The Towson Pridetowsonhs.bcps.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_244352/File...Baltimore County migrating standardized tests to an electronic format for some classes, specifically Algebra

STARS to our Staff, Parents and Students

T O W S O N H I G H S C H O O L

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

STARS- Weekly

Accolades for

Staff, Parents,

and Students

1

Featured

Article

2-3

Message From

Principal

4

School

Counseling Info

5-6

Senior Info 7-11

Happenings in

Classes

12-

18

Fall Play

Flyer

20

Ways to Get

Involved

21-

23

Upcoming

Events

26

The Towson Pride

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 6

N O V E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 1 9

STARS to the cast and crew of CLUE!

STARS to Ms.

Marks, Mr. Palumbi and the student lead-ers involved with the production of CLUE.

STARS to our

parents that attended American Education Week.

STARS to Ms.

Kline, PTSA Presi-dent, for welcoming parents during Ameri-can Education Week.

STARS to Ms.

Greenberg, Ms. Schrader and Mr. Brotman for their in-structional leadership (THS recognized by Newsweek as a Top Stem School).

STARS to Ms.

Bridges for her efforts in a very successful American Education Week.

In our STARS section, indi-

viduals will be recognized

for their contributions to

the school. Staff members

are encouraged to submit

accolades that are worthy

of the General’s Star.

Our staff and students

strive for excellence on a

daily basis. The comments

listed below represent

some of the recognition for

our staff and students.

STARS to Ms.

Piekarz and Ms. Brewer for their pro-fessionalism and at-tention to detail.

STARS to Ms.

Marsh for hosting a learning walk for new teachers.

STARS to Dr.

McDermott, Towson University Professor for leading a profes-sional development session for our facul-ty.

STARS to our

winter coaches for

their leadership and support of our stu-dents.

STARS to Chiara

Menegatti and Caeden Fong for making the 1st Team All State for soccer!

STARS to our

School Counseling Team and Mr. Rad-cliffe for hosting ses-sions for our parents during American Ed-ucation Week.

STARS to the

CVP for their dona-tion of coupons.

STARS to Mr.

Hoefler, Ms. Kromsky, Mr. Ol-son, and Ms. Waters for leading our stu-dents in the LPP pro-gram to various desti-nations during the past several days.

STARS to Mr.

Olin for his creativity.

T H E T O W S O N P R I D E

P A G E 2

Mathematics Department

The Mathematics Department is off to a busy start. Our professional devel-

opment theme this year is centered around the idea of using critical questions,

exploring alternate assessment practices, and content team development with

a focus on error analysis.

In our curricular teams, we have looked for themes which can help develop

sets of questions which really emphasize the main theme of a lesson, or unit.

These questions are developed with the most basic concept in mind. The ques-

tions are used to help students refocus when he or she is struggling with con-

cepts or specific questions.

Exploring alternate assessment methods is a natural evolution of last year’s

theme of mathematical literacy. This process may include electronic assess-

ments where the students use their devices to submit answers, or other non-

traditional methods of generating student responses. This also aligns with

Baltimore County migrating standardized tests to an electronic format for

some classes, specifically Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry.

Our teams meet regularly to discuss pace, best practices, and assessments.

This time is used to mentor, share materials, develop lesson plans and coordi-

nate both short and long term tasks. This goal also reflects a countywide ini-

tiative, the move toward standardization of content and delivery.

Our honor society Mu Alpha Theta (MAO) has also been active. One of the

primary functions the honor society performs is to assist with after school tu-

toring. The season started off in October, and the next installment takes

place on December 10th. Please see Mr. Heckle if you are interested in partici-

pating in the MAO.

Finally, remember that we offer after-school help daily Tuesday through

Friday. Math help information and calendars are available through your stu-

dent’s math teacher and included in the newsletter.

P A G E 3 V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 6


Heckle’s Math Class doing a jigsaw activity on factoring.


P A G E 4

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving presents us with the opportunity to reflect on the value

of our friends and family.

As a community, Towson High School has so many outstanding ac-

complishments. Each of you dedicates your commitment and time to

sustaining and enhancing the excellence of Towson High School. I

am fortunate to work with an outstanding group of dedicated profes-

sionals!

