THE COUGAR CONNECTION
THE COUGAR CONNECTION
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The Catoctin High School Newsletter • February 27, 2026
chs 2026 Unified Bocce STATE Champions!
chs 2026 Unified Bocce STATE Champions!
The Catoctin High School Unified Bocce Team recently won the state championship for Unified Bocce. Shown below are team members Vincent Perella, Lucas Heims, Alaina Furry, Court Bassler, Maria Perella, Anna Page, Darin Shay Johnson, Josh Deyton. Congratulations to our dedicated players and coaches!
last chance to order a 2025-26 Yearbook
last chance to order a 2025-26 Yearbook
To guarantee your copy of the 2026 CHS Yearbook you must place your order with Jostens ASAP! The final purchase numbers for the yearbook order have been submitted. Books are still for sale (online with Jostens), but these books are now on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. A limited number of extra books are available, so it is highly recommend that you place your book order as soon as possible!
How to Purchasing Your Yearbook
All orders for yearbooks must be placed through Jostens. The school does not accept yearbook orders. You can order online with the directly online or call 1-877-767-5217 to place an order.
Not sure if you purchased already a book?
Check the Jostens purchaser list as of 2/26/26: Yearbook Order List
CHS Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
CHS Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Perfomances will be held March 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm and March 28, 2026 at 1:00 and 7:00 pm at Catoctin High School. Tickets on sale now: https://cur8.com/16998/project/137621. Tickets for evening shows are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Saturday matinee tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students.
CHS Student Services Newsletter
CHS Student Services Newsletter
The March Student Services newsletter can be viewed here: app.smore.com/n/z5f2q
School Day SAT for Juniors
School Day SAT for Juniors
All 11th-grade students will take the SAT School Day Exam on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. This exam is provided at no cost by FCPS and is required for all juniors. No registration is necessary — all 11th-grade students are automatically enrolled.
Get Ready for the Digital SAT!
Since the test will be administered digitally, take advantage of these prep resources to ensure you're ready:
Test Day Reminders
Arrive at your testing room by 7:25 AM
Turn off and hand in all mobile devices and smartwatches
Keep your Sign-In Ticket with you for practice tests
Review what to expect (see links above)
Bring pens or pencils
A calculator is optional
Charge your Chromebook the night before
Bring snacks and a drink for breaks
Questions? For SAT School Day-related questions, contact Mrs. Ryley (sarah.ryley@fcps.org). For general SAT or college admissions questions, reach out to your school counselor. Start preparing now!
Spring Sports Begin Feb. 28
Spring Sports Begin Feb. 28
Registration for the spring sports at Catoctin High School is now open for the following teams: Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse-Boys, Lacrosse-Girls, Track & Field-Boys, Track & Field-Girls, Tennis-Boys, Tennis-Girls, and Unified Track.
In order to try-out or join a team, a parent/guardian must complete the online registration and the student must turn in a hard copy of an updated (dated April 1, 2025 or after) sports physical to the head coach or Athletic Director prior to the first day of tryouts/practices. The physical must be completed on the FCPS physical form.
February 28, 2026 - First day of Spring Sports tryouts/practice: Tryout Schedule
Online Athletic Registration (must be completed prior to February 28, 2026)
Sports Physical Form - If a physical was submitted for the fall or winter sports season, it is on file and does not need to be resubmitted. New athletes must submit a sports physical dated April 1, 2025 or later and must be completed prior to February 28, 2026).
Mandatory Player/Parent Meeting - Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 pm in the CHS auditorium.
Requirements once player is selected to a team:
Pay the FCPS Non-Refundable Seasonal Athletic Fee - $185. Note to parents: You will not be able to pay online until your student athlete is selected for the team and the roster has been finalized.
Payments will be due no later than Tuesday, March 17 by 11:59 pm and should be made via SchoolCash Online.
For more information please contact the team head coach, Athletics Director Brett Campbell, or visit catoctinathletics.com.
TIPS FROM THE HEALTH ROOM
TIPS FROM THE HEALTH ROOM
With the winter and flu season, here it is important to remember some helpful guidelines to help decide what to do if your child tells you they are not feeling well.
When to keep your child home from school:
a temperature of more than 100 for more than 24 hours
nausea or vomiting
stomachache
diarrhea
pale or flushed face
persistent cough
earache
thick discharge from the nose
painful sore throat
rash or infection of the skin
red or pink eyes
If your child had a fever the evening before or through the night, keep them home. Students should have a normal temperature under 100 degrees for 24 hours prior to returning without the use of fever reducing meds. If the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, you should contact your private source of medical care. Children sometimes use illness as an excuse to miss school. On the other hand, some children force themselves to go to school even though they are sick. It is up to you to be alert to your child’s health and to decide when it is best to send him/her to school. This is also when you need to consider if your child would be contagious to classmates. If your child complains of being sick or does not look well after they reach school, we will contact you. Therefore, it is important that updated information and phone numbers be provided. As you read this, please remember these are general guidelines. You know your child the best! This is also a perfect time to reinforce hand washing to help minimize the spread of germs. Thank you for your attention to this matter and please call the health room at 227-203-3159 if you have any questions.
Mark Your Calendar!
Mark Your Calendar!
March 19 - Term 3 ends; 2-hour Early Dismissal
March 20 - Schools closed
March 23 - Term 4 begins
April 2 - Report Cards issued
April 3-10 - Schools closed for Spring Break
May 1 - 2-hour Early Dismissal; Prom
May 19 - Graduation Practice
May 22 - Seniors Last Day
May 25 - Schools closed
May 27 - Schools closed
May 29 - Graduation Practice
June 1 - Gradation Practice, Senior Award Ceremony
June 2 - Graduation, 6:00 pm
Class of 2026 Senior Information
Class of 2026 Senior Information
A meeting was held on February 6 for all seniors. Students and parents can review the meeting presentation that includes important information regarding graduation activities: Senior Meeting - February 6, 2026
If you already have a cap and gown and just need to purchase a tassel, see Mrs. Zentz in the main office to purchase one for $15 each.
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
On February 4, we hosted the Catoctin Feeder Community Dinner. The evening was a great success as we welcomed many families for dinner and provided information and resources from many different organizations. At our community event, we highlighted our feeder “Cougar Kind” campaign. This message reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every student is treated with kindness and respect and thus feels a sense of belonging in our schools. It is my belief that the potential for kindness and respect lies in each and every student in our feeder and I would love to see that displayed in every interaction. Thank you for your positive contributions to our community and for encouraging positive citizenship from our students.
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Jen Clements
Principal
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/.
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 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!
CHS PTSA Scholarship
CHS PTSA Scholarship
This year, the CHS PTSA will be awarding three scholarships this year at $500/each. The following criteria will apply:
The student/applicant or immediate family member must be a CHS PTSA member by March 31st, 2026.
All student applicants must have maintained a 2.5 grade point average.
Applicants must be planning to attend a trade school or college university in the Fall of 2026 (and provide documentation of admission to PTSA).
Complete and return the scholarship application form to the CHS Guidance office by April 30th, 2026, 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 30th, 2026 WILL NOT be accepted for consideration. Scholarships will be announced at the Senior Awards Night. Good luck in your endeavors to continue your education!
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.
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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