THE COUGAR CONNECTION
THE COUGAR CONNECTION
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The Catoctin High School Newsletter • January 16, 2025
CHS Students Participate in FCPS Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
CHS Students Participate in FCPS Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Frederick County Public Schools’ (FCPS) students and staff celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at a free event on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 7:00 pm, at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
The theme for this 35th annual celebration was “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” During the celebration, a student from each FCPS school will be recognized as their school’s King Award recipient. Students were selected by their school based on their demonstration of positive leadership qualities characteristic of Dr. King: Responsibility, Caring, Fairness, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, and Respect.
Catoctin High School senior Richelle Zeng was chosen as this year's school King Award recipient. CHS students Tatiana Owens, Gabriel Torrado, and Faith May (shown L-R) were selected as speakers for the event.
chs Flag at the Ravens Stadium
chs Flag at the Ravens Stadium
Members of the Catoctin High School flag football team took part in a skills challenge relay during halftime at the Ravens playoff game last weekend. Shown here (L-R) are student-athletes Grace May, Caryn Blum, Allie Keller, Peyton Myles, and Lauren Kelley.
Important Dual Enrollment Information
Important Dual Enrollment Information
Congratulations on your decision to advance your education by enrolling in one or more FCC Dual Enrollment courses! We are pleased to be able to offer some of these courses to you at your home school. The Dual Enrollment program allows you to earn both high school and transcripted college credit for approved FCC courses. If you so choose, the course, credit, and grade will be reflected on your high school transcript, as well as the transcript provided by the college.
As a student accepted into the Dual Enrollment program, you have met enrollment criteria through FCPS GPA, course grades, MCAP scores, AP exam scores, SAT/ACT scores, or Accuplacer scores.
As a Dual Enrollment student, you have roles and responsibilities that differ from those of a typical Catoctin High School student. The FCC/FCPS/CHS policies that guide these responsibilities are outlined here: Dual Enrollment Policies – Spring 2025
IMPORTANT DATES*
*See chart below for start dates for individual high school-based classes.
15-Week Courses (Open Campus/OC & High-School Based/HSB)
➔ First day of classes. . . . . . . . .Monday, January 27, 2025
➔ Last day to withdraw. . . . . . . Friday, April 11, 2025
➔ Last day of classes. . . . . . . . . Friday, May 16, 2025
➔ Grades due (10:00 AM). . . . . Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The FCCLA Club is grateful for the support given to the recent SHIP Homeless for the Holidays Drive. Club members: Alice Harrison, Lauren Kelley, Hannah Mosiychuk, Bralyn West, Kendall Jones, and Abigail Sparkman.
chs Schedule Change Process
chs Schedule Change Process
Spring schedules should be viewable in Schoology by January 16, 2025. Schedule change requests will be open between January 16th - January 27th. A schedule change request form* MUST be completed and shared with the student's assigned counselor AND signed by a parent/guardian by Monday, January 27th at 3:00 pm. (Please note that a schedule will be adjusted only after the counselor receives the form; emails and/or phone calls will not suffice.) Please follow all of the directions on the form. Counselors will be available at each lunch shift and during STEP to answer any questions.
FCC, AP coursework, Work Study, Internships, and PACEE courses require a different level of approval and will not be addressed via the regular schedule change process. If you have specific questions regarding Work Study/Internships, SSL, AP or FCC classes, please contact the appropriate person noted below:
David Gadra, Work Study/Internships: David.Gadra@fcps.org
Amy Bellarmino, PACEE: Amy.Bellarmino@fcps.org
Mary Jacques, FCC Dual Enrollment classes: Mary.Jacques@fcps.org
Sarah Ryley, AP classes: Saray.Ryley@fcps.org
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to limited scheduling options & preservation of appropriate class sizes, ONLY schedule change requests that meet one of the criteria listed below will be considered. Elective courses, teacher changes, lunch shift changes, etc. will not be considered.
Schedule is incomplete (lists fewer than 4 credits per semester)
Student must repeat a failed course
SENIORS who need a course to meet graduation requirements
Courses are scheduled in improper sequence (e.g. Spanish 2 prior to Spanish 1)
Change in instructional level (e.g. English 10 to English 10 Honors)
*Completion of a schedule change form does not guarantee a schedule change can be completed. We will do our best to honor your request; however, class size and seat availability will impact this process. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
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.
Voting is open for Student Member of the Board! Learn about the nominees here!
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
This is our first newsletter of 2025, so I want to take this opportunity to say:
Happy New Year! and
Happy Second Semester!
Both bring the opportunity for a new beginning, a fresh start, and change. I know that teachers and students alike are looking forward to the new semester, but many are also feeling the anxiety that comes with change as we leave behind the known of our first semester classes and move into second semester classes with new people, new content, and new expectations. What is not new, however, are the basic habits and practices that will bring success at school:
Come to school on time every day.
