THE COUGAR CONNECTION
THE COUGAR CONNECTION
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The Catoctin High School Newsletter • January 23, 2026
Maryland Work Zone Safety Poster Contest
Maryland Work Zone Safety Poster Contest
On November 17, 2025, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller shared a set of recommendations to make Maryland roads safer and reduce crashes and fatalities in work zones. Part of this effort includes partnering with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to implement the new 2026 Maryland Work Zone Safety Poster Contest.
Questions regarding the contest can be directed to Gabriel Rose, State Director for Pupil Transportation and Emergency Management, MSDE, at gabriel.rose1@maryland.gov. View contest details here: Maryland Work Zone Safety Poster Contest.
Shadowing for the Career & Technology Center
Shadowing for the Career & Technology Center
If you're interested in the CTC program, there are only 3 weeks left to request a shadow and only 5 weeks left to shadow! Rescheduling is not guaranteed so please do your best to attend on the date you are scheduled.
The FCPS Career and Technology Center (CTC) is part of the Frederick County Public Schools system. With more than 20 programs to choose from, students have the opportunity to gain college and career experience in a variety of areas. They can earn college credits as well as valuable industry certifications and licenses through a CTC program. CTC programs are taught in half-day blocks, and students attend their high school for the other half of the school day. Shadowing a CTC program is the first step in the application process and is open to students in grades 9-11. Students may shadow up to two programs. A shadow experience is required in order to apply and students must shadow the program(s) that they are applying to within that same school year.
Interested students can request a shadow from the CTC website.
Shadowing is open November 4, 2025 – February 26, 2026
Last day to request a shadow: February 13, 2026
Application deadline: March 6, 2026
For additional information about the Career & Technology Center visit https://ctc.sites.fcps.org/.
Welcome Deputy Eyler!
Welcome Deputy Eyler!
We are happy to announce that Deputy Robert Eyler has joined the Catoctin High School community as our new School Resource Officer (replacing Deputy Heerema who was promoted to a new position in December). Deputy Eyler brings five years of experience as a School Resource Officer and will be a great asset to our school. Please give Deputy Eyler a warm Cougar welcome.
CHS and TMS Take on the Polar Plunge!
CHS and TMS Take on the Polar Plunge!
We are excited to share that we will have over 130 participants taking part in the 2026 MSP Polar Bear Cool Schools Plunge on Wednesday, January 28th!
All students signed up for this trip should look in their Schoology Group page on Monday for details regarding bus lists, timelines, what to pack/wear, and a map of the event. Any changes to the field trip due to weather will be communicated via the Schoology group pages.
If you are interested in contributing to the cause, our Catoctin Cougars team will greatly appreciate your support: https://support.somd.org/team/635303
We look forward to a historic trip this year with our largest group yet!
Mark Your Calendar!
Mark Your Calendar!
January 27 - Community Dinner
January 28 - Polar Plunge
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
This is our first newsletter of 2026, 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 on them 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.
Speaking of partnership, we are excited to host our annual Catoctin Feeder Community Night on Tuesday, January 27. This event is a great opportunity for us to come together as a feeder community to share resources, renew our commitment to our students and our school, and to appreciate the connections we already have and those we can develop within our community. Please plan to join us between 5:00 - 7:00 that evening for dinner; you are also invited to stay to watch our boys’ basketball team take on Walkersville that night (JV plays at 5:30, with Varsity following about 7:00). Additionally, many community organizations will be present and there will be a food distribution. We hope to see you there!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns - we value your collaboration and partnership.
Go Cougars!
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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