growth of our youth. There is also no greater reward than seeing the happiness and/or satisfaction of a child/student/mentee who is learning and thriving. The role of educators has never been more integral in the lives of our children than now. I would encourage all students and parents/guardians to send an email or message of gratitude to those educators who have positively impacted your learning and your life or that of your children….a small message of thanks can mean the world to the recipient and can reinforce the purpose and the impact of his/her work.
Last week we also engaged our school community in a spirit week around the theme of our “No Place for Hate” work. Students signed a pledge to be kind and to stand up for others……to continue to foster a positive and welcoming environment for ALL at Catoctin High School. The week ended with a fun pep rally - be sure to ask your child about the message and the highlights from the week.
This week, we are celebrating some of our distinguished graduates. Our students leave a lasting legacy during their time at Catoctin High School; these graduates are also great examples of the positive impact Cougars have long after they leave the halls of Catoctin. I challenge all of our students to think about the positive effect they will have during their time at CHS but also the good they will impart after graduation.
During this season, I am especially thankful for our staff and their strong commitment to our school and our students. I am also thankful for our students and our community - together we will continue the legacy of Cougar excellence and pride.
Happy American Education Week and Happy Thanksgiving!
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Jen Clements
Principal
Monthly Guidance and information for parents/guardians
The research strongly correlates good attendance with school success and, ultimately, high school graduation. Below are some facts related to attendance that highlight the importance of good school attendance (from Attendance Works, www.attendanceworks.org):
Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school
Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade
By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
We appreciate your support in establishing positive attendance habits at home and reinforcing the importance of coming to school on time each day. Please let us know how we can support your efforts.
Attendance = Opportunity
As a feeder, we continue our commitment to attendance knowing that being at school each day opens opportunities for our students. Below is the attendance rate for October for each school.
As we approach the holidays, families are asked to consult the school calendar before planning events and travel. That can be accessed here: https://www.fcps.org/about/calendar-handbook
Please make every effort to plan such that students do not miss school - we have a good amount of time off at both Thanksgiving and Winter Break that allow students and families time for other activities. There are just a small number of school days in the semester after Winter Break, so every day between now and then is integral to students’ strong finishes at the end of their courses.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our attendance secretary or your child’s counselor or administrator with any questions related to attendance.
*Attendance rate: An overall school attendance rate of 94% or higher is considered proficient.
**Chronic absenteeism: A student is defined as chronically absent if he/she misses 10% or more of the school days
CHS State Testing: Assessment Schedule
Catoctin High School will be administering state assessments Dec. 9, 2024 – Jan. 10, 2025. Most students will take the tests during their regular class block.
Dec. 9-12: 11th grade students currently enrolled English 11, English 12, or a math course other than Algebra 1 or Geometry who are not yet CCR will be taking the English 10 and/or Algebra 1 MCAP. (School staff will be meeting with the students who will testing on these dates.)
Dec. 16-19: students currently enrolled in English 10 will be taking the English 10 MCAP
Jan. 3 & 6: students currently enrolled in Government who have not yet taken the assessment will be taking the Government MCAP.
Jan. 7-10: students currently enrolled in Biology who have not yet taken the assessment will be taking the LS-MISA.
Jan. 7-10: students currently enrolled in Algebra 1 (grades 9-11), Geometry (grades 9-11), or Algebra 2 (9th grade only) who are not yet CCR will be taking the Math MCAP associated with their class.
High school RVP students testing at Catoctin High School: RVP students should plan on testing on the dates listed above. Students should report to the high school front office by 7:15 am, and check-in at the front office upon arrival. RVP students should be finished by 11:00 am at the latest.
Important Notes and Reminders for Students:
Please CHARGE your school-issued Chromebook the night before.
Students taking the English 10 MCAP will need WIRED headphones.
Leave cell phones at home (if at all possible) - this includes Smart watches. Devices brought to school will need to be TURNED OFF and kept either in a backpack or turned in to the test proctor.
Get a good night's rest.
Put forth your best effort.
Senior class of 2025 required Meeting recap
A required Senior Meeting was held on November 22, 2024. Students who were not able to attend the meeting will need to review the meeting presentation including all slides and links. At the end of the presentation, there is a sign-in sheet to indicate that all information has been reviewed and if they have a question or need follow up from an advisor.
