Dear Towson High School Community,

"The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021 to transform public education in the state into a world-class education system. The Blueprint is designed to increase education funding by $3.8 billion each year over the next 10 years, enrich student experiences and accelerate student outcomes, as well as improve the quality of education for all children in Maryland, especially those who have been historically underserved (MD Blueprint)."

There are five pillars of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Pillar 3 is the College and Career Readiness (CCR) pillar. "The College and Career Readiness Pillar sets a new College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard that prepares graduates for success in college and the workforce by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to complete entry-level credit-bearing college courses and work in high-wage and high-demand industries. The Blueprint aims to have all students meet the CCR standard by the end of their 10th grade year, develops CCR-Support pathways to support students in meeting the standard, enables students to enter a Post-CCR pathway that builds on the student’s strengths, develops a Career and Technical Education (CTE) system that is aligned with industry’s needs, and ensures that prekindergarten through 12th grade curriculum, standards, and assessments are all aligned with the new CCR standard" (MD Blueprint).

Students may demonstrate College and Career Readiness (CCR) by meeting or exceeding the following standards in both English and Math:

• Score of 3 or 4 on MCAP English 10, and
• Score of 3 or 4 on MCAP Algebra 1, Algebra II, or Geometry; or score 520 or greater on the Math SAT.

Meeting the established criteria for CCR provides students with many opportunities, including the opportunity for students to take up to four college courses and AP exams, free of charge.

Implications for current freshman and sophomores: It is essential that students perform to the best of their ability on the MCAP English and Math assessments this spring as the results of these assessments will directly impact whether they met the CCR designation in English and Math.

Implications for current juniors: Juniors who have not met the CCR standard will continue to receive information on support pathways to assist in meeting the CCR standard.

We look forward to continuing to partner with you in supporting all our Towson Generals towards becoming College and Career ready, as defined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

In partnership,

Dr. Kim Culbertson

Source: Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

Students are recognized for being 5-STAR Towson Generals. Staff and Parents are recognized for demonstrating heart-work that helps our THS learning community to thrive.

• AVID Scholars for setting up a coffee break for teachers.
• Robotics Team for presenting at the January PTSA meeting.
• Leila Franklin for demonstrating outstanding character during a game.
• Ja'Bree Lewis for volunteering to clean up after a game.
• Isatou Kambai for singing the national anthem at a game.
• SGA Exectutive Board for organizing the 2nd annual Culture Fair.
• All Clubs & Organizations that participated in the 2nd annual Culture Fair.

• Mr. Marx, AVID Coordinator, for coordinating an AVID-sponsored coffee break for teachers.

• Ms. C. McCusker & Mr. Worthington for becoming AVID Certified teachers.

• Mr. Filosa for always lending an extra hand.
• Mr. Cheung for volunteering during his 4B planning to help with Algebra 1.
  
• Mr. Gavin for instilling character virtues in his team members.
• Mr. Salvino for going above and beyond to help out around the school.
• Mr. Skeels for helping a colleauge.
• Mr. Dalismer, Mr. Jochmans, Ms. Monacelli, Mr. Schenning, & Mr. Tregaskis for assisting with additional math classes.
• Mr. Olson & Ms. Falatko for leading the 2nd annual SGA Culture Fair, and all Club Sponsors who participated in the fair.
• Ms. Wilson for her dedication to our students and staff as a paraeducator. You will be missed!
• Ms. Keys for joining the math department!

• Mr. Sestero, THS Class of '69, for his generous donation to the THS Robotics Team.
• AVID Parents for donating coffee and treats for a coffee break for teachers.
• Sue Hahn from BCPS FACE Office for sharing ways parents can engage with their students' education at the January PTSA meeting.
• Parents, Family Members, & Future Generals that joined us for the 2nd annual SGA Culture Fair.

**Updated January 21**

• Marking Period 2 & Semester 1 – Extended through Tuesday January 23 (Semester 1 students will stay in their Semester 1 classes for Monday – A-day & Tuesday – B-day)
• Marking Period 3 & Semester 2 – Begins on Wednesday January 24 (Semester 2 students will begin their Semester 2 classes on Wednesday – A-day & Thursday – B-day)
• Updated Semester 1 Mid-Terms & Final Exam Schedule: Monday 1/22 (A-Day) – A-Day Makeup Exams; Tuesday 1/23 (B-Day) – B-Day Makeups Exams
• Marking Period 2 Report Cards will now be posted in the FOCUS Portal on February 5 at 4:00 pm.

Senior Dues:

Senior class dues allow us to enhance prom and other senior events to make memories we won’t forget! While the deadline to pay dues was Dec. 1, you can still pay your $40 dues using the school Online Payment System by Feb. 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are not receiving text messages from the school and would like to, please text “Y” or "Yes" to 67587.

January 19 - Marking Period 2 Ends; Schools Close 3 Hours Early

January 22 - Marking Period 3/Semester 2 Begins

January 29 - Marking Period 2 Report Cards Available on FOCUS at 4:00 pm

February 9 - Schools Closed for Students - Teacher PD Day

February 19 - Schools Closed - President's Day

March 19 - Junior SAT Day

March 25-April 1 - Spring Break (Schools reopen on April 2)