Dear Towson High School Community,

Throughout the past weeks, our students and staff have engaged in various activities as part of BCPS’ “Mind Over Matters” campaign which is an ongoing movement dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and fostering wellness for both students and staff in BCPS. Our students and staff embraced activities like "Color for Character Week" to demonstrate our commitment to civility, equity, unity, respect, and positivity; and engaged in lessons for National Bullying Prevention Month to foster awareness, kindness, empathy, and more inclusive environments. Today, students worked to develop a “Kindness Chain” that will be hung in the hallways to symbolize acts of kindness that can strengthen our bonds as a school community. Additionally, our One Love club has sponsored numerous events to promote positive and healthy relationships (see below for more information).

Our PTSA is also actively involved in promoting positive mental health and fostering wellness. On November 8th at 7:00 pm in the Library, the PTSA will host Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan from the Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative & Center for Nature Informed Therapy. Her session, "Taming the Anxious Brain with Nature in Mind," will undoubtedly offer valuable insights into recognizing and managing anxiety (see below for more information). All are welcome to attend!

As we continue to participate in the "Mind Over Matter" campaign, I encourage you to join us in our mission to promote mental health awareness and wellness. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where every member of our learning community can thrive.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Dr. Kim Culbertson

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.

• Ja'Bree Lewis for helping out during PE class.
• Danni Obenstine for being "a light" in Mr. Jackson's chorus class.
• National Honor Society Inductees for demonstrating 5-STAR scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

• The Leaderize Club for their help promoting the Masked Singer during lunch shifts!

• Arden and the members of the tech crew for helping with lighting and audio throughout the Masked Singer.

• Skyler Haldens for her incredible performance of Frank Sinatra's "That's Life" during the Masked Singer!

• The Modelling Club for their performance in the Masked Singer!

• Zaid Kassas for earning honorable mention for his project, "Bioluminescent Street Lights," in the GAP Sustainability Challenge sponsored by Solar Landscape and Sustainable Jersey City.
  

• The Boys Golf Team for competing in the 3A/4A MPSSAA Championships at College Park. Pat Lovas finished in a tie for 12th place and Asher Grotsky finished in a tie for 26th place.

• Pat Lovas for his persistence, positive attitude, and support of other golfers in his group.

• Mr. Filosa, Dr. Hobbs, Mr. Ickes, Ms. Lambert, Mr. Olson, Ms. A. Smith, Ms. L. Smith, Ms. M. Smith, and Mr. Tormey for their leadership, organization, and support during PSAT Day.
• Ms. Karsos, Ms. Miller, Ms. Morris, Mr. Muneses, Ms. Needer, Mr. Jackson, and Mr. Jochmans for working on their National Board Certification this year.
• Ms. McCusker for her leadership, planning, and organization of the Masked Singer.
• Mr. Chrismer, Ms. Hancock, Ms. Krantz, Ms. Munroe, Mr. Stange, Mr. Sun, Mr. Worthington, and the Admin Team for their performances in the Masked Singer.
• Zareiff for his help with the audio and lighting to make the Masked Singer a theatrical masterpiece.

• Mr. Ickes for providing technical assistance, follow through, and viable solutions that supported students.
  

• Ms. Flynn for her project being added to the BCPS FACE toolkit!

• Mr. Olson and Ms. Lambert for their leadership and organization of the Fall Fest.

• Karen Rohrs' family for the donation of snacks for the Staff Lounge this week!

We had a great time at the 2023 Fall Fest and Masked Singer events. We hope you can join us next year!

Colophon is Towson High School's award winning literary magazine. Their mission is to promote student creativity through art and writing. No matter the length of students' artistic journies, Colophon is more than glad to accept their submissions.

Use this link to make a submission to this year's Colophon publication.

Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers will host five “Community Conversations” regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. Please join us to provide input on the process and share ideas on areas you believe BCPS should prioritize in the budget and investments the system should make to ensure it provides the greatest public education to every student. Members of Team BCPS are also encouraged to access the BCPS “Budget 101” website for an overview of the BCPS operating budget—where our funding comes from, how it is spent, and how we ensure we are meeting the needs of every BCPS student.

The dates and locations of the remaining Community Conversations on the operating budget are as follows:

• November 9, Parkville High School Cafeteria, 6-7pm
  
• November 14, Western School of Technology High School Cafeteria, 6-7pm

Spanish interpretation will be provided at each meeting. Interpreting services for other languages are also available upon request at no cost to participants. Please contact 443-809-1250 as early as possible to request.

American Education Week is a nationwide event that honors the dedication and hard work of educators and education support professionals. It emphasizes the value of a quality education and the need for collaboration among teachers, parents and the community to ensure student success. This year, American Education Week will be celebrated November 13-17, 2023. Towson High School will have a parent visitation day on Wednesay, November 15, 2023. Please make plans to visit the school and your child's classroom during this day.

On October 19, 2023, THS One Love sponsored National Purple Thursday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence. THS students demonstrated their solidarity with domestic violence survivors by donning purple attire such as clothing, nail polish, socks, ties, hats, scarves, and more. One Love also set up a table in the cafeteria, offering program materials and a large pledge poster. Students and teachers had the opportunity to pledge their commitment to "Believe, Support, & Empower Domestic Violence Survivors" by adding their signatures to the poster.

On October 12, 2023, the One Love organization brought together over 100 students for a heartwarming initiative: decorating "Bravery Bags" intended for the youngest patients of violence at the GBMC SAFE unit. These Bravery Bags are thoughtfully assembled with items like coloring books, crayons, and small trinkets, aiming to provide comfort and support to those who have experienced trauma. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a few rounds of Bingo educating students about domestic violence.

Click the advertisement below or use this link to access the spirit wear store.

Team BCPS’ heartfelt thoughts are with students, families, and staff members impacted by the violent and tragic events in Israel and Gaza. The impact of violent and traumatic events can be confusing, overwhelming, and frightening, resulting in feelings of fear or worry. Students, families, and staff with direct ties to the area of conflict might experience increased anxiety or stress that could be complicated by information shared on media outlets. Adults may also experience feelings of anxiety or stress when managing emotions and providing explanations to children. Children will look to adults for information and guidance on how to manage their emotions and cope with the various sources of information.

In BCPS, it is the goal to provide an environment that is safe and supportive, free of bias and hate with supportive resources that foster positive learning experiences. Families are welcome to contact the school to discuss their child’s needs, access counseling, mental health services, and additional resources. At any time, students can speak with a trusted adult (i.e., principal, teacher, counselor, social worker, school psychologist, etc.) to support them. The resources below are intended to support families and staff in coping with the horrific events:

• Supporting Youth Affected by the Violence in Israel and Gaza: Tips for Families and Educators (nasponline.org)
• Talking to Children About War
• How to talk to children about war: An age-by-age guide (msn.com)
• Terrorism and War: How to Talk to Children
• How to talk to your children about conflict and war | UNICEF Parenting
• How To Talk to Kids About Tragedies in The Media
• Building Community Resilience for Children and Families
• Helping Children Cope with Trauma (childmind.org)
• Helping Kids Cope with Frightening News - Child Mind Institute
• Nine Tips for Talking with Kids About Trauma

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.

On or about October 2, 2023, families of bus riders should have received an e-mail invitation directly from BusWhere to create an account. Watch this informational video to learn more about BusWhere!

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.

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.

November 3 - Marking Period 1 Ends & Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students

November 8 - PTSA Meeting

November 9-11 - Fall Play

November 14 - Marking Period 1 Report Cards Available

November 15 - American Education Week Parent Visitation Day

December 5 & 6 - Underclass Photo Makeup Days