Towson High School Newsletter

Dear Towson High School Community,

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we gear up for American Education Week which is a week dedicated to recognizing the essential role education plays in shaping the future of our students and to celebrating the invaluable partnership between our school and our dedicated community.

On Wednesday November 20th, parents/guardians are invited to visit classrooms throughout the school day. Throughout the day in the Cedar Ave Lobby (near the Main Office), the PTSA will host a hospitality station and the Performing Arts Department will host musical performances. During Period 3, staff will host presentations in the Library to provide information and support to visiting parents/guardians. If you are planning to attend on November 20th, please complete this RSVP form so that we can expedite your check-in: https://forms.gle/apjhs7zA9VJBGdfw5

We look forward to welcoming you on November 20th as we celebrate American Education Week together.

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.

• Girls Soccer Team for winning the 3A Regional Championship!

• 'Boys Cross Country Team for wining the 3A Regional Championship!

• 'Girls Cross Country Team for wining the 3A Regional Championship!

• National Art Honor Society for organizing and hosting a Fall Art is for Everyone event.

• Class of 2025 Executive Board for planning the Senior Activities Day.

• Jordan Salkeld & Leo Abubucker for advocating for students through the Maryland Association of Student Councils.

• Morgan Thompson, an AVID freshman, for dedicating time before and after school to review assessment responses and set specific goals for improvement.

• Kelsey Kornick, an AVID sophomore, for an outstanding first marking period in AP Spanish. Kelsey has shown an amazing work ethic and has excelled in the class. Way to go!

• Gabby Dobrzycki, an AVID freshman, for being positive, organized, and enthusiastic. She rocks!

• Eli Moayedi, an AVID junior, for advocating for himself effectively during class.

• Larry Bradley, an AVID junior, for his active participation in class and his helpfulness to peers.

• Liam Garrett, an AVID freshman, for communicating about his grade and injury and striving to do his best in Spanish 1.

• Julian Prysiazny, an AVID sophomore, for pulling it together at the end of the quarter and for consistently showing knowledge and understanding throughout. Recently, he’s been providing strong output with assignments. Keep up the good work!

• Riyun Lawton, an AVID sophomore, for bringing great energy and a wonderful attitude to class, guiding his classmates, and showing consistent diligence in his efforts.

• Kate Hudson, an AVID sophomore, for her growth in communication and self-advocacy. She consistently follows up on her work and makes great use of resources. Keep it up!

• Destiny Wilkins, an AVID sophomore, for her consistent efforts, willingness to share her ideas, and her strong collaboration skills. She stays on top of her assignments and connects when needed. Looking forward to a strong 2nd quarter!

• Florence Ullman, an AVID freshman, for increasing her communication by participating in whole-class discussions.

• Elijah Nozinski, an AVID freshman, for being a strong group and class leader, always willing to share his knowledge.

• Mr. Tormey for serving as the PSAT Coordinator, and Dr. Hobbs, Mr. Dashiell, and Ms. Williams for their collaboration in the planning and organizing of the PSAT.
• Ms. Fluharty for organizing a fall book club meeting, and Mr. Alford, Ms. C. McCusker, Ms. Longo, Ms. Fialkowski, Dr. Suarez, Ms. L. Smith, & Ms. Swoboda for attending.
• Ms. Hancock & Ms. Kromsky for organizing the Senior Activities Day.
• Teachers of Seniors who supported the Senior Activities Day.
• Mr. Cheung for his patience and positive attitude.
• Ms. Ensor for sewing the safety screens on the gym door windows. Thank you!

• The PTSA for adding spirit to lunches on Halloween!
• Terrance Heffernan for serving as the guest speaker at the Senior Activities Day.
• Stacey Wade for her support of our Student Council members.
• Ms. Klein & Mr. Scott for presenting to our AP Seminar students.
• The Alumni Association for granting the Theatre Department's wish list. Thank you!

Marking Period 1 Report Cards will be available on FOCUS on November 14 at 4:00 pm. Please use these directions to access Report Cards on FOCUS. Paper copies will be distributed to students in Period 1 on November 15.

The BCPS Online Learning Program offers a fulltime online educational environment for students in Grades 4-12. The program offers a full day of synchronous (real time) instruction taught by certified BCPS teachers. The program offers courses that fulfill BCPS requirements for promotion and graduation. Any student who is eligible to attend a BCPS school may apply. The application window for the 2025-2026 school year opens at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 8, and closes at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 13. The application will be available online.