Be prepared to focus on your academics.
Remove distractions (especially phones or other electronic devices and the content that is not part of your learning)
Prioritize your learning and well-being over everything else.
Engage in your learning (school is not intended to be passive).
Be respectful and kind (to yourself and others).
Serve as a positive leader.
Advocate appropriately for your needs.
If you strive to take the actions above every day, you will achieve success in your classes and you will be a positive member of our school community.
I am confident that it will be a successful second semester as we continue to partner with students, parents/guardians, and our greater community to support our students’ learning and well-being. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Jen Clements
Principal
attendance updates and information
attendance updates and information
Attendance = Opportunity
Attendance = Opportunity
January 21 is the start of Semester 2. This is an opportunity for a fresh start - new classes, new teachers, and better attendance. For many, Semester 1 was highly successful and students had great attendance and outstanding grades - if that was the case for you, keep that up in the second semester! If you struggled in any of those areas, Semester 2 affords you the opportunity for a fresh start. I have said many times that good attendance often correlates with good grades (and bad attendance almost always correlates with low grades). Make it your goal to come to school every day; when you do, we can foster your learning and well-being. Please let us know how we can support your good attendance and your academic success.
While we want and expect students to be in school every day, this is also the season of illness and there is certainly the possibility that a sickness will mean a student is unable to attend school for one or more days. In those cases, please communicate regarding your child’s absence (a note when he/she returns and/or an email to chs.attendance@fcps.org). If their illness results in a doctor’s visit, please ask for a note and submit that to the school to appropriately document the absence. When absent, students should be in touch with their teachers and do work from home when possible.
It is our strong partnership and communication that will support students’ good attendance which will support their academic success and social-emotional well-being.
*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
Catoctin High School is officially registered and a team of students are brave enough to #BearTheCold on January 29th! Donate here to support the CHS team: https://support.somd.org/team/595523
DRIVING, DROP-OFF, AND PARKING
DRIVING, DROP-OFF, AND PARKING
We have established processes and expectations related to driving and parking on campus in an effort to ensure the safety of everyone who visits. Please, please, please do your part to create a safe campus by adhering to the following - they are for the safety of all:
During arrival, the front bus loop is for buses only. All student drop-offs should take place in the upper lot (near the baseball field).
During dismissal, car riders should also be picked up in the upper lot.
The lot directly in front of the building is for staff daily parking only (visitors who will only be in the building for a short time between 7:30 and 2:20 may use this lot for short-term parking). For the safety of our staff and students, please do not drop off or pick up students in this lot.
Student walkers should take great care when crossing the parking lot and roads; use the crosswalks and cross Sabillasville Road at the crossing guard. Please do not walk out in front of vehicles and pay attention to the traffic around you.
All drivers (student and adult) are asked to exhibit caution and to drive slowly and alertly at all times. All vehicle drivers and passengers are reminded to wear their seat belts.
Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our students’ safety on the campus of Catoctin High School.
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/.
Applications Open for Full-Time Enrollment at Frederick County Virtual School
Applications Open for Full-Time Enrollment at Frederick County Virtual School
Frederick County Virtual School (FCVS) is now accepting applications for full-time enrollment for the 2025-26 school year, for grades 9-12.
Students already enrolled in FCVS full-time must complete an application in order to maintain their enrollment for next school year. All other applications will be reviewed promptly with enrollment offers to approved applicants by the end of March. An additional application window may open in April based on student enrollment. The program will close to new applicants once student enrollment capacity is reached.
High school student applications are due by February 7, 2025.
Why Choose FCVS for Your High School Education?
FCVS is designed to promote student agency, enhance individualized learning, and prepare students with valuable time-management skills. This format empowers students to take ownership of their learning by customizing the time, place, path, and pace of their educational experience.
Students enroll for a variety of reasons, including:
Live (synchronous) sessions with self-directed (asynchronous) learning
High-quality, engaging digital curriculum
Flexible schedule that fits your life, balancing school with other commitments
Personalized learning and opportunities for daily support from instructors
Remain connected to home school for extracurricular activities
Students who thrive in this environment demonstrate these traits:
Self-Motivated: Manages learning & stays focused
Organized: Tracks assignments & meets deadlines
Communicative: Seeks help & self advocates
Adaptable: Embraces flexibility in learning
Tech-Savvy: Uses digital tools effectively
Problem-Solver: Tackles challenges independently
Engaged: Actively participates in all tasks
Need More Information: Check out FCVS Full-time High School Overview and FCVS Full-time Enrollment website.
Click Here to Apply: 2025-26 FCVS Application
Applications are due by February 7, 2025
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!
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!
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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