THE COUGAR CONNECTION
THE COUGAR CONNECTION
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The Catoctin High School Newsletter • April 8, 2025
CHS PROM: A Night Under the Stars
CHS PROM: A Night Under the Stars
The 2024 Catoctin High School Prom, A Night Under the Stars, will be held on Friday, April 25 from 7:00-10:00 pm at the Thurmont Event Complex.
Prom is open to Catoctin High School juniors and seniors and their guests. Guests must be grade 9 or older and under age 21. Tickets are on sale in the cafeteria and in the student's SchoolCash Online account. A signed dance agreement form is required to purchase tickets. Tickets are $20 per person.
The LAST DAY to buy a prom ticket will be Thursday, April 10 by 3:30 pm.
In order to be eligible to purchase tickets, students must:
be a CHS 11th or 12th grader
have good attendance
not have any financial obligations (check SchoolCash Online)
not have any behavioral infractions that make them ineligible to participate in extra-curricular activities
In order to attend Prom, students must be present for a full day of school. Per FCPS policy 400-98, a student's daily attendance is considered present for the full day if he/she is present for more than half of the school day. If students are planning to leave school early, they must have a parent/guardian note for a lawful absence and they should not leave before 11:00 am. If a student arrives late to school, he/she will not be permitted to leave school early if he/she plans to attend Prom. Students will not be eligible to attend Prom if they have an unlawful absence on Friday, April 25 from school and/or classes. Any absence will require a signed note from a parent/guardian for an approved reason.
Students with questions about these criteria should speak with an administrator. If you have other questions about Prom, please contact Junior Class Advisor Nicki Wangness.
Annual catoctin hs Plant sale
Annual catoctin hs Plant sale
The Catoctin High greenhouses will be open to the public on Saturdays, April 26th, May 3rd, and May 10th from 9:00 am - 12 noon. The annual sale features vegetable plants, herbs, annuals and perennials all grown by Catoctin High School students with the help of their advisor Amy Jo Poffenberger.
CHS Students Excel at State SkillsUSA competition
CHS Students Excel at State SkillsUSA competition
Congratulations to these Catoctin HIgh School medal winners from the Maryland State SkillsUSA contests, held on March 28 & 29! All first place winners have earned the right to compete in the SkillsUSA National Competition held in Atlanta, GA in June. State officers and delegates will also attend the competition.
Biomedical, Andrew Cole, grade 11, 3rd in Health Knowledge Bowl
AOHP, Savannah Cregger, grade 11, placed 3rd in Basic Health Care
Ag Metals, Tanner Shorb, grade 10, places 1st in Welding
Attention Dual Enrollment Students for SY26
Attention Dual Enrollment Students for SY26
All students expecting to take an FCC Dual Enrollment course for the 2025-2026 school year will need to attend two meetings in April. Students who requested a high school based Dual Enrollment course will automatically be requested through STEP to attend these meetings (bring your chromebook!):
April 10th - During STEP, in the CHS Auditorium: Introduction to FCC Dual Enrollment at Catoctin High School - this meeting will include basic information, updates, and first steps students will need to complete before they leave for the summer.
April 29th - During STEP, in the CHS Auditorium: FCC Dual Enrollment team of Advisors will share information for Dual Enrollment students and will have time to discuss plans and advise students about open campus courses.
Students planning to take Open Campus Courses will need to complete this google form https://forms.gle/7WqVJXPEqP3KhwmP8
last chance to buy your chs Yearbook
last chance to buy your chs Yearbook
Our yearbook company for the 24-25 school year is Jostens. All orders must be placed with Jostens. The school does not accept yearbook orders. You can order online with directly online or call 1-877-767-5217. All orders are now on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. We do order many extra books, but don’t delay, order your book today! If you're not sure whether you already purchased a book or not, you can check the Jostens purchaser list: Purchased List. For more information, view the Jostens Yearbook Flyer here.
CHS Class of 2025
Required Senior Meeting
Required Senior Meeting
The final senior meeting originally scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025 has been rescheduled to Friday, May 2, 2025 at 7:35 am, in the CHS auditorium.
This is a required meeting. Details about graduation and final senior requirements will be discussed. Students should make every effort to attend. Note: CTC, AFA, NJROTC and RVP students will have an excused absence to attend this meeting as long as they communicate with their school/instructors. The usual CTC bus will still take students after the meeting.
