THE COUGAR CONNECTION

The Catoctin High School Newsletter  •  June 7, 2024

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

Happy last day of school!  Have a great summer!

Generous Donation Expands Ag Education at CHS

A generous donation from Jeff Barber of Playground Specialists is helping to improve the blacksmithing and metal working program at Catoctin High School.  Through his support, Catoctin High School was able to purchase a brand-new forge to replace the old and non-working forge at the school.  

A forge is similar to a gas hearth and is used to heat up metals to very high temperatures in order to shape the metal into objects and tools. It is especially used for blacksmithing.  

Thank you Jeff Barber and Playground Specialists for making it possible for our students to learn these valuable skills and help them succeed in the future!

CHS Students Honored for becoming a Green School

Students from Catoctin traveled to Sandy Point State Park to attend the 2024 MAEOE Youth Summit where they were recognized for becoming a Green School.  The process of becoming a green school involved students partnering with teachers and local organizations to drive sustainable changes within the school and county.  A record of their efforts can be found here: https://marylandgreenschools.org/public/catoctin-high-school-frederick/2023

While at the Youth Summit, Catoctin students gathered new educational resources, learned about green careers, and got ideas for future action projects.  They also enjoyed a day at the beach celebrating their accomplishments with friends.  The highlight of the event was Catoctin students facilitating a game of volleyball by inviting kids from all across the state to join them.  Just another reason to celebrate our thoughtful, engaged, and inclusive students!  A special thanks to Mr. Brotherton who serves as the advisor for these students.

Catoctin Community 5K & Fun Run - a roaring success!

Saturday's 1st Annual Catoctin Community 5K and Fun Run was a success! The track was packed with eager participants ready to walk and run for Special Olympics of Frederick County. Indeed, everyone of all ages and abilities enjoyed the morning of physical activity. 

Thank you so much to everyone who donated and participated. A special thanks to Coach Davis and Ms. Allie for creating and marking the course. Ms. Jami Campbell was an outstanding emcee, and so many of our CHS staff members collaborated to make the race possible: Mrs. Nesbitt, Mrs. Engelstatter, Mrs. Stroh, Mrs. Clements, Mr. and Mrs. Felmet, Mrs. Gazmen, Mrs. Poffenberger, Mr. Brotherton, Mrs. Bellarmino, Mrs. Nowell, Mrs. Triantis, Mrs. Olson, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Lillard, Mr. Moxley, Mrs. Zentz, and Mr. Burch. A huge Shout Out to SGA, FCCLA Club, FFA, the Conservation Club, the Catoctin Band and all students who handed out cups of water, played an instrument, and filled in the gaps to do whatever was needed - YOU ROAR! 

We are so grateful to all of the local businesses that donated to this cause: Anytime Fitness, Bollinger's Restaurant, Bollinger's Construction, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Cousins Ace Hardware, C.R. Perella & Sons, Food Lion, Gateway 8 Movie Theater, Holtzople Heating & Air Conditioning, Insurance Brokers of Maryland, J&B Real Estate, Jubilee, Kelco Plumbing, Mir Neurology, PJ's Roofing, Renovations Salon & Day Spa, Rocky's Pizza, TGI Friday's, Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, Tuscanny's, Weis, and Wivell Homes. 

The best news from that event is that we exceeded our goal of $5,000.00 for the Special Olympics of Frederick County! Congratulations Cougar Nation for choosing to include - you demonstrated your commitment to make a positive impact in this community and beyond! 

Go Cougars!

unified track

The following photos capture Unified Track's end of season celebration of awards and recognitions closed with a water balloon battle! We always have fun: the Unified way!

Mr. Lillard's 3rd block science class and Learning for Life Students celebrate Inclusiveness Week!

CHS Student and Staff of the Month

Each month one student and one staff member is recognized for demonstrating the outstanding qualities of R.O.A.R. and making our school a better place to be every day.  

MAY Student of the Month winner: Vencenzo LaFianza

"Thank you for making Catoctin a special place to be and for being a role model for our staff and students."

“Ven is such a sweet student who does a lot for CHS. He successfully got involved in many clubs and organizations, and served as a successful leader for many of them.”

“Ven is constantly seeking to learn new things, improve himself, and understand how things work. He is hard working, curious, and very intelligent. 

He is a pleasure to have in class and helps bring out the best in his classmates through his efforts.”

“Ven is ready and willing to help out with anything at all. He is kind and has a genuine desire to help fellow students. Although he is only a freshman, he has done everything he can to learn about our school and its population in order to help with student government and several other clubs.”

MAY Staff of the Month winner: Mr. Torrado

“Mr. Torrado is one of the best history teachers I have had. He always makes sure his students understand what they are learning in class. 

He is also really funny and nice.”

“Mr Torrado is always so kind to me and the class and shows ROAR every day. He respects us, he’s always willing to help us with work and  is always making history enjoyable to learn.” 

