Towson High School Newsletter
September 18, 2026
Principal's Message
Attteeeennnnttttiiiioooonnn!
Greetings Generals!
We have a lot going on at 69 Cedar Ave!
It’s hard to believe, but we are only 2 weeks away from 1st quarter interims on October 2 and only 6 weeks away from the end of the 1st quarter on October 30! Report cards won’t be out until November, but parents you can follow along in Schoology. After-school tutoring and coach classes are available if you need help. Don’t get caught off guard!
ATTENDANCE MATTERS. Our goal for all students is to pass your classes, graduate, and get a 5-star education along the way. We want you to be engaged, challenged, and encouraged to grow; and in the process, leave a better version than you entered. You can’t do that if you aren’t here. If you stay home because you are sick, be sure to follow policy and return with a note. We need you all back at your posts and ALL-IN!
If you haven’t heard, NEXT Saturday (September 26) we are officially renaming the stadium field in honor of long time Towson General, Coach Randy Dase. There will be an alumni game in the morning followed by a naming ceremony and the latest version of the Towson-Dulaney rivalry as our Varsity Generals host the Lions.
It’s almost HOMECOMING! Check out the spirit week themes leading up to our dance on October 9. We hope to see everyone out for the football games on Saturday the 10th vs. the Raiders of Loch Raven. JV begins at 10am…Let’s pack the house Generals! Check-out the Homecoming section for more information and ticket eligibility.
We’ve moved back to the Smore format to make it easier to roll over vital resources and links so you can easily find them. Be sure to check out the links at the bottom if you need help accessing online resources or want to keep up with Towson Athletics. You, the parents and community, are a VITAL partner in this work and I want to thank you in advance for being ALL-IN on learning and attendance at Towson High School.
It’s a great day to be a 5-Star General!
Principal Du Val
STARS
Student STARS
- Sophie Renauld, Hibiki Yamada, Jessica Setiawan, Deborah Ojeme, and Francesca Granda Campos for being responsible and hard-working Teaching Assistants. Your leadership and dedication make a difference!
- Raqayah Al Najjar for always asking questions, advocating for herself and putting forth her best effort.
Khylee Pyatt for showing kindness to her classmates and supporting others in group work.
Camille Shephard and London Thompson for their assistance at our opening home football game.
Colin Hartin for helping at the opening home football game.
Pry Dance for positive attitude, being respectful/helpful to others, working hard, and completing assignments.
Jeremiah Deal for positive attitude, following directions and starting the year of great!
Staff STARS
- Ms. Karsos for organizing labs for the Earth Systems teaching team and always supporting her colleagues.
- Office Cardano & Officer Schissler we have (2) A-MAZING SROs here at THS. Here everyday directing traffic (arrival and dismissal), have been present at home sporting events, and have been a vital part of establishing order at the start of the school year.
- Mrs. Fluharty for locating a student's computer after a 5-month search!
- Mr. Olin for his work organizing and presenting the Meet the Music night.
Ms. Naomi Michelson for her support and hard work in the Piano class.
Mr. Glenn Lane and the Facilities Staff for a same-day repair to an electrical outlet.
English Department for developing thoughtful, organized Quarter 1 backwards maps that prioritize high-quality instruction, intentional planning, and meaningful learning experiences for our students.
Critical Reading Teachers for creating a thoughtful, student-centered agenda template that promotes efficient learning, clear expectations, and purposeful use of instructional time.
Parent/Community STARS
- PTSA for providing staff with morning treats and Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck to get the staff going for the start of the school year. Thank You!
- Our THS Theatre Boosters for their work in planning wonderful social and fundraising opportunities for our theatre students.
- Mr. Tom Ritterhoff for his work in preparing new recording opportunities for our theatre productions.
Homecoming Spirit Week 10/5 - 10/9
THS Universal Dance Contract & Eligibility
2026-2027 Dances
Home Coming Friday Oct. 9th
Towson High School’s 2026 Homecoming Dance is coming up on Friday, October 9th. Please read the following information carefully. Only students that are eligible will be allowed to purchase a ticket to the dance.
· Students must complete the Dance Contract in order to be eligible to purchase a ticket.
· Students cannot have more than 1 E in Schoology at the close of the school day Friday, September 25th, to be eligible to purchase a ticket.
