STUDENT EMAIL CHANGE
THS Student email addresses have changed for this year.
Everything in YOUR address is exactly the same with the removal of "SEC"
@sec.tomballschools.net is now just @tomballschools.net
Annual Enrollment
As we gear up for the start of another exciting school year, we kindly request your cooperation in completing the online Tomball ISD Annual Enrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Each year, returning families are required to update or reconfirm enrollment information for each student. This crucial step allows our campuses to proceed with scheduling courses and arranging transportation for your students.
To ensure a seamless process, we kindly ask you to complete the online Tomball ISD Annual Enrollment by August 5. By doing so, you help expedite the scheduling of your students into classes and, if requested, assign them to a bus route.
Annual Enrollment Instructions can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ASoTP-N9NCNpO_0wB4mKquXi--lx92eD7vlPTr0oDiU/edit?usp=sharing
HB 114 - NO VAPES ALLOWED
A new Texas state law went into place last year and will continue to be enforced in TISD. HB 114 requires mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) placement for students found in possession of, using, selling, giving, or delivering e-cigarettes on school grounds or at a school-related event.
Tomball ISD’s goal is to protect student well-being and academic success by discouraging the use of harmful substances. Strictly enforcing this law helps to create a safe environment where students can thrive and grow without exposure to the dangers of e-cigarettes.
Education and communication are crucial in preventing such incidents. The District will be reinforcing awareness and educational programs to highlight the risks associated with e-cigarette use. Parents are encouraged to partner with the District by having open discussions with their students about making responsible choices for their health and future.
Tomball ISD is committed to providing a supportive environment for all students. Our comprehensive approach will focus on prevention, intervention, and support to ensure our students receive the guidance they need to make positive decisions.
We value your partnership and input as parents and guardians. Should you have any questions or concerns about the implementation of this new law or its effect on your child's educational experience, please don't hesitate to reach out to the campus principal.
Together, we can create a healthier and safer environment for our students to learn, grow, and succeed. Thank you for your continued support.
DRESS CODE
This information can be found on pages 51-53 in the Student Handbook
All dress code policies can be found in the TISD Student Handbook linked
We will continue to enforce our dress code policies per the TISD Student handbook with an emphasis continuing on the following items:
- All students must wear clothing that adequately covers the body. Shorts and/or skirts must reach the mid-thigh. Spaghetti straps, strapless, backless, see-through and low-cut tops are not allowed. Tops must cover the midriff.
- All male students must be clean-shaven.
- Students are not allowed to wear hats, bandanas, or other head coverings.
- Female students are permitted to wear ear piercings only. No other body piercings are allowed to be visible.
- Student hair must be that of natural color.
STUDENT ID'S
For the safety of everyone at Tomball High School we are requiring all students and staff members to wear their ID visibly at all times. We will provide all students with an ID, a lanyard and a plastic covering for their ID.
WE WILL PASS OUT NEW STUDENT ID'S ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT LUNCH
ID badges will help the campus determine which individuals are authorized to be on campus and will assist in accounting for students in an emergency situation. For students, their ID badge has additional functionality for transportation, child nutrition, and library services.
Students must have their ID to enter the building. We will provide temporary ones if students forget theirs. Students need to learn to make it a part of their every day outfit. Students will be given two free temporary ID's if they forget or lose. The third occurrence of needing an ID will result in a charge of $5 and a NEW ID will be made and delivered to them. Parents will be called and consequences will be given for students who refuse to wear their ID.
If a student loses their ID, a new one can be purchased for $5.
Students should consult with their Assistant Principal if they lose their ID.
In the name of collectively ensuring a safe environment in our schools, the District appreciates the support of our parents in reminding their students to wear their badges to school every day.
TRAFFIC PATTERN
BUSES WILL BE THE ONLY VEHICLES ALLOWED IN THE FRONT LANE IN THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING. Visitors may still park in the front of the building to handle any school business or in order to check students out before the end of the day for appointments. Please stay in the lane furthest away from the school where parking is allowed.
