THE COUGAR CONNECTION

The Catoctin High School Newsletter • October 19, 2024

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

It's Polar Plunge time!

Catoctin High School is officially registered and ready to form a team of students brave enough to #BearTheCold on January 29th!

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 register or to donate to the CHS team: https://support.somd.org/team/595523

Note: Students who wish to participate must register via the team link no later than October 31st and must raise at least $50 by January 10th. Once registered, students must also pay an additional $10 to cover bus fees which will be added to their SchoolCash online.

Questions? See Mr. Warram, Ms. Ryley, Ms. Coblentz, or Ms. Hutchinson.

AP Exam Packets Due October 25

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 World History, AP Chemistry, 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 return the signed AP Exam Packet to the main office by Friday, October 25th. For questions, please email the AP Coordinator Sarah Ryley at sarah.ryley@fcps.org.

Mark your calendar!

- October 21 - Underclass Picture Makeup Day
- October 25 - 2-hour Early Dismissal
- October 25 - Deadline for Senior Yearbook Portrait selection
- October 25 - AP Exam Packets Due
- October 28 - No School
- October 31 - Deadline to sign up for CHS Polar Plunge team
- November 5 - No School
- November 15 - 1st Day of Winter Sports / Try-Outs
- November 20 - College Financial Aid and FAFSA Workshop at CHS

Underclass Picture Make-Up Day

Monday, October 21, 2024

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. For additional information regarding photo retakes: Photo Retake Info

To view the picture day schedule: Makeup Picture Day

*Students are not allowed to wear hats/hoods in school id/portrait photographs.*

If you have questions about your photographs or purchasing you may contact Victor O’Neill Studios directly at underclass@vosphoto.com or 703-532-0013.

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. In addition, 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.

Attention Seniors! Yearbook deadline approaching

PORTRAIT SELECTION- DEADLINE 10/25

The deadline for you to choose your yearbook portrait with Victor O’Neill Studios is Friday, October 25th. If you do not login to the VOS website and select your yearbook pose, Victor O’Neill will choose one for you. If you have questions about your senior portraits please contact Victor O’Neill Studios directly as the school and yearbook adviser do not have access to student photos or the VOS online database. For more information, email seniors@vosphoto.com or call 703-532-0013.

winter Sports Season registration now open

Catoctin High School is excited to share that online athletic registration (OAR) for winter sports is now open. A parent/guardian must complete OAR and the student must turn in a hard copy of an updated (dated April 1, 2024 or after) sports physical to the head coach or Athletic Director prior to the first day of tryouts/practices. The physical must be completed on the FCPS physical form (updated form for 2024-25).

- November 15, 2024 - 1st day of Winter Tryouts/practice
- Online Athletic Registration (must be completed prior to November 15, 2024)
- Sports Physical Form - If a physical was submitted for the fall 2024 sports season, it is on file and does not need to be resubmitted.
- Coach DIrectory
- The tryout schedule will be available soon and will be sent via School Messenger.

Requirements once player is selected to a team:

- Pay the FCPS Non-Refundable Seasonal Athletic Fee - $185. Note to parents: You will not be able to pay online until your student athlete is selected for the team and the roster has been finalized.
- Payments will be due no later than Wednesday, December 4, by 11:59 PM and should be made via School Cash Online.

For questions, contact the team head coach or Athletics Director Brett Campbell.

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

Dear Catoctin Community,

It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of Term 1. This first quarter of the year has been filled with student learning and growth in many areas. While we prioritize student learning and student safety every day, we are also working with students to foster a commitment to service and leadership - these traits will serve them well in their future while also providing a benefit to our local and broader community. We have already had several opportunities for students to engage in service - serving as tutors, donating to our hurricane relief drive, and volunteering to help with needs such as Colorfest parking. We will continue to create opportunities for our students to be servant leaders and are excited about the great work they will do in this area.

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. At Catoctin High School, there are many parents and guardians who already serve our students and our school, but there is always the opportunity for more volunteerism.

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/student-services/volunteer-in-fcps . 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.

Go Cougars!

Sincerely,

Jen Clements

Principal

Monthly Guidance and information for parents/guardians

The research strongly correlates good attendance with school success and, ultimately, high school graduation. Below are some facts related to attendance that highlight the importance of good school attendance (from Attendance Works, www.attendanceworks.org):

- Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school
- Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade
- By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
- When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.

We appreciate your support in establishing positive attendance habits at home and reinforcing the importance of coming to school on time each day. Please let us know how we can support your efforts.

Attendance = Opportunity

As a feeder, we continue our commitment to attendance knowing that being at school each day opens opportunities for our students. Below is the attendance rate for September for each school:

*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

COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP & FAFSA FSA ID EVENT

November 20th, 5:00-6:30 PM CHS Media Center

Join us for a comprehensive workshop where financial aid experts from Higher Education will explain the federal and state financial aid processes. You'll learn how to navigate additional resources to help cover college expenses. This session will also review the recent changes to the FAFSA application.

This workshop is particularly beneficial for juniors and seniors (and their parents) planning to attend any post-secondary institution, whether a community college or a four-year college/university. Assistance will be available to help create your FAFSA FSA ID, if needed.

No sign-up is required.

FCPS Career and Technology Center (CTC) OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, October 24
6:00-8:00 PM

Visit the CTC Open House and find out how to jump start your future at CTC!

Learn bout the 26 career programs offered by CTC for FCPS students in 10th-12th grades!
Many programs offer college credits, dual enrollment, and industry certification/licenses.
Enjoy fun hands-on ctivities for ll ages
Learn about potential careers

Take the ASVAB!

Attention Juniors & Seniors: Not sure what career path to take? Consider taking the ASVAB!

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is not just for the military—it’s a powerful tool that helps you discover your skills, strengths, and potential career paths.

- No military commitment required
- Gain insight into careers that align with your abilities
- Get a clearer idea of your future
- Taking the ASVAB can open up possibilities you may not have considered!

Date: Thursday November 21, 7:30-11:30 am

You must register by 11/8/24 to take test: ASVAB Registration

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-choice test used to assess a candidate's suitability for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. It measures strengths and potential for future success in military and civilian careers by testing a wide range of skills and knowledge areas.

The ASVAB covers ten subtests:

- General Science (GS) – Understanding of physical and biological sciences.
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) – Ability to solve arithmetic word problems.
- Word Knowledge (WK) – Ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms.
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC) – Ability to obtain information from written material.
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK) – Knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications.
- Electronics Information (EI) – Knowledge of electrical circuits, systems, and electronic devices.
- Automotive and Shop Information (AS) – Knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices.
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC) – Understanding of mechanical and physical principles.
- Assembling Objects (AO) – Spatial relationship skills.
- Verbal Expression (VE) – A combination of WK and PC scores.

CHS College Visit Schedule

Monday October 21 - UMBC - 1:00-2:00 pm) - Room 101
Wednesday November 6 - Loyola University (MD) - (1:00-2:00 pm) Room 101
Mount St. Mary's ) Thursday November 14 (LUNCH Visit)

Must pre-register to attend: College Visits. Visit the registration form for the most up- to-date visit schedule.

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!

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 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 - Class of 2025

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/catoctinsafeandsane/

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