THE COUGAR CONNECTION

The Catoctin High School Newsletter • December 19, 2025

https://edu.fcps.org/chs/

Bocce Tournament raises funds for the Ms. Kelle Brumley Inclusivity Scholarship

Catoctin High School students and staff participated in a very special Bocce Tournament on Wednesday, December 17th held in memory of CHS special education teacher Kelle Brumley. Ms. Brumley was not only a teacher, but also a co-coach of the many Unified Sports teams at Catoctin High School.

The tournament was held to raise funds for the new Ms. Kelley Brumley Inclusivity Scholarship that will offer a yearly scholarship to a deserving Catoctin High School student that truly represents the spirit of inclusiveness. This one event raised over $1,200 for the scholarship thanks to the students, staff, and friends who donated to the event.

Kelle's husband and daughter Tom and Siddah attended the tournament and accepted an award recognizing Kelle and her deep commitment to all students.

If you would like to donate to the Ms. Kelle Brumley Inclusivity Scholarship fund, please send your donation to Catoctin High School, c/o Ms. Kelle Scholarship, 14745 Sabillasville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Checks should be made payable to Catoctin High School.

Registration Information Night

Students in grades 8-11 and their parents are invited to Registration Night on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (snow date 1/12), 5:00 – 6:30 pm at Catoctin High School. The evening will feature the following programs:

Creating a Career & College Preparatory 4-Year Plan (5:00 pm/Auditorium)

Counselors will guide students and families through building a strong high school plan that supports college acceptance and career readiness.
Focus: Current 8th graders / Rising 9th graders — but all grade levels are welcome!

AP & FCC Dual Enrollment Workshop (5:45 pm/Media Center)

- Meet AP teachers from multiple subjects to learn about course expectations, rigor, and how to prepare for success.
- FCC representatives and school counselors will discuss Dual Enrollment opportunities and how students can earn college credit while in high school.

Special Program Information (5:00–6:30 pm/Auditorium Lobby)

- Academy for Fine Arts – Learn about advanced magnet courses in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
- Career & Technology Center (CTC) – Explore career pathways and discover how to shadow and apply for CTC programs.
- NJROTC – Meet representatives to learn about leadership, service, and academic opportunities in NJROTC.
- FCVS – Virtual In/Outside School (VIS/VOS) – Discover flexible online learning options through Frederick County Virtual School.
- Academic Departments – Meet representatives from English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Career & Tech, Visual & Performing Arts, PE, and World Languages to explore course options.

Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is open January 5–14, 2026!

Spring Dual Enrollment Meeting

Students who are taking a dual enrollment course are required to attend one of the following sessions:

January 13th or January 15th, 10:25-10:55am, in the CHS Auditorium

We will be discussing requirements, expectations, and updates to help students be prepared and successful in their courses.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS REGARDING ARRIVAL DISMISSAL & PARKING

Most students and families were adhering to the guidance below. Recently, however, we have seen an increase in student drop-offs, likely due to the colder weather. That means it is even more important now than ever to follow these guidelines - they are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on campus!

Student safety is an important priority and we need the cooperation of everyone who enters our campus to ensure that, especially in our parking lots. Please take note of and adhere to the following guidelines - they are for the safety of all:

During arrival, the front bus loop is for buses only. All student drop offs should take place in the upper lot (near the baseball field). We have definitely seen more cars coming through this area - please use the upper lot and not the staff lot for student drop-offs.

During dismissal, car riders should also be picked up in the upper lot.

The lot directly in front of the building is for staff daily parking only (visitors who will only be in the building for a short time between 7:30 and 2:20 may use this lot for short-term parking).

Student walkers should take great care when crossing the parking lot and roads; use the crosswalks and cross Sabillasville Road at the crossing guard. Please do not walk out in front of vehicles and pay attention to the traffic around you.

All drivers (student and adult) are asked to exhibit caution and to drive slowly and alertly at all times. All vehicle drivers and passengers are reminded to wear their seat belts.

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our students’ safety on the campus of Catoctin High School.

CHS Presents: Murder Under the Stars Dinner Theater

If you're struggling to come up with a good holiday gift for friends or family in the Thurmont area, consider buying them tickets to the CHS murder mystery dinner theatre "Murder Under the Stars" showing on January 23, 2026!

This play features Madame Zodiak, a world-famous astrologer, who is here to tell you how the stars guide our lives. Will the stars also tell us who killed her? Figure out the mystery while you enjoy a delicious dinner from Thurmont Kountry Kitchen!

The dinner and show will be held Friday, January 23rd at 5:00 pm and you can purchase tickets at https://cur8.com/40825/project/135265, Tickets can ONLY be purchased online no later than January 17th - so order today!

