
COUGAR NEWS 2024-2025
Issue # 7 September 8, 2024
A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL CHRIS SCOTT
TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL THIS WEEK
9/7 Cross Country @ Brenham Hillacious Meet
9/9 OPEN HOUSE
9/10 Volleyball @ Klein
9/10 Tennis @ Klein Collins
9/12 Football @ Klein Collins
9/13 Cross Country @ Texas A&M Invitational
9/13 Volleyball vs Klein Oak
9/13 Water Polo vs Bryan
9/14 ACT TEST
THIS WEEK IN COUGAR FOOTBALL
Varsity
Sub Varsity Results
Teachers of the Week - Mr. & Mrs. Taylor
SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
The Speech and Debate Team did an outstanding job at this past weekend’s tournament at College Park. Congratulations to…
2nd place World Schools Debate Team Ross Stroble, Arav Mehta, Sienna Altom, Eric Wolfe and Ross was named Top Speaker
2nd place Policy Debate Team Aayan Pattanayak and Mario Canales III and Mario was named Top Speaker
5th place US Extemp Peyton Tegeder
5th place Poetry Mwaita Chipinda
3rd place NLD Lorelei Hersel
Quarter-finalists Public Forum Debate Bella DeHerrera and Gabe Hernandez
Student Congress Finalist Reena Gaid
We are so proud of you all for your success and earning points to compete at TFA State in March.
OPEN HOUSE INFO
Doors will open at 5:15 to allow parents to visit with Balfour, purchase a yearbook, and/or join the Renaissance Club, TABC, and SPO. Counselors will be available to answer any questions that parents might have. Open Forum time is available to flexibly visit teacher classrooms.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR STUDENT'S SCHEDULE TO FOLLOW IN HAC
5:30 - 5:55 Open Forum time
6:00 – 6:06 Period 1
6:12 – 6:21 Period 2 (General announcements)
6:27 – 6:33 Period 3
6:39 – 6:45 Period 4
6:51 – 6:57 Period 5
7:03 – 7:09 Period 6
7:15 – 7:21 Period 7
7:25 - All teachers report to department meetings
HOMECOMING INFO
STUDENT ID'S
Cougars and Parents:
Every THS Student has received an ID or if they are a new enrollee, they were given a temporary with a lanyard and sleeve while we make them a permanent one.
The wearing of the Student ID is the expectation and not only is the ID functional at the cafeteria, the library, and on the bus, it is a necessary safety measure so we know who is in our building at all times.
Administration and teachers have been reminding students for three weeks to wear ID’s at all times in the building and we appreciate students taking them out of their pockets and putting them on when directed. We will continue to remind students with a warning today and tomorrow.
Starting Monday, students will receive referrals and will be having to serve detention for not complying with wearing their ID’s in the building.
To avoid a referral, students should…..
Bring their ID EVERY day.
We have temporary ID stations at both entrances in case they forget where they can get a sticker to wear for the day.
They must place the sticker on them visibly for the day.
Wear their ID properly in the building around their neck with the lanyard and sleeve provided to them. Some students have chosen to wear a clip on their front pocket that is still highly visible and that is also acceptable
Carrying it in your hand is not acceptable
Clipping it on your backpack is not acceptable
Having it inside your pocket is not acceptable
If a student loses an ID, they may purchase a new one for $5 at the front desk.
Students who continually need a temporary sticker when they enter will be asked to show proof of an ID or to purchase a new one through their Assistant Principal after three or more stickers.
We put safety first at THS and wearing a student ID helps us identify everyone who belongs in our building and more importantly helps us determine who should NOT be in our building.
Thank you for taking care of and wearing your ID properly EVERY day.
MOCK SAT & ACT
The Tomball High School PTO invites all students to take the Digital Mock SAT or Traditional Mock ACT on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The exams will be given by The Woodlands Test Prep.
Test scores and a detailed performance report will be available the week following the test. All test results will be emailed. Students may take only one test.
Registration is ONLINE ONLY. The fee is $26.50. Students will register through The Woodlands Test Prep site. Once The Woodlands Test Prep has confirmed your registration, you will then receive a link to the THS PTO site to pay for your test.
Click on the QR code on the flier to register.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Nancy Curtis Hairell at thsptomocktests@gmail.com.
Underclassmen Picture Day
Picture Day is right around the corner!
CADY will be set up at our school on September 18 to take student photos for the yearbook.
Don't forget to dress for the occasion. Keep the memories alive!