Senior Cap and Gown Distribution
Senior Cap and Gown Distribution
Students can pick up their cap and gown orders at CHS on May 13th, 2025 during all lunch shifts (10:30-1:00) and after school 2:30-4:00. The student or their parent may pick it up, it will not be delivered to your home. If you would like to make other arrangements to have someone other than the student or parent pick it up, please contact Shannon Hayes (Shannon.Hayes@fcps.org).
FCPS Senior Career Fair
FCPS Senior Career Fair
Attention Seniors! The FCPS Senior Career Fair is happening on April 10th at Frederick Community College. This is a great opportunity to connect with employers, explore career options, and learn about job openings, apprenticeships, and training programs. Don’t miss your chance to network and take the next step toward your future career! More details coming soon.
To help students prepare, Mr. Stack will be hosting two prep sessions covering resume building and career fair etiquette. These sessions will ensure you make a great impression and feel confident when speaking with employers. Stay tuned for dates and details!
Don’t miss this chance to take the next step toward your future career!
If you are interested in attending please see Mr. Stack in Room 512!
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
Spring is officially here, we are in Term 4, and Spring Break will be here soon. A new season offers the opportunity for change - the spring brings warmer weather (usually), blooming flowers, outside sports, and the spring musical. The spring sometimes also brings out poor decisions by some teenagers - reckless driving, substance use, and inappropriate dress for school, as examples. We will continue to reinforce good decision-making by students so that they are safe and well and focused on their learning while at school. We know that our voice partnered with yours in these conversations can make a positive impact.
We are in the second half of this semester and the final quarter of the year; it is a great time for students to assess their status both in regards to their grades and their credits. Grades (and thus credits) are awarded in accordance with FCPS Regulation 416-06 Grading, Reporting, and Intervention (Secondary) . Some important aspects to note:
A final course grade of a D is the minimum to earn the credit. However, this grade reflects “a minimally acceptable performance” and thus students are encouraged to strive for a higher level of achievement.
The final course grade (for one semester courses) is determined by the combination of the two term grades. For students taking Biology and Government, the End of Course (EOC) assessment is also factored into the final grade.
Regulation 416-06 defines the final calculation for grades. As one example, a grade of B for Term 3 and A for Term 4 results in a final grade of an A. So, students are encouraged to strive for their strongest performance possible this term in order to achieve the highest final course grade possible.
Final course grades are the only ones that are reflected on transcripts and used in Grade Point Average (GPA) calculations.
Students’ final grades can be overridden based upon poor attendance or lack of acceptable effort in the second term. In these instances, we would have been in communication and partnership with the parents/guardians and student to try to affect positive change throughout the semester prior to a grade override. We want students to be successful, but also need to uphold the standards of attendance and performance in order to award credits.
If you have questions about your child’s grade in a particular class, the teacher will be the best source of insights and information - please reach out to him/her first. If you have questions about grades in general, transcripts, etc. your child’s school counselor would be happy to help.
Student learning is our highest priority and grades should be a reflection of that. Good grades can also open doors for students (not to mention lower car insurance rates). We want to foster student learning and their earning of good grades in support of their future aspirations. Please reach out with questions or concerns.
Thank you for your partnership as we support our students’ engagement and success through the end of the school year.
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Jen Clements
Principal
attendance updates and information
attendance updates and information
Attendance = Opportunity
Attendance = Opportunity
We are in the final quarter of the school year and good attendance is as important as ever. For some students, term 4 grades will make the difference between earning a credit or not or even the difference of matriculating to the next grade or being retained. At this time of year, students are also preparing for AP exams, standardized state tests, and/or end of course projects. Whatever your focus, finishing strong is important.
The last day of school is currently Thursday, June 12 (and I am hoping that we are past the weather that would warrant closing schools). Please make every effort to plan vacations after June 12 so that students are present until the last day - important learning, practice, and work will be happening until then.
Thank you for prioritizing good school 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 MCAP Testing Schedule
CHS MCAP Testing Schedule
Catoctin High School will be administering state assessments April 28 – May 22, 2025. Most students will take the tests during their regular class block.
April 28 & 29:
any student who has earned the credit for English 10, but previously missed taking the state assessment will be taking the English 10 MCAP.
