THE COUGAR CONNECTION
The Catoctin High School Newsletter • September 9, 2022
Homecoming!
It's time to show your school spirit! Join your fellow classmates by participating in these upcoming Homecoming activities!
Homecoming is just around the corner! Here are some important dates and information regarding our homecoming activities:
Ticket sales begin Monday, September 12. Purchase at SchoolCash Online through Wednesday, September 28 and in-person during all three lunch shifts through Friday, September 23. Tickets will not be sold after September 28. Tickets are $20/person and you must have a signed dance agreement form in order to receive your tickets. Print copies of the agreement are also available in the cafeteria, front office, and media center.
Court nominations begin Monday, September 19. Voting will occur September 26 & 27. Both the nominations and voting will take place in the "Class of 20xx" Schoology groups.
CHS Spirit Week is Tuesday, September 27 - Saturday, October 1:
Tuesday, 9/27: Country vs. Country Club
Wednesday, 9/28: Adam Sandler Day
Wednesday, 9/28 at 6:30 pm: Homecoming Parade in Thurmont (starting at Water Street continuing up North Church Street, ending at the high school).
Thursday, 9/29: Anything but a Backpack Day
Friday, 9/30: Class Colors & Pep Rally
Friday, 9/30 at 6:30 pm: Homecoming Football Game, CHS Cougars vs. FHS Cadets
Saturday, 10/1: Homecoming Dance, "Secret Garden", 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Class of 2023: important Dates!
Individual Senior Meetings
All seniors must meet with their counselor for an Individual Senior Meeting to review graduation needs and post graduation plans. Senior attendance required for all students, parent attendance welcome (but not mandatory) via google meet or in-person. Appointments available September 6 - October 7. Select your appointment time via your counselor's Calendy link:
Christy Wahl, Last Names A-G:
http://www.calendly.com/catoctincwahl
Cameo Lawlor, Last Names H-O:
http://www.calendly.com/catoctinclawlor
Shannon Byrnes, Last Names P-Z:
http://www.calendly.com/catoctinsbyrnes
College Application Workshops
Attendance at a College Application Workshop MANDATORY for any senior before requests for transcripts will be sent to prospective colleges. Workshops are offered during the school day, September 14-28. Sign up here to attend one session (must be logged into student account to access form).
College Workshop Night
On Wednesday, September 14 at 5:00 pm in the CHS Media Center, CHS Counseling team members will review the basics of the college application process. Topics include how to select a college, how to use Naviance to complete your application, and much more. Parents and students are welcome.
Financial Aid/FAFSA Finish Night
FCC’s Financial Aid Director, Ms. Shelby Metzgar, will explain the federal financial aid process and how to navigate paying for college at CHS on Thursday, October 27th, 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Immediately following the presentation, from 6:30-8:30 pm, you may register for one-on-one assistance on the FAFSA application with financial aid experts. Click here to register for a FAFSA appointment. Parents and students are welcome.
Senior Portrait Make-Up Dates
The final chance to have your senior portrait taken by Victor O'Neill Studios and be pictured in the yearbook will be on October 10 and 11 at CHS. Reservations are required. Visit the Senior Portrait information page for more information. Outside photographs are not accepted for the yearbook.
Family Life Parent Preview
Catoctin High School will host a virtual Family Life Parent Preview Night through Google Meet on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 6:00 pm. This preview is for parents of any student enrolled in Health class this year at CHS. During this presentation, we will preview the instructional materials that will be used during the Family Life Unit, which is a part of our Health Education Curriculum. To access the Virtual Parent Preview Night, you will need to log into Google Meet with your student's FCPS username and password. The Google Meet Code is: catoctinaentwistle Please email Amy Entwistle at amy.entwistle@fcps.org with any questions.
