Panther Post
Pikesville High Newsletter | October 2018
From Principal Reid's Desk
Greetings Pikesville Family,
Our caring staff has begun their mission of investing in our Panthers for their lifelong betterment. Our high expectations, coupled with more rigorous standards, necessitate learner-centered, engaging, and cognitively challenging instruction to accomplish our goal of providing an enriching academic experience for ALL of our students. We are focused on deepening students’ skills, interests, and needs, closing any discernible achievement gaps, and stimulating high-achieving students to new heights. Our staff is also incorporating research-tested “effective practices,” involving themselves in school-improvement committees and professional-learning communities, in addition to providing individualized tutoring during pre-scheduled coach class, sponsoring extracurricular activities, field trips, and other supplemental opportunities with students.
INSTRUCTION
Almost all devices have been distributed. We will continue to lead the way with quality blended learning opportunities with a focus on high-level WICORTS – Writing, Inquiry-based learning, Collaboration, Reading, Technology infusion, and Student engagement/voice. This is so that our young adults have fundamental life-long skills that will be the bedrock for their success in subsequent grades, college and/or career. Field trips have been scheduled to Northrup Grumman and colleges/universities for students to consider. All of our teachers offer coach class for student who may need additional assistance on a concept.
SAFETY
Safety remains a major priority for us. As such, we have already received extensive training on ALICE – the model BCPS has adopted this year. We will be conducting a myriad of drills monthly to prepare for any unforeseen and undesirable event that will hopefully never take place.
OUTREACH
We enjoyed seeing many of you at our Back-to-School Night. We hope you will continue to stay connected with all of your child’s teachers via BCPS One and attend the many interactive and informative outreach programs we have in store for you all year.
STAY CONNECTED
Your connection to your child and to our school will be of paramount importance to anticipated achievement this academic year. Please ensure that we have your most up-to-date phone numbers and/or address. By now, I hope you have joined, or plan on joining our PTSA this week. This organization continues to support our academic and social goals at our School of Excellence. Please also be sure to purchase at least one piece of Spiritwear this year for your child (or for yourself). It promotes school pride and proceeds go directly to the PTSA to further our school programs.
FIRST ANNUAL PIKESVILLE HIGH TURKEY TROT 5K
School Nurse Merani, who cares for our students every day, together with Christal Whittington, have planned our first ever Turkey Trot 5K for November 10. Race start time is 9:00a.m. I hope that everyone who can participate will--students, parents, relatives, alumni--everyone is welcome! For details and to register, please go to the link here.
REMINDERS
Please remember that student timeliness and attendance are indicators of student responsibility and aids in achieving academic goals. Create the conditions to allow your child to be in school by 7:40 a.m., at the latest, every school day, and for making all appointments for after school hours (2:15 p.m.) whenever possible. Please remember that on October 10, 9th -11th grade students will take the PSAT and seniors will engage in Panther Prep Day to gain valuable insight in the interviewing process as they begin to market themselves in our globally competitive world.
For other important dates, please see the calendar below for your convenience. Don't overlook the large "button" links in the newsletter that will lead you to order forms, flyers, and other important links.
WE APPRECIATE YOU
Thank you in advance for being an ally and advocate of all we are doing at PHS- Home of Panther Pride Honor and Success.
Yours in Education,
Sandra Reid
Important Dates to Remember
October 10 PSATs for Grades 9, 10, 11
October 11 First Quarter Interims Distributed
October 11 Viewing of Screenagers 7:00-8:30p.m. | PHS Auditorium in lieu of PTSA meeting
October 13 Free Flu Shot Clinic at Pikesville Middle 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
October 17 Northwest Advisory Council Meeting at Franklin High 7:00p.m.
October 18 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 2:30-5:00p.m.
October 19 School closed; Faculty Professional Day
October 19 Financial Aid Help for Parents: Understanding the FAFSA 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. | Counseling Suite
October 23 Powder Puff 6:00-8:00p.m. | Stadium
October 24 POPS Concert 7:30 p.m.
October 26 Homecoming Football Game vs Lansdowne 3:00 p.m. (home)
October 27 Homecoming Dance 7:00 p.m.
November 8 PTSA Meeting | FAFSA and College Scholarships
November 10 Pikesville High's First Annual Turkey Trot 5K. Registration starts at 7:45a.m. Race Time: 9:00a.m. Register here.
For a full calendar, click here
Parenting Teens in this Digital Age is challenging.
