THE COUGAR CONNECTION

The Catoctin High School Newsletter • May 19, 2023

https://edu.fcps.org/chs/

Graduation Information

The last day for seniors is quickly approaching and graduation will be held next week! See below for some very important information regarding graduation. For detailed information, please view the Graduation Letter.

IMPORTANT DATES

May 22 - Senior Awards Ceremony, 6:00 pm, CHS Auditorium.
May 22 & 23 - Required Graduation Practice, CHS, 8:00-12:30 pm
May 24 - Graduation, 9:30 am, Mount Saint Mary's University, Knott Arena. Tickets required.

Senior Clap outs

The Senior Clap-Outs are an optional activity. If you attended one of our feeder elementary schools, you are invited to visit IN YOUR CAP AND GOWN per the schedule below. You will have the opportunity to walk the halls to the cheers of the elementary school students who aspire to be a future Catoctin graduate. If you choose to participate, you should plan to visit the school(s) that you attended according to the schedule below. Upon arrival at the school, you should check in at the office and follow the guidance of the school staff. Please bring your cap and gown to put on after you check in at the school.

This is a great opportunity for you to see some of your elementary school teachers and for our community to share in your excitement of graduation.

Date: Tuesday, May 23

Times: Mother Seton School – 1:30 pm
Lewistown – 1:10 pm
Sabillasville – 2:30 pm
Emmitsburg – 1:15 pm
Thurmont Primary – 2:00 pm
Thurmont Elementary – 1:45 pm

Graduation Livestreams

FCPS graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. It’s easy to watch. Approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony begins, head to the official FCPS YouTube page, where a link to view the upcoming ceremony will be posted. Can’t watch it in real time? No problem. The graduation ceremonies will be archived on the YouTube page as well.

Senior Yard Signs

Senior signs will be on display in front of the school beginning Friday afternoon. Each Senior will get to take his/her sign home next week. Feel free to take pictures over the weekend, but please leave them on display until you are invited to take it......we want our community to know how proud we are of our CHS Class of 2023!

Virtual Learning Day - May 24

No students will report to Catoctin High School on Wednesday, May 24 (this is our graduation day). There will not be bus service to CHS nor to CTC, AFA, or JROTC for Catoctin students on this day.

In place of in-person instruction, May 24 will be a Virtual Learning Day of instruction. Prior to May 24, teachers will provide students with assignments and directions for work that is to be completed for that day. All teachers will be available via Google Meet from 1:00 - 2:45 PM on May 24 for virtual, synchronous support for any students with questions or needing assistance. Teachers will all be accessible using the Google Meet code based on your teacher's name: CatoctinFirstInitialLastName (for example: CatoctinSCalhoun).

The Catoctin High School front office will be open from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM on May 25 to answer questions.

Chromebook Returns

Senior Chromebook collection will be held on May 22nd in the gym hallway before the first graduation rehearsal. All Chromebooks, cases, and cords must be returned. If these items are not returned, the item will become a financial obligation and graduation tickets will be held until the items are returned or payment is made.

Underclass Chromebook collection will be held on May 26th in the Media Center. A schedule for collection by last name will be published on Schoology. Students who are taking summer classes still need to check in with Mrs. Felmet to keep their Chromebook for the summer.

All Chromebooks will be turned off county-wide on June 1st to help with the collection process. They will be turned back on in time for summer classes.

SENIORS - CHS Spirit wear Pickup

Seniors, if you ordered CHS spirit wear with the Maryland Flag logo, your spirit wear will be available for pickup at the first graduation practice on Monday, May 22.

A CHS Welcome!

We are excited to welcome Ms. Sarah Ryley who will be joining the CHS administrative team effective July 1. Ms. Ryley is currently a Special Educator at Governor Thomas Johnson High School; she will be coming to Cougar Nation as an additional Assistant Principal.

Welcome Ms. Ryley!

Mark Your Calendar!

May 18 - 23 - MCAP Testing
May 24 - Virtual Learning Day, Grades 9, 10, 11
May 24 - Graduation, 9:30 am, Mount Saint Mary's Knott Arena
May 29 - Schools Closed, Memorial Day
June 2 - 2-Hour Early Dismissal, Last Day of School!

