
Towson High School Newsletter
February 16, 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Towson High School Community,
Your voice is important to us! The 2024 BCPS Climate Survey is available from February 5 through March 8, takes five minutes or less, is anonymous, and is available in 20 languages for students, parents/caregivers, and community members. The survey can be taken from anywhere using a phone, tablet, or computer. If you are a BCPS parent/caregiver and employee, or if you have children in more than one school, you are encouraged to take the survey more than once to reflect these experiences. Students will take the survey during Advisory in March, and teachers will take the survey at a faculty meeting in March.
Each year, we analyze the results from the BCPS Climate Survey and use the information to plan programs, supports, and initiatives for the upcoming year. If you have not done so already, please take the 2024 BCPS Climate Survey to ensure your voice is heard in our decision making.
In partnership,
Dr. Kim Culbertson
STARS
Student STARS
- TAM students for organizing #LoveTeaching week activities.
- SGA for organizing a Valentine's Spirit Week.
- BSU for organizing Black History Month activities.
- 849 students who earned honor roll for marking period 2.
- 91 students who earned Rising Star status for marking period 2 (students who earned at least a 2.0 and improved their GPA by at least 0.5 points).
- 908 students who had 94% or higher attendance for marking period 2.
Staff STARS
Mr. Schenning for his support for one of our new teachers by answering questions and helping out with coaching classes.
Mr. Allen and Mr. Bannon for assisting their coworker in dealing with an intense situation.
- Ms. Anias for designing and delivering professional development for teachers.
- Ms. Nash for organizing #LoveTeaching week activities.
- Mr. Jackson, Mr. Malloy, & Ms. Moody for advising the Black Student Union (BSU) and designing activities to celebrate Black History Month.
- Mr. Dashiell for organizing the 2nd semester bus evacuation.
- Officer Cardano, Officer Schissler, Mr. Eastham, Nurse Russo, Mr. Salvino, Mr. Muneses, & Ms. Morris for assisting with the 2nd semester bus evacuation.
- Mr. Ickes, Ms. Lambert, & Mr. Olson for assisting with the delivery, distribution, and setup of staff devices.
Parent/Community STARS
- Annelise Royles from Bridges at Gilman for bringing in delicious bagels for the office.
- The THS Class of 1971 for making a donation to THS.
School Safety
See Something, Say Something
If you have any school safety concerns during the school day, please call the school at 443-809-3608 and ask to speak with your student's administrator:
- Mr. Dashiell works with students whose last names start with A-G
- Mr. Stevens works with students whose last names start with H-O
- Ms. L. Smith works with students whose last names start with P-Z
If you have any emergency school safety concerns outside of the school day, please contact Safe Schools Maryland via phone, app, or online tip line.
Safety Reminders
Please be sure to review the safety reminders distributed by BCPS on February 2, 2024.
SRO Appreciation Day
February 15 was National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day. We are grateful for our two SROs, Officer Schissler (left) and Officer Cardano (right), that work to keep THS safe each day.
Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, THS and BCPS students and staff will celebrate Black History Month in order to honor the contributions African Americans have made, and continue to make, to American history and culture. “Black history is integral to American history, and I encourage all students and families to spend time this month learning more about Black history and the diversity and strength of Black culture,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers.
THS Activities:
- Game Night - February 23
- Spirit Week - February February 26-29
- Showcase assembly on February 29 - more details to come!
- Morning Announcement Spotlights
- Writing Contest
BCPS Activities:
Alumni Spotlights - Throughout February, BCPS will honor graduates from around the county on social media. Follow along with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.
Black Excellence Event - During the systemwide celebration on February 24 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Perry Hall High School cafeteria, students will display presentations they developed in response to the research prompt or the books they read. Community members, families, and other students will have the opportunity to ask students about their presentations.
Black History Month Writing Contest - The Office of English Language Arts and the Office of Social Studies are co-sponsoring a writing contest for all students in Grades K-12. A winner will be selected in each of the following grade level bands: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Prizes for winners are generously provided by The Education Foundation of BCPS. The contest is accepting up to three entries per school, and the deadline for entries is Friday, February 9.