Our parents excel at taking an active role in education. Our teachers

share their time and talents and work diligently to engage and chal-

lenge our students. Our students bring smiles to our faces everyday

and truly represent the future of America!

Thank you for representing Towson High School’s Excellence! Best

wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Charlene DiMino



The school counselors are currently meeting with students to review courses

for the 2020-2021 school year. We will be meeting with students through

December 16th in their social studies classes. Students should be reviewing

their registration forms and discussing their course selections with parents

and teachers. Remember that students in rising grades 9, 10, and 11 should

have 8 credits and 2 alternates on their registration forms. Students in ris-

ing grade 12 have several options for their senior year that will be discussed

during the classroom visit.

Outside of our classroom visits, school counselors are available during every

lunch. Mr. Briggs is available in the library on Wednesdays after school

from 2:15 pm -3:00 pm. Parents and students can email department chairs

and teachers for information.

Students should return their completed and signed registration forms to

their social studies teacher as soon as possible, but no later than December

18, 2019.

Please visit this website to access online registration information: https://

towsonhs.bcps.org/2020-2021_course_registration_information.

If you have any questions, please contact School Counseling at 443-809-

3613.

https://towsonhs.bcps.org/2020-2021_course_registration_information

https://towsonhs.bcps.org/2020-2021_course_registration_information


P A G E 6

Our 9th grade school counselor, Ms. Sherrod

has changed her name! Ms. Sherrod is now

Mrs. Raley. That is pronounced Ray-Lee.

Don’t worry, she will still respond to either

name. Her name has already changed on

Schoology, so be ready to search for Mrs. Ra-

ley if you need to message her. Her new

email is: [email protected]

PSAT scores should be available online

around December 11. For information about

test scores and how to access your scores,

please click here: https://

collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-

nmsqt-psat-10/scores/getting-scores

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scores/getting-scores





Do You Have Questions

About College Applications?

Mr. Briggs and Ms. Wright are here to help!!

Every Wednesday, from 2:15 pm-3:15 pm, Mr. Briggs,

School Counseling Department Chair, and Ms. Wright,

LPP & College Counselor, will be in the library to assist

students and parents with any questions about college

applications. Please stop by if you need any assistance.


P A G E 8

N O U R E E N B A D W I — S M O B

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Towson High School Class of

2020

PTSA Sponsored

Senior (After Prom) Celebration Friday, May 15th

11 PM – 2 AM

Orokawa, YMCA, Towson

Every year, it has been a tradition for the PTSA to hold an after-prom event, called the Senior Celebration. This FREE event provides students and their guests a SAFE alternative to “high risk” activities that can sometimes follow a prom. Our goal is to offer a MEMORABLE night filled with FUN ACTIVITIES and PRIZES.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS!

Please consider LEADING (or co-leading) A SUB-COMMITTEE:

Contact Jackie Burkhardt, Sr. Celebration Chair,

[email protected] for details.

ATTENTION: Parents/Guardians of 9th, 10th and 11th graders,

please consider volunteering for a committee. When it is your

senior’s turn, you will then be supported by the other classes for

this FUN evening!

********************************************************************

DONATIONS

CASH and PRIZE DONATIONS (such as gift cards) are also critical to make this event happen!

Prizes Donations

Communications Activities Registration Decorations



Cap and Gown order forms are in!!

Please pick one up from outside the main office

or from room 113.

You must have a cap and gown to walk in the

graduation ceremony. The current cost is $8.54.

Remember to order before the end of January

as the price goes up significantly. Remember to

keep your receipt!!

Let me know if you have any questions or con-

cerns at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


P A G E 1 0

Towson High School Seniors attended Millford Mill’s Annual HBCU Instant Admissions Fair on November 7th. They were able to meet with more than 20 colleges and receive instant admissions decisions on the spot!

