Dear Towson High School Community,
"The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021 to transform public education in the state into a world-class education system. The Blueprint is designed to increase education funding by $3.8 billion each year over the next 10 years, enrich student experiences and accelerate student outcomes, as well as improve the quality of education for all children in Maryland, especially those who have been historically underserved (MD Blueprint)."
There are five pillars of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Pillar 3 is the College and Career Readiness (CCR) pillar. "The College and Career Readiness Pillar sets a new College and Career Readiness (CCR) standard that prepares graduates for success in college and the workforce by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to complete entry-level credit-bearing college courses and work in high-wage and high-demand industries. The Blueprint aims to have all students meet the CCR standard by the end of their 10th grade year, develops CCR-Support pathways to support students in meeting the standard, enables students to enter a Post-CCR pathway that builds on the student’s strengths, develops a Career and Technical Education (CTE) system that is aligned with industry’s needs, and ensures that prekindergarten through 12th grade curriculum, standards, and assessments are all aligned with the new CCR standard" (MD Blueprint).
Students may demonstrate College and Career Readiness (CCR) by meeting or exceeding the following standards in both English and Math:
- Score of 3 or 4 on MCAP English 10, and
- Score of 3 or 4 on MCAP Algebra 1, Algebra II, or Geometry; or score 520 or greater on the Math SAT.
Meeting the established criteria for CCR provides students with many opportunities, including the opportunity for students to take up to four college courses and AP exams, free of charge.
Implications for current freshman and sophomores: It is essential that students perform to the best of their ability on the MCAP English and Math assessments this spring as the results of these assessments will directly impact whether they met the CCR designation in English and Math.
Implications for current juniors: Juniors who have not met the CCR standard will continue to receive information on support pathways to assist in meeting the CCR standard.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you in supporting all our Towson Generals towards becoming College and Career ready, as defined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
In partnership,
Dr. Kim Culbertson
Source: Blueprint for Maryland’s Future
**Updated January 21**
- Marking Period 2 & Semester 1 – Extended through Tuesday January 23 (Semester 1 students will stay in their Semester 1 classes for Monday – A-day & Tuesday – B-day)
- Marking Period 3 & Semester 2 – Begins on Wednesday January 24 (Semester 2 students will begin their Semester 2 classes on Wednesday – A-day & Thursday – B-day)
- Updated Semester 1 Mid-Terms & Final Exam Schedule: Monday 1/22 (A-Day) – A-Day Makeup Exams; Tuesday 1/23 (B-Day) – B-Day Makeups Exams
- Marking Period 2 Report Cards will now be posted in the FOCUS Portal on February 5 at 4:00 pm.
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.
