THE COUGAR CONNECTION
THE COUGAR CONNECTION
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The Catoctin High School Newsletter • March 6, 2025
Catoctin spring musical on stage March 28 & 29
Catoctin spring musical on stage March 28 & 29
We are one month away from Catoctin’s spring musical, James and the Giant Peach!
When James is shipped off to live with his wretched aunts, he longs for a real family and a new home. All seems lost until he discovers a magical giant peach filled with gigantic talking insects! Together with Grasshopper, Ladybug, Centipede, Spider, and Earthworm, James embarks on a most extraordinary adventure sailing across the sea to find a place to call home.
Three performances will be held on Friday, March 28th at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, March 29th at 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://cur8.com/16998/project/129574
Directed by Evan & Stephanie Felmet, poster design by AJ Ligsay.
last chance to buy your chs Yearbook
last chance to buy your chs Yearbook
Our yearbook company for the 24-25 school year is Jostens. All orders must be placed with Jostens. The school does not accept yearbook orders. You can order online with directly online or call 1-877-767-5217. All orders are now on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. We do order many extra books, but don’t delay, order your book today! If you're not sure whether you already purchased a book or not, you can check the Jostens purchaser list as of 2/27/25: Purchased List. For more information, view the Jostens Yearbook Flyer here.
March is Youth Arts Month!
March is Youth Arts Month!
Catoctin High students will showcase their artwork at the FCPS All County Student Art Show Exhibition at The Delaplaine Arts Center during March. Congratulations to the following students on their artwork:
Anna Code - Computer Graphics
Owen Furry - Digital Photography
Chelsea Reifsnider - Computer Graphics
Abby Shives - Ceramics
Nicole Costa - Art
Arden Felichko - AP Studio Art
Jacob Lipchock - Art
chs to Celebrate Cultural Heritage Day!
chs to Celebrate Cultural Heritage Day!
Catoctin High School students are invited to share their culture and heritage with us on Wednesday, March 12 during all lunch shifts for a celebration of YOU and who YOU are! Students wishing to participate should complete the form located in the "Class of 20xx" Schoology groups no later than Friday, February 14th to reserve your spot!
Jumping Jack challenge
Jumping Jack challenge
Cougar Nation took the challenge to be heart healthy and to focus on a caring heart for inclusion for February’s National Heart Month. A total of 172 students and staff participated in a Jumping Jack challenge in February. The winners for the one minute Jumping Jack challenge is sophomore Josh Valentine and Cougar Cubs preschooler Addi Staub.
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day
March 21, 2025 worldwide is recognized as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). FCPS has partnered with Families Reaching, Influencing, Educating, & Networking for Down Syndrome (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) to promote and foster awareness of Down Syndrome throughout Frederick County. To commemorate the occasion, people from all over the world wear fun socks and share pictures on social media. In FCPS, we encourage all to wear their fun socks on Friday, March 21, 2025, and share their pictures on social media at the hashtags #WDSDatFCPS and #LotsOfSocks.
BOCCE Donation
BOCCE Donation
Daniel and Tracey Bradley generously gifted two electric scoreboards for the CHS Unified Bocce team. Their son Lucas is a team member. Thank you for your support of Unified Bocce!
Girls Lacrosse Players Needed
Girls Lacrosse Players Needed
The CHS Girls Lacrosse team is looking for a few more JV players! If you're interested, contact Coach Zentz for more information.
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.
The main entrance to the school is one-way. Student drivers and visitors should not exit the campus via the entrance. All drivers should exit through the main bus loop only (once buses leave). Students are not permitted to drive through the staff parking lot to exit the campus.
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 through our neighbors' properties. Be cautious to 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.
Save the Date: PROM 2025
Save the Date: PROM 2025
The Catoctin High School junior/senior Prom will be held on Friday, April 25, 7:00-10:00 pm. More details about attendance and eligibility guidelines will be coming soon.
Attention Seniors and Senior Parents/Guardians
Attention Seniors and Senior Parents/Guardians
A senior meeting was held today for senior students with important information regarding graduation. You may view the slide show from the meeting here. If you did not sign the agreement or were not able to attend, please make sure you review and understand the information and complete the form linked in the first slide. Please contact senior advisors Mrs. Hayes or Mr. Gadra if you have questions.