April 30 & May 1:
any student who has earned the credit for Algebra 1, but previously missed taking the state assessment will be taking the Algebra 1 MCAP.
May 5 & 6:
any student who has earned the credit for Government, but previously missed taking the state assessment will be taking the Government MCAP.
May 7 & 8:
any student who has earned the credit for Biology, but previously missed taking the state assessment will be taking the Biology MCAP.
May 12 - 15:
any student currently enrolled in English 10 will be taking one section of the English 10 MCAP each day.
any student currently enrolled in Government will be taking one section of the Government MCAP each day.
May 19 - 22:
any student currently enrolled in Algebra 1 will be taking one section of the Algebra 1 MCAP each day.
any 9th grade student enrolled in Geometry will be taking one section for the Geometry MCAP each day
any 9th grade student enrolled in Algebra 2 will be taking one section for the Algebra 2 MCAP each day
any student currently enrolled in Biology will be taking one section of the Biology MCAP each day.
High school RVP students testing at Catoctin High School
RVP students enrolled in either English 10 or Government should plan on testing at CHS on May 12 & 13.
RVP students enrolled in either Algebra 1 or Biology should plan on testing at CHS on May 19 & 20.
RVP students should report to the high school by 7:15 am, and check-in at the front office upon arrival. Students should be finished by 11:00 am at the latest.
Important Notes and Reminders for ALL Students:
Please CHARGE your school-issued Chromebook the night before.
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 given to the test proctor.
2nd Round CTC Shadowing Now Open
2nd Round CTC Shadowing Now Open
The second round of shadowing for CTC programs will take place April 24th - MAY 22nd for the following programs. Explore hands-on career pathways in the following fields:
🌾 Agribusiness
🎨 Digital Design & Printing Methods (WAITLIST ONLY)
🌿 Environmental Landscape Design (WAITLIST ONLY)
✈️ PLTW Aerospace Engineering (WAITLIST ONLY)
🔗 2nd Round Shadow Request Form: CTC 2nd Round Online Shadow Request for the 2025-2026 SY
🔗 2nd Round Application: CTC 2nd Round Online Application for the 2025-2026 SY
Don't miss out on this chance to get a real-world glimpse into exciting career fields. Apply today! See Mr. Stack in the counseling office for more information.
resources for families
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/.
Are you staying up-to-date on CHS News?
Are you staying up-to-date on CHS News?
Beginning in August of 2024, FCPS began utilizing a new system called "SchoolMessenger" to provide SMS text and email updates to the community to to ensure our community finds out quickly about important information, news, e-newsletters, and events. FCPS and individual schools both use SchoolMessenger.
Catoctin High School students, parents/guardians, and staff members are automatically registered to receive email and text message notifications for the new FCPS message system called "School Messenger". If you're not receiving notices, please make sure you have added broadcasts@schoolmessengermail.com to your address book.
Community members can also sign up for SchoolMessenger to receive notifications. Learn how to sign up: SchoolMessenger Sign Up.
In addition, the most recent Catoctin Connection newsletter (and an archive of issues) is accessible online and also posted on the CHS website.
PTSA - We Need You!
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! For more information, visit the CHS PTSA website.
Apply Now for Catoctin PTSA Scholarships
PTSA Scholarship applications are now open! Three $500 scholarships are available. Applicants or a direct relative/guardian must be a member of the PTSA to be eligible. Deadline for submission is April 30th. See your guidance counselor for more information. View/print: PTSA Scholarship Application
Officer Vacancies
The PTSA needs you!! The PTSA is looking for people interested in being the Secretary, Vice President, or Treasurer for the 2025-2026 school year. Anyone interested please email CatoctinHigh.PTSA@gmail.com.
Upcoming Meeting
Save the Dates for these upcoming opportunities to hear from and talk to both the principal and PTSA:
Please join us on Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 AM or Wednesday, May 7 at 7:00 pm at Catoctin High School. School administrators and PTSA officers are inviting all parents/guardians to join us for one of these sessions - we have a few topics for which we want your input but we also want to hear what is on your mind. Please join us!
catoctin sports boosters
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
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!
The following Safe and Sane information was presented at the senior meeting on Friday, February 7: Senior Meeting Slideshow
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!
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