Right now CADY is offering $10 off your purchase when you pre-order your photos before September 18 at CADY.com/pictureday
We're excited to see your smiling faces
How Parents Can Customize Their Child's Library Experience
We encourage parents to be active partners in their child's reading journey. To customize your child's library experience, you can:
Access the Library Catalog: Explore the online library catalog to discover books, research materials, and other resources available.
Track Checked-Out Books: Stay informed about your child's library activity by checking online for book checkout history.
Customize Book Access: Personalize selection for your child through opting out of library book checkout or book selection restrictions. Contact your librarian for more information.
Connect with the Librarian: Contact your child's librarian to discuss reading interests, get book recommendations, or inquire about library programs.
By working together, we can foster a love of reading and learning.
NEED A VOE?
Important information
· Scan the QR code to sign up
· Request can take 24-48 hours to be filled
· Once filled you will receive an email confirmation
· You will need to request a VOE for both your permit and your license
· VOE’s are valid for 30 days
· Student/Guardian can pick the VOE anytime during school hours once filled
COLLEGE AND CAREER CORNER
- LSC Leadership High School Opportunity for 10th & 11th Grade Students - LSC Leadership High School is an amazing opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors to be selected to represent Tomball High School. Two participants from THS will be selected by Lone Star College to be a part of the 2024-2025 program where students will learn to develop personal leadership skills, explore best leadership practices, and learn how to initiate positive change in their community. The program begins in October and concludes in April. Participants will need to be able to participate in all events. Please visit https://www.lonestar.edu/leadership-highschool.htm for the dates and application website. The deadline to apply is September 23rd. Again, Lone Star College will select and notify two participants from THS. (program flyer in English, program flyer in Spanish)
- Senior Parent Night Presentation
- ASVAB Testing on September 18th (sign-up closes on the 9th!)- Not sure what to study after high school? The ASVAB is here to help! The exam is one of the best aptitude tests on the market. Students will also receive two-year access to an online program to explore careers, post-secondary institutions, job markets, etc. Students interested or considering enlisting in the military are encouraged to take the ASVAB as it is a part of their enlistment process, however, there is NO commitment to the military by taking the ASVAB. The test will be open to 10th-12th grade students and held during school the morning of September 18th. Sign-up by September 9th HERE. We will have a Score Back Session a few weeks after the exam to review scores and get students started in the online resource.
- Mock SAT or ACT offered by our THS PTO - Testing on September 21st. Registration is online only, $26.50 fee. Registration QR HERE. Sign-up deadline, September 20th by 5:00 pm
- 2025-2026 FAFSA (for current seniors) is delayed - The FAFSA opening date will be delayed again this year to December 1st. Financial Aid Night information coming soon!
- Tuesday, November 19th - Cougar Block College Fair from 9:00-9:45 am, sign-up required, details will be provided prior to event
- Wednesday, November 20th - College Knowledge Night from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Tomball Event Center
Opportunities for Students with the College & Career Counselor
- College Rep Visits to THS - Several on the books! As visits are scheduled, they will be added to the sign-up. Below are the reps scheduled so far. Click here to sign-up
- 9/9 - West Virginia University
- 9/16 - University of Texas Austin (SENIORS APPLYING ONLY)
- 10/1 - University of Kansas
- 10/4 - Suffolk University
- 10/16 - SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design)
- 10/23 - Stephen F Austin State University
- College Application Workshops - Open to seniors to get help with college applications during Cougar Block. Click here to sign-up
- College & Career Cougar Block Series - Open to all grade levels, sessions will be held during Cougar Block and cover a variety of topics from post-high school options, college rep panel, financial aid, military options, stress management, and more. Click here to sign-up
- Lone Star College Rep Visits (1st visit on Sept. 11th!) - Our Lone Star College rep will be on campus twice each month throughout the year to help answer any questions students have about their program, admissions, etc. LSC has many great opportunities for our students. Seniors planning to attend LSC after graduation definitely need to sign-up for a visit! Click here to sign-up
- C&C Donut Chat - Before school event twice a month for students to chat with Mrs. Nichols, College & Career Counselor. Sign-up required as space will be limited, donuts will be provided. We’ll kick off in September! Dates & sign-up in student’s Schoology!
- College & Career Classroom Videos - Every other week, Mrs. Nichols will share videos for each grade level covering many college and career related topics throughout the year. Videos and presentation links will be shared in each grade level Schoology course for students to refer back to and parents to stay in the loop. Videos posted in grade level Schoology courses under 24-25 Classroom Videos & Slides section.
