

COUGAR NEWS 2023-2024
Issue # 34 April 13, 2024
UPCOMING COUGAR EVENTS
4/13 Baseball @ Magnolia
4/13 Charms-Encore
4/16 THS Art Show
4/16 Baseball vs Klein Collins
4/16 Softball @ Klein Collins
4/17 NHS Induction
4/19 Softball vs Klein Cain
4/19 Baseball @ Klein Collins
4/19 Track - Regionals Varsity Meet
4/20 Prom
4/20 Project Prom
4/23 Baseball @ Klein Cain
4/24 Tennis - District
4/26 Baseball vs Klein Cain
4/27 Fine Arts Festival
Winter Guard
Your 2024 Scholastic A Blue Champion and overall highest scoring SA team with a score of 86.660 is Tomball High School! Such an impressive performance on Saturday night at Reed Arena.
THIRD STRAIGHT TCGC State Championship!
Color Guard Tryouts
Auditions for the Tomball HS 2024/25 Colorguard are quickly approaching!
Audition camp will take place April 16th-19th from 5:30-7:45 in the Tomball HS Band hall. Open to all incoming 9th-12th graders.
Students interested in auditioning can scan the QR code on the flyer to fill out Google Doc.
Tennis
Boys Doubles win the A Draw.
Congrats Eshan and Fernando for winning the Klein Invitational.
SkillsUSA
This past weekend, Kyrstin Conner, competed in the SkillsUSA State Competition and received a perfect score and the Best of Show Award for her super hero themed sugar cookies in the Commercial Baking Job Exhibit category. Congratulations Kyrstin in the recognition of your amazing hard work and talent!
Track
Ben Prince finishes in 4th place in the pole vault and advances to Waco for the regional meet.
EMT Certification
Congratulations to all the EMT students who passed their National Registry skills exam. They are one step closer to obtaining their EMT certification.
Laura Lowe receives the National Honor Society Teacher of the Month Torch!
A Message from Yearbook
Parents, the online store to preorder the 2024 Cougar Yearbook is now closed. We will have plenty of extras this year for those who need to wait to buy one of the extras the day they are released, but we will likely sell out.
If you want to preorder, we will accept on-campus orders for one more week. Please have your student stop in Room 1201 and bring $85 in cash or a check payable to THS. We cannot accept credit cards.
The book is at the printer and we hope to distribute it the week before finals. We will announce the distribution date as soon as we know more.
Thank you!
Pass/Fail Application for NEXT YEAR
THS Pass Fail Application 24-25
Class of 2025 students and parents,
The THS Pass/Fail Application is now open. This application will be open from April 2nd through August 2nd. Please carefully read the Pass/Fail Communication linked above prior to completing the application. If you have questions, please reach out to your student's alpha counselor.
- THS Counselor Team
SUMMER SCHOOL ORIGINAL CREDIT
If you are interested in taking original credit for Summer School 2024, registration begins on Monday and runs through May 3.
Check out information on the Tomball ISD website https://www.tomballisd.net/families/summer-school
EOC Tests
Testing Information!
We are quickly approaching our annual EOC exams in several content areas. Students will take their STAAR exams for their respective courses on the dates listed below. It is important for students to arrive to school on time and prepared each day, especially on exam days!
April 16th - English I and English II
April 23rd - Biology and US History
April 30th - Algebra I
AP Exams begin on May 6th and run through May 17th (more information coming).
SPRING FINAL EXAM INFORMATION
As the end of the school year approaches, we wanted to take a moment and remind everyone of our exam schedule (see PDF below) and our Exam Exemption Policy (click link) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sEgRzmvtkPiOQnLH9OswodciNzA_WhjUZFpRCGOedv0/edit?usp=sharing
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A high school student may exempt second semester exams on a course-by-course basis by meeting the specific requirements of the course:
- For courses with STAAR assessments:
- Achieve “Approaches” or “Met Standard” on the STAAR End of Course Test and
- Be passing the course for the semester
- For ALL other courses:
- Have a minimum of an 85 average for the semester
Additionally, all exam exemptions are contingent upon the student meeting the following criteria:
- The student must have no more than four (4) absences (excused or unexcused) the 1st semester in a full-year course, and no more than three (3) absences (excused or unexcused) the 2nd semester prior to the day of the exam.
- The student must not have more than (10) unexcused tardies or late arrivals for the year.
