Dear Towson High School Community,

Next week we will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week! Teaching is not merely a profession; it is heart work. Our teachers pour their passion, dedication, and care into every lesson, nurturing the potential within each student. Let us take a moment to recognize the profound impact our educators have on shaping the hearts and minds of our students. Please consider filling out this form by Wednesday May 8 to share an accolade or message of appreciation for a teacher who has impacted your student(s) this year.

Together, let's honor their unwavering commitment to our vision of fostering a thriving learning community at Towson High School. Thank you to our incredible teachers for all they do to inspire, guide, and empower our students.

In partnership,

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.

• Jordan Salked for being elected President of the Baltimore County Student Council!
• 1034 students and staff who participated in the 2024 Earth Day Campus Cleanup for picking up 67.6 small bags of trash and 67 larger items.
• Rere Adeoye, Ellie Annis, Jillian Armah, Toyosi Dada, Samantha Flores, Runa Matsushita, Q'Ron Muriel, Christian Osmeyer, Jordan Salked, & Matt Spencer for meeting with BCPS SMOB, Kayla Drummond.
• Toyosi Dada for being names a 2024 US Presidential Scholars Program semifinalist.
• AP Seminar students for their 5-STAR AP Seminar oral defenses.
• Decker Kordon, Jonathan Ku, Khushi Kumar, & Andrew Zenker for their 5-STAR AP Research oral defenses of their original scholarly research.
• 784 Honor Roll scholars in MP3.
• 104 Rising Star Scholars for improving their MP3 GPA from MP2 by at least 0.5 points.
  
• 1084 Generals who had 94% or higher attendance for MP3.
• Addy Guevara for completing her 5-STAR After School Programs chart.
• All Performing Arts Students for 5-STAR performances at the Spring Concerts.
• Will Gentle for helping to install the Little Free Library.
  
• Blake Katz for volunteering to help test out the new Xello app for students.
• Olivia Zitko and Will Gentle for helping to paint the base of the Little Free Library.
• TAM & Educators Rising students for their heart-filled efforts with the Little Free Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
• Allie Kennedy (Co-President), Fiona Tamberino (Co-President), Ben Rozencwaig (Vice President), Hannah Mazhari (Secretary), Mara Kareken (Co-Historian), Leila Mazhari (Co-Historian), Jameson Deremeik (Social Media), & Austen Briggs (Social Media) for being elected as 2024-2025 OneLove Officers.
• Damola Ariyibi (President), Phoebe Miller (Vice President), Oceanne Saidi (School & Club Liaison), Noah Ibrahim (Advertising Coordinator), & Jane Shields (Secretary) for being elected as 2024-2025 SGA Officers.
• Frank Zhang for being offered the National Merit University of Maryland Scholarship.
  

• Ms. Needer and her brothers for attending the Walk a Mile at GBMC with One Love.

• Ms. Cerenzo for attending the Walk A Mile at GBMC with One Love.

• Mrs. Karsos for the awesome advisory lesson for Earth Day!

• Mr. Aglietti, Mr. Cheung, and Ms. Swoboda for going above and beyond to support our freshman.

• Ms. Keller, Ms. Prevette, Ms. A. Smith, and Ms. M. Smith - Happy Admin Professionals Week!

• Mr. Jackson, Mr. Olin, & Mr. Rhen for 5-STAR musical performances at the Spring Concerts!

• Mr. Nash for helping to install the Little Free Library.
  

• Ms. Kromsky for organizing the Law Day celebration.

• Ms. Carter, Ms. Fluharty, Ms. Flynn, Ms. Grabowski, Mr. Greenebaum, Ms. Hne, Dr. Suarez, and Mr. Szymanowski for participating in an instructional walkthrough.

• Ms. Nash for her heart-filled efforts with the Little Free Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

• Ms. Hancock & Ms. Kromsky for hosting the Junior Prom.

• Ms. L. Smith for her organization and attention to detail with standardized testing this spring.

• American Government & Living Systems teachers for preparing our students for the Government HSA and MISA, respectively.

• Cafeteria Staff for National School Lunch Heros Day!

• Kayla Drummond (BCPS SMOB) for visiting The Generals.
• Ms. Emerson for bringing the front office staff donuts.
• Ms. Swindell & Ms. Wit for conducting a MTSS Tier I audit.
• BCPS Department of Facilities Staff, SEI Architects, & Keller Brothers Construction for presenting the community with updates on the THS capital project.
• Elected Officials & Board Members who attended the Little Free Library ribbon cuttin ceremony.
• Katie Curran O'Malley, Michael Pelekhaty, & Elijah Sharp for presenting at the Law Day celebration.
• The Music Boosters for their support of the Spring Concerts!
• Dr. Jones, Ms. Reid, & Ms. Wicks for visiting English classrooms.
• Dr. Wooldridge & The Education Foundation for their support of our new Little Free Library.
• Junior Families that volunteered to support Junior Prom.