· Students must have 94% attendance on Friday, September 25th. As shared at the student handbook presentation, this means that a student cannot have been absent for more than ONE full day since the start of this school year. If a student does not have 94% attendance and is eligible in all other areas, the student and/or parent can complete this attendance appeal form. This form will be open for submission through the end of the day on September 25th. If the attendance appeal is approved and the student is eligible in all other areas, they will be allowed to purchase a ticket according to the schedule below.
· Students cannot have any Category 2 or 3 referrals to be eligible to purchase a ticket.
· Students MUST have a photo ID to be admitted into the dance.
We look forward to a great dance! Please reach out to SGA advisors Mr. Olson (solson@bcps.org) or Mr. Allen (ballen5@bcps.org) with questions.
Nurse Updates
Don’t forget! You must complete new medication forms for your child every year!
A new consent form is needed every school year in order for the nurse to administer discretionary medications to your child. (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough drops, Tums)
Link to form:
BEBCO 0881A Consent-for-Admin-of-Approved-Disc-Meds Rev 2026 YELLOW.pdf
OR, Link to online form:
A one-time courtesy call may be made by the nurse, to the parent/guardian for verbal consent. Verbal consent must be followed up with a signed, completed form.
Any other medications that may need to be taken in school, including over-the-counter, must be accompanied by a current school year healthcare provider signed form (dated after 6/2026)
Link to form:
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) observes Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and shares resources. The toolkit they have developed includes key messages, weekly themes, social media shareables, digital stickers virtual backgrounds, and more with the intention to fight stigma, foster connection, and promote hope.
Warning Signs: Here are some warning signs that may indicate a student is having a mental health challenge/crisis:
- Unexpected/dramatic decline in school performance
- Noticeable changes to mood and/or behavior (i.e., someone who is always cheerful is now quiet and somber, someone who loves a hobby is now disinterested, etc.)
- Changes in appetite, sleep, hygiene
- Frequent physical complaints
- Isolating themselves from friends
- Comments or gestures that may hint that someone is thinking of ending their life. (**If this happens, notify an administrator immediately.)
Resources:
National English Honor Society Applications unil 10/19
NEHS is accepting applications until 10/19/25. Applications are digital and include instructions and requirements. Contact Ms. Flynn: jflynn3@bcps.org / Subject Line NEHS Application.
BCPS Magnet Programs 27-28 School Year - Applications Due 10/20
Law & Public Policy
Freshman enrolled in our Law & Public Policy magnet program have been developing the background knowledge necessary to understand the judicial system here in the United States. After demonstrating understanding of our federal system of government, they were introduced to the various values and principles of American Democracy. Finally, they analyzed the legislative process by creating a board game depicting how an idea becomes law. Pictured are students playing their classmates games and judging them on how well their games can be played.
Class of 2027 Information
Class of 2028 Information
Questions? Please reach out to the Senior Class Advisor, Ms. Weir at nweir@bcps.org
Class of 2029 Information
Questions? Please reach out to the Sophomore Class Advisors, Ms. McCusker at bmccusker@bcps.org and Ms. Marks at smarks@bcps.org
Class of 2030 Information
Questions? Please reach out to the Freshman Class Advisors, Mr. Bongiovanni at dbongiovanni@bcps.org and Mr. Cheung at scheung@bcps.org
Department Happenings
Art Department Newsletter Link:
Athletics
Recurring Information
Student Supports & Resources
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.
Attendance Matters
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 2025-2026 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.
Attendance Tracker
Parent Tips
Weekly Reports
Construction Updates
For the latest updates on the Towson High School Renovation/Addition Project, please click here. We are currently in Phase 1.
Get Involved: Join a Parent Organization
Important Links
Opt-In for Text Messages
If you are not receiving text messages from the school and would like to, please text “Y” or "Yes" to 67587.
Upcoming Events
September 21 - Schools Closed for Students
October 2 - MP1 Interims
October 16 - Schools Closed for Students
October 5-9 - Homecoming Week
October 9 - SGA Homecoming Dance
October 22 - PSAT Day for 10th Grade & 11th Grade (optional) Students
October 30 - MP1 Ends & Schools Close 3-Hours Early for Students
November 3 - Election Day School Closed for Students & Teachers
November 12 - MP1 Report Cards Distributed
November 25 - Schools & Offices Close 3-Hours Early
November 26-27 - Schools & Offices Closed
December 4 MP2 Interims
December 24-31 Schools & Offices Closed
January 1 Schools & Offices Closed
January 4 Schools Reopen