Absences due to the great Frederick Fair Week
The Great Frederick Fair (GFF) will be held September 16t through September 24th, 2022. Historically, many FCPS students have fully participated in this event and were considered absent from school during this time period. FCPS recognizes that participating (as opposed to attending as a spectator) in the GFF is a valuable learning opportunity. As such, FCPS is excited to provide an opportunity for these students to access virtual instructional support, as needed, through the Department of Student Services during the week of the fair. The GFF will provide WIFI access for students participating in the fair. All students who are participating in The Great Frederick Fair and will be absent from school, should fill review this flyer and permission slip for detailed information regarding virtual instruction and internet access. Turn in the permission slip to CHS attendance secretary, Mrs. Manninen.
parking permits
If you plan to drive to school and park on campus, you will need to obtain a student parking permit from the front office. Permits are $10 each. You must complete a Parking Permit form and you and your parent/guardian must sign the form. Please get your parking permit as soon as possible in order to avoid a fine. Please visit the front office for more information.
important notice for Students with FCC Classes at CHS
FCC students should NOT report to any classrooms during the block(s) they do not have class. They have been instructed to either exit the building or report to and check in at the Media Center. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Jacques.
Student Member of the Board Applications Due Sept. 16
One of the most visible student leadership positions in FCPS is the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). This student is elected each year by the secondary student body of FCPS. One of the challenges for the SMOB is being able to gather feedback and share information with students across 23 middle and high schools. Last fall the plans were put in place to create a new group, the SMOB Advisory Council. This is similar to organizations in place in neighboring counties.
The SMOB Advisory Council will be made up of high school student representatives from each of the 10 feeder patterns. Provisions are included to add up to 5 additional at-large members to ensure all types and groups of students are represented on the council. The group will meet twice a term in the evening at our county libraries.
For more information, please visit the Student Member of the Board webpage. Deadline to submit an application is September 16!
Mark Your Calendar!
September 12 - Homecoming Tickets Go On Sale!
September 14 - College Application Workshop, 5:00 pm, Media Center
September 27-30 - Spirit Week!
September 28 - Homecoming Parade, N. Church Street, 6:30 pm
September 30 - Homecoming Football Game vs. FHS, 6:30 pm
October 1 - Homecoming Dance, 7:00 - 10:00 pm
October 10 & 11 - Senior Portrait Make-up Dates
October 24 - Underclass Picture Make Up Date
October 27 - Financial Aid Night/FAFSA Finish, 6-8:30 pm, Auditorium
Shadow Opportunity at Academy of the Fine Arts
Students interested in shadowing the Academy for the Fine Arts can sign up by visiting the AFA website and clicking on "visit the AFA." The Academy for the Fine Arts is an FCPS college and career pathway program for students in grades 10-12 offering focus areas in Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Art.
Please note, transportation is NOT provided for Shadow Days. To learn more about the AFA and to access the application, visit www.fcpsartsacademy.org. Applications and digital audition submissions for next school year must be submitted by January 13th.
For questions, please contact AFA Coordinator, Jonathan Kurtz, at jonathan.kurtz@fcps.org or 240-236-8352.
school breakfast and lunch assistance
Frederick County Public Schools, Food and Nutrition Services announces participation in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program for school year 2022-2023. We encourage families who think they qualify (or unsure if they qualify) to complete the free and reduced-price meal benefits application to determine your child’s eligibility. Eligibility for free or reduced-price meal reimbursement is based on annual income eligibility guidelines effective from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Applications for free and reduced-price school meal benefits for the 2022-2023 school year are available at all FCPS schools or may be completed online at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application.
Visit the School Meals Frequently Asked Questions and FCPS Nutrition Services pages for more information!
Register Today for SchoolCash Online for School Fees
FCPS offers SchoolCash Online as our preferred method of payment for all school fees, including class fees, athletic fees, field trips, and more. Our SchoolCash Online page can be found here: https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com/.
Benefits to parents and schools
SchoolCash Online helps parents and community members pay school-related fees safely, quickly, and easily. In addition to convenience for yourself, you will help increase efficiency and security at your school by making payments directly into your school's bank account. This allows teachers and secretaries to focus on helping students, and not counting cash. In addition, you are immediately informed about school activities!
Register now!
Registering for your free SchoolCash Online account takes less than two minutes! Visit https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com/ and click Register.
Should you encounter any difficulties, please contact the SchoolCash Online parent help desk by visiting schoolcashonline.com/Home/Support.
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!
Fall Sports Season - Tickets and Fan Guidelines
Our Catoctin High School home athletic season is now underway for fall sports! Keep up-to-date with all of our athletic events by visiting our page on the Frederick County CMC website. Please help us maintain a safe environment by adhering to policies listed below.