Please join us as we discuss important Health Updates linked to Teen use of
Technology, share resources, and participate in group breakout
sessions. Join us in watching this award-winning movie.
October 11, 7-8:30p.m.
PHS Auditorium
Admission is Free
(Donations appreciated)
Popcorn and Candy will be sold
This event is sponsored by the PTSA
RSVP to Alie Merani- amerani@bcps.org
For more information visit
College Counseling Corner
Please click on the links below for important information regarding upcoming PSAT tests, as well as SAT and ACT testing dates.
FREE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS: UNDERSTANDING THE FAFSA
We will be offering a free workshop for parents from one of our college representatives: Understanding the FAFSA on October 19 from 9:00a.m. -- 12:00p.m. in the Counseling Suite. Questions? Contact Kristen Kovack. Please note that there is no school that day.
Naviance: https://connection.naviance.com/PikesvilleHi
PSAT Letter from Mr. Goldman (October 10)
SAT/PSAT/ACT testing dates and information
School Counseling Department
Pikesville High School
410-887-1219
http://www.BaltCoSchoolCounselors.org
Twitter: @PHSCouns
The Health Suite
Super Saturday Free Flu Shot Clinic
Get Your Free Flu Shot on October 13 at Pikesville Middle School 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. (or at any other location)
The Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services will host its annual Super Saturday flu vaccinations clinics to the public on Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See the flyer for other locations.
For more information, and to download a mandatory form, go to:
http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Health/flyers/flushots.pdfPawsome Parenting!
Developmentally, teens are faced with the challenge of managing more freedom AND more responsibility. This can be as exhausting for them as it is for us as parents and teachers. We all know when we need strength, we go back to basics, getting enough sleep, eating well and staying active. Teens need this too to be successful in meeting the challenges they face day to day: homework, jobs, sports, peer relationships, navigating the world of social media and social pressure. For more tips on helping our youngsters succeed, I suggest visiting: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-teens.html?WT.ac=p-ra
These 10 practice tips can help all of us as we enter a new school year!
First Annual Pikesville High Turkey Trot 5K!
Pikesville High Schools first annual Turkey Trot to benefit PHS’s PE and Health Department. This year we will make a donation to a charitable organization, in honor of an esteemed alumni who has battled prostate cancer. This premier event is a joint effort to raise community awareness about many different health and wellness concerns. You can look forward to student-led activities, face painting, food truck and other various activities. Expect exciting guest appearances from some of your favorite Pikesville High School All-Stars. Could this be your first 5k? Remember, no matter how slow you go you are still lapping everyone on the couch!
This is a family event and is open to participants of all ages!
November 10, 2018
Race bib and shirt pickup for pre-registered participants as well as on-site registration begins at 7:30 am, and will end at 8:45 am.
Race start time: 9:00 am at Pikesville High School Stadium
Professionally chip timed by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing
Cost:
5K Registration with event shirt is $25.00 until 11/9/2018
5K Registration without a shirt is $20.00 until 11/9/2018
1 Mile Fun Run Registration is $15.00
All registration prices will increase by $5.00 for on-site registration at the race. Register early and save!
Due to the need to advance-order our shirts, those registering after 11/3/18 are not guaranteed a shirt but we will do our best to get all pre-registered participants a shirt. Register early to be guaranteed a shirt in your choice of size!
Join the PTSA Today!
PTSA – Building the Pikesville High community from the inside out!
JOIN TODAY! #purplepassion
MEMBERSHIP RAFFLE!!
All members will be entered into a raffle to win FREE SPIRIT WEAR -- one student in each grade & one school-wide grand prize winner!
Meetings are the second Thursday of each month at 7:00p.m.
We have great plans for the coming year and to make them a reality, we need your help!
When you join the PTSA, your membership dues help strengthen the community for your children and there will be more opportunities than ever before to volunteer to help the PTSA help Pikesville High!
Register for membership online HERE
Download the Membership Form
Connect with us on Facebook!
Sincerely, Sherri Flaks
PTSA President
Yearbook News
Portrait Information for Seniors
1. Senior portraits were on Sept. 17 and 18 from 2:30pm to 9:00pm. The basic sitting fee is $25 for 6 poses for the yearbook. If you want to have extra poses taken with casual clothes, cap and gown, or the 2019 object, the cost goes up.
2. All seniors should have received an appointment card with their time. If not, call Lifetouch at 410-655-7700 or have your child see Mrs. Leiby in room 128.
