THE COUGAR CONNECTION
The Catoctin High School Newsletter • December 17, 2021
catoctin Students Helping others
FCCLA Club Collection for SHIP
The CHS Family, Community and Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) club is accepting donations for the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) project until December 22. This SHIP project directly supports local students in need. Please bring donations of care items (shaving cream, razors, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, body and hair care products and lotion) to school as soon as possible.
Community members are welcome to drop off items in the box in our lobby during school hours, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. Together, we are making a difference!
Shown left to right are club members Carli Mazaleski, Kiernan Myles, Charmane Nesbitt (advisor), Emma Magers, and Jenna Glass.
Catoctin Crazies Support Community
The Catoctin Crazies club, Catoctin High School's spirit club, has been doing more than just cheering on the winter sports teams this winter! They are hosting collection drives at some games to help support needy families in our community. For example, last week they collected children's books for Toys for Tots and tonight, December 17, the Crazies are collecting donations of gently used or new jackets, gloves, mittens, hats and scarves, and other warm clothing.
Friday, December 17 at 7:00 pm, Girls Varsity Basketball - Cause: Bring donations of gently used or new jackets, gloves, mittens, scarves, hats and other warm clothing for needy families! Theme: Pajama Night
Monday, December 20 at 7:00 pm, Boys Varsity Basketball - Theme: Holiday Night
Wednesday, December 22 at 7:00 pm, Boys Varsity Basketball - Alumni Night. Theme: Blackout Night
Watch for updates on the more Crazies collection drives throughout at home athletic events this year!
Catoctin CTC Students Earn Awards
Congratulations to the following CHS students who earned medals in the local SkillsUSA competition at the Career and Technical Center (CTC)! All first, second and third place winners have earned the right to compete in the SkillsUSA Western Regional Competition in February.
Morgan Baker, HVACR/Plumbing, 1st-Sheet Metal
Dakota Bostian, Homeland Security/Criminal Justice, 2nd-Criminal Justice
Anders Doolittle, Carpentry, 5th Hon. Mention-Carpentry
Nathan Kovalcik, CAD Engineering, 5th Hon. Mention-Technical Drafting
Jeremiah Manahan, Automotive Technology, 1st-Automotive Maintenance & LIght Repair
Gareth McCullough, Cisco, 2nd-Internetworking
Daynin McLain, Electricity, 4th Hon. Mention-Electrical Construction Wiring
Zachary Reynolds, Homeland Security/Criminal Justice, 5th Hon. Mention-Crime Scene Investigation
Chayton Rogers, Television & Multimedia, 5th Hon. Mention-Digital Cinema Production
Dalton Sayler, Carpentry, 3rd-Carpentry,
Jacob Stinson, Homeland Security/Criminal Justice, 4th Hon. Mention-Crime Scene Investigation
William Vosburgh, Electricity, 3rd-Electrical Construction Wiring
Dylan Wangness, HVACR/Plumbing, 2nd-Plumbing
You? Famous?
Scripted is Catoctin's new Creative Arts magazine, open for anyone with something to share with the world. All types of writing and art, whether it’s a poem, story, essay, song, photo, animation, comic, hand drawn, or digital, can be submitted to Scripted. You may remain anonymous or get your name out there for all to see! All entries must be the student’s original work, and follow the submission guidelines. Please access the link for submission by clicking here: SCRIPTED (must log into FCPS account to enter)
Unified Bocce
On December 8th, Catoctin's Unified Bocce team opened their season with a decisive victory over Oakdale with a 3 to 0 match win!
The team invites fans to come out for the next home match on January 13th at 3:30 pm.
Team members pictured left to right: Carli Mazaleski, Kenzie Lewis, Siddah Robbins, Logan Dukich, Jayden Myers, Dominic McKenney, Oliver Vasquez (not present Lucas Phelan and Jonny Wastler).
Student Cell Phone Use
Safety Tips and Advice for Parents/Guardians
In an effort to work together to ensure appropriate use of cell phones for students, we encourage parents/guardians to review safe cell phone usage frequently, maintain open communication, and utilize appropriate parental controls. You may also want to create a cell phone contract with your child outlining the privileges and responsibilities associated with cell phone use. For your convenience, a sample contract is provided here. Also, students are reminded of the school’s rules for having a cell phone at school, which is linked for your reference and in case you wish to periodically review them with your child. Regulation 400-18 Electronic Devices – Student Use.