“Sankofa: Celebration of African Americans’ Achievements” - The “Sankofa: Celebration of African Americans’ Achievements” event will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, February 23, at Winfield Elementary School Recreation Center, 8300 Carlson Ln., Windsor Mill 21244. Sponsored by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, this event will feature speakers, community resource tables, vendors, and a living history program to celebrate Black legacy and progress. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided. Please register to attend.
Trivia Tuesdays - At 3 p.m. every Tuesday in February, BCPS will post Black History Month trivia questions on Instagram Stories (@teambcps). Stories will be live for 24 hours and will be archived in BCPS Instagram highlights.
Snack & Paint hosted by the BSU
Snack & Paint hosted by the BSU
BCPS School Counseling Survey
Baltimore County Public Schools is transforming its school counseling program to make the program even more accessible, relevant, and effective. Parents/families and school staff are invited to participate in online Microsoft Teams discussions to offer feedback about their experiences with the current school counseling program and ideas for the future. The meetings will be hosted by Dr. Kim Ferguson, executive director, Department of Social-Emotional Support Services; Patricia Mustipher,
director, Office of Student Support; and MaatenRe Ramin, coordinator, Office of School Counseling.
Those not available to participate in the online discussions can submit comments via an online survey. Meeting details:
- Thursday, February 15, from 6-7 p.m. Microsoft Team meeting link (Meeting ID: 246 705 692 284; passcode: VBG7kB) Or call in (audio only): +1 301-960-8406 (Phone conference ID: 843 224 453#)
- Wednesday, February 21, from 6-7 p.m. Microsoft Team meeting link (Meeting ID: 251 018 368 567; passcode: hv2rct) Or call in (audio only): +1 301-960-8406 (Phone conference ID: 478 824 162#)
- Tuesday, February 27, from 6-7 p.m. Microsoft Team meeting link (Meeting ID: 262 166 372 444; passcode: N7UPea) Or call in (audio only): +1 301-960-8406 (Phone conference ID: 492 865 954#)
Spirit Week & Spread the Love Activities - February 12-16
This week we spread the love with a Valentine's Spirit Week and several heart-filled activities. Spirit days included "show your love for your favorite team," "Valentine's pink/red day," "show your love for your students/teachers," and "show your love for comfort." Additionally, students participated in karaoke during lunch, crafts during lunch and after school, candy grams for teachers, #LoveTeaching week Advisory lessons and "chalk the walk." Our hearts are filled by all of the L<3VE shown this week!
NAHS In/Edible Art Event - February 20
Child & Adolescent Development and TAM
We're excited to announce that the Child & Adolescent Development baby projects are in full swing! These projects are an integral part of the TAM curricula for BCPS as they enhance students' understanding of early childhood development, parenting, and infant health. At the heart of these projects is the Real Care Baby, a smart baby simulator that revolutionizes the learning experience. Combining simulation, software, and standards-aligned curricula, Real Care Baby offers a dynamic approach to teaching essential lessons. Utilizing wireless programming, it tracks and reports on caregiver behaviors, adding meaning and accountability to the learning process.
PTSA Drive to 500
Class of 2025 Information - SAT Day - March 19
SAT for Juniors
Juniors will take the SAT on March 19 during the school day. Students can get personalized SAT prep on the Khan Academy website. Click here to watch a video about SAT Prep
Click here to access information on how to connect College Board & Khan Academy accounts
Class of 2026 Information
Sophomore Ring Dance - March 8
The Sophomore Ring Dance will be held on Friday, March 8th from 7:00–10:00 pm at Towson High School. All 10th graders have been given a Dance Contract that needs to be submitted in order to attend the dance.The contract can also be accessed below. Students that are interested in attending the dance must return their signed contract to their ELA teacher by Wednesday February 21. Please contact Mr. Sun, Sophomore class advisor, with questions at ksun@bcps.org
Class of 2027 Information
THS Music Boosters
Towson College & Career Talk - Now with a section for 9th & 10th graders!
