TSHS Cougar News
Keeping you connected to teaching and learning
A Message from Ms. Pearl
Welcome students and families. First quarter grades will be posted on StudentVue and ParentVue this Monday, November 13, 2023 for your access. Students, if you are not satisfied with your grade, make sure that you are paying attention to the "small things" that mean a lot. Make sure your turning in quality work, using your time management skills, and adhering to due dates. Make sure you stay focused so you can start this quarter off strong and stay focused. For the students who may need additional academic support, please sign up for FEV tutoring through Clever, which is an online one on one tutoring service available 24/7 for homework help.
With the start of second quarter, administration has begun implementing Hall Sweeps. Once the tardy bell has rang, if your student is caught in the hallway without a pass, they will be given a Saturday School Detention. We still need students to monitor their transition time between classes. Students, you only have 4 minutes between classes before you are marked tardy. We have implemented our tardy policy, in which continued tardies to class will result in student consequences, which may include Saturday School. As a reminder, our school day starts at 7:30a.m.. Please make sure you are arriving to school and each class on time.
This is a reminder that you are not allowed to enter a classroom with backpacks or large bags. Students, you must use their locker. If you have a locker issue, please be sure to use the QR code, which is posted in numerous locations throughout the building. We are asking students to continue showing your Cougar Pride by being Prepared, Respectful, Involved, Diligent and Eco-Friendly.
UPCOMING SCHOOL DAY EVENTS
RUBY BRIDGES DAY
On Tuesday, November 14, 2023 all staff and students are encouraged to wear purple in honor of Ruby Bridges Day. During 8th period, students who are wearing purple will be called down by hallways to report to the front of the school building., Students will walk around the exterior of the building in support of "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" which should take no longer than 15-20 minutes.
COLLEGE AND CAREER INFORMATION
#WhyApply
Seniors will participate in the #WhyApply program that is a part of the Maryland College Application Campaign October 16 - November 14. The sessions will be held in their English classes, where they will complete a college application, create state and federal financial aid accounts and learn more about the Common App's FERPA Act.
Financial Aid Night
"Save the Date" Financial Aid Night November 27, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Hear from the Financial Aid team at the College of Southern Maryland who is providing the latest information on the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Fee Waivers
All students at Thomas Stone High School are receiving free breakfast and lunch this school year. However, students can receive additional benefits from the Free and Reduced Meal application, such as fee waivers for ACT, SAT, and College Application fees. Upperclassman will need to complete a Free and Reduced Meals Application online, to receive these benefits. The online application can be found on the CCBOE homepage. https://www.myschoolapps.com/
*IMPORTANT* MAKE-UP PICTURE DAY INFORMATION
Underclass Picture Make-Up Day
If your child missed "Picture Day" in September, we ask that your child take their pictures this Monday, November, 13th during "Picture Re-Take Day". Pictures are used for Student ID's and for the school yearbook. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. McClelland, our Yearbook Advisor, by email at amcclelland@ccboe.com.
*IMPORTANT* Senior Picture Make-Up Day
If your Senior has not taken their Senior pictures yet, Senior pictures "Make Up Day" will be next Monday-Wednesday, November 13-15, 2023. Students MUST have an appointment through Lifetouch to sit for Senior Pictures. We are not sure if there will be any future sittings here at TSHS, so please contact Lifetouch directly at https://prestigeportraits.com/ to schedule your appointment for next week. Senior pictures will be used for the slide show during Graduation and for the yearbook. It is very important Seniors sit for their senior picture, if they plan on participating in this years graduation ceremony.
Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures
ENJOY 10% OFF your order by clicking the link below and entering the attached code!
CODE: F202310OFF
CODE EXPIRES: MAY 1, 2024
CLASS OF 2024
IT'S TIME.... to order your Cap and Gown!
It is NOW time to order Cap and Gowns for this years graduation ceremony! The special on-line order time for Thomas Stone HS is: Now – through November 20th. Jostens Graduation Company must have your accurate height and weight to make your sure you are receiving the correct cap and gown unit for graduation. The cost of the Cap and Gown is included in the Senior Dues. You do not have to purchase a "Jostens Graduation Package" to order your cap and gown, however YOU MUST PLACE AN ORDER.. For information on how to place an order, click on the link below to view the "CAP AND GOWN FLYER". If you choose to purchase a packet, other than just your cap and gown, please note that the cost of the cap and gown, within the package, is $0.
Class of 2024 Senior Information - Thomas Stone High School (ccboe.com)
TO ORDER CAP AND GOWN ONLY
Click on the link provided, THOMAS STONE HIGH SCHOOL WALDORF, MD | Jostens,
1. Scroll down to the SHOW YOUR COUGAR PRIDE, Graduation tab and click on "SHOP"
2. Scroll all the way down to “SHOP GRADUATION PRODUCTS" "SHOP ALL" .
3. Scroll half way down until you see the "CAP & GOWN" section and click on the “Cap and Gown Unit,” $0.00.
4. Fill out Height, Weight, Gender. You do not need to add a Keepsake Tassel unless you would like to order a 2nd one, as one comes with the Cap and Gown Unit, however you must click on the "NEXT: ADD A KEEPSAKE TASSEL" button and scroll through the "NEXT": tabs, to complete the order.