3. Lifetouch will be back for retakes on December 10 and 11 from 2:30-9:00pm.
4. Students can opt to go to the Lifetouch studio in Catonsville. Call the Lifetouch number to make an appointment if you would rather go to the studio.
5. All senior portraits must be taken by Dec.31 to be included in the 2019 yearbook.
Yearbook Information
Our yearbook covers the entire year including prom, graduation, and the senior picnic. Because of that, the book is mailed to seniors in July. Seniors will be given an autograph section at graduation rehearsal that can be attached to the book when it arrives. Underclassmen will receive the book the first week of the 2019-2020 school year. To order the book, go to jostensyearbooks.com and search for our school or click the direct link here. Please direct any questions to the yearbook advisor at rleiby@bcps.org.
Back to School Night
Congrats, Mr. Smith!
Volleyball Fans at Goucher
Visual and Performing Arts News & Calendar
Visual and Performing Arts Department News
Music Department Info
Welcome back everyone, the groups have a few weeks of rehearsals under their belts and we are well on our way to another exciting and musically fulfilling school year. Please remember if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Wilson at rwilson2@bcps.org.
Music Department Calendar
10/13 All Honors Auditions @ Dumbarton MS
10/22 Fruit Sale Fundraiser Begins
10/24 Pops Concert for all Performing Groups 7:30p.m. Auditorium
11/10 All-State Junior Group Auditions
11/17 All-State Senior Group Auditions
11/19 Baltimore Honors Group Concert @ Morgan State Univ. 7:30PM
11/20 Tri-M Induction Ceremony & Recital 7:30PM – Auditorium
11/21 Fundraiser Ends
(Note that students have received a more complete performance calendar at the start of school, the above information is provided for planning purpose only.)
MUSIC BOOSTERS
One of my hopes for the year is to revitalize the Music Boosters organization. Over the years membership and donations to Music Boosters have sponsored guest conductors, artists-in-residence, instrument purchases and repairs, field trips, scholarships, community performances, and the Musical Awards Banquet.
Please print and fill out the membership form here. Return it to your child's music teacher, or mail it to:
PHS Music Department
c/o Tedd Wilson
7621 Labyrinth Rd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21208
If you have any questions or suggestions about how to best support the music programs at Pikesville High School, please contact me by email at rwilson2@bcps.org. Thank you and I look forward to very success and productive school year.
MUSIC BOOSTERS MEMBERSHIP
Who are we and what do we do?
The Pikesville High Music Boosters provide funding to enrich the quality of the school music program for our students, including the Annual Music Banquet, subsidized student awards and recognitions, and a monetary award to all qualifying graduating seniors. The success of the music program at Pikesville High School depends on the combined efforts of the talented students, dedicated teachers and the commitment of the volunteers who value what music brings to the educational experience. Won’t you please take time to consider how you can help maintain a program that is a source of pride for the school and community?
Want to Volunteer?
We need people who are interested in rejuvenating this organization. Every little bit helps, and we really do need folks who will step up and assist with the leadership of this group. If you are such a person, please contact Mr. Wilson directly at rwilson2@bcps.org or call 443-809-3088.
In addition, we can always use assistance throughout the year in funding our endeavors. Please check what you want to help with:
- Donate baked goods and/or water for fundraising bake sale at concerts
- Staff a bake sale table during a concert
- Donate products or professional services for concert night raffles and auctions
Meet our new STEM Faculty at PHS!
We give a Pawsome Panther Welcome to the following new faculty:
Mr. Knipscher
Department Chair
Lehigh University (BS), Johns Hopkins University (MS)
Teaching PLTW POE, CEA, and EDD
Sponsor of the Northrop Grumman STEM Innovation Challenge Team
Mr. Lantos
Washington College (BA), Columbia University (MA)
Teaching PLTW IED; Foundations of Computer Science; AP Computer Science Principles
Sponsor of the Young Engineers Club
Mr. Martello
Johns Hopkins University (BS), Loyola University (MBA)
Teaching PLTW IED, DE, and EDD; Foundations of Engineering
Extra-Curricular News for Students
Speech & Debate Club
The Speech and Debate club will hold its weekly meetings after school on Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 in room 207. Any student interested in improving his or her oratory or presentation skills or those students interested in participating in school-wide, local or national competitions should attend. All are welcome! Any questions can be directed to the co-advisors, Ms. Duryea dduryea@bcps.org or Mr. Goodman egoodman@bcps.org.
It's Academic!
