THE COUGAR CONNECTION

The Catoctin High School Newsletter • April 6, 2020

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Dear Catoctin Community,

My how things have changed in a month…..never would any of us imagined that our school building would be nearly empty for three weeks (and counting) and that we would be in the midst of distance learning as we approach the end of Term 3. Under “normal” circumstances, a letter from me at this time would highlight the success of our spring sports program, applaud the participants of our spring show, and provide a preview of all of the fun events to come this spring. While I miss all of that desperately, I have forced myself to focus on the positives I can find in the midst of our situation. I have reflected on the following:

    • I have noted many times before how special the Catoctin community is, and hard times seem to bring that to light even more. In both our school and our community, I have seen many examples of people helping others and working for the greater good (even if it has to be from afar). The value of teamwork, and the demonstration of it every day, is evident throughout our school community.
    • Our patience has been tested, and hopefully strengthened, as result of the challenges we have faced. Distance learning is different and there have been technology challenges to overcome; our staff, students, and families have worked together to overcome obstacles and have demonstrated patience and persistence as we work through them.
    • Whether we want to or not, I think it is safe to say that we will all learn something as a result of this experience. As one small example, I have been plunged into the use of technology tools that I didn’t even know existed last month.
    • Finally, I have reminded myself many times to be thankful – thankful to be a part of this great community, thankful for the extra family time this situation is affording me, and thankful to those who are working on our behalf in many ways.

So as we long for a return to our normal school year, my hope is that we can all grow through this experience and come back to school stronger and more appreciative of the opportunities we are afforded when we are together.

In the midst of this unusual educational experience, we are trying to maintain some routines and connections to our traditional school activities. Every morning, we are posting morning announcements in Schoology – if you have not tuned in yet, I encourage you to do so. Parents – ask your kids to share this with you (and, while you are there, ask about the school work they are completing!) We have also planned a virtual spirit week with our entire CHS feeder – we encourage our entire community (staff, parents, students) to participate – we can’t be together in person, but we can be one in spirit!

The end of Term 3 is Wednesday, April 8. This term has been anything but typical, but it is as important as ever that students finish strong and take every opportunity to learn and to earn good grades. Please be sure that you are connecting with your teachers every day and that you are in a routine of completing and submitting work. We know that some have gotten a slow start to distance learning (in many cases due to technology needs); our teachers are aware and understanding and will work with you to get caught up…..just make sure that you are doing your part once you get access to your work.

As always, we welcome and encourage your communication – we are here to support our students as much as ever and welcome your questions and concerns so that we can work together to support their continued success.

Stay safe and stay well.

Go Cougars!

-Jen Clements, Principal

Catoctin Area Schools hosting Virtual Spirit Week April 6-10



All Catoctin students, families and staff are encouraged to join other schools in the Catoctin feeder system for a Virtual Spirit Week beginning April 6 and continuing through April 10. We may not be able to be physically together, but we are together in spirit!

We want you to show your community pride by sharing photos of your spirit wear attire each day via Twitter with a tweet @CatoctinHS and/or a tweet to your teachers, administrators or counselors. Remember to use our hashtag: #ItsAGreatDayToBeACougar. You can also upload your spirit photos to Schoology or email your teachers, administrators or counselors! See the flyer below for details on the Twitter handles for feeder pattern schools.

april is poetry month!

In honor of Poetry Month, here are some great sites to enjoy listening and reading poetry!

fcpl virtual display youth art month featuring catoctin students

Every year, the Thurmont Regional Public Library, showcases the work of Catoctin High School students for Youth Art Month in April. The exhibit is curated by FCPL's Clare Bush. Since the library is closed, the library posted a virtual tour of the display on the FCPL Facebook page. You can view the video here: Youth Art Month Congratulations Catoctin student artists!

An important Message from the CHS Counseling Office:

We hope this message finds you and your family safe and healthy. The CHS Counselors recognize that students may need assistance during this time. If you need assistance from your counselor, please contact us via office phone (see below), Schoology message center, or email. Counselors will be available to respond to messages Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 12 noon.