Prohibited Items:
The following items are prohibited from being brought into the stadium or gymnasium (we do not have a bag check or holding area):
Backpacks, string bags or large purses
Athletic equipment (sticks, helmets, balls, etc.)
Any food, beverages, or food and beverage containers
Skateboards
Bicycles
Pets - unless they are service animals
Parking and Event Guidelines for ALL Contests:
Per FCPS policy, if you choose to leave the stadium, you must pay to re-enter the event.
The use of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, and vaping, is prohibited on FCPS school property.
Good Sportsmanship is an expectation. Spectator behavior is expected to be one that is respectful of the student athletes and performance groups, officials, staff, and other spectators. Behavior not in line with these expectations may result in removal from the venue.
All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
No fans should enter the track area, nor sit or stand on any handrails.
Parking in non-marked spaces such as sidewalks, grassy areas or any other area not designated for vehicle parking is prohibited and may result in the vehicle being towed.
Admission:
Admission to events is $2 for students and $6 for adults. Tickets and passes can be purchased online at https://gofan.co/app/school/MD24764. Game tickets can also be purchased at the gate. For more information on annual season passes, event season passes for students and adults, and instructions on how to purchase passes and tickets please click here.
2022-2023 CHS issued season passes, MPSSAA passes, and FCPS and WCPS identification badges are the only forms of passes accepted. Badges serve as an entrance ticket for the badge holder only.
Fans over the age of 60 and under the age of 7 are given free entry to all FCPS athletic contests.
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Catoctin Community,
It is hard to believe that we are already 16 days into this school year and that we are quickly approaching the middle of Term 1 (September 16). Most students have gotten off to a great start and are learning and finding success in their classes. If that is not the case for your child in every class, please consider the following suggestions:
Ask your child why he/she is struggling
Reach out to the teacher to get his/her perspective and suggestions
Communicate with your child’s school counselor if there are concerns with which she can help
Help your student make a plan for improvement
Encourage your child to take advantage of the additional supports that are available (TutorMe, working with his/her teacher during STEP, and/or afterschool and STEP tutoring that will be starting soon)
Interims are designed to be a checkpoint that can confirm that things are going well academically or to spur some action to affect positive change. Please let us know if there are additional ways we can support your child in either situation.
In addition to the great things happening in classrooms each day, there have been many highlights already this year – the start of fall sports, the sound of our Marching Band preparing for the season, the preparations of our FFA for their upcoming events, and the return of the Community Show to CHS this weekend. We have also faced a few challenges, such as the effects of COVID and a few isolated incidents of disruptive student behavior.
Regarding COVID – we will continue to support students who must be absent to keep up as they can and to recover when they get back. Please continue to communicate with us regarding student absences and ways in which we can support your child’s return and academic recovery.
Regarding student behavior – almost all of the time, Catoctin students are respectful, appropriate, and focused on the priority of learning. Like anywhere else, there are occasionally exceptions to that. I often accept compliments on the positive behavior of our students from substitutes and other visitors, so poor behavior is definitely the exception and not the rule. If and when a student behaves in a way that is in violation of a school or system rule, expectation, or policy, it is our responsibility to respond fairly and appropriately in alignment with FCPS policies and regulations. Our priorities will always be student safety and learning (and fostering an environment that is conducive to both). Thank you for reinforcing our principles of ROAR which provide students the guidance they need to make good decisions in their best interest and that of those around them.
Thanks, as always, for your partnership. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a CHS staff member if there is any way in which we can support your child.
Go Cougars!
Jen Clements
Principal
Online Instant Help Tutoring Program: TutorMe
TutorMe provides virtual tutoring opportunities for all FCPS middle and high school students on virtually any topic. Tutors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance. Watch this video for more information: TutorMe Overview
Students can log in from the Chrome web browser by using Clever. Watch this video for directions: Log-in to TutorMe
Students access TutorMe using the Clever portal and then select a subject for help. Watch this video for details on how to connect with a tutor: Connect with a Tutor
TutorMe connects you with a tutor for every subject! You can even submit documents to the Writing Lab for editing/advice! The TutorMe Writing Lab is accessible to students 24/7. More details about how to upload documents to the lab are available online. Spanish directions are available here.
TutorMe tutors are available to support students in most subjects and at any level, including students taking FCC classes while in hight school.
