Towson High School Newsletter

Dear Towson High School Community,

As the excitement of Senior Activities and Graduation approaches, 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.

Senior Activities and Graduation 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 each event. Consider the following:

• Stay informed about your child's plans and the events they will be attending.
• Make a plan to communicate with your student throughout each event.
• Discuss transportation plans with your student. This includes transportation to each event, as well as getting home.
• Discuss the importance of refraining from alcohol or substance use, as well as the consequences for engaging in such behavior. All students that engage in alcohol or substance use will face disciplinary action in accordance with the BCPS Student Handbook. Seniors that engage in alcohol or substance use risk their ability to participate in remaining Senior activities, including the Senior Awards, Senior Picnic, and Graduation.

We greatly appreciate your partnership in emphasizing responsible decision-making with your student so that we can ensure that all of the Class of 2026 events are safe, enjoyable, and memorable ones.

In partnership,

Dr. Kim Culbertson

• The THS Chess Club for winning 1st place in the BCPS annual tournament. This was a remarkable achievement, especially as this marked our first tournament appearance.
• Vishvak Germapudi for being a national bio-olympiad finalist! Vishvak is one of only 20 students nation-wide to enter the final round of international competition. Vishvak will be going to Harvard this summer for a 2 week training session with top US professors/scientists before competing for a spot on the National Team bound for international competition in Lithuania!
• Momina Baig, Chevi Shishler, and Willa Diamond for doing an amazing job with planning the Junior Prom! You are the best!
• Class of 2027 Student Volunteers for helping with set up and take down of decorations for the Junior Prom- Thank you!
• Kat Johnson for having a positive attitude, working hard, and showing a high level of respect to others.
• Travez Cox for making positive choices.
• Caleb Smack for doing an excellent job throughout the semester!
• Adelina Beard, Larry Bradley, Julie Cao, Ashanti Gillis, Olivia Jones, Eli Moayedi, Caroline Quinn, Elaina Razon-Fernandez, Noah Schultz, Max Stone, and Shawn Weng for all the effort you have put in over the last four years with AVID. We couldn't be happier for you as you pursue your aspirations next year in college, trade school, and service year.

• D'hona Howard, Jacob Vazquez, Reagan Bonnichsen, & Emery Webster for being selected by the Towson Roving Recognition Team recognizes students for their leadership, effort, and positive contributions to their classroom and the overall Towson High School environments.

• Charlotte Chason, Ava Mulligan, and Sampada Ranjitkar for helping keep the art classroom organized.

• Skyler Haldens for being quotes in a BCPS New Release on music education.

• The THS Chess Team for winning the BCPS High School Chess Championship!

• Elliott Wonderlich for being named the individual winner of the BCPS High School Chess Championship!

• Allied Softball Team for their stellar performance at the Dream Games at CCBC Catonsville. The Generals finished the day undefeated with two wins and one tie, capping off a great season. Key highlights included powerful hitting from Gregory Leanna and Anthony Townes, along with a massive home run over the fence by Ehis Asikagbon! We also want to recognize seniors Benjamin DuBose and Angel Campbell as they competed in their final game for Towson High School.

• All Chorus Students for a 5-star Spring Concert! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

• Class of 2026 Officers & Steering Committee for organzing Senior Prom.

• TAM Students for bringing in treats for staff and making a Teacher Appreciation Week Advisory lesson.

• SPPA Club for making a "Flower Mission" Advisory lesson for students to spread positivity throughout the school.

• Boy's Lacrosse Team for winning the Baltimore County Championship!

• The 5-Star Chefs for making a delicious Teacher Appreciation Week meal for staff!

• AP Artists for submitted their portfolios 1 week before the final deadline!

• Susan Bear & Noel Cannady for being guest announcers on the morning announcements.

• Mr. Eastham, Mr. Filosa, Ms. Fluharty, Mr. Lane, Ms. L. Miller, Ms. Schnitzer, Mr. Stevens, & Mr. Worthington for participating in the FFE construction meeting.
• Ms. Kromsky for organizing and hosting the annual Law Day Celebration!
• Ms. Cerenzo for advising the Class of 2027 and hosting a 5-star Junior Prom!
• Mr. Aglietti, Mr. Allen, Ms. Biancolli, Mr. Eastham, Ms. B. MucCusker, & Ms. Stevenson for participating in our Board Member walkthrough.
• Mr. Moutome for advising the Chess Club and leading the team to a championship win!
• Ms. Flynn & Mr. Skeels for showing up and supporting their students' talents in the greater Towson community!
• Mr. Jackson for a 5-star Spring Choral Concert!
• The School Counseling Team for hosting Senior Decision Day activities on May 1 for our graduating Seniors!
• Mr. Jackson for being a 5-star AP Test Coordinator!
• The School Counseling Team for organzing Mental Health Awareness Month activities for students throughout the month of May, including activities at lunch on Fridays.
• Ms. Flynn & Mr. Sun for advising the Class of 2026 through Senior Prom, Graduation, and other Senior activities!
• Ms. Keller, Ms. Mathews, & Ms. Schnitzer for helping to organizing Teacher Appreciation treats for staff.
• Ms. McShane for organizing Teacher Appreciation Week activities for students and staff!
• Ms. Russo & Ms. Haughtonhenry - Happy School Nurse Appreciation Day (May 6)!
• THS Cafeteria Crew - Happy School Lunch Hero's Day (May 1)!
• Ms. Moody for organizing the Teacher Appreciation Week lunch for staff.
• Mr. Marx for hosting an AVID Senior Celebration for all graduating AVID Seniors!