The following standardized tests will be administered this spring. For more information about each test, including who will be tested and the importance of the test, click here.

• MCAP Government - May 1-May 15
  
• MCAP Science - May 1-May 15
• MCAP Math - May 15-May 29
• AP Testing - May 6-24
• Senior Final Exams - May 15-May 23
• Underclass Final Exams - June 7-14

Friday May 17 is an asynchronous half-day for students. There will be no synchronous (Google Meet) instruction. Here are three things you need to know about May 17:

1. Attendance - Attendance will be taken on this date. To be counted as “present” for the day, students must login to Schoology by 9:00 am.
2. Assignments – Assignments will be uploaded to students’ A-day classes. Each assignment should take approximately 30-minutes to complete.
3. Schedule – Students will self-pace themselves throughout the morning. Here is a schedule to assist students with pacing their morning:

• Period 1A - 7:35-8:25 am
• Period 2A - 8:30-9:20 am
• Period 3A - 9:25-10:15 am
• Period 4A - 10:20-11:20 am

Starting on Monday, May 6, the cafeteria will resume accepting cash at the registers for the purchase additional meals, snacks, and beverages. Please note that the cafeteria can only make change that is $5 or less. Change above $5 will be applied to the student's meal account. If your student is using cash, please ensure that they are using smaller bill amounts ($1 and $5 preferred). All students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch, as they have all year. MySchoolBucks remains available for those who choose to participate.

We are proud to be featured in the US News & World Report Best High Schools 2024 rankings. Towson earned the following rankings for 2024:

• #4 in Baltimore County Public Schools High Schools
• #8 in Baltimore Metro Area High Schools
• #16 in Maryland High Schools (up from #29 in 2023)
• #117 in Magnet High Schools in the Nation (up from #178 in 2023)

We are very proud of our Generals for their 5-Star dedication and determination!

Please speak with Ms. Valian in the School Counseling Office if you are interested in attending.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Oluwatoyosi Samantha Dada has been selected as one of the 625 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars competition. Congratulations to Oluwatoyosi!

THS LPP students were honored at the courthouse on May 1 in honor of Law Day for their winning essay submissions. 1st place: Lila Salter-grade 9, 2nd place: Emily (Yisol) Chung-grade 11, and 3rd place: Connor Pratt-grade 9. Lila was honored to read her winning essay to the audience.

*More information and pictures from THS' Law Day Celebration that was held on May 3 will be featured in the next newsletter.

Attention all book lovers and curious minds! We're thrilled to announce that our Little Free Library (LFL) is now officially open! On May 1, TAM & Educators Rising, led by Ms. Nash, hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to officially open the LFL! Our LFL is located in front of the softball field behind the school. Let's spread the joy of reading and build a vibrant literary community together. Enjoy! 📖❤️

On April 20, 2024, THS One Love members joined the 9th annual Walk a Mile event by GBMC, supporting domestic violence victims. Led by figures like John Harbaugh and First Lady Moore, the walk aimed to raise awareness and funds for GBMC's vital domestic violence unit. The GBMC SAFE & DV team offers free, confidential services, including medical and forensic exams, and community education to prevent future abuse. Despite the seriousness, the atmosphere was positive, showcasing community solidarity. THS One Love's participation highlights their commitment to supporting survivors and creating a safer community. Thanks to all who participated in this impactful event.

In support of survivors and advocates, THS celebrated National Denim Day on April 24th, sponsored by One Love. This annual event originated from a powerful protest in Italy in the 1990s, sparked by a high court ruling that overturned a rape conviction because the survivor wore tight jeans, implying consent. Denim became a symbol of protest against victim-blaming and solidarity with survivors. By wearing denim, we stand together, rejecting harmful misconceptions about assault. It's a vital opportunity to educate and raise awareness about consent, respect, and the importance of supporting survivors in our community. #DenimDay #SupportSurvivors

In a heartwarming display of unity, On April 23 Towson High and Hereford High came together for a girls One Love dedication game. Players wore blue ribbons and One Love practice shirts, symbolizing support for healthy relationships and honoring Yeardley Love's memory. Amidst the fierce competition, the true victory was in spreading awareness about relationship violence prevention. Spectators cheered not just for goals, but for a cause bigger than the game. As the final whistle blew, both teams joined hands in solidarity, embodying the spirit of One Love. Through teamwork and compassion, they showed that on and off the field, love should always win.