Students Last Name A-G:

Students Last Name H-P:

Students Last Name Q-Z:

Students, it is important for you to check your Schoology Message Center and your FCPS email every day. Parents and students, also be mindful that you may receive calls from your counselor or other school staff that will come up as a blocked number or unknown number; please pay attention to these calls as they may be someone from school reaching out to you. As we navigate this new reality together, your counselor will be reaching out to you regarding grades, senior information, schedules for next year, among other things.

Below are some SENIOR specific updates:

    • SCHOLARSHIPS: Continue to monitor scholarships on Naviance. Updated deadlines are being added as they are received.
    • UPDATE YOUR NAVIANCE ACCOUNT: Please continue to log onto Naviance and update your account - acceptances to colleges, etc. If you have difficulty logging into Naviance, please contact your counselor so that he/she can reset your password.
    • NEED A TRANSCRIPT? Please request via Naviance or contact your counselor directly. If you are applying for a scholarship that is requesting an official transcript, you should let your counselor know. The counselor can email your transcript directly to the scholarship committee. If you need an unofficial transcript, let your counselor know. The counselor will email a copy of your transcript to you directly. If for some reason, there is no email listed for the specific scholarship, please notify your counselor with the mailing address for your official transcript and it will be sent to the scholarship committee.
    • NEED A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION? Please contact your counselor and/or teacher directly. Please note, most students have "waived" their rights to seeing the counselor and teacher letters. Because of this, counselors and teachers are obligated to send the letters directly to the scholarship committee, instead of the student. Students should share the scholarship committee's email or physical address with the counselor and teacher, and the counselor and teacher will send the letter(s) directly.


SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Our world has shifted dramatically over the past few weeks. Students and and family members who are experiencing difficulty may wish to contact the Frederick County Mental Health Association (MHA).

  • The MHA's Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From intervention, a caring and supporting voice at a moment of crisis, to connecting you to resources and information, dial 211.
  • With the physical facility closed, MHA's Walk-in Behavioral Health Services has moved to an online tele-health platform. The program, and the services it provides, remains the same in all other aspects; and will still provide comprehensive safety/wellness planning, resource information, and referrals as appropriate.
  • To access: Go to www.fcmha.org and click on the yellow banner at the top to access an intake form for the service. After completing and submitting the form, information to access the platform will be provided. This can be accessed via computer, tablet, or smartphone (must have access to internet/cellular data).
  • The Virtual Walk-in Behavioral Health Service is operational Monday - Friday from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Help is available, if you or a loved one, friend or neighbor is hurting please seek help.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Information

FCPS is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff. We are working closely with the Frederick County Health Department, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Maryland State Department of Education to monitor the status of COVID-19. To keep our community informed on this matter, we post related information and updates online at www.fcps.org/update. You are encouraged to visit the FCPS site for answers to frequently asked questions and information about actions you can take to promote good health.

In addition to the FCPS COVID-19 web page, check the following reputable sources to avoid spreading misinformation:

https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/CivicAlerts

http://www.health.maryland.gov/coronavirus

http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov

CATOCTIN Student Technology Needs

We know that there are Catoctin High School students who are still in need of technology (devices and/or hotspots) to be able to access their online learning. If you have already spoken to an administrator in regards to your needs, please be assured that we are working with Ms. Felmet to address those needs. Either Ms. Felmet or an administrator will be in touch as soon as we have an update for you. Moving forward, Ms. Felmet will be our point of contact in regards to any technology needs; please see the message from her below. We are lucky to have Ms. Felmet’s expertise and support and thank her in advance for all of her work to provide for our CHS technology needs.

Hello, Catoctin!

I’m Stephanie Felmet, the user support specialist at CHS. I provide tech assistance to all staff and students in CHS. Any staff or students who have issues with their devices or virtual learning tools can contact me for assistance by sending an email to stephanie.felmet@fcps.org. Please note that students with Schoology (or other virtual learning tool) problems should first contact their classroom teachers to see if they can help address any problems.

At this time, I will also work to assist students who are still in need of a chromebook, hotspot, or charger. Please be patient and understand that these devices are a hot commodity right now; we will do our best to secure the technology that everyone needs. Once I have received communication from you, I can arrange a time for you to pick up or exchange equipment.

Please also note the information below that comes from the FCPS Technology Infrastructure Department; there may be opportunities for families to access free internet through the service providers noted below.

I miss you all terribly, and I hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy.

