THE COUGAR CONNECTION
The Catoctin High School Newsletter • October 6, 2023
National Merit Commendation
Catoctin High senior Helen Xia has been honored as a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. As a Commended Student, Helen received recognition for her exceptional academic promise demonstrated by her outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry. Congratulations, Helen!
Unified Tennis Senior Night
Though inclement weather caused a Unified Tennis match cancelation, nothing stopped us from celebrating our seniors, (from left) Darin Shay Johnson, Dale Gervase and Jonathan Wastler on Tuesday, September 26th.
homecoming spirit week fun
State Champion Unified Track relay team at the 2023 Homecoming Pep Rally. Pictured from right: Furious Trammel, Chad Zimmerman, Cougar Mascot, Gabriel Riling, Darin Shay Johnson.
CHS Learning for Life students and staff participate in the CHS homecoming parade with a western-themed float.
Join the CHS Unified Generation Club by pledging to stop bullying during October's National Bullying Prevention Month. Through education, awareness, and action we will eliminate bullying-the Unified way! Visit here for more information!
Colorfest Parking Volunteers Needed!
CHS PTSA Needs Your Help!
Each year, Catoctin High School is a shuttle stop and parking lot for the annual Catoctin Colorfest. Our PTSA runs this paid parking lot as its one and only voluteer-led fundraiser of the year. The profits made from this two-day event allow the PTSA fund many projects at CHS to benefit all students and staff. If you are able to spare a few hours on either Saturday, October 14 or Sunday, October 14, please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/NSRsAic THANK YOU in advance for your help!
This one fundraiser helps fund the following projects:
CHS Distinguished Graduate program that recognizes past graduates each year
Staff Appreciation events
End of year gifts for each Senior including Senior yard signs
“You’ve Made Your Mark” PTSA Scholarships for graduating seniors
And many other activities!
Join PTSA by filling out this membership form!
ASVAB Career Exploration Program
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is designed to help your child:
Learn more about themselves and the world of work.
Explore occupations in line with their interests and skills.
Discover all the ways to enter the career fields they are best suited for.
Develop an effective strategy to achieve their career goals.
The ASVAB CEP and Military Entrance Exam Aptitude Test will be held at Catoctin High School on Friday, November 17, 7:30-11:00 am. The test is free to all interested 11th and 12th graders. In order to take the exam, students need to sign up on Naviance under the college visit tab no later than November 8.
Parents are invited to Join our ASVAB Career Exploration Program Parent Q&A Meeting online at 6:00 pm on October 16, Visit https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601222764?pwd=K0I2bCtVODNwUHdNb3g2UFplSzhaZz09 and enter meeting ID: 160 122 2764 and passcode: Parent.
Attendance Matters!
We would like to remind students and families that school begins promptly at 7:30 am. It is expected that students are in their classrooms and ready to engage in learning when the bell rings at 7:30 am. Please plan accordingly if you drop your child off at school. Morning traffic can be problematic. Students should only be dropped off in the upper parking lot to avoid bus traffic and for the safety of staff and the students.
Please note the procedures for early dismissals and late arrivals:
If your student will be leaving early for a planned appointment, please send a signed note with the student to school. Students should turn in notes to the attendance office in the morning and will receive a pass to leave at the requested time. After signing out, students may meet parents at the car.
If your student needs to leave school unexpectedly, please call ahead and we will send a pass to the student. After signing out, students may meet parents at the car.
If your student is arriving late to school for an excused reason, please send the student with a signed parent note or a doctor's note.
Arriving late without a note and/or for an unexcused reason will result in an unlawful late arrival.
There are consequences for numerous unlawful late arrivals and unexcused absences.
If you have questions, please contact the Attendance office by calling 240-236-8074 or CHS.Attendance@fcps.org. Please refer to the FCPS attendance policies here.
winter sports registration is now open
High School winter sports begin Wednesday, November 15.
All sport physicals must be dated April 1, 2023 or after and must be completed prior to Wednesday, November 15.
Online registration must be completed prior to Wednesday, November 15.
Please review the directions at the link below before beginning the registration process: Sports Registration
Once each athletic team is chosen and the roster is finalized, parents will receive an email to let them know when they may go online and pay the participation fee via School Cash Online. The fee is $95.
