COUGAR NEWS 2023-2024

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.

A new Texas state law will be in effect immediately requiring 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 2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct will reflect this change in the law.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. Parents will be called and consequences will be given for students who repeatedly forget their ID’s.

If a student loses their ID, a new one can be purchased for $3 along with a new lanyard and plastic sleeve for an additional $2.

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.

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.

If a student is absent because of a serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment that makes a student’s attendance infeasible, a parent must provide certification from a physician licensed to practice in Texas specifying the student’s illness and the anticipated period of absence related to the illness or treatment.

All reference to COVID-related absences with regards to exemption to final exams have been removed. Absences related to COVID will be treated as any other illness-type absences. Refer to the student handbook for additional information regarding absences and exemptions.

PSAT/MNSQT Testing Date is in October 18th

If you have a child that routinely receives testing accommodations through special programs during the regular school year, you must apply via the College Board to potentially receive accommodations on PSAT, AP, or SAT exams. Please complete the form (https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ssd-consent-form-accommodations.pdf) and return it to the campus testing coordinator by August 25th.

You can also visit https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/ for more information.

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)

SMART tag

As we prepare for the start of the new year, we encourage our families who have chosen bus transportation to register within our SMART tag™ Parent Portal.

While we encourage our families to register in Smart Tag Parent Portal, please keep in mind that we are working to get all bus route information set. If you’re not able to find your bus route information using your Smart Tag Parent Portal, the Transportation Department is still in the process of assigning students to bus routes. Please be patient with the process. Our goal is to have all bus route information updated and ready for distribution using your SMART Tag Parent Portal on Saturday, August 05.

Bus Registration is done through the Annual Enrollment Process using the Home Access Center. For more information, please visit the Transportation Webpage.

The 2024 Cougar Yearbook is on sale now! Please visit Balfour.com to order your book and take advantage of early-bird pricing. We also have Senior Ads available, those can be ordered at Balfour.com as well. You can design the ad yourself online, or the yearbook staff can help design the ad this fall. We sell out fast every year, so please don’t miss out! Pre-order your yearbook today.

Tomball High School - Yearbook Packages | Balfour

White out shirts are available for sale now. Sizes are only guaranteed until August 13! First opportunity to support your team is Sep 1 versus Magnolia. All sports will likely have themed games this year so get your white out shirt now so you support all our sports! Packages including all 4 shirts are also for sale only until August 13. https://thsabc.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/36390315

College & Career Counselor Corner

• We’re looking forward to seeing all of you next week! Be sure that you have a plan to start the year off getting organized. Enjoy this weekend and get plenty of rest. See you soon!
• 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.
• Wednesday, September 6th Senior Parent Night from 6:00-8:00 pm in the THS Auditorium
• Thursday, September 7th College Application Workshop for Seniors from 8:30-10:00 am (space limited, sign up required) - Event hosted by SFASU Rep, seniors do not need to plan to attend SFASU to participate
• Monday, October 30th College Knowledge Night from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Tomball Event Center
• Tuesday, November 14th Cougar Block College Fair from 9:00-10:00 am
• Wednesday, December 6th Financial Aid Night from 6:00-8:00 pm in the THS Auditorium

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

You can also email us at spoths2024@gmail.com

OUR NEXT MEETING is scheduled for Thursday, August 17th in the cafeteria of Tomball High

Some SPO Senior Events already scheduled:

SENIOR SUNRISE: August 18

SENIOR PICNIC: October 18

MR. DEBONAIR COMPETITION: TBD

POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL: TBD

PROJECT PROM: April 21

BACCALAUREATE: May 19

🐾Register for membership during the month of AUGUST and earn your student double the points, that’s 80 points just for registering!

THS SPO Membership registration is $40.00 and includes one THS SPO 2024 T-Shirt. Only one membership per household is needed. Please be sure to read the full details when registering.

Let’s make this a great year for our Seniors!

SPO Membership 2024

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