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Towson High School Newsletter

April 19, 2024

Towson HighSchool NewsletterApril 19, 2024

Principal's Message Principal's Message

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Dear Towson High School Community,


As the excitement of prom season approaches (Junior Prom on April 20 & Senior Prom on May 18), we want to take a moment to remind our students and families about the importance of responsible decision-making to ensure a safe and memorable experience for everyone.


Proms are cherished moments during the high school experience and we want all our students to enjoy these special occasions to the fullest. Please partner with us to ensure students make safe and responsible decisions before, during, and after prom. Consider the following:

  • Discuss transportation plans with your student. This includes transportation to Prom*, the PTSA-Sponsored After Senior Prom Party** (for Senior Prom only), and home.
  • Discuss the importance of refraining from alcohol or illegal substance use, as well as the consequences for engaging in such behavior. All students that engage in alcohol or illegal substance use will face disciplinary action in accordance with the BCPS Student Handbook. Seniors that engage in alcohol or illegal substance use risk their ability to participate in remaining Senior activities, including the Senior Picnic and Graduation.
  • Stay informed about your child's prom plans and the events they will be attending.
  • Make a plan to communicate with your student throughout the night.
  • *For students attending Senior Prom, the PTSA hopes to provide discounts on rides offered by ride share companies on prom night. If you are interested, please fill out this google form.
  • **For ALL seniors (regarless of whether or not they attend Senior Prom) and guests attending Senior Prom, encourage your student to attend the FREE PTSA-Sponsored After Prom Party at Bowlero Timonium from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. The entire bowling alley is rented and bowling & video games are free. There will be plenty of food, entertainment and awesome prizes (cash, airpods, gift cards+++). After-prom is drug/alcohol free and there is security.


We greatly appreciate your partnership in emphasizing responsible decision-making with your student so that we can ensure that the 2024 prom season is a safe, enjoyable, and memorable one.


In partnership,

Dr. Kim Culbertson

STARS STARS

Students are recognized for being 5-STAR Towson Generals. Staff and Parents are recognized for demonstrating heart-work that helps our THS learning community to thrive.

Student STARS

  • Cast & Crew of Hairspray for a spectacular performance for this year's spring musical.
  • Pit Orchestra for Hairspray for a 5-star performacne at this year's spring musical.
  • Sophia Abed, Olivia Bisson, Dylan Carson, William Gentle, Maxwell Gerber, Jeremiah Johnson, Chelsea Skinner, Ti’Anna Thomas, & Liliana Zavin for being selected to perform at the annual BCPS/BSO Side-by-Side concert at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

  • Junior Class Steering Committee for organzing the Junior Prom.
  • Mia Greenberg for earning the Free State PTA Reflections Award of Excellencec for their sculpture "Endless".

  • Brady Burke for earning the Free State PTA Reflections Award of Excellence for their photo "Doing Better".

  • Josiah Brion for earning the Free State PTA Reflections Award of Merit for their choreography "Looking at the Bright Side".

  • Vicky Bell, Kaelen Buddington, Keith Dewitt, Anyia Goodwin, & Alijah Guadalupe for working hard in Math.

  • Jaylen Berman, Zoe Francis, Henry Graves, Gabi Greve, Sebastian Gonzalez, Mansoor Johnson, Cooper Leigh, and Dylan Smith for going over and above to help out with needs for the school play.

  • Hispanic Student Union (HSU) & Students Promoting Positive Action (SPAA) clubs for creating a tribute for the Key Bridge collapse victims.

  • Scarlett Spaulding, Environmental Club, & Tributary Club members for organizing an Earth Day campus cleanup.

  • Ashanti Gillis for organizing the Teen Talks program.

  • Science National Honor Society memebers for sharing their love of science with future Towson scholars at Dumbarton MS.

Staff STARS

  • Ms. Miller for cutting bookmarks for our Little Free Library!