A virtual information session about the program will take place on Tuesday, November 12, from 6-7 p.m. Participants are asked to register in advance.

Gently-used men's, women's, and children's clothing will be available on Saturday November 16 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Central Presbyterian Church (7308 York Rd, Towson MD). Free breakfast will be available.

The Towson High School Performing Arts program is proudly presenting Into the Woods from Thursday, November 21st through Sunday, November 24th in the THS Auditorium. The Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7pm while the Sunday performance is at 2pm. Tickets for this production will go on sale on Saturday, November 9th at 9am. Anyone interested in purchasing their tickets for this event can visit: www.towson.booktix.com

🌲✨ Step into a world where wishes come true... but at a price! Join us for Into the Woods, the enchanting musical where your favorite fairy tale characters, like Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, and Jack and the Beanstalk, cross paths on a journey of dreams, danger, and discovery. Prepare for love, laughter, suspense, and a touch of magic! Don't miss out on this spellbinding adventure that will have you thinking twice about what you wish for.🎭

Please reach out to Mr. Worthington at aworthington@bcps.org with any questions.

Juniors, save the date for SAT Day on April 2. All Juniors will take the SAT in school on April 2. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Monacelli - rmonacelli@bcps.org.

• Class Activities: Please review the Class of 2025 timeline for important events and deadlines.
• Prom & After-Prom Info
• Prom: May 17 at M&T Bank Stadium
• After-Prom: FREE After-Prom Party, 11:00 pm - 1:00 am, Bowlero Timonium
• Graduation: May 29, 2025 at 6:00 pm at TU Arena
• Senior Portrait FAQ & Senior Portrait Costs
  
• Class Dues: Class dues are $40 per senior and are payable via the Online School Payment system (OSP).
  
• Senior Graduation Cap and Gown & Other Keepsakes: Access Josten’s website to purchase your senior’s Cap & Gown and other graduation keepsakes.
  
• College Application & Xello Support:

• Starting October 7th, Ms. Valian will be in the Library in the morning before 7:35 am for college and Xello support.
  

• Ms. Valian is available every Tuesday from 2:00-2:35 pm on Google Meet for Xello drop-in support for Seniors who have Release Time.

• Class Advisors: Ms. Hancock (ehancock@bcps.org) and Ms. Kromsky (jkromsky@bcps.org).

Just in time for the holidays, the Class of 2027 will be holding a Spiritwear fundraiser. Orders will be accepted between November 11th to November 24th with delivery in mid December. All orders will be given directly to the THS student unless alternate arrangements are made. You can order using the link below: https://towsonclassof27.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Thank you to everyone who supported the Taharka Brothers ice cream fundraiser!! your support for the Class of 2027 is much appreciated.

The Sophomore Ring Dance will take place on March 7th. To attend the Ring Dance, your child must have paid their class dues. Class dues are $20 and can be paid via BCPS Online School Payment system. The link for this can be found on Towson High Schools webpage under "quick links".

Questions? Please contact Ms. Cerenzo, Class Advisor, at kcerenzo@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.

For the latest updates on the Towson High School Renovation/Addition Project, please click here. We are currently in Phase 0 - Temporary Modular Classrooms.

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.

Absent notes must be turned in within 5 days from the student returning to school. Please review the Towson High School 2024-2025 Operating Procedures document ("Attendance" section) for information on Absent notes, including how to submit them on FOCUS. Teachers are not required to provide makeup work for unexcused absences.

Exciting news- You can now use digital payments at concessions! The Towson High School Sports Boosters meetings are the 1st Tuesday of the month. Please consider joining to support our student athletes!

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

November 11 - Veterans Day

November 13 - PTSA Meeting, 7:00 pm, Library

November 14 - MP1 Report Cards Available on FOCUS at 4:00 pm

November 15 - MP1 Report Cards (paper version) distributed in Period 1

November 15 - Winter Sports Begin

November 18-22 - American Education Week (November 20 - THS Parent Visitation Day)

November 21-24 - Fall Play: Into the Woods

November 27 - Schools & Offices Close 3-Hours Early

November 28 & 29 - Schools & Offices Closed