P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 6



P A G E 1 2

SAT Prep Scavenger Hunt – Math and English SAT Prep

classes roam from station to station in order to practice Math and Eng-

lish skills they will need to know for the SAT. Math skills include gra-

phing equations/inequalities, solving algebraic equations, converting

between decimals, fractions, and percentages, trig ratios, and other

topics. We’re well on the way to meeting our school goals and shoot-

ing for the highest scores in the county!



The Fitness Foundation classes are participating in a “Fitness Week”! The gym is filled

with 16 stations that vary in the type of exercises which

address each of the 6 Health Related Fitness Components

and the 5 Skill Related Fitness Components. The students

work to increase their heart rate into the target heart rate

zone in order to improve fitness. Each student uses a log

sheet to record their results and write down the fitness

components addressed at each station. They also reflect on

the degree of difficulty that the activity was for them. The

intent is for the students to be able to find a type of exer-

cise that they like to do in order to help them improve

their Fitness Gram scores for the winter test, and help

them find something they would like to do outside of

school.


P A G E 1 4

Science

Honors Physics

Mr. Schneider's 1B Honors Phys-

ics Class conducts an investiga-

tion to determine the impact of

force on acceleration. Students

used Lab Quest to determine ac-

celeration using different masses

on a wooden car.



Chemistry

Ms. Kemper's 1B Chemistry

class completing the flame test

to identify elements in un-

known compounds.


P A G E 1 6

Science

Aquatics: Students in Ms. Damon’s aquatics

class dissected squid on Novemebr 13th as part

of their classification unit. Previously in the

class, students have learned about different

types of mollusks and were able to identify key

external and internal structures on a squid.

Next, they will be dissecting clams!



Science

Living Systems Class: Students in Ms. Damon’s 1B living systems

class investigated the essential question, “What are optimal conditions for

enzyme activity?” Two students from Towson University’s UTEACH pro-

gram came into the classroom and carried out the investigation with the

class. Half of the class tested the effects of pH on enzyme activity and the

other half tested the effects of temperature. Thank you to the UTEACH pro-

gram for sharing these experiences with our students!


P A G E 1 8

Science

Recently, two groups of Ms. West's students went to Days Cove to canoe and study the

aquatic ecosystem. We had great weather and a great time during both trips. Thanks

to Ms. Bridges, Ms. Hanley, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Surak, and Ms. Yelton for being the best

chaperones ever!

Thanks to the members of the NAHS, especially Jennifer Tabet, for painting the beau-

tiful Great Blue Heron that adorns the side of Learning Cottage 11.

Awesome Chaperones!



Thank you to all the parents who came out to visit on our Parent Visitation Day,

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 and during the week of American Education Week.

Several parents completed a feedback form and the results are below:

Of those who responded, 100% responded positively to the following statements:

1) My child was challenged during his/her classes today.

2) The school provides a safe and orderly learning environment.

3) Students were active participants in the classes that I visited today.

4) Overall, I enjoyed visiting classes today.

5) The students were provided with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their

learning.

Comments from Parents

“I came in for the stress seminar due to the elevated levels of stress brought on by the junior/senior year expectations. Very well done!” “Please add another day to the visiting schedule.” “Great to see the various class instruction today. Go Generals!” “My child has really fantastic, supportive teachers. Mr. Blair has been especially re-sponsibe and helpful.” “I had a great experience visiting my son’s class today. Keep up the great work Tow-son!”


P A G E 2 0

Produced in special arrangement with Playscrips, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

Tickets Available at www.towson.booktix.com

Content Advisory: This production contains

mature content. Viewer discretion is advised.



Towson High NEHS Chapter 5199 is sponsoring a book

drive to benefit BCPS Prevention and Intervention Pro-

grams. Now through December 1, 2019, look for boxes

around school, and donate used or new books. School-

appropriate subject matter from all genres and grade lev-

els is welcomed.

DONATE TODAY!

Reading can make a profound difference in someone’s

life.


P A G E 2 2

S.A.D.D. is sponsoring a service project now through December

11th, collecting teddy bears and other new stuffed animals to be do-

nated to children in the hospital. This wonderful project was founded

by Ariella Stein, a young child battling cancer herself before passing

away in May. If you would like to support this project, please drop off

NEW stuffed animals to the nurse’s office any time between now and

December 11th. See below for more info!