All the best,

Stephanie Felmet

User Support SpecialistAssistant Drama DirectorAssistant Marching Band DirectorVideo Announcement AdvisorCatoctin High School


Information from FCPS Technology Infrastructure Department:

Please note: FCPS only has a very limited supply of telecommunications enabled Wi-Fi hotspots, the web-form request process is designed to help equitably distribute the remaining equipment and gather information about the remaining demand, which will help us negotiate with vendors as we compete for resources with every school district in the country.

Due to the current emergency circumstances, many telecommunications companies have enabled access to the internet using their services free. It is preferable, wherever possible, for families to leverage these programs before being considered to receive a FCPS hotspot. Reference information is below:

Comcast Xfinity Free WiFi network

  • https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19
  • Comcast Xfinity has turned on a Wi-Fi sub-network on all of their home/business internet routers and made it free to access for anyone within range.
  • Comcast removed data plan caps for 60 days, making all connections unlimited.
  • Frozen disconnects and late fees

Comcast Internet Essential Program

  • https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
  • Two free months for families that apply before April 30th, 2020.
  • Network speed performance increased.
  • Comcast is waiving the outstanding debt satisfaction requirement for households with debt owed to Comcast for applications approved prior to May 13th, 2020.

Verizon Wireless

  • https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/covid-19-faqs/
  • Waving new line activation fees, late fees, and service terminations through May 13th, 2020.
  • Free international calling until April 30th, 2020.
  • Additional 15GB of mobile hotspot data has been added for all customers and data plans.

T-Mobile

AT&T Wireless

  • https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html
  • All late fees for wireless, home phone and broadband residential customers are waived until May 13, 2020.
  • Domestic wireless plan overage charges for data, voice and text for residential customers are waived until May 13, 2020.

substance abuse awareness POSTER CONTEST still on!

Help increase awareness about the effects of addiction and substance use. Use your artistic talents to show the impact drugs have on individuals, families, and communities. Funnel your creativity into a poster to submit it online and you might win a prize! First place prize is $100, second place is $75, and third place is $50. To register visit: https://forms.gle/JhoJGSVijMMYnESY7 . For more information email Mrs. Wilt at samantha.wilt@fcps.org. Posters are due by email or google drive submission by April 24, 2020.


calendar of events

APRIL

Mar 30- Apr 24 - Schools closed. Distance learning.

8 - End of Term 3

9 - Students Day Off. Teacher work day.

10 & 13 - All schools and offices closed.

24 - Substance Abuse Poster Contest Entries Due.


chs bulletin

HERSHEY PARK TICKETS SALE IS CANCELLED - The Catoctin Leo Club has cancelled the HersheyPark ticket sales at this time. Anyone who bought tickets will receive a refund. For more information contact the Leo Club advisor: Patricia.Steele@fcps.org

PROM - Due to the extended school closure, the Catoctin High School Prom will not take place on April 24. However, we are hopeful that we can still offer our Juniors and Seniors a Prom experience at some point this year. We will work within the guidance we receive regarding the status of schools after April 24 and will make plans at that time.

hELPFUL RESOURCES:


Scholarship information

Seniors should check Naviance for a complete list of scholarship opportunities and due dates.

American Legion Post #168 and Auxiliary Scholarships

Any CHS Senior who needs to turn in their Legion scholarship application should mail it directly to Thurmont American Legion, Post 168, Attention Scholarship, 8 Park Lane, Thurmont, Women's Auxiliary Scholarship applications should be sent to the same address, "Attention: Auxiliary".

PTSA Scholarship

The Catoctin High School PTSA will be awarding multiple scholarships this year starting at $250/each. The following criteria will apply:

    • The student/applicant or immediate family member must be a CHS PTSA
    • All student applicants must have maintained a 2.5 grade point average.
    • Applicant must be planning to attend a trade school or college university in the Fall of 2020 (and provide documentation to PTSA).
    • Complete and return the scholarship application form to the CHS Guidance office by April 30, 2020 with a parent/guardian signature and guidance counselor signature.
    • We will be awarding scholarships based on the applicant’s need and passion for furthering their quest for higher knowledge.