- All students must be in attendance on the day of the semester exam review or they forfeit their exemption.
- All textbooks must be clear.
- All outstanding fees must be paid.
- Students must not have incurred more than two (2) days of ISS assigned for the year. Students who were assigned OSS or AEP during either semester may not be exempt.
- Attendance hardship cases may be appealed to the Exam Exemption Committee. The hardship appeal forms for exam exemptions may be picked up yat the Principal's Office beginning April 22, 2024, and returned no later than May 03, 2024.
Project Prom
Registration for Project Prom is open! Seniors can register in person during lunch April 8-11 or via link below. Seniors will have a night of entertainment, food and PRIZES! All that register and attend will be entered to win one of two $5,000 scholarships! Project Prom is free and seniors do not have to attend prom to go to project prom. Registration will be open till April 19. Click on link to register
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmrt-nh0EHxd36YLHcgKdvajRk0JpIQjl6G_ppt-dIeI-ugA/viewform
Project Prom Donations
DONATIONS NEEDED-Project Prom planning is underway and we are looking for donations. Please check out signup genius below for items needed. Any little bit helps and is greatly appreciated. Together let’s make this the best Project Prom EVER!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0849AFAE2DA3F5C70-48637052-project
COLLEGE AND CAREER CORNER
Week of April 15th-19th
College & Career Counselor Corner
- Spring Cougar Block College & Career Fair - May 1st open to all grade levels. Sign-up required
- College Rep Visits - Our final college rep visits for this semester is coming up. Texas Tech University on May 9th. Sign-up is required, click HERE.
- University of North Texas Admissions Event - Click HERE to learn more about the April 24th event. Great event for juniors!
- Students taking Dual Credit in 24-25 - STUDENTS NEED TO CHECK THEIR EMAIL (Schoology AND school emails). Multiple reminders have been sent out about missing items. It is not possible for my office aides to keep delivering paper notes. April 26th at 3:00 pm is the FINAL deadline for ALL items except the fall fee payment to be submitted. All the steps are listed in detail in the Schoology course.
- Young Women’s Leadership Challenge - Amazing opportunity for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. Click HERE for details.
- HMNS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science or Mathematics Opportunity for Juniors - Award and scholarship opportunity for juniors who excel in math and science! Click HERE for details.
- SAT Test Prep - Khan Academy partners with College Board for a free SAT prep course. Check it out HERE. If you would like to sign up for additional SAT or ACT testing, all the dates are HERE. *Students enrolled in the free & reduced lunch program can test for FREE. See Mrs. Nichols for the waiver code. These students can also apply to colleges for FREE, so be sure parents complete the annual lunch program application at www.schoolcafe.com Good luck to juniors on April 3rd!!
- Test Prep Resources from our THS Library - Free STAAR, AP, & SAT/ACT prep available through Learning Express via Classlink. Study guides, practice tests, and more!
- Sunflower Bank ABC Program - Get paid for getting A’s! Students can bring a copy of their MP3 report card to Sunflower Bank in Tomball to enter in the contest. Click HERE for details. Deadline for this report card is April 30th.
- Volunteer Opportunity at Tomball Farmers Market - Information and sign up HERE
- Part-Time Job Opportunities - A few local businesses have reached out to share part time job opportunities! Compiled list HERE.
- Spelman College Cosmetic Chemistry - Spelman College Celebrates Expansion of Cosmetic Science Program, learn more about Spelman College
- United States Military Academy West Point Summer Leaders Experience - Click HERE for details
- SFASU Summer 2024 Pre-Law Academy - Click HERE for details
- UT Austin McCombs School of Business Summer Programs - Click HERE for details
- Texas A&M University Aggie STEM Summer Programs - Click HERE for details
- SHSU College of Health Sciences Summer Camp - Click HERE for more details
- Seniors - Share your post high school plans to have your name put on the College Bound Cougar Board and have your picture taken.
- TISD Service Cord - Seniors should have already submitted their hours in Student Link. Hours will be reviewed and approved. Students will be notified of receiving the cord. Cords will be distributed in May. TISD has updated the hour requirement for students to earn the TISD Service Cord. Class of 2024 - 120 hours, (update) Class of 2025 and beyond - 160 hours. Students submit all hours through their Student Link (same login as HAC, can also be accessed through HAC by clicking on the Tomball “T”).
- FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) - The 2024-2025 FAFSA is undergoing changes and IS NOW OPEN FOR YOU TO COMPLETE! 🙂. https://studentaid.gov/
- Senior Financial Aid Requirement: For those who have submitted your FAFSA, please take a screenshot of the home screen when you log in that shows your FAFSA is under review, then upload that screenshot into your Student Link. Due to some of the delays in FAFSA processing, it’s ok if the screenshot doesn’t say “processed”. For the confirmation number, just enter “I don’t know”. For those submitting TASFA, screenshot proof that it was submitted and no confirmation number needed. For those not submitting FAFSA/TASFA (or at least not at this time - the opt out form does not prevent you from applying for financial aid later!), simply log into your Student Link and click the opt out form then follow the instructions. Goad Deadline to Submit Fin Aid Grad Requirement: February 15th. Be sure to submit your FAFSA screenshot, TASFA screenshot or complete the opt out form. There’s still time to submit!
- FAFSA Contributor Without SSN Issue Fixed - If you were affected by the issue with contributors (parents) without SSN numbers submitting FAFSA it has now been FIXED. Please have your contributor (parent) go ahead and complete their part of FAFSA as soon as possible. Check for information from your college or trade school to see what their new priority deadline is to have your FAFSA submitted. Additional Info HERE.
Powder Puff Football
After a very competitive and entertaining night, The Red Team ended up victorious.
Marin Nordenstam and Kalina Vela secured touchdowns for the red team while Katelyn Williams secured for a touchdown for the white team.
The cheerleaders performed a great halftime routine and Roxanna Samadi and Jose Velasquez were named Powder Puff King and Queen.
Martha Johnson was the raffle winner for the $500 scholarship.
Important Dates for Seniors
Saturday April 20 Prom/Project Prom
Prom will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott from 7:30-11:00 on April 20. Parking is free for students who drive using the Cynthia Woods Pavilion parking structure and walking across the enclosed breezeway to the hotel. Limos can also be used for transportation to Prom or parent drop off. Prom is a formal event and formal wear is the expectation. Many Seniors choose to go out to eat dinner prior to Prom, but there is PLENTY of food at Prom for Seniors to eat along with soda and water. Tickets will go on sale starting April 10 and are $70 each. If your Senior sold trash bags, they will claim their free ticket(s) at that time also. We do not allow dates 21 or older.
Project Prom is free for all Seniors and the Senior Parent Organization will have more information on signing up for it at a later date. It will be held at THS from 11:00 - 5:00. This event is a lock in. Doors lock at 12:30 am and Seniors and dates are not allowed to leave until the event ends at 5:00 am. You do not need to attend Prom to go to Project Prom or vice - versa.
Wednesday May 1 Top 10% Breakfast
All Top 10% Seniors will be invited to a breakfast in their honor in the Lower Lobby of Tomball High School. National Honor Society sponsors this wonderful celebration of our Top 10%. Each member of the Top 10% is allowed to invite one teacher that they choose to honor. Invitations and more information will be delivered to the Top 10% Seniors in the future.
Wednesday May 15 Senior Awards Ceremony
Seniors being recognized at The Senior Awards Ceremony will be dismissed to come to the auditorium from class. Senior dress is Sunday Best and Seniors must be in dress code to participate. Parents and family are welcome to attend Senior Awards.
Students receiving awards will be given an invitation to the Ceremony and parents of seniors will be receiving an invitation in the mail.
Families attending should enter through the Lower Lobby and into the Auditorium.
Friday, May 17 : Senior Sunset
Seniors have the opportunity to come watch the sunset on their Senior Year in Cougar Stadium. There will be food, activities, and more prizes.
Sunday, May 19 Baccalaureate
The Baccalaureate Program is put on by the Senior Parent Organization in the THS Auditorium. We ask Seniors to arrive wearing their gowns (without caps) to this program. They can also wear any earned cords and stoles if they choose.
While this is an optional program for our Seniors, it is a wonderful and more intimate opportunity to walk across the stage in Tomball for a final time and be recognized in front of family and friends. Words of encouragement and motivation as well as Praise and Worship music is standard at this program.
Monday, May 20 : Senior Final Exams
Tuesday, May 21 : Senior Final Exams
Wednesday, May 22 : Cougar Walk
Seniors will sign up in Early May and choose the elementary campus they would like to do the Cougar Walk at.