CHS Students Excel at SkillsUSA Competition

Congratulations to the Catoctin High CTC students who participated in the SkillsUSA Competition! These students represented CHS with incredible skill, hard work, and pride. The top three finishers in each event advance to regional competitions, and from there, hopefully to states—and maybe even nationals in Atlanta this summer. Great job to all of our participants and best of luck to those advancing to the regional competition. Keep making CHS proud!

Here are our standout results:

- Tanner Shorb – 1st Place, Individual Welding
- William Kimbark – 1st Place, Collision Repair Technology
- Keegan Savage – 3rd Place, Collision Repair Technology
- Brody Mathias – 5th Place, Collision Repair Technology
- Chris Clendening – 4th Place, Carpentry
- Darby Carson – 5th Place, Cosmetology: Hair
- Geoffrey Rinker – 1st Place, Advertising & Design
- Kameron Kneer – 2nd Place, Advertising & Design
- Robert Troxell – 3rd Place, Electrical Wiring
- Kerington Wlazlowski – 5th Place, Electrical Wiring
- Claire Daly – 1st Place, Digital Cinema

Mark Your Calendar!

December 22-January 2: Winter break, Schools Closed
January 5 - School reopens
January 8 - Registration Night
January 16 - 2-hour Early Dismissal
January 10 - Schools Closed MLK Day
January 21 - First Day of Term 3
January 23 - Murder Mystery Dinner
January 27 - Community Dinner
January 28 - Polar Plunge

Helpful Links

Spanish Honor Society Students Serve Community

Six Catoctin High School Spanish Honor Society students and advisor/teacher Lynne Griffin spent the evening of Monday, December 1st serving as Spanish translators for a Christmas event at the Thurmont Community Closet.

The event is held annually at the start of the Christmas season. The purpose of the event is to serve families in need and provide them a way to have clothing, gifts and home goods for their own needs or to give as gifts.

Catoctin students Keelyn Swaney, Blake Smith, Kenzi Braitman, Delaney Hench, Gavin Breeden, and Kourtney Bell did a great job interacting with the Spanish-speaking community and providing translating services. Also pictured is CHS graduate Chaney Barnhardt.

Winter Activity Book Fundraiser

Catoctin High School Art Honor Society students have created a Winter Activity Book. The book is filled with more than 30 pages of winter themed coloring book pages, word searches, word finds, word scrambles, and more.

The cost for each book is $10. Books are available for purchase now through January 29 at this link: Winter Activity Book. Books purchased after December 15 will be available for pickup at Catoctin High School after the school's winter break. Purchasers will receive an email with more specific information about order pick-ups beginning January 5.

If you have seen the December issue of the The Catoctin Banner, you may have seen that our art students have been working hard to create murals around the halls of CHS. Proceeds raised from these activity book sales will directly fund the various mural projects at our school.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Theresa Hutchinson at theresa.hutchinson@fcps.org.

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Dear Catoctin Community,

As we close out the calendar year of 2025, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership and support of our school and our students. Our work on behalf of students is challenging, yet hugely rewarding; we value the opportunities we have to collaborate with parents, guardians, and our community to support our students’ success and well-being.

The fall included many successes - in the classroom, on the fields, in the world of FFA, and on the stage. Our students engaged in work and service that benefitted themselves and others. Their learning was reflected in projects and test, in essays and math problems, and in their application to real-world issues. I am proud of our work thus far, but am also excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. It is important that our students keep working hard and strive for excellence in all that we do.

In September we were all shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Ms. Kelle Brumley. While we continue to mourn her loss and we are aware of her absence every day, we have also harnessed her energy and spirit in our efforts to support ALL students. This week we held a Bocce tournament to raise money for a scholarship that will be presented in Ms. Brumley’s name. At this event, we were thrilled to present Ms. Brumley’s husband and daughter with a FCPS Staff Inclusivity Award - we nominated her for this recognition and were thrilled to celebrate her very well-deserved selection!

When we return from Winter Break, there will be just 10 days before the end of the semester. It is important for students to come back with focus and a commitment to finishing the semester strong.

Students and staff have worked hard in 2025 and have earned the change of pace that Winter Break affords us. I offer my wishes to each and every member of our community for a peaceful and enjoyable holiday and a fun and restful break. Please note that the office will be closed and staff will be disconnected from December 20 – January 4; we will also take this time to refresh so that we are re-energized for the work to come in 2026. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6, 2026.

Best wishes to all for a safe, restful, and enjoyable break. Happy Holidays and Go Cougars!

Go Cougars!

Jen Clements

Principal

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/.

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.

Al l 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

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