Additionally, please reiterate with your child to not use their cell phone for unsanctioned purposes such as: cheating, harassing or bullying others, taking photos or videos of others without permission, checking personal social media accounts, or sexting. We are encouraging students to keep their phones in their bags during class; for many students, the presence and use of the phone has been a significant distraction to their learning. Some violations may have consequences not only related to student discipline, but victims have also pursued legal action against both the student and the parent/guardian. Those outcomes are best avoided when schools and parents partner together. We thank you for all that you do to help us reinforce good digital citizenship.
Calendar
DECEMBER
18 Santa's Workshop, 9 -11 am, CHS
23-31 School and School Offices Closed, Winter Break
JANUARY 2021
10 Second Semester Schedules Available in Schoology
13 End of Term 2; End of First Semester
14 School Closed
17 School Closed
18 Term 3 Begins, Second Semester Begins
MCAP Testing
End-of-course MCAP testing began on Monday, December 13 and will run through January 13, with make-up testing continuing through January 21. The four tested areas are Algebra 1, English 10, Biology, and Government. Taking these tests is a State requirement for graduation.
If your child is testing this semester, please encourage him/her to attend school on testing days and to bring a fully-charged Chromebook to class.
Bus Changes & Delays
Due to a shortage of drivers, school bus schedules are frequently delayed or changed. The most current up-to-date information is available on the Bus Delay Board. The site refreshes every 60 seconds. Please check this site early and often!
Parking Permits
If you plan to drive to school (using any type of motorized vehicle - including mopeds or motorcycles) and park on campus, you will need to obtain a student parking permit from the front office. You must complete a Parking Permit form and you and your parent/guardian must sign the form. Please get your parking permit as soon as possible in order to avoid a fine. Please visit the front office for more information.
Face Covering Expectations
All students must wear a properly-fitting face covering (covering nose and mouth) within the school building at all times. While most students have met these expectations, we have many who are not wearing their masks properly (in most cases, the masks are not pulled up over their noses). We will reach out to the parents of students who are consistently non-compliant with this expectation. We are also asking parents to reiterate the importance of adhering to our requirements regarding face coverings. Thanks for your assistance and support!
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Cougar Community,
Winter Break is just three school days away, which seems somewhat unbelievable given the unusually warm weather we have been having. What seems equally unbelievable to me is that we are just 12 school days away from the end of Semester 1 (which marks the halfway point of the school year). My, how time flies!
In my December letter last year, I wrote about the challenges we faced in 2020 and our look forward to 2021; we were looking ahead to a shift back to in-person learning. While that was realized (and for that I am so thankful), I think it is fair to say that 2021 has posed some challenges also. As we make the turn from this year to next, I would challenge everyone to reflect on the following questions:
What went well in 2021?
What was my/our greatest challenge in 2021?
What am I most looking forward to in 2022?
How can we work together in 2022?
The new year brings a fresh start, quite literally with new classes that begin on January 18. We can make the most of that fresh start by spending some time in reflection, while also setting achievable yet challenging goals for the second half of the year. Until then, however, let’s have a strong finish to this semester. There are 12 more school days to work hard, submit assignments, and get support and assistance to support your success.
I extend my wishes to every student and family for an enjoyable and peaceful holiday season and winter break. I hope you are able to take some time away from your typical routine to do something that brings you joy.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!
Go Cougars!
Jen Clements
Principal
Digital Season Passes and Tickets for CHS Sporting Events
The Catoctin High School Athletic Department is proud to be partnering with Ticket Spicket to offer students, individuals, and families the opportunity to purchase digital single event tickets, Annual All-Sports Season Passes, and Seasonal All-Sports Passes.
The season pass options include the Annual All-Sports Pass which provides to access any non-playoff, non-tournament, regular season home game for any sport throughout the entire 2021-2022 school year and the Seasonal All-Sports Pass for access to any non-playoff, non-tournament, regular season home game for any sport that is played during the season for which the pass was purchased (Fall, Winter, or Spring) during the 2020-2021 season. Individual game tickets are also available. Visit this link for complete details and pricing: Tickets
Fan Guidelines 2021-22
The Catoctin High School winter athletic season has begun with boys and girls basketball scrimmages next week. Please help us maintain a safe environment by adhering to the policies found in here: Fan Guidelines.
Athletic Game Schedules
The most up-to-date athletic game schedule is available online at: CHS Athletic Game Schedules
Cougar Sideline Store
The Cougar Sideline Store at BSN Sports has a variety of Catoctin High School spirit wear options. Use code DEC21 to save 20% off orders of $90 or more.
now you can View chs athletic games Live!
Visit www.nfhsnetwork.com or click on the photo below.
