THE COUGAR CONNECTION
THE COUGAR CONNECTION
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The Catoctin High School Newsletter • June 12, 2025
Catoctin High Graduation
Catoctin High Graduation
A beautiful ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 28 to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025. Congratulations!
The last day of school for students is TODAY (Thursday, June 12) and it is a 2-hour early dismissal day. Friday, June 13 is the last day for teachers. Have a great summer!
The last day of school for students is TODAY (Thursday, June 12) and it is a 2-hour early dismissal day. Friday, June 13 is the last day for teachers. Have a great summer!
School offices will be closed June 19 and 20. Beginning Monday, June 23, the CHS school office will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm and by appointment only from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.
School offices will be closed June 19 and 20. Beginning Monday, June 23, the CHS school office will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm and by appointment only from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.
Upcoming 9th Graders enjoyed move up day
Upcoming 9th Graders enjoyed move up day
On June 3, 2025, eager eighth graders visited Catoctin High School for an exciting Move Up Day! It was such a pleasure to meet these students and help them get a head start on what to expect during their freshman year.
Each student left with a folder packed full of important information! Parents can view the information here: June 2025 Move Up Day Packet The packet contains information about ordering their first-ever high school t-shirt - the official Class of ’29 t-shirt (perfect timing for Homecoming), key yearbook portrait dates for the 2025-26 school year, and some other information about clubs and activities.
Enjoy your summer! We can’t wait to welcome your students as proud 9th graders next year!
Math Honor Society Mural
Math Honor Society Mural
Students from Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society, and teacher/advisor Mr. Ausherman pose in front of the mural they hand painted to brighten up the math hallway!
Cougars Complete The Murph Challenge
Cougars Complete The Murph Challenge
Congratulations to our Catoctin Cougars who stepped to The Murph Workout Challenge! These students volunteered to complete Murph Challenge; a CrossFit Hero Workout designed to honor Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL, who was killed in action in Afghanistan. It's a grueling workout! The Murph Challenge is not only a physical and mental test but also a way to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service.
These Cougars complete a 1-mile run, 100 sit ups, 200 push ups, 300 air squats, and end with another 1-mile run. Their dedication to The Murph Challenge was motivating to all of us. We are looking forward to making this a CHS tradition!
FCCLA Club Helps with TES Field Day
FCCLA Club Helps with TES Field Day
Members of the Catoctin High FCCLA (Family, Community and Career Leaders of America) club and advisors Charmane Nesbitt and Janice Gazmen volunteered their time to help assist at the annual Thurmont Elementary School field day. This is an annual tradition for the club that dates back decades!
chs Students Earn Seal of Biliteracy
chs Students Earn Seal of Biliteracy
Catoctin High School was pleased to offer the Avant language assessment to students interested in pursuing the Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills attained by students, and exemplifies abilities that are attractive to college admission offices and future employers. Students took a series of 4 tests that included listening, reading, writing, and speaking in their non-English language. Each assessment is scored. Students who met the required score earned the Seal of Biliteracy. Students are awarded a medal that they may proudly wear at graduation.
Catoctin High School who met the requirements to earn the Seal of Biliteracy: Nicolas Alvarado, Nikolai Bokinsky, Kenzi Braitman, Lucas Caballero Perla, Kendall Caballero Zuniga, Camila Canadas Fraga, Gabriel Contreras, Sophia Gagliardi, Anthony Garcia Vasquez, Carlos Garcia Vasquez, Delaney Hench, Griffin Hench, Jaime Hernandez Gamez, Lucciano Lopez, Elias Merino Mendoza, Michael Metz, Brianna Montoya Sorto, Abiel Rivera, Adrian Sanchez, Dayanara Sosa Torres.
Catoctin Community 5K & Fun Run Raises over $4,000
Catoctin Community 5K & Fun Run Raises over $4,000
It was a little rainy and dreary, but that didn't stop over 120 heroes from having a fun time to support Special Olympics on Saturday, June 7 for the 2nd Annual Heroes On the Run Catoctin Community 5K and Fun Run.
The funds raised through the event stay local and directly support year-round sports training and competitive programs for both adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Frederick County. Special Olympics offer 15 different sports, all at no cost to the athletes and their families, and it costs approximately $275 per athlete per sport to run the program.
If you were not able to join the event, but would like to make a contribution, donations will be accepted through June 30, 2025 at this link: Donate
Help us reach our goal of donating $5,000 to Special Olympics!
Senior Class of 2026 Yearbook Information
Senior Class of 2026 Yearbook Information
The CHS Yearbook has created a website to share important information. There are two pages on the website dedicated to senior information. One outlines the senior portrait process and the other outlines the yearbook baby ad process. Please check the CHS Yearbook website for answers to your yearbook and portrait questions. If you still have questions after reviewing the site, please contact Mrs. Hutchinson.
CLICK HERE for the Senior Yearbook Summer Mailer Packet which has detailed yearbook and portrait information. A printed version of this packet will be mailed to student homes at the end of June.