• Jenn Yelton & Jamie Alston for helping decorate for the Junior Prom- thank you ladies for your help!

• Class of 2027 Parents for purchasing decorations and beverages for the Junior Prom- thank you parents for your support!!

• The PTSA for organizing 5-star Teacher Appreciation Week treats for staff, including the Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck, morning muffins, a cameo from Darth Vader & Chewbacca, and a roving snack cart!

• Ms. Diamond & Ms. McMenamin for delivering treats to staff during Teacher Appreciation Week!

• Ms. Pumphrey, Board Member, for visiting with our Generals for a walkthrough visit!

• Dunkin' for donating gifts for staff for Teacher Appreciation Week!

• Rita's on York Road for donating Italian ice to staff during Teacher Appreciation Week!

• David Ross for bringing the Treat Truck to campus for Teacher Appreciation Week!

• The Alumni Association for sponsoring a faculty lunch during Teacher Appreciation Week!

• Keller Brothers for organizing a Beam Signing Party so staff could sign the last steel beam that will go in the new building.

• May 8 - 9th-11th Grade MP4 Interims on Schoology

• April 30-May 11 - MISA Living Systems (in Living Systems classrooms)
• May 4-15 - AP Exams
• May 12-19 - Senior Semester 2 Exams (see detailed schedule below)
• May 13-22 - 9th Grade Only MCAP Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra 2 (in Alg 1, Geom, & Alg 2 classrooms)
• June 9-16 - 9th, 10th, & 11th Grade Semester 2 Exams (see detailed schedule below)

• May 9 - Senior Prom & PTSA After-Prom Party
• May 12-19 - Senior Semester 2 Exams (see detailed schedule below)
• May 21 - Senior Awards Night (by invite only)
• May 22 - Mandatory Graduation Practice, Senior Daytime Awards, & PTSA Senior Picnic
• May 22 - Last Day of School for Seniors
• May 26 - Gradution!

May 26 is an asynchronous learning day for all students in grades 9-11 so faculty can prepare for the Class of 2026 Graduation. There will be no synchronous (Google Meet) instruction. The school building will not be open for students. Asynchronous assignments will be uploaded to Schoology for students' B-day classes.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Below are helpful tips for supporting a friend or a loved one who is experiencing emotional distress or possibly a mental health challenge. Key actions include checking in regularly, assisting with daily tasks, and encouraging professional help, while avoiding dismissive phrases like "snap out of it" or “man up.” Also, remember our THS School Counselors are available to support students, and all BCPS high school students have access to free talk therapy through Talkspace (keyword: bcps).

What to Say

• Start the conversation: You can say things like… “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been yourself, is there anything on your mind?” or “You don’t seem like yourself, if you need to talk to me about something, I can listen.”
• Validation & Support: "I'm really sorry you're going through this right now," “I’m really glad you shared this with me,” "I'm here for you," and "It’s okay to not be okay."
• Checking In: "I've been thinking about you," or "No need to reply, just wanted to check on you."
• Offering Specific Help: "Can I bring you dinner this week?" or "I can sit with you while you make that appointment."
• Affirming Strength: "Reaching out shows a lot of strength."

What to Do

• Listen more than you talk: Don’t offer advice unless asked and avoid sharing your own experiences. Let them talk without interrupting or trying to "solve" their problems immediately.
• Be Patient: They might now be ready to talk. You can let them know that you will be there when they are ready.
• Offer Distractions: Watch a movie, go for a walk, or sit in silence together.
• Encourage Professional Help: Suggest speaking to a therapist and offering to help find resources.

Don’t:

• Use Dismissive Language: "Just be positive," "You're overreacting," “It’s not that bad,” or "Others have it worse."
• Pressure: Do not push them to talk if they are not ready or force them to socialize.
• Leave Them Alone: Do not leave them alone if they have shared that they are thinking of ending their life. Call or text 988.

Parents or caregivers of children receiving special education and related services are asked to complete a survey by Friday, June 5. Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in BCPS and the state. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other children in Maryland.

Student Drivers: As a reminder, students must display a valid THS parking permit in order to park on campus. If students park off campus, they must obey all posted parking signs. Parking enforcement is underway, especially in the Knollwood and Donnybrook neighborhoods. Please do not park illegally in any space.

Aigburth Parking Lot: We are working with our construction team to build an additional, temporary parking lot on the Aigburth Softball Field. Construction is underway!

THS Visitors: All visitors must check-in to the Main Office. Please park alongside Cedar Ave by the stone staircase to easily access the Main Office.

Baltimore County high school students are invited to enter the BCSTAT 2026 Data Contest and use data to find solutions to issues facing Baltimore County residents. Registration forms and submissions are due by July 31. Winning students will present their projects to department leaders, spend time with data and policy analysts, and experience day-to-day local government operations.