Hersheypark Tickets
Hersheypark Tickets
The CHS Science department is selling discounted Hersheypark tickets. Proceeds are helping support a class field trip this spring. Tickets that are valid for the whole season are $50 each and tickets that are valid through 7/31/25 are $42 each. Order online here (be sure to include your contact information when ordering): Full Season Tickets or Early Season Tickets
FCPS Senior Career Fair
FCPS Senior Career Fair
Attention Seniors! The FCPS Senior Career Fair is happening on April 10th at Frederick Community College. This is a great opportunity to connect with employers, explore career options, and learn about job openings, apprenticeships, and training programs. Don’t miss your chance to network and take the next step toward your future career! More details coming soon.
To help students prepare, Mr. Stack will be hosting two prep sessions covering resume building and career fair etiquette. These sessions will ensure you make a great impression and feel confident when speaking with employers. Stay tuned for dates and details!
Don’t miss this chance to take the next step toward your future career!
If you are interested in attending please see Mr. Stack in Room 512!
Students Win Top Places at CTC SKills USA Contest
Students Win Top Places at CTC SKills USA Contest
Congratulations to the Catoctin High students who were medalists in the Western Regional SkillsUSA contest held at the Washington County Technical HS recently. All first, second, and third place winners have earned the right to compete in the SkillsUSA State Competition in March.
Andrew Cole, Biomedical, Grade 11 won 2nd place in the Health Knowledge Bowl
Clair Daly, TV/Multimedia, Grade 11, won 1st place in Digital Cinema
Nora Dugan, TV/Multimedia, Grade 12, won 3rd place in Digital Cinema
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
High school is a time of building independence and that is an essential aspect of development at this age. However, high schoolers still need a lot of guidance and it is crucial for parents/guardians to know about and be involved in their child’s activities both in and out of the classroom. Although parent/guardian involvement may look different in high school, it is still important and there are many ways to do so:
Stay connected with what your child is learning and doing in each of his/her classes. Check Schoology regularly and/or ask your child about their grades and their learning. Reach out to your child’s teachers, counselor, or administrator if you have questions or concerns (about academics, social emotional, future planning, etc.)
Join one (or more!) of our parent organizations - PTSA or one of the Booster organizations.
Volunteer when opportunities arise (athletic concession stands, PTSA Colorfest parking, fine arts support, FFA events).
Come to events at CHS to support our students and our school.
Share productive and actionable feedback (via surveys, email, or other avenues to provide input).
Read our newsletter and School Messenger communications to stay informed about our school happenings and other opportunities to get involved.
Finally, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to be more involved but are not sure how to get started - we are happy to collaborate with you to find the best way for you to stay connected with our school and with your child’s journey through high school. The partnership of adults is a powerful support for our students.
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Jen Clements
Principal
attendance updates and information
attendance updates and information
Attendance = Opportunity
Attendance = Opportunity
As noted below, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school days (this includes all absences - excused and unexcused). The research shows that poor attendance has many negative impacts for students, including struggles in reading and lower graduation rates. We also know that we are best able to support students in their learning when they are in school. From a school perspective, chronic absenteeism is a measure for which we are accountable and it factors into our school’s report card. So for both individual students and our school as a whole, chronic absenteeism is an important data point.
At this time of year, many students are approaching a 10% absence rate. If students have not yet missed 18 days (which is 10% of our total school days), it is still possible to maintain a rate of attendance that will not reach the definition of chronic absenteeism. Please be mindful of your child’s attendance and come to school every day (unless you have a legitimate and excused reason to be absent; in those instances, please be sure to submit a note to excuse the absence).
Thank you for prioritizing good school attendance!
*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
Nominations Open For 2025 Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award
Nominations Open For 2025 Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award
Frederick County Public Schools is accepting nominations for the 2025 Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award. Named for a former Hood College faculty member who encouraged students to enter the teaching profession, this award recognizes an FCPS teacher who has had a significant positive impact on young people.
Hood College presents the Tressler award annually to honor distinguished teaching in the Frederick County Public Schools’ system. A gift from the late Samuel Eig of Gaithersburg, MD, established the award. Hood College will recognize the winner during its Masters Degree reception in May.
FCPS has posted eligibility and nomination criteria, nomination process, and selection guidelines at www.fcps.org/awards. The school system welcomes nominations from current or former students, teachers, support staff, parents, community members, administrators, and supervisors. Nomination packets are due to the FCPS Public Affairs Department, 191 S. East Street, Frederick, MD 21701, Friday, March 21, 2025.
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/.
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.
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.
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!
The following Safe and Sane information was presented at the senior meeting on Friday, February 7: Senior Meeting Slideshow
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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