“He is very passionate about the subject he teaches and is very caring.”

“He makes his class so much fun which makes it so much easier to get up and come to school!”

information from Athletics

Although the summer is the only time of year during which we do not have an interscholastic athletics program, there continues to be a lot of activity happening.  Many of our programs are running summer camps.

We are excited to welcome Mr. Brett Campbell as our new athletic director.  He will officially be on the job starting August 1, but will be checking in throughout July to ensure that we are ready to go for the fall season.

We are busy planning and preparing for the fall season.  Please take note of the following important information and dates:

You are likely already aware that the Board of Education approved an increase in the sports participation fees (it will now be $205 per athlete, per season).  We are committed to providing the opportunity of participation for all student athletes; please know that we will support families for whom this cost is a hardship.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the front office if you have questions throughout the summer regarding athletics.

Go Cougars!

Summer Camps at CHS

Catoctin High School Sports Boosters will sponsor a variety of sports camps this summer.  

Baseball Camp

June 11 - 14, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm at CHS Baseball Field 

Ages 8-13. For more information and to register online: Baseball Camp

Football Camp

June 17-20, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at Eyler's Field

For students who have completed grades 2-8

For more information and registration form: Catoctin Area Youth Football Camp

Girls Basketball

June 11-14, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at CHS

For girls in grades 3 through incoming grade 9

For more information and registration form: Lady Cougar Basketball Camp

Soccer Camp

June 10-13, 2024, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm at CHS

Students entering 2nd - 8th Grade

For more information: Cougars Soccer Camp  Register online

Softball Camp

June 17-20, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CHS softball field

For students in grades 2-8

For more information and registration form: Softball Camp

Volleyball Camp

July 22-24, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm at CHS

For more information and registration form: Volleyball Camp

Marching Band Camp

July 22-26, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

After camp, Marching Band practices will continue for the rest of the summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.  

For more information: Marching Band or email Evan.Felmet@fcps.org

New Boys Basketball Coach for 2024-25 

Catoctin High School is proud to announce the hiring of Mike Wagner as our new Varsity Boys Basketball Coach.  Mike has coached basketball and volleyball all over the world since 2003. He has served in a coaching role in West Hollywood, California as well as China, Cambodia, Ethiopia, and most recently in Maryland. Mike brings a passion for growth and development and will be a great addition to our athletic program, school, and community. Coach Wagner will begin working in summer league immediately.  Mike was most recently a long term substitute for Catoctin in the Physical Education department. 

2024 Yearbook- A Few Copies Remain!

Would you like to purchase a 23-24 CHS Yearbook? We sold out of our planned copies of the book but we were fortunate and have 16 overrun copies from our publisher. If you would like to purchase one of these extra copies of the yearbook please click here to purchase through our SchoolCash Online system. The book you purchase will be available for pick up in the CHS front office after you have completed your payment.

Summer Photos for the Yearbook

The 2024-2025 Yearbook staff is looking for summer photo submissions. Share what you are doing this summer with the yearbook staff and we would love to feature it in our book! We are looking to feature photos of people- not that we do not love environmental photos but for the yearbook we want to see people. CLICK HERE to submit photos!

Photos do not need to be limited to just the students that attend CHS. Feel free to include family/group photos as well (as long as you have permission from all that appear in the images).

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025!

The CHS Yearbook has created a website to share important information. There are two pages on the website dedicated to senior information. One outlines the senior portrait process and the other outlines the baby ad process. Please check the website for answers to your yearbook and portrait questions. If you still have questions after reviewing the site, please contact Mrs. Hutchinson.

CLICK HERE for the Senior Yearbook Summer Mailer Packet. A printed version of this packet will be mailed to student homes at the end of June.

Senior Portraits

In order for your senior portrait to appear in the CHS 2025 yearbook you needed to be photographed by Victor O’Neill Studios during the senior portrait dates listed below. We do not accept outside portraits for the yearbook.

CHS Senior Portrait Dates for the 2024-2025 School Year

CLICK HERE to read the Senior Portrait instruction letter from Victor O’Neill Studios.

CLICK HERE to sign up for your Senior Portrait time slot with Victor O’Neill Studios.

Each student/parent/guardian will sign up for their own portrait date/time with Victor O’Neill Studios at Catoctin High School. Victor O’Neill will not accept walk-in appointments. You must sign up using the link above.

Victor O’Neill offers a variety of portrait choices beyond the yearbook session for a small sitting fee. There is a ‘Yearbook Only Session’ that is NO CHARGE. If you only need your tux/drape photo taken for the yearbook, just select the FREE YEARBOOK ONLY SESSION when you sign up for your appointment. The paid sessions also include the traditional tux/drape photo options. More information about these sessions will be available from Victor O’Neill Studios when you sign up.