Towson High School is excited to announce that we will be fielding a Girls Flag Football team beginning in Fall 2026. The season will consist of a 7-game schedule with daily practices, led by a head coach and assistant coach. If you are interested in participating in Girls Flag Football, please complete the Google Form to sign up: https://forms.gle/HdMSnQSpVpFL1ATk6

Please understand that Flag Football is a state-sanctioned sport and will adhere to all academic eligibility requirements. To be eligible to participate, student-athletes must:

• Earn a minimum 4th quarter GPA of 2.0 GPA (on 4th quarter 2025-2026 report card.
• Have no more than one failing 4th quarter grade (on 4th quarter 2025-2026 report card)

We are excited to bring this opportunity to Towson and look forward to building a competitive and inclusive program.

Cap & Gown Distribution:

• Cap & Gowns will be distributed on Wednesday May 20 and Thursday May 21 in Room M201.
• The student on the order must be the one who picks the items up.

Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal:

• All Graduating Seniors must attend all day, mandatory Graduation Rehearsal on Friday May 22.
• Graduation tickets will be distributed at the end of the day on Friday May 22.
• Schedule for May 22:

• 7:35 – 10:15 AM – Graduation Rehearsal (Cafeteria, Auditorium)

• 10:15 – 10:45 AM – LUNCH in the cafeteria for Seniors only (regular BCPS lunch will be provided to all students, students are NOT allowed to leave campus during this time)

• 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM – Continued Rehearsal (Outside, if weather permits)

• 1:15 – 2:15 PM – Senior Daytime Awards Assembly (Auditorium)

• 2:30 PM – Senior Picnic hosted by the PTSA (Outdoor Practice Field)

Logistics:

• Tuesday May 26, 2026
• 6:00 PM
• SECU Arena, Towson University, 8000 York Rd, Towson, MD 21252

Graduate Arrival:

• Graduates must arrive at Towson University for graduation ONE HOUR prior to the ceremony. The graduation ceremony is on Thursday, May 26th is at 6:00 PM. Students must arrive at 5:00 PM and MUST be on time. Doors will open to guests at 5:00 PM as well.

Graduation Tickets:

• Each senior will be given 6 tickets for graduation. The form to request additional graduation tickets has closed.
• All guests must have a ticket, including infants and young children.
• Graduating seniors do not need a ticket.
• Graduation tickets will be distributed at the end of the day on Friday May 22.

• Please review the "TU Event Bag Policy" image below to identify approved bags. No exceptions will be made.
• Please review the "Inadmissible Items" list below to identify items that are not permitted. No exceptions will be made.
• Everyone must enter through the Open Gate security system which consists of walk through magnetometers. These are much like what you see at any large capacity arena or stadium. The magnetometers will be located at each gate, as well as where the graduates enter through the Towson Center.

• Seniors must satisfy all financial obligations and return their BCPS issued device and charger in order to receive their graduation tickets.
• BCPS device and charger collection will take place in English 12 classes during May 18 & May 19. Students who miss collection through English classes can turn their device into Ms. Fluharty or Mr. Marx in the Library on May 20 or May 21 during 1st, 3rd, or 4th periods.
• Device Fee/Fine Structure:
• Single Area Minimal Damage = $30
• Multiple Areas Minimal Damage = $50
• Screen Damage = $80
• Water Damage = $200
• Missing or Lost Device: $200
• Intentional Damage (pencil holes in screens, USB port fires, etc.): $300+
• All device fees/fines can be paid via MySchoolBucks, a check written payable to Towson High School, or cash.

• The School Counseling Department would like to invite you and your student to meet with school staff to review your student’s College & Career Readiness (CCR) status and post-secondary plans. During the meeting we will explore options for the future and discuss what you can be doing now to prepare for Senior year. The conferences will be held beginning March 20, 2026, through June 5, 2026, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-1.30pm. Please call Ms. Williams or Ms. Weinstock at 443-809-3613 to schedule your conference.

Please contact Ms. Cerenzo, Class Advisory, at kcerenzo@bcps.org

Please contact Ms. Marks, at smarks@bcps.org or Ms. B. McCusker at bmccusker@bcps.org, your class advisors.

All sports offered at Towson High School are state-sanctioned sports and must adhere to all academic eligibility requirements. To be eligible to participate in Fall 2026 sports, student-athletes must:

• Earn a minimum 4th quarter GPA of 2.0 GPA (on 4th quarter 2025-2026 report card)

• Have no more than one failing 4th quarter grade (on 4th quarter 2025-2026 report card)

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.

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.

For the latest updates on the Towson High School Renovation/Addition Project, please click here. We are currently in Phase 1.

If you are not receiving text messages from the school and would like to, please text “Y” or "Yes" to 67587.

May 8 - 9th-11th Grade MP4 Interim Grades on Schoology

May 9 - Senior Prom

May 22 - Last Day for Seniors

May 25 - Schools & Offices Closed

May 26 - Class of 2026 Graduation, 6:00 pm, TU Arena

June 16 - Current Last Day of School (may change due to inclement weather)