For detailed information and links visit: TutorMe Q&A
counseling department
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 available in the front 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: 1-800-273-8255
To get help if you are thinking about suicide.
Reminder: important fcps policies and Regulations
Please review policies and regulations, below. For more detailed information, see link HERE.
Regulation 400-23: Medication Administration
FCPS and the local health department encourage parents and guardians to administer medications to their children, but if staff finds it necessary to administer prescription or over-the-counter medications to students, the guidelines set forth in this regulation must be followed.
Regulation 500-6 & 500-5: Elementary and Secondary Grading
500-6: The Board of education approves essential curriculum and courses of study in all grades and content areas including special education. This regulation reviews the purpose of grades, grading system, grade change procedures and parent appeal process.
500-5: The Board of education approves essential curriculum and courses of study in all grades and content areas including special education. The regulation reviews the purpose of grades, grading system, timelines, GPA calculations, procedures to request a grade change, and parent appeal procedures.
Policy 107: Office of the Ombuds
The FCPS Office of the Ombuds serves to make sure students and parents have all the information they need, including contacts, to answer all questions and/or resolve any issues.
Student Firearm Possession
"It is unlawful for students to possess or use any weapon on school property. Students who have or use a weapon on school property will be suspended from school, and the police will be notified of the incident. A weapon is any object designed to harm another physically or an object which is used in a way that can physically harm another. This school is committed to providing each of you with a safe environment, and we will do all we can to carry out that responsibility including, if necessary, conducting searches of student lockers."
Regulation 500-32: Replacement of Lost or Damaged Instructional Materials
Students are responsible for caring for all FCPS owned materials, including textbooks, that are loaned to them. If an object is lost or damaged, the student's family may be held liable for the cost, at fair-market value
Policy 112: Promoting a Drug-Free, Alcohol-Free, and Tobacco/Vaping-Free Environment
The Board of Education desires to maintain a safe, healthy and productive environment free of alcohol, tobacco – tobacco includes smokeless cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, dip, chew, snuff in any form – and other drugs. The possession, distribution, sale or use of alcohol, tobacco or any illegal or illicit drug, in any form, on school property at any time is prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to individuals providing an educational unit on the effects of tobacco, alcohol or drugs. For more information: POLICY 112
Regulation 400-48: Bullying/Intimidation/Harassment
Everyone has the right to feel respected and be treated with dignity. Schools must be safe, provide an optimal environment for achievement and be free from violence. Students subjected to bullying, intimidation or harassment may file a complaint with appropriate school officials as identified in Regulation 400-48. The Regulation and reporting forms are available in schools and counselor offices and via www.fcps.org.
Policy 116: Title IX Sexual Harassment
The Board of Education of Frederick County (Board) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its educational program, activities, or employment as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and recognizes sexual harassment as a form of sexual discrimination. For more information: TITLE IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY 116
Regulation 400-73: Responsible use of Digital Technology
Every year students receive instruction on safe and responsible use of technology such as:
Responsible Use of Digital Technology - Students (Regulation 400-73 )
Digital Citizenship (digital access, etiquette, law, communication, literacy, commerce)
Students Reporting Security Concerns
"See Something, Say Something" and "Don't repost it. Report it" - Students are encouraged to report security concerns to a trusted adult (parent, school staff member, school administrator, SRO, or a local law enforcement agency). Students may also anonymously report concerns using the Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line 1-833-MD-B-SAFE or https://safeschoolsmd.org/. In an emergency, call 911. Additional resources can be found on the CHS website and the FCPS website.
Regulation 500-32: Lost or Damaged Instructional Materials
Students shall be held responsible for the careful use and protection of the books, materials, and equipment loaned or assigned to him. Upon the request of the principal, the student shall return these items in good condition, allowing for normal usage. Failure of the student to comply with this procedure shall require the principal to assess the loss or damage for the student to pay to the school. For more details: Regulation 500-32
catoctin Safe and Sane 2023
Catoctin High School Committee for a Safe and Sane Graduation Inc. is not sponsored by Catoctin High SchoolDear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of CHS Senior(s),
Our seniors will graduate at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. The CHS Safe and Sane Committee for the Class of 2023 has begun planning fundraisers for graduation events for our Seniors, and we need your support!