  • Mr. Worthington & Zareiff for their leadership during this year's spring musical, Hairspray.

  • Ms. Harrison (Art Intern) for receiving the NAEA 2024 Eastern Region Pre-Service Art Educator of the Year Award.

  • Mr. Brotman for organizing and leading the annual Junior Interview Day.

  • Mr. Clark, Ms. Lauver, & Ms. Miller for organizing the annual Art Show & Auction.

  • Ms. Hancock, Ms. Karsos, & Nurse Russo for leading wellness time for teachers during the April 10 PD day.

  • Ms. Hancock & Ms. Kromsky for leading efforts for the Junior Prom.

  • Ms. Richmond (THS Teacher of the Year), Mr. Tormey (Nominee for School Counselor of the Year), & Ms. Valian (Nominee for Rookie Counselor of the Year) for representing Towson at the annual BCPS Champions of Children gala.

  • Mr. Cheung for tutoring Algebra 1 students.

  • Ms. Kromsky for tutoring and supporting LPP students struggling in math.

  • Mr. Dalsimer for stepping in and helping with ticket "collection" when he saw the long line at the spring musical.

  • Ms. Redd for coming in mid-year and immediately stepping up to the plate and more.

  • Mr. Worthington for putting on a great spring musical and overcoming obstacles presented before the show.

  • Mr. Jackson, Mr. Olin, & Mr. Rhen for the delightful music in spring musical.

  • Ms. Schutsky for creating additional learning opportunities for students.

  • Mr. Biddison and Mr. Jochmans for taking the Science Nation Honors Society to Dumbarton MS to put on a Science Show for the 8th grade students.

  • Mr. Cooke, Ms. Hancock, Ms. Carter & Ms. Sabo for helping to chaperone the field trip to Towson University. The trip would not have been possible without their support.

Parent/Community STARS

  • Theatre Boosters for collecting 4,846 lbs of textiles for total earnings of $544.06.

  • Theatre Boosters for their support of this year's spring musical, Hairspray.
  • All of the volunteer interviewers that assisted with Junior Interview Day.
  • TAPA for their support of the annual Art Show & Auction.
  • Sports Boosters & Champions Committee for their feedback on the 5-Star Fieldhouse and Addition & Renovation Project, respectively.
  • Class of 2025 families that donated items to the Junior Prom.

Upcoming Standardized Tests Upcoming Standardized Tests

The following standardized tests will be administered this spring. For more information about each test, including who will be tested and the importance of the test, click here.

  • MCAP ELA 10 - April 9-April 23
  • ASVAB - April 24
  • MCAP Government - May 1-May 15
  • MCAP Science - May 1-May 15
  • MCAP Math - May 15-May 29
  • AP Testing - May 6-24
  • Senior Final Exams - May 15-May 23
  • Underclass Final Exams - June 7-14

Community Meeting to Discuss THS Capital Project Design - April 24 Community Meeting to Discuss THS Capital Project Design - April 24

On Wednesday April 24 at 7:00 pm in the Towson High School Auditorium, the design team working on the Towson High School capital improvement project will have its second opportunity to share progress on the project with the community. During the presentation, the team will provide updates on the project design and overall schedule, and share several drawings and renderings prepared to date. After the design presentation, there will be an opportunity for community members to ask questions and provide feedback. All are welcome to attend!

Voice4Equity High School Girls Policy Network Voice4Equity High School Girls Policy Network

On March 22, eight Law & Public Policy (LPP) students attended a Voice4Equity High School Girl's Policy Network summit around the theme, "Empowering girls to grow, lead, and change the world!” Ms. Kromsky, Towson's LPP Magnet Coordinator, wrote a powerful story about the summit and it was featured on BCPS news! Check out the full story here.

Reflections Contest Winners Reflections Contest Winners

Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Towson High PTSA Reflections artists that have moved on to the State PTA competition. Awardees were announced at the Baltimore County PTA celebration at the Towson Armory StartUp Space on Sun April 7th. We are thankful to the families that could attend and Ms. Kim Beard for her leadership with the contest and event.