Seniors report directly to the elementary that they signed up for at 9:15 and sign in. This is how we take attendance this day. If a Senior does not want to participate, they will report to the THS Competition Gym at 9:15 for a brief meeting and attendance taking.
Seniors should wear their caps and gowns AND THEIR STUDENT I.D. for the Walk. We highly encourage all Seniors to participate in Cougar Walk as it is a memorable experience not only for the Seniors but the Elementary Students who get to cheer for the Seniors.
Seniors will meet the elementary Principal upon arrival and will be given instructions at that time.
Seniors are finished for the day after the Cougar Walk.
Thursday, May 23 : Graduation Rehearsal (Very Important)
Seniors report to the Competition Gym at 8:30 am
Seniors check the walking list to make sure they qualify to Graduate (Very Important)
Seniors Check the Updated List of Diploma Holds (If their name is on the list they should go clear their hold so they can receive their diploma packet after graduation)
We will walk through everything Seniors need to know about Graduation
Friday May 24 : Graduation
Seniors report to Reed Arena, Texas A&M between 7:00 and 7:15. (Leave with time to spare)
There is a $10 parking fee in the Reed Arena lot
Students will come down the stairs to the Practice Gym to get lined up and ready. Encourage them not to bring personal belongings downstairs as we cannot secure anything. TMHS will be in the Practice Gym as our ceremony ends. Seniors will be exiting a different way and there is no way to recover left items.
At 8:00, the Seniors will March out to the Reed Arena Floor for the Commencement Ceremony
At approximately 10:00, the Seniors will recess out of Reed Arena where they will pick up their diploma packets. (Seniors just receive the Diploma Cover when crossing the stage)
Seniors will meet their families after exiting the arena outside.
Enjoy lunch in College Station and celebrate with family.
Specific details on this Big Event coming soon.
*** Please note that ALL Seniors must be in Dress Code to participate in Graduation. All are wearing a Cap and Gown with No writing on the caps. The biggest issue we normally have that keeps Seniors from graduating is facial hair and facial piercings other than the ears and natural hair color. Please ensure that students arrive at Graduation in Dress Code so there are no disappointments on their big day.
Things for Parents to know about Graduation:
Seniors need to be there no later than 7:15.
Seniors need to be in dress code. Seniors will not be allowed to cross the stage if they are not in dress code.
Boys: Clean shaven, shirt and tie, slacks, dress shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
Girls: Dress, skirt, or nice pants. Nice shoes (no flip flops)
Both: No facial piercings other than earrings. Hair must be a natural hair color. Seniors may NOT write and decorate the tops of their caps.
It costs $10 to park at Reed Arena. A parking map will be sent closer to Graduation
Please do not bring air horns or noise makers. The Reed Arena security will confiscate and may remove people who disrupt.
Bring as many guests as you would like to Graduation. There are NO tickets.
The Seniors will pick up their diploma packet after Graduation on their way out of the arena. The diploma packet contains their diploma, picture ordering information, and a Commencement Program as a keepsake. The diploma packet will also include a copy of their immunizations from the Registrar's Office.
There is a video link for family, friends, and relatives who are unable to attend graduation. They can live stream the Graduation Ceremony by clicking a link we will provide in the future.
Finally, make sure you save those caps and gowns for younger siblings. If your Senior does not have younger siblings and does not want to keep their cap and gown, we would be happy to take it as a donation to a student in need in future years. Seniors may also want to keep it as a keepsake.
I have enjoyed working with the Class of 2024. Your kids are amazing. I also want to thank everyone who joined and worked hard in the Senior Parent Organization. You have been making this an incredible year for your Seniors.
Enjoy the remainder of the Spring Semester and the end of the school year with your Seniors!!!
Mark Vierkant
Associate Principal for Operations
Senior Parent Organization 2024
We need all Senior Parents for the Class of 2024 to get involved.
Make sure you follow SPO 2024 on
Facebook: Tomball High School SPO 2024
Instagram: ths_spo_2024
NEW WEBSITE: www.thsspo2024.com
You can also email us at spoths2024@gmail.com
OUR NEXT MEETING is scheduled for Thursday, May May 2nd in the cafeteria of Tomball High
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
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!!
I put together the newsletter, but depend on Parents, Students, Staff and the Community to get me stories to share with the community of Tomball.
Please share anything newsworthy for consideration. Photos to go along with the story is a wonderful touch to the story for the reader.