Senior Class of 2026 Portrait Information
In order for your senior portrait to appear in the CHS 2026 yearbook you needed to be photographed by Victor O’Neill Studios during the senior portrait dates listed below. We do not accept outside portraits for the yearbook. All portraits will take place in the CHS Auditorium.
Victor O’Neill offers a variety of portrait choices beyond the yearbook session for a small sitting fee. There is a ‘Yearbook Only Session’ that is NO CHARGE. If you only need your tux/drape photo taken for the yearbook, just select the FREE YEARBOOK ONLY SESSION when you sign up for your appointment. The paid sessions also include the traditional tux/drape photo options. More information about these sessions will be available from Victor O’Neill Studios when you sign up. Instructions for senior portraits from Victor O’Neill Studios: Senior Portraits
CHS Senior Portrait Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year
Summer Portrait Dates: July 7, July 31, August 4, 2025 Each student/parent/guardian will sign up for their own portrait date/time with Victor O’Neill Studios at Catoctin High School. Victor O’Neill will not accept walk-in appointments. You must sign up for a portrait time with Victor O’Neill Studios: Sign Up for Senior Portraits
Make-Up Dates: October 21 & 21, 2025 - If you cannot make the July or August dates, make-up sessions will be held October 20 and 21 and sign-ups for those dates will be available in mid-September.
Baby Ad Orders
The yearbook staff will again be offering baby ads in a variety of sizes and prices. Families may submit pictures of their senior (baby, childhood, and/or recent photos) and write a sincere message to show your senior how proud you are of their accomplishments. Pricing, based on due dates, is located in the baby ad packet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the 2024-2025 Yearbook Advisor Theresa Hutchinson at theresa.hutchinson@fcps.org.
2025 Yearbook - A Few Copies Remain!
2025 Yearbook - A Few Copies Remain!
Would you like to purchase a 24-25 CHS Yearbook? We sold out of our planned copies of the book but we were fortunate and have 12 overrun copies from our publisher. If you would like to purchase one of these extra copies of the yearbook please click here to purchase through FCPS SchoolCash online. The book you purchase will be available for pick up in the CHS front office after you have completed your payment.
Senior Features for the 25-26 Yearbook
The yearbook staff would like to include additional coverage in the senior areas of the book. We are hoping to feature baby/toddler photo content in the following areas:
Baby Ad Divider - submit any baby/toddler photo for possible use on the section divider.
First-First Day of School VS Last-First Day of School - submit 'first' first day of school photos now and then you can submit your 'last' first day of school photo on August 20th or stop by the yearbook room (402) and we can take one for you!
CHS Cougar Cubs Preschool Student Photos - Students that attended the CHS Cougar Cubs Preschool program can send images from their time in the program. Preferably, we are hoping for graduation photos, but we will take any.
Childhood Friendships - Been friends since Velcro shoes? Send a photo of your childhood friend group and one from your group now.
Send the yearbook any images that you feel could be featured in the categories above! Due to publisher deadlines we need the images by: OCTOBER 21, 2025. Submit your photos: Senior Features Photos
Cougar athletics wrap-up
Cougar athletics wrap-up
Shaymus Stull and Deacon McIlvaine won the State Championships in Track and Field.
Girls Softball made it to the State Finals.
Girls Basketball won the CMC Conference Championship.
Boys and Girls Lacrosse both made it to the CMC Conference Championship.
fcps Fall Sports begin August 13th
fcps Fall Sports begin August 13th
Student-athletes will need a physical dated after April 1 and a completed registration submitted prior to participation. Information on registration and physicals are available on https://www.fcps.org/athletics
To view the available sports and information to contact the coach directly visit: Coach Directory
More information will be sent over the summer via Catoctin's school messenger system.
CHS Sports Boosters Summer Sports Camps
CHS Sports Boosters Summer Sports Camps
Get ready for an action-packed summer with Catoctin Sports Boosters' Summer Sports Camps! Designed for young athletes of all skill levels, our camps offer a safe, supportive, and energetic environment where kids can learn, grow, and thrive. Whether they're just getting started or looking to sharpen their game, campers will receive quality instruction from experienced coaches while building confidence, teamwork, and a love for sports. Visit the following links for more information:
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
The end of the 2024-2025 school year is here…..it has been a great year with a lot for us to celebrate. This newsletter depicts some of the highlights, but there was also important learning and connections that happened every day that are too numerous to capture. I love the big events (Graduation, Underclass Awards, sporting events, fine arts productions, FFA events, etc.) that make Catoctin High School a special place, but I am also equally pleased by the little steps that staff and students take each day to learn and grow. As I said at graduation, I am grateful to the outstanding CHS staff who care so much and work so hard with and for our students. I am also grateful to our parents and community for your partnership and support. Our kids need all of us behind them to foster their development into well-rounded and well-educated young adults and our community rises up to answer this call. We have done great things this year and it is important to celebrate that. At the same time, I am already excited for the potential that next year holds. We will continue our focus on good attendance and strong academic challenge and support - this will position us to do great things next year.