CTC Annual Awards Ceremony

Ten Catoctin High School students were recognized at the 40th annual Career and Technology Center awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 2 at FCC.

Annalise Abruzzese - Welding/Agricultural & Commercial Metals Technology - Academic Excellence Award

Corey Doody - Carpentry - Achievement Award

Patrick Dugan - Environmental Landscape & Design Management - Carroll L. Shry, Jr. Scholarship

Landen Hutson - Homeland Security - Achievement Award, CTE Outstanding Senior Completer Award, President's Award for Educational Excellence

Luke Iferd - HVACR/Plumbing - Achievement Award

Autumn Millison - Cosmetology - Achievement Award

Benjamin Mullennex - Electricity - F.C.S.C.T.F., Inc. Scholarship

Kiara Phillips - CISCO Networking Academy - Academic Excellence Award

Joshua Price - HVACR/Plumbing - Achievement Award

Chayton Rogers - TV Multimedia Production - President's Award for Educational Excellence

FCPS Job Fair

When: Wednesday, June 7, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Where: Catoctin High School, 14745 Sabillasville Rd., Thurmont

Representatives will be on-hand to discuss the following positions:

Teachers and Teacher Specialists
Elementary Education
Early Childhood Education
Middle School Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
ELL Teacher
World languages
Art
Music
Theater Arts
PE/Health
Library Media Specialist
Reading Specialist
School Counselors
Behavioral Support Specialists
School Therapists
Social Workers
Substitute Teachers and Substitute Special Education Instructional Assistants
Instructional Assistants and Special Education Instructional Assistants
Custodians
Maintenance Workers
Bus Drivers
Food and Nutrition Service Workers
And More!

All applicants are encouraged to complete their application in advance. You can apply online here: https://www.applitrack.com/fcps/OnlineApp/

Applicants are also encouraged to pre-register for the Job Fair at the Registration Link here: https://forms.gle/pQFPHYUpiyAF1eEJ8

Spanish Interpreters and Sign Language Interpreters will be available to support job seekers and FCPS representatives.

Para leer todo sobre la Feria de Empleo en español, visite la página de Facebook FCPS Informando. (To read all about the Job Fair in Spanish, please visit the FCPS FaceBook Informando page.)

MCAP State Testing: Schedule

Catoctin High School began administering state assessments on May 1st. Most students will take the tests during their regular class block. Some students who have not yet met state assessment requirements will also be scheduled to test.

Government MCAP: One 40-minute session each day
Thursday, May 18 through Tuesday, May 23

High school BVP students testing at Catoctin High School Students should report to the high school by 7:15 am, unless other arrangements have already been made. They should check in in the front office upon arrival. Most students will be done by 9 am

Free Tutoring Program

For detailed information: TutorMe

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Dear Catoctin Community,

At this time every year, there is a flurry of activity in schools, both within classrooms and out. Teachers and students are working hard to master the final learning standards in each course, athletics are involved with post-season playoffs, and many groups are holding year-end recitals, activities and ceremonies. It is a busy, emotional, often poignant time in our school year. On this past Wednesday, there were several such events that left me feeling happy but also emotional:

Our preschool program had their year-end ceremony (“graduation”) that morning. In addition to watching the cute preschoolers’ enthusiasm and personalities come through, it is always a highlight to see the benefits gained through this program by both the preschoolers and the high school students who serve as their teachers. Cougar Cubs always SHINE!
Wednesday was also the last day of instruction for our Seniors. I had the pleasure of beginning my tenure at CHS with this group; it is incredible to see them now as young adults getting ready to start their next chapter. I was recently glancing through their freshman year yearbook – what a difference 4 years makes!
That evening, we invited Seniors in for an optional photo shoot on the stage. It always warms my heart to watch Seniors pose and families gather for photos that will remind them of the precious years they spent at CHS.
Maybe the highlight of the day, however, was the chance to meet with the families of some of the students who will be part of our returning Learning for Life Program. This program will allow us to better serve the needs of our student right here in our community. I am thrilled about the return of Learning for Life and look forward to the many ways that this program and the students who are a part of it will positively impact our school.

