THE COUGAR CONNECTION
THE COUGAR CONNECTION
Embedded Files
The Catoctin High School Newsletter • October 20, 2025
SchoolCash Online
SchoolCash Online
SchoolCash Online is an easy to use and safe way to pay for your children’s school fees. Now, with a few clicks, you can pay for your child’s yearbook, class trips and so much more from your own home. All you have to do is register an account, attach your children and in no time you will be able to make payments online. Catoctin High School uses SchoolCash Online for a variety of items! For more information or to register: SchoolCash Online Registration Information
Mark Your Calendar!
Mark Your Calendar!
October 20 & 21: Senior Portrait Make-Up Dates Appointment sign-ups will be available in mid-September.
October 24: Underclass Picture Make-Up Date
October 27: Term 1 Ends
October 28: Schools Closed
November 21 & 22: Starship Adventure, 7 pm, CHS Stage
CATOCTIN FFA SEPTEMBER SNAPSHOTS
CATOCTIN FFA SEPTEMBER SNAPSHOTS
FINAL SENIOR PORTRAIT DAY!
FINAL SENIOR PORTRAIT DAY!
In order for your senior portrait to appear in the CHS 2026 yearbook you need to be photographed by Victor O’Neill Studios during our senior portrait dates. We do not accept outside portraits for the yearbook. If you are not photographed by VOS, your name will be listed as “not pictured” somewhere in the senior portrait section.
Senior Portrait Makeup Information
October 20th & 21st in the CHS Auditorium
Sign up for a time slot here: http://www.vosphoto.com/catoctin
If you can no longer sign up for a senior portrait time online, you must call Victor O’Neill Studios. No one at CHS has access to the VOS scheduling database.
Underclass Picture Make Up Day is Friday October 24, 2025
Underclass Picture Make Up Day is Friday October 24, 2025
Students that were dissatisfied with their original portrait package (purchased photographs) may choose to have their photo retaken. These students must be prepared to hand the old picture package to the photography staff for their retake. No retake will be done without the old picture package. Students are not allowed to wear hats/hoods in school id/portrait photographs.
It is not required to purchase a photo package for a portrait to be taken. If students are not photographed by Victor O’Neill Studios they WILL NOT receive a school id card. We do not have an id card printing machine here at the school and we do not accept outside photographs for the yearbook.
Students that do not have their photo taken on school picture day will be listed (by name) in their grade portrait section of the yearbook. Because of the school’s contract with Victor O’Neill Studios, the yearbook cannot accept portraits taken by other professional studios.
For additional information: Photo Retakes CHS Picture Make-up Schedule If you have questions about your photographs or purchasing you may contact Victor O’Neill Studios directly at underclass@vosphoto.com or by calling 703-532-0013.
AP EXAM REGISTRATION DEADLINE
AP EXAM REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Parents/Guardians of Students Enrolled in Fall/Year-long AP Courses:
The deadline for AP exam registration for students enrolled in Fall/Year-long AP courses is approaching quickly. All students enrolled in AP US History, AP Government, AP Computer Science (Fall section), and AP Art (2D and 3D) have received an AP Exam Packet that provides exam details and requires parents to review and sign. As part of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Act and in collaboration with Frederick County Public Schools, there is no fee for AP exams this year. As a result, there is an expectation that all students enrolled in an AP class will sit for the corresponding exam.
Please have your student return the signed AP Exam Packet by Friday, October 24th.
For questions, please email the AP Coordinator: Sarah Ryley at sarah.ryley@fcps.org.
Polar Plunge 2026!
Polar Plunge 2026!
Catoctin High School is officially registered and ready to form a team of students brave enough to #BearTheCold on Wednesday, January 28th!
Are you ready to fundraise for the athletes of Special Olympics MD? Join team CHS and together we can support the athletes and Unified® teammates and their sports, health, and leadership opportunities. Click the link here to donate to the CHS team: https://support.somd.org/team/635303
Students who wish to participate must pick up a field trip packet in the front office and follow these deadlines:
OCTOBER 31 DEADLINE: Register via the team link.
OCTOBER 31 DEADLINE: Return the signed field trip paperwork to front office.
DECEMBER 1 DEADLINE: Raise at least $50 in your name on the CHS team Polar Plunge page.
JANUARY 15 DEADLINE: Pay $15 bus fee on your SchoolCash online account.
Questions? See Mrs. Ryley or Mrs. Coblentz.
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
This school year seems to be moving quickly; some signs of that are that Homecoming is behind us, fall sports are approaching the playoff season, the FFA departs soon for their National Convention, and our Performing Arts Department is preparing for the fall play.
Homecoming was a busy week filled with fun and school spirit. It is always a great opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate our school and our Cougar Pride. Thanks to all for your contributions to the success of all of our activities (staff, students, parents, and community). I want to extend a special thank you to those families who volunteered to support the festivities (volunteering at the games, chaperoning or setting up/cleaning up for the dance, etc.) - your support and partnership is very much appreciated!
Our school and community are strong because of the commitment and dedication of those who volunteer and serve their neighbors. The adults who serve others stand as a strong example to our students. I extend a heartfelt thanks to those parents, family members, and community friends who have and continue to support our students and our school - your contributions, presence, and service is greatly appreciated. I also want to extend an invitation to others to get involved - every contribution (big and small) supports our efforts. There are opportunities to volunteer in the concession stand, join one of our parent/guardian organizations (PTSA, Boosters, etc.), assist with performing arts events, and many more. FCPS requires all volunteers to complete a very quick training; you can access that here: https://www.fcps.org/families_students/family_community_involvement. At the end of this training, you will have the opportunity to indicate the areas in which you want to help. You are also welcome to email me (jennifer.clements@fcps.org) - I would be happy to connect you with opportunities to serve at CHS. Thank you for your service and support - it makes our school and community strong. Thank you, also, for serving as positive role models for our students in the areas of service and leadership.
On the very near horizon is the end of Term 1 (the last day of the term is Monday, October 27). Many students have had a strong start and are finishing the term with awesome grades. However, for those who have struggled, there is still a little time and it may be possible to bring up grades between now and next Monday. Parents/guardians - please look at Schoology with your child and help them to identify any opportunities for improvement and work completion. Let’s finish Term 1 with a strong commitment to learning and achievement that will lead to good grades. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or administrator if you have any questions or if there is any way in which we can support your child.
Go Cougars!
Jen Clements
Principal
College Financial Aid & FAFSA Finish Event
College Financial Aid & FAFSA Finish Event
Thursday, November 20
CHS Media Center
5:00–6:00 PM – Financial Aid Presentation
Learn about federal & state aid programs
Understand recent FAFSA changes
Explore resources to help cover college costs
6:00–8:00 PM – FAFSA Finish Workshop
Hands-on help completing your FAFSA or MSFAA
One-on-one guidance from financial aid experts
Important Details:
No sign-up needed for the presentation
Sign-up required to reserve a FAFSA workshop time slot.
*Open to juniors, seniors & families planning for community college or a 4-year university
ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION TEST
ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION TEST
The ASVAB Test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is coming on Wednesday, December 4th! This test helps you discover your strengths, skills, and potential career paths. It’s a career exploration tool, not a commitment to the military.
Sign up in Xello Events to reserve your spot and grab a permission slip in Mr. Stack’s office.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your abilities and plan your future!
INTERESTED IN CTC?
INTERESTED IN CTC?
Thinking about applying to CTC next year? Come see what it’s all about! From Engineering to Cosmetology, there’s something for everyone. CTC Shadow Requests are now open — click here to sign up today!
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!
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
Page updated
Report abuse