Baby Ad Orders

The yearbook staff will again be offering baby ads in a variety of sizes and prices. Families may submit pictures of their senior (baby, childhood, and/or recent photos) and write a sincere message to show your senior how proud you are of their accomplishments. Pricing, based on due dates, is located in the ad packet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the 2024-2025 Yearbook Advisor Theresa Hutchinson at theresa.hutchinson@fcps.org.

Senior Features for the 24-25 Yearbook

The yearbook staff would like to include additional coverage in the senior areas of the book. We are hoping to feature baby/toddler photo content in the following areas:

CLICK HERE to submit your photos!

We would LOVE for you to send us any images that you feel could be featured in the categories above! Due to publisher deadlines we need the images by: OCTOBER 18, 2024.

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Dear Catoctin Community,


The end of the 2023-2024 school year is here…..it has been a great year with a lot for us to celebrate.  This newsletter depicts some of the highlights, but there was also important learning and connections that happened every day that are difficult to capture in a picture.  I love the big events (Graduation, Underclass Awards, sporting events, fine arts productions, FFA events, etc.) that make Catoctin High School a special place, but I am also equally pleased by the little steps that staff and students take each day to learn and grow.  As I said at graduation, I am grateful to the outstanding CHS staff who care so much and work so hard with and for our students.  I am also grateful to our parents and community for your partnership and support – our kids need all of us behind them to foster their development into well-rounded and well-educated young adults and our community rises up to answer this call.  We have done great things this year and it is important to celebrate that.  At the same time, I am already excited for the potential that next year holds.  We will continue our focus on good attendance and strong academic challenge and support - this will position us to do great things next year.

Speaking of next year, we already have a lot planned for the 2024-2025 school year.  Please continue to look for Find Out First messages throughout the summer – we will rely upon that as our main mode of communication and will be sending out important details related to the next school year.  I have noted a few important dates below that I encourage you to mark on your calendar now (as they will be here before we know it):


I send my best wishes to every family for a safe, enjoyable summer that affords you a break from the school-year routines and some time to re-energize.  It has been my sincere pleasure to serve as principal of Catoctin High School and I look forward to continuing our work together next year.


Go Cougars!

Jen Clements

Principal

chs to have New Phone Number beginning july 1

Beginning on July 1, 2024, Catoctin High School's phone number will be changing as all of FCPS transitions to a new telecommunications system. 

The phone number change is necessary for two primary reasons: (1) The current telecommunications system is being modernized to allow more system functionality and reduce maintenance and service costs; and (2) the phone number change allows for the standardization of FCPS phone numbers with a common area code and initial three digits for all schools. 

Catoctin High School's new phone number for the main office will be 227-203-3150 beginning July 1.

School based staff can be reached by calling the school’s main number and choosing the appropriate option from the call menu or by dialing a staff member’s extension at any time:

Catoctin High School has been preparing for this change by ensuring that we are updating all contact information on the school website, school messaging and other school documents. We are committed to making this transition with a minimal impact on school communications. 

Dual Enrollment Information for 2024-2025 School Year

For complete details about the Dual Enrollment program and changes for the coming school year, please refer to this message sent as a FOF to all families with students in 8th grade and above.

Students who will take High School Based Courses this fall:

Students who will take Open Campus FCC Classes this fall:

Please review this Dual Enrollment FAQ for more details. See your school counselor for questions about your schedule and eligibility.  CHS Counselors will be available on Wednesdays throughout the summer, from (9:00am to 3:00pm) to answer questions specific to Dual Enrollment.

Pear Deck Tutor (formerly TutorMe) Announcement

As of July 1, 2024 Pear Deck Tutor (formerly TutorMe) will not be available for FCPS students. This program was paid for by ARP ESSER grant funds that come to an end August 31, 2024. 

The Frederick County Library has an online tutoring platform called Brainfuse HelpNow. This service can be used with a Frederick County Public Library Card Number. HelpNow is a resource designed for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm to provide homework help for core subjects, including mathematics, science, and English language arts. Practice long division, improve reading comprehension, and learn other key skills. Practice for standardized tests. Students may submit papers to HelpNow’s Writing Lab for expert assistance and feedback, or collaborate with peers in virtual study spaces. More information is available at the FCPL website, https://www.fcpl.org/learn/brainfuse-helpnow.  

FAFSA APPLICATIONS DUE

Reminder:  Complete the FAFSA application if you are planning to attend a Tech School, 2 year College program, or 4 year College program. Deadline is June 30th.  Don't wait!

resources for families

Catoctin High School Pantry 

Local Food Banks

FCPS Free and Reduced Meal Benefits

Child Protective Services (CPS):    301-600-2464

Crisis Services:    Dial 211

Maryland Anonymous Tip Line:    1-833-632-7233

Suicide Prevention Hotline:    988

Free Mental Health Crisis Care Center Open 24/7