Campus Safety
The safety and welfare of students and staff are our highest priority. To provide schools an opportunity to practice emergency response procedures, our students and staff will participate in emergency preparedness drills throughout the school year.
The goals of the training drill are to improve our ability to protect students, save lives, and reduce injuries. They allow us to elevate our emergency operations plan and improve our response skills. As a part of the drill, all students and staff will participate in the activation of our Campus Emergency Operations Plan.
Students and staff will practice the following drills following the Standard Response Protocol:
Fire Evacuation, Secure/Hold, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter in Place for Weather and Hazmat
In order to protect students, in case of an actual emergency, students will only be released to the parent/adult listed on the student’s emergency card. The parent/guardian will receive communication from school or public officials sharing their child’s specific location. The parent/guardian shall bring valid government-issued identification to reunite with the student using the student’s emergency card information. Once identification is verified, the student will be located and reunited with the parent. The reunification process is designed for the student’s protection and the parent’s peace of mind. The reunification process can be time-consuming, so parents are asked to be patient.
Your child’s safety while at school is of utmost importance. Thank you for your partnership in helping to create a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.
Please see the link below to view the TISD Crisis Communication Plan
Crisis Communications Plan - Tomball Independent School District (tomballisd.net)
THS Mental Health Moment
Week of July 29 - Aug 7, 2024
THS Mental Health Moment
Mary-Margaret Bollato, LPC; Mental Health Specialist
https://sites.google.com/tomballisd.net/mentalhealthspecialist/home
The THS staff is looking forward to welcoming our Cougars back to campus on Aug 13, 2024.
Here are some evidence-based tips to help support your teen getting back into the school routine.
Routines are important to mental wellness and support academic success. Often teens do not think they need parental oversight in managing their routine and organization, however, parents often recognize that a teen still needs guidance in getting back into the school routine.
More often than not during the summer months, teens' schedules become quite variable. Sleep schedules are often disrupted, and study habits have not been maintained. Routines may not be as important during the summer break yet routines are necessary during the school year. The skills of daily routine will serve your child now and in the future when they enter college, trade school, or the workplace.
Here are 8 strategies to consider implementing in the transition back to school.
Create a schedule and share it
Talk with your teen about their schedule: morning, school schedule, and school schedule
Put each activity in a time slot and have a way for everyone to access the schedule.
Google Calendar is a tool you may want to consider using;
Print and place on the refrigerator
Online access
Pay attention to the schedule and ensure it is not too packed which can create exhaustion. Finding a balance between academics and extracurricular activities is important for mental wellness and student success
Wake up and Go to bed at Set times
Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep each night (same time - not a split between a 4-hour nap and 3-hour sleep)
Sleep deprivation has been shown to impact learning; inability to concentrate and overall mental well being
It is recommended that you begin the school sleep routine 1 to 2 weeks before the first day of school
Developmentally most high school students are capable of setting their alarms and waking up on time.
Practice before the first day and they will become more accustomed to self-managing this
Limit Screen Time
Managing screen time helps to ensure that teens get enough sleep; especially in the evenings
The use of technology before bed has been shown to stimulate the brain and as a result, feeling less sleepy
Blue lights from a computer have been shown to lower melatonin levels (affects the sleep-wake cycle)
Make device disconnection part of the nightly routine where the teen turns off cell phones, computers, laptops, television, video games, etc one hour before bedtime.
This time can be used to encourage your child to read, journal, or connect with family
Parents who model and use the same guidelines in healthy device management are likelier to have their children do the same.
Eat Regular Meals as a Family
Because life gets busier when school starts due to homework, extracurricular activities, and social events it can make family mealtime gatherings more challenging to coordinate. Even though you may not be able to set a time aside for family meals every night it is important to schedule as much as possible. The benefits of family mealtime cannot be underestimated.