Educators Rising service learning activity this year will focus on

providing summer fun/enrichment kits for our elementary students in need and per-

sonal care packages for homeless students and their families. We will be collecting

things through Christmas to take with us to our conference in January. Then, stu-

dents will be making the packages.

We need:

• Coloring books

• Notebooks

• Crayons

• Colored pencils

• Stickers

• Pencils

• Bubbles

• Elementary aged appropriate game books (sudoku, word search, picture

find, etc.)

• Travel size board games/card games

• Travel size sunscreen

• Flashcards

• toothpaste, toothbrushes

• shampoo/conditioner

• soap

• travel size products

• combs

• q-tips

• cotton balls

• lotion

Please drop of donations to Mrs. Nash in room 403 if you would like to contribute.


P A G E 2 4

The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy for High School Students

What is a Seal of Biliteracy? A Seal of Biliteracy is a state award that recognizes a

student’s high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in one

or more languages other than English. It is awarded to eligible high school students

by participating public school systems in Maryland. Begun in California in 2011, the

Seal of Biliteracy is now offered in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Mary-

land’s Seal of Biliteracy Bill was signed into law in 2016.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a Seal of Biliteracy, a student must fulfill the following

requirements: ¨ Pass the Maryland High School Assessment in English 10. ¨ Score

Intermediate High Proficiency or equivalent on an approved world language assess-

ment. Below is a partial list of assessments and their qualifying scores.

Assessment:

Minimum Qualifying Score:

Advanced Placement: 4

International Baccalaureate: 6 (Standard)

ACTFL Assessments: (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages):

Intermediate High

For a complete list:

http://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/World-Languages/Biliteracy/

index.aspx

Why is Maryland Awarding a Seal of Biliteracy? High school graduates who can

function in two or more languages are equipped with the knowledge and skills to

http://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/World-Languages/Biliteracy/index.aspx

http://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DCAA/World-Languages/Biliteracy/index.aspx



participate successfully in college, careers, and a diverse 21st century society. The pur-

pose of the Seal of Biliteracy is to: ¨ Recognize the value of language learning in public

schools. ¨ Encourage students to attain high proficiency levels in one or more languages

in addition to English. ¨ Affirm native or heritage languages. ¨ Provide employers with a

method of identifying individuals with language and biliteracy skills. ¨ Prepare stu-

dents with the critical skills necessary to function in a global society. ¨ Strengthen cross

-cultural communication, affirm the value of diversity and honor the multiple cultures

and languages in our communities.

Heritage Languages in Maryland

Nearly 17% of Maryland’s students speak a language other than English at home. Some

of these students take weekend classes in their heritage language for many years.

These students will also be eligible to be recognized for their language proficiency with

a Seal of Biliteracy in their heritage language. They must meet the same eligibility re-

quirements listed in this brochure.

Cost There is no cost to the student to apply for the voluntary Seal of Biliteracy. Howev-

er, students are responsible for any assessment fees not covered by their school or

school system.


P A G E 2 6

UPCOMING EVENTS

November, 2019

22-23 Fall Play Production, 7:00 pm, Auditorium

26 Meet the Winter Coaches Night, 6:30 pm, Auditorium

28-29 Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools and Offices Closed

December, 2019 4 Club Photo Day, Auditorium

11 NAHS Celebration of Light, 6:00 pm, Art Wing

12 Winter Concert - Strings, 7:00 pm, Auditorium

14 Magnet Assessment

16-19 MCAP (PARCC) Fall Assessments

17 Winter Concert - Bands, 7:00 pm, Auditorium

19 Winter Concert - Choral, 7:00 pm, Auditorium

19 Interims Made Available Through Homeroom (2nd Marking Period)

20 Winter Break begins at the end of the school day

23-31 Winter Break - Schools and Office Closed



Towson High School

69 Cedar Ave

Towson, MD 21286

PHONE: 443-43-809-4271

Graduation Thursday

May 28, 2020

Documents

The Towson Pridetowsonhs.bcps.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_244352/File...Baltimore County migrating standardized tests to an electronic format for some classes, specifically Algebra