Dear Towson High School Community,
As today marks the midpoint of the first marking period, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our shared vision and provide updates and reminders of the supports that are available to all students and parent/guardians. Our vision is simple – for all members of our Towson High School learning community to thrive. For students, this means that we want to see them thriving academically, as well as socially and emotionally. To support this vision, we offer several valuable resources and supports:
- Weekly Coach Class with Individual Teachers: Weekly Coach Class provides an opportunity for students to receive personalized guidance and support from their teachers. Please access the Coach Class Schedule for each teachers’ Coach Class dates, times, locations, and email addresses.
- Weekly Peer Tutoring: Peer Tutoring is free, fantastic way for students to learn from their peers who have mastered specific subjects. Peer Tutoring sessions also include teacher advisors who are also available to assist as needed. Please access the Peer Tutoring Schedule for subject-specific Peer Tutoring dates, times, locations, and teacher advisors.
- School Counselors: We understand that students may face a variety of issues that can impact their overall well-being and academic performance. Our School Counselors can assist students by providing an additional layer of support. Please access the School Counseling website to contact the School Counseling team.
- Check Student's Progress in Real-Time: Parents/guardians can use their BCPS FOCUS account to check their student's academic progress and attendance in real-time. Once logged into FOCUS, select the link to Schoology to view grades and assignments. Please access these directions to log into and navigate the parent/guardian FOCUS account.
- Communicate with Teachers & Instructional Coaches: If there is a question about a grade or an assignment, please connect with teachers via email or phone. Instructional Coaches (formerly referred to as Department Chairs) also provide subject-specific support. Please access the Coach Class Schedule for teachers’ email addresses. Please reference the list below for Instructional Coaches.
- Art Instructional Coach – Ms. Lindsay Miller – lmiller19@bcps.org
- CTE Instructional Coach (College & Career, Engineering, Foods, Teacher Academy) – Mr. Jeffry Brotman – jbrotman@bcps.org
- English Language Arts Instructional Coach – Ms. Kristina Taddeo – ktaddeo@bcps.org
- Math Instructional Coach – Mr. Brian Tregaskis – btregaskis@bcps.org
- Performing Arts Instructional Coach – Mr. Andrew Worthington – aworthington@bcps.org
- Physical Education & Health Instructional Coach – Mr. Bradley Eastham – beastham@bcps.org
- Science Instructional Coach – Mr. Gerard Filosa – efilosa@bcps.org
- School Counseling Coach – Dr. Simon Hobbs – shobbs4@bcps.org
- Social Studies Instructional Coach – Mr. Scott Olson – solson@bcps.org
- Special Education Instructional Coach – Ms. Lauren Anias – lanias@bcps.org
- World Language Instruction Coach – Ms. Debbie Richmond – drichmond3@bcps.org
We are grateful for your partnership and we look forward to continuing to support all of our students in thriving during the first marking period and beyond!
With gratitude and appreciation,
Dr. Kim Culbertson
BCPS is pleased to announce the countywide implementation of BusWhere, a location tracking software that allows subscribers to see bus locations in real time on a mobile phone or computer. Via the BusWhere app, subscribers may opt to receive notification as the bus is approaching a designated bus stop or if there are significant delays.
BCPS families can expect to receive an email invitation from BusWhere to create an account the week of October 1, 2023. Watch this informational video to learn more about BusWhere!
Mrs. Petras, School Counselor
This past summer, Mrs. Petras participated in the 2023 Teacher Externship Program sponsored by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. The four-week summer program is designed to build bridges between businesses and educators by pairing high school educators with top Maryland businesses who provide hands-on experience in critical industries. Mrs. Petras was hosted by Hatzel & Buehler, a electrical construction company. We are grateful for Mrs. Petras sharing her invaluable knowledge and experience with students so they become more aware of various career paths available in Maryland.
The Seventh Annual Baltimore County Public Schools Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair is fast approaching! The college fair will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., Owings Mills 21117.
Registration through StriveScan is open to all BCPS high school students and their families. Participants are also strongly encouraged to complete the Common Black College Application prior to the event. School counselors and college counselors are available to help with registration and application. (Those who register who need assistance in traveling to the event are asked to complete a transportation request survey.) Acces the full BCPS press release for a list of participating schools.
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.