Towson High School Winners:

  • Visual Arts: Eva Koepenick, Mia Greenberg (Award of Excellence), and Jane Shields
  • Photography: Sadie Littleton and Brady Burke (Award of Excellence)
  • Dance Choreography: Josiah Brion (Award of Merit)
  • Music Composition: Josiah Brion


Students, start thinking about your art for next year. The theme is "Accepting Imperfections". For more information about Reflections, contact Kim Beard kimbeardreuse@gmail.com.

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SNHS Field Trip to Dumbarton Middle School SNHS Field Trip to Dumbarton Middle School

Members of Towson High's Science National Honors Society (SNHS) travelled to Dumbarton Middle School on April 9th to help with the 8th grade science fair. Towson students conducted science demonstrations and talked to middle school students about the science class options in high school. SHNS members really got the middle schoolers excited to come to Towson High and experience our science curriculum!

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Congrats, Ashanti Gillis - Named Visionary in the 7th Annual Dream Big Contest! Congrats, Ashanti Gillis - Named Visionary in the 7th Annual Dream Big Contest!

Towson High School student Ashanti Gillis has been named a Visionary in the 7th Annual Dream Big Contest. Ashanti's essay, "DA^2 - My Freedom Cycle” earned her a top 8 finalist spot out of 171 submissions this year. Ashanti will be celebrated at the Lyric Baltimore on Friday, April 26th, at 7:00 pm. The Celebration will be filmed by WBAL-TV and air on June 19th at 7:00 pm. Congratulations, Ashanti!

News from the Nurse's Office News from the Nurse's Office

Allergy Season Information
Teen Talks Program

Class of 2024 Information Class of 2024 Information

Senior Prom - After Prom Party Info, Ride Share Form, & Parent Support Needed

After Prom Party Info: Our PTSA has organized a FREE After-Prom Party for our Seniors. All Seniors and their guests are invited to Bowerlo in Timonium from 11pm-1am on May 18, 2024. The entire bowling alley is rented and bowling & video games are free. There will be plenty of food, entertainment and awesome prizes (cash, airpods, gift cards+++). After-prom is open to all graduates & their guest, regardless if they attend prom. After-prom is drug/alcohol free and there is security.

Ride Share Form: The PTSA hopes to provide discounts on rides offered by ride share companies on prom night. If you are interested, please fill out this google form.

Parent Support Needed: Your PTSA is also looking for help with volunteering for the after-prom and the Senior picnic. They are also in need of donations for the Class of 2024 PTSA Senior Celebrations. Please contact stacilanham@gmail.com for more information.

Class of 2025 Information Class of 2025 Information

BCPS Curriculum Night - April 30 BCPS Curriculum Night - April 30

BCPS Student Career Expo - May 8 BCPS Student Career Expo - May 8

Department Spotlights Department Spotlights

School Counseling Newsletter - April Edition

Athletics Athletics

Spring Sports Newsletter
Social Eligibility for Athletics Events
Towson Spirit Wear Store

Recurring News Recurring News

CAEAC Meetings CAEAC Meetings

Central Area Education Advisory Council Meetings

Student Supports Student Supports

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.

Talkspace Teen Therapy - Keyword: bcps
THS 23-24 Coach Class Schedule (updated 3/1)
THS 23-24 Peer Tutoring Schedule (updated 12/11)
2023-2024 Standardized Testing Information

23-24 Clubs & Organizations 23-24 Clubs & Organizations

Towson Clubs & Organizations

We encourage all students to be actively involved in clubs and organizations throughout the year. Please check out the club list below. Students that are interested in starting a new club should contact Ms. Smith at lsmith21@bcps.org.