The It’s Academic club has begun meeting. It’s a trivia-based club that is welcome to ALL and does not require any try-out. The weekly meetings take place in room 140. Though a definitive calendar of meetings has yet to be solidified, announcements are made on a weekly basis for students to make arrangements to attend. Any questions can be sent to the club’s advisor, Mr. Goodman, at egoodman@bcps.org.
AVID at PHS
When I say “AVID!” you say “Rocks!”
Important things are going on in AVID this month at Pikesville High. We held an info night in conjunction with the School Counselling Office about the college application process. It was standing room only! Thanks to all parents who came out!
Did you know that Pikesville High School is an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction? Schoolwide strategies like name tents and using AVID Weekly, the national AVID article and resource database are being shared with teachers and then with students. Ask your child if they are seeing these things in their classes. Also ask if they are doing the AVID cheers. This week is the Alligator Clap!
Every Monday is Alma Mater Monday! In our mission to promote college awareness, teachers are rocking their college gear and students can too! Parents are welcome to join in on Mondays.
Upcoming Events:
9/24 & 9/25- AVID Coaching Visits
9/27- AVID Site Coordinators Meeting
10/10- Schoolwide PSAT Day
Follow us:
On Twitter @PikesvilleAVID
On Instagram @PikesvilleHighSChoolAVID
National Social Studies Honor Society
Rho Kappa
Rho Kappa is our chapter of the National Social Studies Honor Society. Applications for this year will be available in the near future. Students interested in joining our ranks must be juniors that have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a social studies GPA of 3.0. Students also need teachers to sponsor their membership. Meetings for our chapter will be monthly beginning in October for existing members. If you have any questions, see Mrs. Johnson in room 136 any day before or after school.
The Medical Explorers Club (MEC)
- Meets on Wednesdays in Room 104 (Ms. Byrd’s classroom) from 2:10-3:15pm
- New members are always welcome.
- If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Suchin on the Medical Explorers Club Facebook Page.
The Medical Explorers Club was started to educate Pikesville High students about the boundless and exciting opportunities in the health care field. This is the second year Pikesville High School is sponsoring a club promoting future careers and personal stories in health care. MEC will be broadening the pool of speakers this year to allow students the opportunity to not only explore traditional medicine, but homeopathic medicine, integrative alternatives such a herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, yoga, and stress reduction techniques, animal and music therapy, and non-profit health organizations, as well as personal stories that can educate the members regarding their health. This year, we have exciting presentations on nutrition, cancer survivors, doctors, nurses, physician assistants, OT, PT, medical researchers, dentists, veterinarians, dermatology, plastic surgery, and so much more. MEC will also be dissecting pigs in March and will have a simulation day with medical students and residents. There will be different scenarios, such as CPR or an allergic reaction and we will practice what to do. MEC will also be working in the community with a food donation day. The Medical Explorers Club welcomes anyone interested in health care, or wants to learn more about various organizations, researchers, and field specialties.
Community News
These programs are not endorsed or sponsored by BCPS.
Interfaith Governor's Day to Serve
Join us for an interfaith act of service, packing 300 "blessing bags" for those in need.
October 3, 5:30-7:30p.m.Morning Star Baptist Church
6665 Security Blvd
Gwynn Oak, MD
Students, earn service hours!
Sponsored by the Baltimore Jewish Council, Repair the World Baltimore, Morning Star Baptist Church, and the Baltimore County Interfaith Coalition. Click here for flyer.
Interested in Reducing Stress through Meditation?
Pikesville High School Vision
Pikesville High, the heartbeat of our culturally-diverse community, is where pride in our work, and honor for ourselves and others, combine to ensure success in cultivating our globally-competitive students.
About Us
Important Numbers
Main Number: 410- 443-809-1217
Guidance: 410- 443-809-1219
Nurse: 410- 443-809-3003
Athletic Director: 410- 443-809-1257
Principal
Mrs. Sandra Reid sreid@bcps.org
Assistant Principals
Grade 10 and A-F grade 9, Mrs. Seymour ashinners@bcps.org
Grade 11 and P-Z grade 9, Mr. Robinson, probinson@bcps.org
Grade 12 and G-O grade 9, Mr. Carney acarney@bcps.org
Email: pmichalski@bcps.org
Website: http://pikesvillehs.bcps.org/
Location: 7621 Labyrinth Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, United States
Phone: 4438091217
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikesvillehighschool/
Twitter: @PikesvilleHS