View the presentation here: Senior Meeting
FCC Dual Enrollment event
The FCC Admissions Office will be hosting the Bridge to FCC: Dual Enrollment Transition Event on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm in the FCC Student Center (H). This event is for high school seniors who are currently enrolled in or have taken a dual enrollment class through Frederick Community College. Students are encouraged to register for this valuable event, where they will have the opportunity to:
Take a photo for their FCC student ID (if they haven’t done so already)
Hear from Admissions, Career and Academic Planning Services (CAPS), and Transfer Services
Participate in a student panel and ask questions
Complete the 2025 Dual Enrollment Graduate Form as the next step to continuing at FCC
Receive a free FCC T-shirt and more!
Catoctin High School is officially registered and a team of students are brave enough to #BearTheCold on January 29th! Donate here to support the CHS team: https://support.somd.org/team/595523
fccla seeking donations for students
Catoctin FCCLA students have once again partnered with SHIP (Student Homeless Initiative Partnership) of Frederick County to support youth experiencing homelessness this holiday season. Homeless for the Holidays is a county-wide drive to gather personal hygiene items for homeless students across the county. Drop off your donations at Catoctin High School or at other locations around the county. Items needed:
resources for families
Catoctin High School Pantry
Families in need of school supplies or other items should email kelly.gruber@fcps.org.
Local Food Banks
Thurmont Food Bank, 10 Frederick Road, Thurmont. For more information call 240-288-1865.
Emmitsburg Food Bank, 130 S. Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg. For more information call 717-642-6963.
FCPS Free and Reduced Meal Benefits
All FCPS students can apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits. Apply online here. Paper copies are available in the main office. You must reapply every year for benefits. You can apply at any time during the year.
Child Protective Services (CPS): 301-600-2464
To get help for physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
Crisis Services: Dial 211
To get help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe.
Maryland Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-632-7233
To report threats or situations that put your safety or others’ safety at risk.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
To get help if you are thinking about suicide.
Free Mental Health Crisis Care Center Open 24/7
Free, walk-in services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate, face-to-face support for anyone experiencing an emotional, mental health, family or relationship crisis in a safe, welcoming space. Frederick County Mental Health Association Crisis Care Center, 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick. For more information call 2-1-1 or 301-662-2255. Services are available for all ages. There is no cost for services and no appointment is necessary. For more information, visit https://fcmha.org/how-we-help/behavioral-health/.
CHS College Visit Schedule
Monday, December 16 - Fairmont State (Lunch visit)
Wednesday, December 18 - Yale University (Lunch visit)
Must pre-register to attend: College Visits. Visit the registration form for the most up- to-date visit schedule.
All About Behaviors Webinar
FCPS will host an All About Behaviors Webinar on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 6:00-7:30 pm. Learn more about the timeline of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), reinforcements, and tools that you can use at home. For more information, please contact Isamar Grenier, Partners for Success Family Support Coordinator. To register: All About Behaviors Webinar
PTSA - We Need You!
Membership in the PTSA helps us provide:
School Improvement (Requests by Staff to Improve the School such as equipment or signage)
Staff Appreciation (Luncheons and Teacher Appreciation Gifts)
Honor Roll Awards
Senior Appreciation (Signage, Awards, Graduation Gifts, Scholarships)
New ideas to make CHS the best experience for all students and staff.
Parents, students, grandparents, staff, and community business are welcome to join! Join the Catoctin High School PTSA here: https://fspta-00020926.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true. For more information and a paper membership form visit: PTSA Membership Info
Follow the PTSA on Facebook! Search for Catoctin High PTSA or visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563952568524 Find out what the PTSA is up to and how you can help!
catoctin sports boosters
Catoctin High School Sports Boosters is a parent-based organization which provides support for all CHS athletes, sports teams and coaches. The Sports Boosters program is needed to cover the additional expenses not covered by the very limited Athletic Department budget. We raise money through fund raisers, concession sales, sponsorship and membership.
All of the money raised goes to support our athletic programs. With continued cuts to the Athletic Department's budget the burden falls on the Sports Boosters and the individual sports programs to come up with the needed funding to run successful programs. In addition, Catoctin is a 1-A school with a limited number of student-athletes and spectators which is how budgets are determined, because of this we are already at a disadvantage compared to the larger schools in Frederick County.
Please consider becoming a Catoctin High School Sports Booster Member. Help Catoctin Athletes by signing up now. Anyone can join. For more information: Sports Boosters
Catoctin Safe and Sane
CHS Committee for a Safe and Sane Graduation meetings on the second Monday of each month, from 6:30–7:30 pm, on the second floor of the Thurmont American Legion building. Please join us to hear more about how you can get involved!
If you are unable to join our meetings, but would like to be added to our email distribution list, please email catoctinsafeandsane@gmail.com and share you contact information.
Thank you for supporting our seniors!