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 Sunday, December 3 by 11:59 PM and should be made via School Cash Online.
Follow @FCPSAthletics on Twitter and visit www.fcps.org/athletics for additional information and updates.
Dual Sport Athletes
Any student-athlete that is considering being a dual-sport participant this winter must have the dual sport contract completed and signed by both head coaches prior to November 15 (the first day of winter sports tryouts).
Underclass Picture Make-Up
Last Chance! Underclass Picture Make-Up Day for Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors is October 23!
The underclass picture makeup day schedule will be posted in each "Class of 202#" Schoology groups a few days before the make- up date. The only way for any student to receive a CHS school ID is by having their photo taken by Victor O’Neill Studios. Students that do not have their photo taken on school picture day will be featured in their grade section with a not photographed icon. Because of the school’s contract with Victor O’Neill Studios, the yearbook cannot accept portraits taken by other professional studios. Please note that students are not allowed to wear hats/hoods in school id/portrait photographs.
Students/Families may purchase portraits online prior to picture day using the link: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001030482#login
Portraits from the original picture day have been given to students during school. If you would like to view and purchase photos from the original portrait date, please visit https://vosphoto.com/uc.
Students that were dissatisfied with their original portrait package (purchased photographs) may choose to have their photo retaken. These students must be return 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 Retakes
If you have questions about your photographs or purchasing you may contact Victor O’Neill Studios directly by email at underclass@vosphoto.com or by calling 703-532-0013
YEARBOOKS NOW ON SALE
The 2023-24 Catoctin High School yearbook is now on sale for a discounted price!
All orders for yearbooks must be placed with our yearbook company, Josten's. The school DOES NOT accept yearbook orders. You can order online at jostensyearbooks.com or call 1-877-767-5217. Order before October 27th to receive the discounted price of $80 per book. This is a After October 27th, the book cost will go up to $85. View the Jostens Yearbook Flyer here.
Yearbook Baby Ads for Seniors
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 ad packet. Ad packets were mailed to student homes in early July.
Deadline: October 18, 2023 (Order form, payment, and any physical photos must be submitted.) For this deadline, digital message(s) and digital photos must be uploaded to the google folder shared with your OR emailed to Mrs. Hutchinson by October 18th. These deadlines must be met to maintain the October 18th ad cost price. If these deadlines are not met, you will be required to pay a $25 late fee.
If you have already submitted your ad, THANK YOU! The yearbook staff is working to make design decisions and finalize our submission system. You will receive your ad confirmation email early next week.
Additional copies of the senior ad packet (and other information from the senior yearbook mailer) are available in room 402 and on the CHS Yearbook website (link below).
Yearbook Senior Section - New Feature
The yearbook staff has decided that we will not include baby/toddler photos next to the students senior portraits in the 23-24 yearbook. Several factors went into this decision including; lack of participation, students missing deadlines, publisher deadlines, etc.
We are hoping to feature baby/toddler photo content (in the senior portrait section) in the following categories:
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 your "last" first day of school photo.
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.
The yearbook staff would love for you to send them any images that you feel could be featured in the categories above! Due to publisher deadlines we need the images by: OCTOBER 19, 2023. The featured content for the 23-24 yearbook will be based on the submissions. In the submission please include the full names of the student(s) in the photo(s) and the category (listed above) for the submission.
You can email digital images to Mrs. Hutchinson or you can submit physical photo images by mail/drop-off please address the envelope as seen below:
Catoctin High School
Attn: Theresa Hutchinson, Yearbook Advisor
14745 Sabillasville Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
Final Senior Portrait Make-Up Days
October 9th & 10th
CHS Auditorium
This is the last opportunity for senior portraits at the school. There is no charge to have your portrait taken for the yearbook!
Appointments are required. Follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time:
Time slots on October 9th are 9:00-3:00 pm and on October 10: 8:00-11:30 am.
If you have any questions please email seniors@vosphoto.com (Please give school name when emailing.) CLICK HERE to read the Senior Portrait Instruction letter from Victor O’Neill Studios.
In order for your senior portrait to appear in the CHS 2024 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” at the end of the senior portrait section.