I am also looking ahead to my favorite day of the year – Graduation! (In case you were wondering, my next two favorite days are the first and the last days of school.) I am feeling sentimental about the Class of 2023 and will miss their presence in the building. The graduation ceremony is a beautiful opportunity for us to celebrate our graduates as we send them off to their next adventures. A few additional thoughts about graduation:

Underclassmen – I hope that watching the Graduation ceremony (which you can do via livestream) will inspire you to work hard and focus on growing and learning every day.
Parents, guardians and friends – thank you for sharing your child with us; he/she is soon to be part of the positive CHS legacy.
Graduates – enjoy these last few days, soak in all of the Graduation festivities, and then go out USE YOUR POWERS FOR GOOD!

Congratulations to the Class of 2023. Go Cougars!

Jen Clements
Principal

Official CHS Cougars Spiritwear

Click on the photo below to view the wide variety of options available!

Don't Miss a Game!

GO COUGARS!

Up-to-date CHS game schedules for all sports: https://www.frederickcountycmc.org/public/genie/312/school/6/

Watch games via live-streaming on www.nfhsnetwork.com/

Online game tickets, season passes: Go Fan-CHS

Join CHS Sports Boosters to support Catoctin Athletics!

MMI Free Sports Physicals

MMI is proud to offer Free Sports Physicals to any college or high school student for the 2023/24 school year. These sports physicals help to ensure any student interested in participating in athletics has the opportunity to. Physicals will be held on Saturday, May 20th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the MMI Main Office, 86 Thomas Johnson Court in Frederick.

Students should have any forms filled out and signed by a parent/guardian if they are a minor. The event will require registration: https://mmidocs.com/spring-physicals-2023.

FCPS Physical forms can be found here, English and Spanish.

Frederick Health Free Sports Physicals

Frederick Health Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Pivot Physical Therapy are hosting free high school sports physicals for Frederick County high school athletes on Wednesday May 31 at Frederick Health Toll House, 501 W 7th St, Frederick, MD 21701. Registered appointments are required. Space is limited - register today! Physicals completed at this event will be good for athletic participation for the entire 2023-2024 school year..

Participating students must come with completed FCPS physical forms and must be accompanied by a designated guardian. This service should not replace your annual physical.

Visit frederickhealth.org/athlete to print required forms and register online.

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 Meal Benefits

All FCPS students can apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits by online at: Meal Benefits. Paper copies are availablYou must reapply every year for benefits.

NEED HELP?

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.

catoctin Safe and Sane 2023

Catoctin High School Committee for a Safe and Sane Graduation Inc. is not sponsored by Catoctin High School

Safe and Sane is a non-profit, parent-run, tax-exempt corporation established to address the very serious issues of youth drinking, drug use and driving behavior during one of the highest risk social events of their lives. This will be our 32nd year of providing an alternative way for graduates to celebrate and “JUST SAY NO” to drugs and alcohol!

Want to get involved? Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/catoctinsafeandsane. This is the best way for you and your Senior to stay up-to-date on events.

Safe and Sane Fundraising Events: Event Calendar

Baccalaureate

Sunday, May 21, 7:00 pm

Thurmont United Methodist Church

Seniors are asked to arrive at 6:30 pm. Please rsvp to the catoctinsafeandsane@gmail.com with the number of members of your family that will attend. Light refreshments will be served.

Safe and Sane Graduation Party

Mt. Saint Mary's Knott Arena
Wednesday, May 24
Doors open at 10:00 pm,
no entry after 10:30 pm

Photo ID and Permission Slip Required for entry. Permission slip and rules can be found here.

Parents, help is needed during the event. To volunteer the night of the event, please sign up here.

Upcoming Safe and Sane Meetings

Monday, June 12, 6:15 pm - Thurmont American Legion - Current junior parents, if you would like to help with Safe and Sane for next year, please plan to attend this meeting.

cATOCTIN SPORTS BOOSTERS

Catoctin High School Sports Boosters supports all CHS sports teams and coaches, all money raised goes to the athletic programs. We raise money through fundraisers, sponsorship, concession sales and membership.