- Grade Level Schoology Courses - Each grade level will have their own Schoology course provided by Mrs. Nichols, College & Career Counselor. Here students will have information on events, event sign-up, C&C Classroom Video library, C&C Series information, rep visit sign-ups, and more. Parents do not need to do anything to join the course. Once the student joins, parents will have access through their own Schoology login. Information will be provided for parents who do not have accounts set up yet. Click here for parent Schoology instructions
- STUDENT Access Codes (will not work for parents, see above)
- Class of 2025 - 8K2K-QFMQ-HSJDS
- Class of 2026 - WWJJ-4GN9-ZFZHP
- Class of 2027 - XB4J-9799-4N6MW
- Class of 2028 - 9F2Z-WD68-D2V3V
Senior Shirts and Caps & Gowns
Senior Shirts and Caps & Gowns
The Senior Shirt Store is OPEN!
You are NOT required to buy any shirts. You can also buy as many as you like.
PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ONE DESIGN HAS ALL THE NAMES ON THE BACK.
T-Shirts will be delivered to the Senior at School before Senior Picnic. Please put the Senior Name on the Order Form.
Parents may also buy shirts, but again, please put the Senior Name on the order so there is no confusion when we pass them out.
https://bluewaveapparel.com/THSSeniors
Balfour will be conducting a Senior Class Meeting on Monday and Cap & Gown and Graduation Invitation Ordering Information will be sent home.
Senior Parent Organization 2025
We need all Senior Parents for the Class of 2025 to get involved.
Make sure you follow SPO 2025 on
Facebook: THS SPO Class of 2025spo2025@gmail.com
Instagram: thsclassof2025spo
Website: https://www.thsspo2025.org/
You can also email us at THSSPO2025@GMAIL.COM
OUR NEXT MEETING is scheduled for Thursday, October 3rd of Tomball High
Some SPO Senior Events already scheduled:
SENIOR PICNIC: October 9
MR. DEBONAIR COMPETITION: Feb 13
POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL: TBD
PROJECT PROM: April 26
BACCALAUREATE: May 18
BECOME AN SPO MEMBER
WE NEED ALL SENIOR PARENTS TO JOIN SPO AND MAKE IT AN INCREDIBLE YEAR FOR THE CLASS OF 2025!
Membership Link at the website: https://www.thsspo2025.org/
TRASH BAG FUNDRAISER
The Senior Trash Bag fundraiser is HAPPENING NOW! Order forms are at the front desk.
The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money for the 2025 Senior Prom. This year’s Prom will be held at The Woodlands Mariott Waterway on April 26, 2025. The Senior Fundraiser is the main source of revenue for this event.
The trash bags being sold are industrial strength, and they are made by Houston PolyBag. Each roll has 50 bags that hold 33 gallons.
- Seniors who sell 16 rolls will receive a free prom ticket.
- Seniors who sell 32 rolls will receive 2 free prom tickets.
- Each roll is $15.00 (if paying by cash or check).
- DUE DATE: September 27, 2024 for all order forms. Mr. Vierkant's office is the only location to turn in these items.
- Trash Bags should be delivered to the high school for pick up in November.
SENIOR YEARBOOK PHOTOGRAPHY
It is time to book your senior photo session with CADY!
CADY was on our campus last week and will be back on our campus September 24 and October 16 for a roadshow (a mini version of the studio session).
Below are the sitting fees associated with the event
$59 Formal yearbook pose, Cap & Gown, Two Casual Scenes
$29 Formal yearbook pose, Cap & Gown, One Casual Scenes
$10 Formal yearbook pose, Cap & Gown
You also can take photos at CADY Studios in the Woodlands which is a greater experience.
WE WANT ALL SENIORS TO BE IN THE YEARBOOK. THE $10 SITTING FEE IS THE ONLY COST INVOLVED TO BE IN THE YEARBOOK. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM CADY IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO. YOU CAN USE ANY PHOTOGRAPHER YOU WANT FOR PERSONAL PHOTOS.
TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Mark Vierkant @THS_Mr_Vierkant
Lisa Streat @THS_Ms_Streat
Daniel Craft @THSAP_Craft
Sara Cooley @THS_cooley
Jennifer Foley @THS_jennlee
Carl Moise @C_Moise22
Carrie Sack @CSackTHS
TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING TEAM
NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
The purpose of the Cougar News Weekly Newsletter is to inform the community of everything going on at Tomball High School.
Feel free to email MarkVierkant@tomballisd.net with any celebrations of our students or any valuable information for the THS Community!
I put together the newsletter, but depend on Parents, Students, Staff and the Community to get stories to me to share.
Please share anything newsworthy for consideration. Photos to go along with the story are appreciated.