Search for your Catoctin HIgh School
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counseling department
Spring Schedules Available January 10
Spring semester schedules will be viewable in Schoology to students on Monday, January 10th. The schedule change period will remain open until Monday, January 24th. After that time, schedule changes will no longer be possible, no exceptions. Schedule changes will only be completed with a parent approved schedule change form (shared electronically or signed paper copy). Please review the list of accepted schedule change reasons. Schedule changes cannot be approved via email or Schoology message request. If you wish to meet with your Counselor, please use our Calendly links to sign up for a time:
Christy Wahl, Last Names A-G http://www.calendly.com/catoctincwahl
Cameo Lawlor, Last Names H-O http://www.calendly.com/catoctinclawlor
Shannon Byrnes, Last Names P-Z http://www.calendly.com/catoctinsbyrnes
NEED HELP?
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: 1-800-273-8255
To get help if you are thinking about suicide.
College Visits & Events
FCC invites you to attend for one of the following virtual Dual Enrollment Open House events to learn about all four Dual Enrollment programs held 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. via Google Meet
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Register to attend one of three virtual sessions at https://tinyurl.com/FCCDualEnrollment
Dual Enrollment allow students to earn college credits or industry credentials while completing their high school diploma at a fraction of the normal cost. Your goals determine which option is best for you.
Representatives from both FCC and FCPS will explain the benefits and requirements for each program: High School Based, Open Campus, Career Pathways, Early College. FAQs, forms, and information about our programs can be found at www.frederick.edu/de. Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, 301-624-2893, or www.frederick.edu/de
Tutoring opportunties available for students
We want to help you succeed! If you need help with your classes, there are multiple resources available to you!
CHS After-School Tutoring: In-Person and Virtual Sessions Offered
Catoctin High School offers an after school tutoring program with teachers and staff from our school. Choose to drop in for face-to-face sessions after school in the Media Center or drop in to virtual Google Meet sessions in the evenings.
The after school face-to-face sessions will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, whenever school is in session. At this time, transportation for after school tutoring will not be available.
Evening virtual sessions will be held on Google Meet. A virtual tutoring schedule with tutors, days, times, and Google meet codes may be found by clicking here: Evening Virtual Tutoring
Online Instant Help Tutoring Program: TutorMe
All Frederick County Public Schools middle and high school students now have 24/7 access to virtual tutoring services for help on any subject.
What is TutorMe? TutorMe provides virtual tutoring opportunities for middle and high school students on virtually any topic. Tutors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance.
How do students log in? Students can log in from the Chrome web browser by using Clever.
How do students get tutoring assistance? Students access TutorMe using the Clever portal and then select a subject for help. Watch this video for details on how to connect with a tutor.
What can students request assistance for? So much! Need help with a math question? Tutors can support. Need essay feedback? Tutors can support. Preparing for an exam? Tutors can support.
How do students get assistance with writing reports and essays? The TutorMe Writing Lab is accessible to students 24/7. More details about how to upload documents to the lab are available online. Spanish directions are available here.
Does TutorMe help with Advanced Placement and/or Dual Enrollment courses at the high school level? Yes! TutorMe began as a tutoring service for college students. Tutors are available to support students in most subjects and at any level.
For detailed information and links visit: TutorMe Q&A
class of 2022 Safe & Sane Graduation
Safe and Sane is currently selling Cash Raffles until January 12th. There are 21 chances to win (20 - $100 Winners & 1 - $500 Winner). Tickets are sold at CHS home basketball games.
The Safe and Sane meeting will be January 12th at 6:00 pm. We will be meeting in the upstairs of the American Legion.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the March St. Patty's Day Bash. The deadline to sign up as a sponsor is January 3rd. Click here for more information
The next bingo will be February 12th at the Thurmont Carnival Ground Activities Building. This will be another cash bingo - more details and tickets will be available soon.
Save the Date! March 12th, 6:30-11:00 pm - St. Patty's Day Bash at the Thurmont American Legion. More details to come.
If you would like to find out more about the Class of 2022 Safe and Sane please email us at catoctinsafeandsane2022@gmail.com or follow us on Social Media:
Community flyers
These flyers have been approved for electronic distribution by FCPS:
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an all-volunteer 501(C)(3) non-profit that builds twin beds, and delivers them, FREE of CHARGE, to families in Frederick County, Maryland whose kids, ages 4-17, are sleeping on the floor, a couch, or with their parents or siblings. Beds include NEW frames, mattresses, blankets, sheets, and pillows. Click below for more information:
English: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=15883
Spanish: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=15884