For more information on CHS Sports Boosters or to make a donation, please visit our website!

Upcoming Sports Camps

CHS Cougars Soccer Camp - June 5-9, 5:30 - 8:00 pm, Catoctin High School, for students entering Grades 2 - 7 (Fall 2023) Registration Form.
Lady Cougar Basketball Camp - June 12-15, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, Catoctin High School, for Girls in Grades 3 - 9 (entering Fall 2023), Registration Form.
Catoctin Youth Football Camp - June 12-15, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, Catoctin High School, Grades 2 - 8 (completed), Registration Form.
Catoctin Baseball Camp - June 12-15, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Catoctin High School Baseball Field, ages 5 - 13, Registration Form.
Softball Camp, June 19-22, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Catoctin High School - Softball Field, for students in grades 2 - 9 (entering Fall 2023), Registration Form.
Volleyball Camp - July 17-19, full or half day, Catoctin High School Gym, for students entering Grades 5 - 9 (Fall 2023), Registration Form.

ptsa news

CHS PTSA – A PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION

We need your help! The CHS Parent Teacher Student Association exists to help support all of our kids and the professional staff that works so hard on their behalf. We want to continue that level of support and we are looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering you can send an email to CatoctinPTSA@gmail.com. For more information visit: https://edu.fcps.org/chs/ptsa

PTSA General Meetings - Come Join the Fun!

CHS PTSA meetings will be held at 7:00 pm via Zoom Meeting from your home. All are welcome to attend! For more information, email CatoctinPTSA@gmail.com or contact:

Traci Tatum (President) / tracitatum41@gmail.com

Vacant (Vice President) / WE NEED YOU!

Peggy Davis (Secretary) / cowgirlproud@aol.com

Vacant (Treasurer) / WE NEED YOU!

community flyers

These flyers have been approved for electronic distribution by FCPS:

- The Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Work Study program (for students who are at least 16 years of age) supports fire and emergency service departments by fostering relationships and engaging youth in learning about, and ultimately becoming, members of the emergency services. The program serves as an umbrella for firefighter programs locally to promote youth participation within the fire and emergency services community. This program offers a great career opportunity as well as learning specialized skills to deal with a wide array of potential emergencies. More information can be found at these links: Explanatory Brochure, Internship Agreement.
- The YMCA’s Summer Serve Program is designed to help young people (ages 12-17) awaken their inner leader, build their teamwork skills, meet like-minded peers, while creating positive change in their community. For more information click here.
- Free Range Kids & Teens Summer includes Circus Arts, Filmmaking, Musical Theatre, Murder Mystery Theatre, Gaming and Crafting, plus full productions of MEAN GIRLS Jr and FINDING NEMO Jr. Visit freerangeworld.com for details and click here.
- Frederick County (MD) Parks and Recreation’s 2023 Summer Camp season job opportunities are open. Information Flyer.
- The Fredrick Book Arts Center is offering a summer art class for rising 9th-12th graders on Thursdays (July 6, 13, 20, 27) from 6-9PM. Cost is $180. Information Flyer.
- Junior Achievement is offering the following two summer camps at the JA Youth Workforce & Innovation Center, 1725 Twin Springs Road, Baltimore, 21227. Entrepreneurship Summer Experience Camp is for rising 9-12 graders, June 26-30 from 10AM-2PM. The cost is $125. More information can be found here. Biztown Summer Venture Camp is for rising 4-7 graders, June 26-30 from 9AM-3PM. The cost is $250. More information can be found here.
- MET's Fun Camp - Summer theatre camp which include musical theatre, acting, circus skills, improv, music videos and creative dramatics. Information Flyer
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an all-volunteer 501(C)(3) non-profit that builds twin beds, and delivers them, FREE of CHARGE, to families in Frederick Co Maryland whose kids, ages 4-17, are sleeping on the floor, a couch, or with their parents or siblings. Please see this Flyer for more information.

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