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
This school year seems to be moving quickly; a sign of that is two milestones that are already behind us (Homecoming and the mid-term point of Term 1).
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 (pulling a float, volunteering at the games, chaperoning or setting up/cleaning up for the dance, donating treats, etc.) - your support and partnership is very much appreciated!
We have also recently passed the halfway point of Term 1; interims will be issued on October 4 (and EVERY student will be given a paper copy of their interim). While the grades reflected are just a snapshot at that point, it provides important information about student progress thus far. I encourage parents/guardians to talk to your student about each of their classes, with the following questions to start the conversation:
In what classes are you finding success? How will you keep working to maintain that success?
Where are you struggling? What are you going to do differently or additionally that will help you overcome those challenges?
If your student is going well, please encourage them to maintain their focus and hard work. If he/she is struggling, it is not too late to turn it around. We have begun after school tutoring; please reach out to your child’s teacher and/or counselor if you are interested in learning more about tutoring and/or if there is any way n which we can support your child’s success.
Thanks for your support thus far and for your ongoing partnership.
Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Jen Clements
Principal
MONTHLY GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS
Catoctin is an outstanding school for many reasons. One of those is the fact that our students consistently demonstrate our tenets of ROAR (respect, ownership, accountability, and readiness). Most of our students come to school every day to learn and to be a positive member of our school community.
Unfortunately, however, we do have some occasions when students don’t always make good or safe decisions. This year, we have already had several physical altercations between students. We also continue to fight the battle against students vaping in the bathroom and/or being under the influence of substances while at school or school activities. These situations are unfortunate as they don’t involve most of our students, but they do impact all of us. The FCPS Code of Conduct outlines the general responses to these infractions; those consequences can (and almost always do) include a suspension from school. At CHS, we have also started to impose an exclusion from extra-curricular activities (usually for at least a month) for serious infractions. Our thinking on this is twofold:
Students must first demonstrate their commitment to learning (that and safety should be priorities each day) in order to be eligible to attend extra-curricular activities.
Students must also demonstrate appropriate behavior at school so that we can have confidence that they will behave in the less-structured environment of extra-curriculars.
I would ask and encourage you to talk with your child about these issues. If he/she is not involved, the conversation might include your child sharing about school experiences and a discussion of the importance of strong leadership and good decisions
If your child has struggled to stay focused on priorities and/or has had trouble making good choices, please remember that we are ready to partner with you to affect positive change. Please also remind your child that there are many adults and resources we have in place to help prevent conflicts from escalating and to help encourage good and healthy decisions.
None of these concerns are unique to Catoctin High School. However, what is special about Catoctin is our strong community with a collaborative spirit that will help us to encourage and support healthy and positive choices and behaviors for our students.
Go Cougars!
Attendance Update 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 (and 96% or higher is considered excellent).
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
CHS CALENDAR
OCTOBER 2023
10/9, 10/10 Senior Portrait Make Up Dates: Link for more information.
11 PSAT/NMSQT (must be registered)
16 ASVAB Career Exploration Program Parent Q&A Meeting
20 Schools Closed
23 Underclass Make Up Picture Day
27 Schools Closed
30 Student Member of the Board Applications Due
Student Parking
Students that plan to drive to school and park on campus are required to obtain a student parking permit from the front office. Permits are $10 each. Students must read and submit a signed Parking Permit Application. Students must have a valid provisional driving license. Student parking is permitted only in the main lot in front of the gymnasium and the upper parking lot. Tickets will be issued to vehicles that do not have a parking permit and/or those parked in non-student parking areas.
STUDENT Drop-Off/Pick-Up
Parents dropping off or picking up students should ONLY use the upper parking lot for the safety of all students and staff. The main driveway and the front parking lot of the building are reserved for buses and staff parking.
BOE Student Member Nominations Open (SMOB)
High school sophomores and juniors who attend Frederick County Public Schools may apply to serve as the 2024-2025 Student Member of the Board of Education (BOE) of Frederick County.
The role of the student member of the board is to bring a student viewpoint on educational issues to BOE meetings, generally held two evenings per month. The function is not to represent any particular special-interest group of students on an issue, but rather to respect the diversity of students’ points of view, to improve communication between the student body, staff and BOE members and to inform students of policies and decisions executed by the BOE.