PTSA March Madness - Enter Through February 29
Department Spotlights
Athletics
Recurring News
CAEAC Meetings
Student Supports
Students can receive extra support afterschool via Coach Class and Peer Tutoring. Coach Class is offered by each teacher, each week. Free Peer Tutoring is offered throughout the week by students and advisors of our national honor societies. All supports begin next week unless otherwise noted. BCPS also offers all high school students with free teen therapy through Talkspace.
23-24 Clubs & Organizations
Towson Clubs & Organizations
We encourage all students to be actively involved in clubs and organizations throughout the year. Please check out the club list below. Students that are interested in starting a new club should contact Ms. Smith at lsmith21@bcps.org.
Senior Information Corner
Preparing for the Graduation Ceremony:
- Commencement Ceremony Logistic Form: Please complete this form as soon as possible to prepare for the reading of your seniors’ name and ensuring accessibility for family members.
- Cap and Gowns: Caps and gowns for the Class of 2024 Graduation Commencement Ceremony should be purchased using Jostens ASAP! Purchase before Feb. 1 guarantees the current price, so order fast!
- Senior Obligations: Please note that your senior may not walk the stage if there are outstanding obligations after May 24 (device, textbooks, or other outstanding payments to the school). If these aforementioned items are currently lost or damaged, please contact the school ASAP.
- Attire for Students: Students should be dressed in semi-formal attire under their caps and gowns. Options include dresses, skirts, slacks, collared shirts, dress shoes. Attire to avoid includes jeans, flip-flops, shorts, and sneakers.
- Ticket Information – TBD: Ticket information will be made available later in the year after Ms. Falatko has the BCPS meeting with staff from TU Arena (formerly SECU Arena). Families have previously been allotted 6 per graduate.
Senior Portraits:
- The deadline for senior portraits taken outside of the school sessions is March 1, 2024. Seniors can schedule senior portraits here until March 1, 2024. Please visit the yearbook page on the THS website for information about alternate photo submissions.
- We are a fall delivery school. Seniors will receive their yearbooks via mail over the summer. Buy your yearbook or purchase senior ads here.
Save the Dates:
- Senior Prom Tickets on Sale: Monday, April 22 – Friday, May 3
- Guest Contracts Available: Monday, April 22 in room 106 or the counselling office (due Friday, May 3)
- THS Senior Prom: Saturday, May 18 at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Center
- Graduation Practice (Mandatory): Tuesday, May 28 (AM) and Wednesday, May 29 (AM)
- THS Graduation Commencement Ceremony: Thursday, May 30 (AM) at TU Arena
Additional questions regarding these and other senior events may be directed to Ms. C. McCusker at cmccusker@bcps.org.
Graduation - Class of 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024, 10:00 AM
Towson University, York Road, Towson, MD, USA
Attendance Matters
Research has shown that attendance is a leading predictor of academic achievement and adult success. Students who find attending school important are more likely to attain goals like attending trade school, college, or getting a job. By showing up to school every day, students develop a positive work ethic and prepare for future success by developing healthy and productive habits.
Our attendance goals this year are for students to maintain at least a 94% attendance rate and to reduce chronic absenteeism. A student that misses 10% or more of school days in chronically absent. By missing just 2 days a month, a student will be chronically absent. Use the "Attendance Tracker" and "Parent Tips" below to support your student in maintaining satisfactory attendance. Additionally, we will send parents/guardians a "Weekly Attendance Report" each Friday afternoon so you can track your student's daily and period attendance.
Attendance Tracker
Parent Tips
Weekly Reports
Get Involved: Join a Parent Organization
Opt-In for Text Messages
If you are not receiving text messages from the school and would like to, please text “Y” or "Yes" to 67587.
Important Links
Upcoming Events
February 19 - Schools Closed - President's Day
February 20 - Edible Art
March 8 - Ring Dance
March 19 - Junior SAT Day
March 21 - Senior Talent Show
March 25-April 1 - Spring Break (Schools reopen on April 2)
April 2 - Schools reopen - "B Day"
April 5 - Third Marking Period Ends
April 10 - Schools Closed for Students - Teacher PD Day
April 11, 12 & 13 - Spring Musical
April 16 - Report Cards Distributed
April 20 - Junior Prom
April 26 - Schools & Offices Close 3 Hours Early
May 18 - Senior Prom