23-24 Clubs & Organizations List (Updated 9/14)

Senior Information Corner Senior Information Corner

Senior "Save the Dates" Senior "Save the Dates"

Save the Dates:


  • Senior Prom Tickets on Sale: Monday, April 22 – Friday, May 3
  • Guest Contracts Available: Monday, April 22 in room 106 or the counselling office (due Friday, May 3)
  • THS Senior Prom: Saturday, May 18 at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Center
  • After Prom Party: Bowlero Timonium, Sat May 18, 11pm-1am sponsored by THS PTSA
  • Senior Picnic: Friday May 24 after school
  • Graduation Practice (Mandatory): Tuesday, May 28 (AM) and Wednesday, May 29 (AM)
  • THS Graduation Commencement Ceremony: Thursday, May 30 (AM) at TU Arena
Commencement Logistics
Senior Communication Contacts
Yearbook Ad
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Preparing for the Graduation Ceremony:

  • Commencement Ceremony Logistic Form: Please complete this form as soon as possible to prepare for the reading of your seniors’ name and ensuring accessibility for family members.
  • Cap and Gowns: Caps and gowns for the Class of 2024 Graduation Commencement Ceremony should be purchased using Jostens ASAP! Purchase before Feb. 1 guarantees the current price, so order fast!
  • Senior Obligations: Please note that your senior may not walk the stage if there are outstanding obligations after May 24 (device, textbooks, or other outstanding payments to the school). If these aforementioned items are currently lost or damaged, please contact the school ASAP.
  • Attire for Students: Students should be dressed in semi-formal attire under their caps and gowns. Options include dresses, skirts, slacks, collared shirts, dress shoes. Attire to avoid includes jeans, flip-flops, shorts, and sneakers.
  • Ticket Information – TBD: Ticket information will be made available later in the year after Ms. Falatko has the BCPS meeting with staff from TU Arena (formerly SECU Arena). Families have previously been allotted 6 per graduate.


Senior Portraits:

  • We are a fall delivery school. Seniors will receive their yearbooks via mail over the summer. Buy your yearbook or purchase senior ads here.


Save the Dates:

  • Senior Prom Tickets on Sale: Monday, April 22 – Friday, May 3
  • Guest Contracts Available: Monday, April 22 in room 106 or the counselling office (due Friday, May 3)
  • THS Senior Prom: Saturday, May 18 at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Center
  • Graduation Practice (Mandatory): Tuesday, May 28 (AM) and Wednesday, May 29 (AM)
  • THS Graduation Commencement Ceremony: Thursday, May 30 (AM) at TU Arena


Additional questions regarding these and other senior events may be directed to Ms. C. McCusker at cmccusker@bcps.org.

Event Information

Graduation - Class of 2024

When?

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 10:00 AM

Where?

Towson University, York Road, Towson, MD, USA

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Attendance Matters Attendance Matters

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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.

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Attendance Tracker

A tool to help track your student's attendance throughout the school year.
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Parent Tips

Parent tips to keep your student on track and stay engaged with school.
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Weekly Reports

Use weekly attendance reports to track your student's attendance.

Get Involved: Join a Parent Organization Get Involved: Join a Parent Organization

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https://towsonhightheatre.weebly.com/

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Opt-In for Text Messages 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.

Important Links Important Links

THS 23-24 Operating Procedures
THS Website
Directions to Setup Parent FOCUS Portal Account
Directions to Setup Weekly Schoology Parent Digest
BCPS Parent University

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

April 20 - Junior Prom

April 26 - Schools & Offices Close 3 Hours Early

May 14 - Schools & Offices Closed - Election Day

May 17 - Asynchronous Learning Day and Schools & Offices Close 3 Hours Early (school building closed)

May 18 - Senior Prom

May 27 - Schools & Offices Closed - Memorial Day

May 30 - Class of 2024 Graduation @ 10 am; Asynchronous Learning Day for grades 9-11

June 13 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students

June 14 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students; Last Day of School

Kim Culbertson
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