Interested sophomores and juniors should contact their student government advisor for a nomination packet or visit www.fcps.org/boe/student-board-member-election. Applicants must complete the entire packet, including nomination form, letter of recommendation and question response by Monday, October 30, 2023, at 4 p.m. All materials must be submitted electronically to Colleen.Bernard@fcps.org.
A selection panel including members of the Frederick County Association of Student Councils’ (FCASC) Board, Student Government Association (SGA) advisors and other district personnel will review applications and conduct in-person interviews at the FCPS Central Office, 191 S. East Street, on November 7 from 3-5 p.m. This committee will narrow the field to five candidates by November 8.
Candidate orientation will take place November 15; those selected will present speeches at the December 11 FCASC General Assembly and participate in a Candidate Town Hall on Thursday, January 4, 4:30-7 p.m. at the FCPS Central Office. Candidates will also submit a one-page statement to post online.
Online voting will occur January 4 - January 26 for students in all middle and high schools. Voting will determine whom the school’s SGA representatives support in a February 6 General Assembly. Student enrollment determines a school’s number of representative delegates. The FCASC will submit the name of the candidate with the majority of representative votes cast by school delegates to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson. The new student member will have the opportunity to job shadow the outgoing member in May and June.
The next student member of the board’s term begins in July 2024.
For further information, please call FCPS Secondary Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, Dr. Colleen Bernard at 301-644-5256.
US Senate Youth Program
MSDE is pleased to announce an opportunity for two Maryland students to participate in the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Each year, two students from every state and D.C. are selected to attend a week-long government and leadership program in the nation’s capital. In addition to attending the fully-funded program, each participant will receive a one-time $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship. Nominee applications are due by Monday, October 9, 2023 to MSDE (ussyp.msde@maryland.gov). Further information is available in the official brochure. See Mr. Metzgar for more information.
Maryland General Assembly Page Program
The Maryland General Assembly seeks six Frederick County senior high school students to serve as five pages and one alternate page during the coming legislative sessions. Interested students should contact Mr. Metzgar for an application and information.
Civics & Law Academy
Registration is now open for this year’s Civics & Law Academy to be held at Frederick High School Saturday, November 11 from 8:30 AM until 1:00 PM. High school students interested in the legal field are encouraged to participate in this program. Students can find more information about the program and register using this form. Please contact Colleen.Bernard@fcps.org if you have questions.
College Visits to CHS
The following colleges will be visiting Catoctin High School and representatives will be available to meet with students during STEP. Students can find the link to sign up in the Schoology "Class of 202x" groups. For questions, contact Mr. Stack.
Bridgewater University - October 24
Washington College - October 24
Shippensburg University, November 29
Online Tutoring available 24/7
Our school is proud to announce that we’ve teamed up with TutorMe to offer 24/7 online tutoring to all students!
TutorMe is a place where our students can build the connections they need to learn and thrive. Through TutorMe, students connect with a tutor who’s an exact match for what they’re looking for – whether you’re stumped by an algebra equation, craving a confidence boost, or looking for an extra challenge. There’s more to TutorMe than live online tutoring. Through the TutorMe Writing Lab, you can submit drafts of any written assignment and receive detailed feedback from expert writing tutors in just a couple hours. Reference the TutorMe Support Guide to get started: TutorMe Student Support Guide (English) ESP. Guia de Apoyo- TutorMe (Spanish)
Click on the TutorMe icon in Clever to get started today.
Financial Aid/FAFSA Finish Night
Wednesday, December 13th
5:30 - 8:30 pm CHS Auditorium
Frederick Community College's Assistant Director of Financial Aid Mrs. Shelby Metzgar will explain the federal financial aid process and how to navigate paying for college. Immediately following will be 1:1 assistance completing the FAFSA application** with financial aid experts. Parents and students are welcome.
**The FAFSA application will not be available until December 2023 due to updates and changes to this application.
Academy for Fine Arts Open House/Info Session
The Academy for the Fine Arts will be holding an Open House and Information Session on Thursday, October 12, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School.
This event is open to FCPS middle school and high school parents and students who wish to learn more about the college and career pathway program in the visual and performing arts.
