Dear Towson High School Community,
During the first week of school, our classrooms have been bustling with energy and enthusiasm as students engage in meaningful discussions, critical thinking and problem solving, creative projects, and collaboration with their peers. Thank you to our students for their enthusiasm, our parents/guardians for their support, and our teachers/staff for their unwavering dedication.
This year’s theme, "Teaching and Learning is Heart Work," resonates deeply with my vision that all members of the Towson High School learning community will thrive. Engaging in “heart work” reminds us that education is not simply the transmission of information, but a collaborative journey that requires empathy, compassion, patience, persistence, kindness, and a genuine passion for learning. Through our “heart work,” we are building a learning community where every member feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
As we continue this school year, let's carry forward the “heart work” that has already defined our first week. I have no doubt that with this shared commitment, we will achieve remarkable successes this school year.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Dr. Kim Culbertson
Towson High School was ranked as a 2023-2024 “Best High School” by US News & World Report. THS ranked #5 in BCPS, #18 in the Baltimore Metro Area, #29 in the state, and #178 in US Magnet High Schools. We commend the efforts, passion, and determination of our students and staff as we celebrate this success. Moving forward, our work is to accelerate learning for all students so that we can become the best high school in the county, state, and nation.
The third annual Tributary Festival will be held on Saturday, September 9, from 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Patriot Plaza in downtown Towson, as part of the Towson Fall Festival. Admission is free for students, and tickets, available online, are $10 for non-students. The THS students organizing the festival are led by co-presidents Henry Kline and Matt Spencer, both seniors. The other team members are seniors Jake Del Viscio, Clara Fitch, and Lucas Westerkamp, and juniors Allie Preston, Phoebe Quinn, Caroline Richards, Scarlett Spaulding, and Kate Wahler. The Tributary Festival was launched in 2021 by Reed Spaulding, then a junior at Towson High and now a freshman, studying music business, at Drexel University. For more information, view the BCPS Tributary Festival Press Release.
Safety Expectations at BCPS Athletic Events
BCPS and THS are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all staff, students and spectators participating in athletic events. Athletic programs positively impact the community, and it is our expectation that student athlete and spectator behaviors reflect our core values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Attendance at athletic events is a privilege.
To ensure our sporting events remain safe, family-oriented events, we are asking all members of the BCPS community to do their part by:
1. Reviewing expectations about appropriate conduct at sporting events.
- Once spectators have entered a game, there will be no readmittance if they choose to leave before the game has ended.
- Loitering at athletic events or on school grounds after the conclusion of the event will not be permitted.
- Anyone engaging in violent or criminal behavior at a sporting event will be removed from the premises immediately and not be permitted to return to any BCPS campus for athletics or extra-curricular activities for a period of no less than 90 days. Students will be subject to serious school and legal consequences.
- Spectators are expected to demonstrate positive and appropriate behavior at all times.
2. Bringing only approved bags and items:
- Only the following type of bag is allowed: small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" or approximately the size of a hand. These bags may be subject to search prior to entry. An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags. These bags may be subject to search prior to entry.
- No dangerous, prohibited, and inappropriate items are permitted at BCPS events.
3. Immediately sharing with school officials any information that might compromise the safety of others.
4. Arranging timely transportation to and from events for all unaccompanied high school students in attendance.
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.