You may add other items individually if desired. Other graduation packages are available. If you have any questions, please contact our Jostens representative, Karen Stewart at karen.stewart@jostens.com.
Senior Dues
Senior dues are $150. The deadline to pay senior dues is Friday, January 26, 2024. You can submit your payment by cash, check, or money order to Mrs. Lee or Mrs. Gowin in the main office. This can be done between the hours of 7:30am – 2:30pm. Money orders and checks are to be made out to Thomas Stone High School, with the student’s name in the memo line. You can also pay online, by debit or credit card at www.myschoolbucks.com.
The breakdown is as follows:
Senior T-Shirt $10.00
Senior Bag $5.00
Senior Picnic $20.00
Yard Sign $10.00
Caps/Gowns/Stoles $60.00
Awards $25.00
Stage Decorations $5.00
Graduation Programs $15.00
Total $150.00
Senior dues may be paid in smaller payments, until the balance is paid off.
SAVE THE DATES!
Graduation
Graduation for the Class of 2024 will once again be held at Regency Furniture Stadium. This year, TSHS's graduation will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 1p.m.. Please mark your calendars.
Graduates from each school, and a guest, will be invited to attend Project Graduation at the Charles County Fairgrounds on the evening of each school's graduation from 8p.m.-midnight.
Prom
This years' Prom will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 7p.m.-11p.m.. Prom will be held at the Graces Event Center, located at 4045 Renner Road, Waldorf, MD 20602. Prom tickets can be purchased starting November 1, 2024 for $95.
FOR MORE SENIOR INFORMATION
please click on the link below to be directed to the TSHS website, Senior Information Page.
Class of 2024 Senior Information - Thomas Stone High School (ccboe.com)
PTSO INFORMATION
PTSO Committee Meeting
If you are interested in being a part of Thomas Stone High Schools' PTSO Committee, please contact Rita Osborne at TSHSPTSO@gmail.com. Come be a part of the PTSO Committee and make a difference. Applications are available in the main office and also available during all scheduled meetings. Please complete the application form and return, with payment of $10, to the main office. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 28th, 5:30 - 6:00pm, in the Media Center.
TSHS Clothing Store
Thomas Stone High School has opened an apparel store for everyone to enjoy. Please click on the link to see all of the amazing items available and support our school by making a purchase.
Dress Code Policy
This year, the dress code policy has been updated. The intention of the dress code was to allow for students to be responsible for their attire and grooming, however some of our females have worn crop tops, excessively short, just barely covering undergarments. Please refer the dress code policy, in this years' Code of Conduct, and wear items appropriate and suitable for the school setting.
Code of Student Conduct 2023-24 - Charles County Public Schools (ccboe.com)
Attendance
Submit all attendance notes via email or in-person to Ms. Mallum within three days of the absence. There is an attendance box located outside of the attendance office window for your convenience. Ms. Mallum is unable to accept attendance emails or phone calls from students. The school day starts at 7:30am, however late arriving students must check in with the attendance office, after 7:45am. This is still an unexcused tardy, unless the student has a note from a parent, guardian or physician.
Only a parent/legal guardian may sign a student out for early dismissal. The cutoff time for early dismissal is 2:00 PM. Please send all attendance correspondence either directly from your email to mmallum@ccboe.com or you may call TSHS at 301-753-1756 if you have questions. All information concerning the county’s policies on absences is found on pg. 6 of the CCBOE Parent/Student Handbook
Laptops
Students, please note that devices need regular updating to ensure that all software continues to work and to receive the latest security patches from Microsoft. Please check for Windows updates every Tuesday evening (or as soon after as possible). This can prevent many problems, especially during testing sessions.
For new and incoming 9th grade students, you should have received your laptop during the second week of school. If you have not received your laptop as of yet, or you have any issues with your laptop, please submit a ticket to Mr. Richardson by clicking the link provided https://askccps.ccboe.com/open.php. If your student will be leaving TSHS, you will need to return your CCPS issued laptop and charger prior to being withdrawn.
Dates to Remember
November 10 - Veterans Day Observed/ Teacher In-Service - No school for students
November 11 - Veterans Day
November 13 - Report Cards Posted to Parent-Vue
November 13 - World Kindness Day
November 14 - Board Meeting
November 14 - CTE application window closes
November 14 - TSHS' Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day, wear purple
November 15 - Winter Sports begin
November 22 - 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools/Offices closed
December 6 - Two-hour Early Dismissal for Students
We Can Help
Administrators
9th - Mrs. Savage jsavagespriggs@ccboe.com
10th - Mrs. Loyd kloyd@ccboe.com
11th - Ms. Werkheiser cwerkheiser@ccboe.com
12th - Mr. Snow bsnow@ccboe.com
Instructional AP - Dr. Bateman jbateman@ccboe.com
Counselors
9th - Ms. Ransom hransom@ccboe.com
10th - Ms. Prade aprado@ccboe.com
11th- Ms. Jarmon tjarmon@ccboe.com
12th - Ms. Salopek gsalopek@ccboe.com
Special Programs - Ms. Countee mcountee@ccboe.com
Thomas Stone High School
Website: https://stone.ccboe.com/
Location: 3785 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf, MD, USA
Phone: (301)753-1756
Twitter: @CougarsTSHS