The Academy for the Fine Arts currently offers focus areas for students in grades 10-12 in:
Dance
Digital Art (Photography/Computer Graphics)
Music
2D/3D Visual Art
Musical Theatre
Theatre
The schedule for the evening will be:
6:30-7:15 pm: Open house time (see facilities, meet staff and students)
7:15-8:00 pm: Presentation in the Auditorium (program description, application process, Q and A session)
To register for this event, please click here. To learn more about the AFA, please visit: www.fcpsartsacademy.org or contact jonathan.kurtz@fcps.org.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are an important part of our FCPS community. Catoctin High School welcomes your voice and your involvement in our many organizations, activities, boosters programs, and PTSA.
You can become involved by applying at the FCPS Volunteer Center. The FCPS volunteer process and training is conducted on an annual basis and is required for all volunteers. Each year on June 30 our current volunteer pool expires, regardless of date of application. The volunteer application process has reopened for the 2023-2024 school year and will remain open throughout the school year.
Parents - We Want to Hear Your Voice!
Each year, school leaders reflect on what went well the prior year, as well as what goals should be focused on for the upcoming year. This is known as the School Improvement Process (SIP). We have a commitment to improving attendance, as well as increasing academic excellence and engagement. As a parent or guardian of our students, your voice is welcomed and necessary in meeting these goals. We would love to hear your insights and ideas related to this! You can reach out once, or look for opportunities for ongoing engagement throughout the year. Please email jennifer.clements@fcps.org and/or darlene.kerr@fcps.org with your thoughts.
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 fundraisers, concession sales, sponsorship and membership. All of the money raised goes to support our athletic programs. Please consider becoming a Catoctin High School Sports Booster Member. Anyone can join. Help us to help Catoctin Athletes by signing up now: Sports Boosters Membership Application
Catoctin High School PTSA
The CHS Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) exists to help support the students and staff at Catoctin High School. Through one fundraising activity a year (Colorfest parking at CHS), the PTSA helps fund many enrichment activities and rewards for students, teachers, and staff at CHS. Please consider showing your support of this organization by becoming a member: Membership Application You can also show your support by becoming a volunteer! To volunteer, please email Peggy Davis at Cowgirlproud@AOL.com.
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. Paper copies are available in the main office. You 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.
Citizens Advisory Council
The Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) serves as a conduit to the Board of Education for public concerns, advice, and information. An email, CAC@fcps.org, has been established for community members, parents/guardians, students, and staff who wish to share concerns, topics of interest, and/or issues with the CAC. Topics raised in these communications will be discussed by the Council and then relayed to Board leadership.
catoctin Safe and Sane
Catoctin High School Committee for a Safe and Sane Graduation Inc. is not sponsored by Catoctin High SchoolSafe 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 33rd 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.
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. To become a member, please fill out this form.
For more information on CHS Sports Boosters or to make a donation, please visit our website.
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. Join PTSA by filling out this membership form!
PTSA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COLORFEST PARKING! This is the only PTSA fundraiser of the year. Monies raised from this event fund student enrichment, teacher appreciation, and annual student scholarships. Please email CatoctinPTSA@gmail.com if you can help!
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 news
These flyers have been approved for electronic distribution by FCPS:
The Frederick County Commission for Women (FCCFW) is inviting any young woman in high school to apply to the 2023-2024 SheLEADS program. The link for registration can be found here. Click here for the flyer.
The Salvation Army is offering their Angel Tree for Christmas assistance once again. Please see the flyers for application information: English Spanish
The 4th Annual Seed to Root Black history celebration will be held on February 16, 2024. Interested grade K-12 student performers should apply by December 8. See the flyer for more information.
The Weinberg Center for the Arts is presenting the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Year-In-Review featuring bestselling author, Clint Smith. Click here for details.
FCPS and the Frederick County Health Department have announced that they will be enacting a Coaches vs. Overdoses initiative at all 10 high schools during the current football season. Coaches will distribute a Prevention Playbook, which helps parents and students tackle root causes of today’s overdose crisis. At-home drug disposal kits will also be distributed. The effort will take place during October, which is Substance Abuse Prevention Month, and will serve as the local kick-off to National Drug Take Back Day on October 29.