On April 26, TAM and Educators Rising students embarked on an inspiring journey at the State Educators Rising conference hosted at Towson University. With a plethora of professional development sessions to choose from, our students eagerly soaked in knowledge and expertise. Among them, Olivia Zitko and Ava Johnson showcased their talents in their inaugural state conference presentation. As the day unfolded, students were not only treated to a delightful lunch but also received recognition and awards for their outstanding performances in various competitions. It was a day filled with growth, camaraderie, and celebration of our students' achievements in the field of education.

• Senior Prom:
• Saturday May 18, 7:30-10:30 pm
• Marriott Owings Mills Metro Center
• Doors close at 9:00 pm. All students and their guests must arrive by 9:00 pm.
• Students may not leave prom until 10:00 pm.
• All students must leave the venue by 11:00 pm.
• Additional Q&A: See this document!
• Prom reminders for parents from Dr. Culbertson (see 4/29 newsletter for full message):
• Discuss transportation plans with your student. This includes transportation to Prom, the PTSA-Sponsored After Senior Prom Party, and home. Encourage your student to take advantage of ride share offers by the PTSA (please fill out this google form to express interest).
• Discuss the importance of refraining from alcohol or illegal substance use, as well as the consequences for engaging in such behavior. All students that engage in alcohol or illegal substance use will face disciplinary action in accordance with the BCPS Student Handbook. Seniors that engage in alcohol or illegal substance use risk their ability to participate in remaining Senior activities, including the Senior Picnic and Graduation.
• Stay informed about your child's prom plans and the events they will be attending. Make a plan to communicate with your student throughout the night.
• Encourage your student to attend the FREE PTSA-Sponsored After Prom Party at Bowlero Timonium from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. The entire bowling alley is rented and bowling & video games are free. There will be plenty of food, entertainment and awesome prizes (cash, airpods, gift cards+++). After-prom is drug/alcohol free and there is security.
• After Prom Party Info:
• Saturday May 18, 11:00 pm-1:00 am
• Bowlero in Timonium
• Our PTSA has organized a FREE After-Prom Party for our Seniors.
• All Seniors and their guests are invited to attend. After-prom is open to all graduates & their guest, regardless if they attend prom.
• The entire bowling alley is rented and bowling & video games are free.
• There will be plenty of food, entertainment and awesome prizes (cash, airpods, gift cards+++).
• After-prom is drug/alcohol free and there is security.
• Ride Share Form:
• The PTSA hopes to provide discounts on rides offered by ride share companies on prom night.
• If you are interested, please fill out this google form.
• Parent Support Needed: Your PTSA is also looking for help with volunteering for the after-prom and the Senior picnic. They are also in need of donations for the Class of 2024 PTSA Senior Celebrations. Please contact stacilanham@gmail.com for more information.

• Senior Picnic: Friday May 24 after school

• Graduation Practice (Mandatory): Tuesday, May 28 (AM) and Wednesday, May 29 (AM)
• THS Graduation Commencement Ceremony: Thursday, May 30 at 10:00 AM at TU Arena
• Graduation Tickets:
• Each graduate will be given 6 tickets after graduation practice on Wednesday May 29.
• All financial obligations, including returning the BCPS issued device and charger, must be satisfied before students can get their graduation tickets.
• All guests attending graduation, including children, must have a ticket.
  
• Please complete this form if your family requires less or more than 6 tickets for graduation. We will use the information provided on the form to try to better support individual family needs.

• 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!
  • 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.

• Senior Portraits:
• We are a fall delivery school. Seniors will receive their yearbooks via mail over the summer. Buy your yearbook or purchase senior ads here.

Additional questions regarding these and other senior events may be directed to Ms. C. McCusker at cmccusker@bcps.org.

The NCAA Eligibility Center is hosting a free webinar for student-athletes and their families to learn more about the NCAA initial eligibility process on May 8th from 6:30-7:30 pm EST (Click HERE for the registration link). We understand that everyone may not be able to attend live, but as long as you register, you will receive the recording.

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.

May 14 - Schools & Offices Closed - Election Day

May 17 - Asynchronous Learning Day and Schools & Offices Close 3 Hours Early (school building closed)

May 18 - Senior Prom

May 27 - Schools & Offices Closed - Memorial Day

May 30 - Class of 2024 Graduation @ 10 am; Asynchronous Learning Day for grades 9-11

June 13 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students

June 14 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students; Last Day of School