“What is Safe and Sane?” – 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 32st year of providing an alternative way for graduates to celebrate and “JUST SAY NO” to drugs and alcohol!
FUNDRAISING GOAL - $70,000: This may seem like A LOT of money, but these funds come from outside of the school system and are needed to host all annual events for all our 176 Seniors for ZERO entry fees including:
BACCALAUREATE – An optional religious service to honor the graduating class.
GRADUATION NIGHT EVENT - An all-night, lock-in, chaperoned event planned to be held at the Knott Arena at Mount Saint Mary’s University on the evening of graduation featuring free food, games, a casino room, music and swimming, and chances to win cash/prizes. Each graduate will receive a “goodie bag” with cash and gifts and parents know their Senior is in a safe and fun environment.
Want to get involved? See below for ways to connect and support Safe and Sane events.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/catoctinsafeandsane This is the best way for you and your Senior to stay up-to-date on events.
COME TO A MEETING! Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 6:15 pm. See Social Media for location, but most will be held at the Thurmont American Legion-upstairs.
GET ON THE MAILING LIST. Email catoctinsafeandsane@gmail.com with “Join Safe and Sane” in the subject line. Please list your name as well as your Senior’s name in the email.
VOLUNTEER! We need your time and talents at the fundraising events! Email us at catoctinsafeandsane@gmail.com with your name, your senior’s name and contact information. When parents volunteer for Safe and Sane board members/co-chairs/fundraisers you earn extra raffle tickets for your senior at the Safe and Sane event. See more details in the attached flier.
SELL TICKETS! We’re planning several raffles during the school year, and we need your help to reach our sales goals. We are currently selling crab raffle and cash bingo tickets.
MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION. Make checks payable to Catoctin High School Safe and Sane and send to: Catoctin High School, Attn: Safe and Sane, 14745 Sabillasville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Please include your name, your child’s name, address and your email address with your donation. You also may submit a check in a sealed envelope to the front office. Tax ID # 52-1912335 (Non-profit organization designation certificate mailed upon request).
MAKE AN EVENT DONATION. The success of many of our events is due to generous donations of items such as beverages, paper products, food items, silent auction items and gift cards. Please watch for donation requests through our Facebook Group as well as in emails from the Committee.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE SAFE AND SANE FUNDRAISING EVENTS/SALES: Click here
The more you help out the more chances your senior gets to win at the Safe and Sane Event!
We look forward to partnering with you to celebrate our seniors! Thank you in advance for your support!
-Catoctin 2023 Safe and Sane Board and Committee Chairs
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.
Catoctin PTSA supports its efforts from the money earned during Colorfest parking cars. Please consider donating a few hours to helping. We are asking our CHS families to financially support the work of the PTSA in two ways: your $7.00 membership and a donation of at least $10 in the name of each child you have in our school. If $10 is too much at this time, anything you can give is welcome and appreciated. Gifts honoring graduates are also welcome!
Your donation to the CHS PTSA is 100% tax deductible! With just $20 per child, our PTSA can continue enrich and support the following:
❖ Distinguished Graduate program that recognizes past graduates each year
❖ Staff Appreciation events from parents
❖ End of year gifts for each Senior
❖ “You’ve Made Your Mark” PTSA Scholarships for graduating seniors
❖ Last year we purchased earbuds for every student.
Here is another way you can help support the CHS PTSA:
➢ We have an Amazon Smile account. Amazon will donate 0.5%, so please use the following link
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-1667652 and support us every time you shop.
DONATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE OR MAILED TO:
CHS PTSA, 14745 SABILLASVILLE RD, THURMONT, MD 21788
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!!
** PLEASE NOTE: Students must be a member of the CHS PTSA by January 31, 2023 to be eligible for the 2022 CHS PTSA Senior Scholarships.
PTSA General Meetings - Come Join the Fun!
CHS PTSA meetings will be held at 7 p.m. via Zoom Meeting from your home. All are welcome to attend! For more information, please send an email to CatoctinPTSA@gmail.com or by contacting:
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 Maryland Ensemble Theater’s Fun Company is presenting The Rainbow Fish Musical from September 17 – October 9. Check showtimes at www.marylandensemble.org.
If interested in the Dominique Dawes Gymnastic & Ninja Academy in Clarksburg, visit www.dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com.
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.