Applications submitted/received after April 30, 2020 will NOT be accepted for consideration. Scholarships will be announced at the Senior Awards Night. Forms: PTSA Scholarship Application PTSA Membership Form

FCC Foundation Scholarships

Beginning April 1, 2020, seniors may start applying for FCC Foundation scholarships for the fall 2020 semester. The application will be open through June 30, 2020. Students will be asked to complete one general application which will identify any scholarships they may be qualified to receive. Students can only apply online and no paper applications will be accepted. Students can upload transcripts (official or unofficial), letters of recommendation, and other required documents directly into the system. CHS students who need digital copies of these items should e-mail their school counselor. Students will be notified of awards in July.

To apply, students will need an FCC student ID number, FCC email address, and password. If you do not already have an ID number/e-mail address/password you must first apply to FCC online at https://www.frederick.edu/admissions/credit-application.aspx to get this information. You may then fill out the scholarship application.

To complete the scholarship application process:

  1. Go to: https://frederick.academicworks.com/
  2. Click "Sign In" in the upper right-hand corner of your screen to begin.
  3. Complete and submit the General Application.
  4. Click on and complete any Special Scholarship Applications not covered by the General Scholarship.

Frederick Steeplechasers Memorial Scholarship

The FSRC Memorial Scholarship committee is now accepting applications from Frederick County, Maryland high school seniors who are planning to attend college, join the military, or enter a trade in the fall. All applicants must have participated as a runner in cross country or track, or demonstrated support for running as a team trainer or as an assistant to the coaching staff. There will be two $2500 scholarships will be awarded to one male and one female. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 15. To apply: Steeplechasers Scholarship Application

FCPS MEALS FOR STUDENTS

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is serving breakfasts, lunches and suppers to go at 22 sites throughout Frederick County. Participants must be age 18 or under unless they are adults enrolled in an educational program for persons with disabilities. They do not have to live in Frederick County, be FCPS students or be registered to attend the schools serving meals. They do not have to be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. From all locations and at all mealtimes, children’s meals are “to go.”

Monday-Friday, breakfasts are served "to go" 8:30-9:30 a.m., with lunches and suppers served "to go" 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the following schools: Ballenger Creek Elementary, Crestwood Middle, Frederick High, Hillcrest Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Monocacy Elementary, North Frederick Elementary, and Waverley Elementary.

In addition, the following community-based sites are serving “to go” breakfasts, lunches and suppers from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Look for the bright yellow school buses. Lunch sandwich options at community-based sites include turkey and cheese, ham and cheese, Italian combo, and wowbutter, an all-natural nut-free peanut butter substitute.

    • 7th Street Frederick Shopping Center Parking Lot, 1305 West 7th Street, Frederick
    • Brunswick - Rite Aid Parking Lot, Brunswick Heights Shopping Center, 92 Souder Road, Brunswick
    • Buckeystown United Methodist Church - Parking Lot, 3440 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick
    • Concord Mobile Homes Park Community - 4828 Pioneer Circle, Jefferson
    • Jubilee Foods - Parking Lot at 515 E. Main Street, Emmitsburg
    • Heather Ridge School Parking Lot, 1445 Taney Ave, Frederick
    • Lucas Village Comm. Ctr., 111 Pennsylvania Ave, Frederick
    • Max Kehne Ball Field Parking Lot, 1100 W. 7th St, Frederick
    • New Market Shopping Center - Parking Lot, PNC Bank Location, 11717 Old National Pike, New Market
    • Overlook Park, 501 Coralberry Court, off Himes Avenue (across from Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant), Frederick
    • St. John’s Catholic Prep, 3989 Buckeystown Pk, Buckeystown
    • Thurmont Elementary - School Parking Lot, 805 E. Main Street, Thurmont
    • Walkersville - Discovery Shopping Center Parking Lot (Goodwill Store), 8425 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville
    • Whittier Elementary - 2400 Whittier Drive, Frederick

For the newest information, please visit www.fcps.org/update. For additional information, please call 301-644-5061.


ptsa news

Membership has its perks! Please consider joining the PTSA this year. Membership is $10.00 per member and with each paid membership you receive a free CHS Cougar Magnet. The magnet has been redesigned and only those that join PTSA will receive it for free! PTSA Registration Form

safe and sane news

FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION PLEASE FOLLOW: Facebook: Catoctin Safe and Sane 2020 Twitter: @CHSSane

CONTACT US!! safeandsane2020chs@gmail.com