Recent surveys have shown that eating together as a family lowers the risk of eating disorders, substance abuse, aggressive behavior, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Lowers family stress levels
Increases self-esteem and academic performance
Work Downtime into the Routine
Overscheduled teens often report feeling exhausted and overwhelmed
Everyone needs time to recharge; downtime is a healthy form of stress relief
If you find your teen does not take downtime, work with them to schedule it into their daily routine
Before beginning homework they can take an hour to walk, work out, dance, draw, journal, read for pleasure, listen to music
The amount of time scheduled or needed is individual; everyone's needs are different
Make Sure There’s Time to Move
Schedule time for movement
Some kids love it; others may need encouragement
Exercise is a known stress reliever
Create time for swimming, playing a sport, bike riding, yoga etc…
WHO recommends that people between the ages of 5 and 17 should engage at least 3 times a week in vigorous aerobic activities and strengthening exercises
Help Teens Get Organized
Some teens may need help establishing regular routines for studying and organization methods.
It is valuable to help your teen figure out what tools or strategies might help them.
Have a conversation with your teen and help them decide if they may need to adjust their schedule to find a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
Some teens may also need support in organizing their personal space
Messy rooms and cluttered spaces can create a negative impact on mood which can exacerbate both anxiety and depression.
Practice Gratitude
Studies show that expressing appreciation for what is good in your life boosts positive emotions, happiness, and resilience.
Suggestions: journal writing, verbal expression of gratitude at the end of each day, create a “gratitude jar” in your home and read them out loud at the end of the week
When we practice gratitude we are teaching our brains to notice the ‘good things’ happening in our lives and feel thankful.
Having a routine and tools for organization will help your child get off on the right foot for the school year, however, some adolescents may need additional support such as a tutor for academics or seeking out therapy with a mental health professional for other needs.
Signs that your child may need additional help include but are not limited to disturbed sleep (too much, too little, night terrors), decreased or increased appetite, declining grades, irritability or crying bouts, emotional or behavioral outbursts, new physical symptoms (headaches, stomaches, nausea, constipation or diarrhea), talking about suicide.
Resources;
8 Evidence-Based Tips to help Teenagers get Back in the School Routine, https://www.clinical-psychology-associates.com/8-evidence-based-tips-to-help-teenagers-get-back-in-the-school-routine, Clinical Psychology Associates, accessed July 25, 2024, published August 23, 2023
YEARBOOKS AND SENIOR ADS
The Cougar Yearbook staff is hard at work creating the next book. If you have any questions about Senior Ads, please click here. For information on ordering a yearbook, click here. Or, for information on student photos and senior portraits, click here.
If you have any other questions, contact JerryFordyce@tomballisd.net
COLLEGE AND CAREER CORNER
Week of August 5th-9th
College & Career Counselor Corner
- College Application Kickoff Presentations from Aug. 1st event for seniors - Seniors, miss the event? Not to worry, there will be more opportunities once school starts. Be sure to check your school email and listen for announcements.
We look forward to seeing students back on campus soon! Below are some important dates for the fall semester. As we get closer to each event, more details will be provided.
Upcoming Fall Events:
- Wednesday, August 28th - Senior Parent Night from 6:30-8:00 pm in the THS Auditorium
- October 2024 - Financial Aid Night, date TBA 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
Many more events will be shared once school starts for students to take part in! Here are just a few!
- College Application Workshops - Open to seniors to get help with college applications during Cougar Block. Dates & sign-up coming soon!
- The College Application Kickoff event for seniors on August 1st is FULL. Presentations will be shared after the event. Couldn’t sign-up or missed the kickoff event? Don’t worry, there will be several College App Workshops opportunities to attend!
- 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. Details will be shared when school starts.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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. Student join codes coming soon! 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
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, August 8th in the cafeteria of Tomball High
Some SPO Senior Events already scheduled:
SENIOR SUNRISE: August 16
SENIOR PICNIC: October 9
MR. DEBONAIR COMPETITION: TBD
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: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HXLrW2HYCvGAzy9fgiorpGqvuGiTqn-5/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114286714463450756863&rtpof=true&sd=true
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.
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.