Speaking of next year, we already have a lot planned for the 2025-2026 school year. Please continue to look for messages (via School Messenger) throughout the summer – we will rely upon that as our main mode of communication and will be sending out important details related to the next school year. I have noted a few important dates below that I encourage you to mark on your calendar now (as they will be here before we know it):
August 6 - schedules are visible to students and parents in Schoology
August 13 - fall athletics begin
August 18 - Back to School Night (4:00 - 5:30 pm)
August 20 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
I send my best wishes to every family for a safe, enjoyable summer that affords you a break from the school-year routines and some time to re-energize. It has been my sincere pleasure to serve as principal of Catoctin High School and I look forward to continuing our work together next year.
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Jen Clements
Principal
Counseling Office Summer News
Counseling Office Summer News
Counselors have limited summer days and will respond to your email as soon as possible upon their return. Please note that the general Counseling Office phone line is not covered on a daily basis during the summer. If you have any questions, please contact your assigned School Counselor directly by email or call the Main Office at (227) 203-3150.
NEW Counselor assignments effective June 12th:
Christy Wahl, School Counselor, Grades 9-12, Last Names A-G, Christina.Wahl@fcps.org
Cameo Lawlor, School Counselor,Grades 9-12, Last Names H-O, Cameo.Lawlor@fcps.org
Shannon Hayes, School Counselor, Grades 9-12, Last Names P-Z, Shannon.Hayes@fcps.org
Next Year Enrollments (2025-2026)
If you’re inquiring about enrolling your child for next year, please visit the FCPS Enrollment Portal.
Transcript Requests
If you need a copy of your transcript, please submit your request to Mrs. Olson at Rachel.Olson@fcps.org.
Education Verifications
If you’re inquiring about an Educational Verification, please fax your request to 227-203-3196 or email Rachel.Olson@fcps.org.
Student Schedules & Changes
Student schedules will be made available in Schoology and sent via parent email on August 6th. The process for an academic schedule change request will be shared at that time.
FCC Dual Enrollment
A counselor will be available every Wednesday (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) to answer dual enrollment questions and meet with students as necessary. To schedule an appointment please call the Main Office at (227) 203-3150. **Please note ALL students taking open campus courses must apply by August 1st, 2025, otherwise they will not be able to schedule open campus courses until spring semester. Other questions and concerns can be directed to CHS Dean of Dual Enrollment Andrew McWilliams at Andrew.McWilliams@fcps.org.
Work Study & Internships
Work Study and Internship questions and paperwork can be turned into Mr. David Gadra at David.Gadra@fcps.org or by dropping it off at the CHS front office. All work-based learning experiences need to be approved by Mr. Gadra before the Counseling Office can make the schedule change.
Class of 2026 College Application Process Update
Effective July 1, 2025, FCPS will transition from Naviance to Xello to support the college application process. Throughout September and October, counselors will offer college application workshops, hold an evening event for students & parents, and conduct individual student meetings to assist in this process. Student login information and further instructions will be shared as it becomes available.
Back to School Night will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.
First Day of School will be August 20, 2025.
all for lunch ... and lunch for all!
all for lunch ... and lunch for all!
All for Lunch has partnered with FCPS to eliminate school lunch debt and combat childhood food insecurity. Led by FCPS Teacher of the Year 2023-2024 Nicole Rhoades, this initiative has its own dedicated donation page: https://allforlunch.org/FrederickMD/. All for Lunch collaborates with school systems and donors nationwide to address school meal deficits, powered by generous contributions from community members and businesses. Donors can elect to make a one-time or a recurring monthly donation amount, and even specify a particular school for the donation amount to be applied. Our partnership with All for Lunch is completely free, with no hidden fees or costs, ensuring 100% of the donation goes directly to FCPS.
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/.
2025 CATOCTIN Community School Supply Program
2025 CATOCTIN Community School Supply Program
The annual Catoctin Community School Supply program will offer backpacks of school supplies to assist students attending the Catoctin Area Feeder Schools The distribution date is Tuesday, August 12th, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm at Graceham Moravian Church, 8231-A Rocky Ridge Rd., Thurmont.
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.
PTSA Seeking Officers for 2025-26
PTSA Seeking Officers for 2025-26
The PTSA has had a wonderful year of service to Catoctin High School and we are very proud of all that we have accomplished during the 2024-2025 school year!
Two PTSA officers are moving on next year, so we are looking for two new motivated people who have 2-8 hours a month (depending on the month) to give to the betterment of CHS. Do you want to have a better understanding of what is going on at the school, want to build solid relationships with CHS staff, and want to help celebrate the students? Then the PTSA is the place for you! We need a Secretary and a Treasurer for the 2025-2026 school year. We have things working very efficiently so minimal time is required for these positions.
This is your call to help the PTSA continue to serve our children, CHS, and its staff.
Interested? Please reach out to the PTSA Board via email at CatoctinHigh.PTSA@gmail.com.
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. The group raises money through fund raisers, concession sales, sponsorship and membership.
All of the money raised goes to support CHS 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: Membership Form
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