THE NEWSLETTER OF

DAMASCUS HIGH SCHOOL PTSA Volume 5, Issue 4 February-March 2010

From the Principal’s Desk…

I am pleased to announce that 666 students made the Honor Roll for the 2nd marking period and there were 104 students who received straight A’s. Our Honor Roll is posted in the lobby of the main entrance to the building. On February 4, DHS held a meeting for parents of our incoming grade 9 students. We had approximately 200 parents there. Feedback from parents was very positive. They felt the meeting was helpful and informative. As I see parents and students at a variety of activities, I continue to hear many positive comments about DHS. Parents are happy with the quality of our academic and our extracurricular programs. Several former students visited us prior to the winter break and shared that DHS had prepared them well for college. Thank you, parents, for sending us such good kids and for being so supportive of our school. Robert Domergue Principal

Important Senior Calendar Dates March 25 Mr. Damascus TBA April 20-23 Banquet ticket sales ONLY 4 DAYS -- must give final numbers to Rio

Marriot April 29 Senior Banquet May 14 Senior class Breakfast and meeting May 15 Prom May 28 Last day for seniors June 3 Rehearsal and Picnic – all students who wish to walk across the stage

MUST be present at rehearsal. June 4 Graduation at Damascus High School – 10:00 am Students arrive at 9:00 am.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2-3 Congratulations!!

4 Important Notes

5 100 Years of Education

9 From PTSA’s President

15 Calendar

DATES TO REMEMBER Feb. 26 Early Release Day 11:40 March 5,6 Spring Play March 7 DHS Community Night at That’s Amore March 12,13 Thoroughly Modern Millie March 26 End of 3rd marking period March 29- April5 Spring Break April 6 No School –Professional Day April 14 Report cards distributed April 14 College Fair- for juniors

Newsletter 1

From the Principal’s Desk… (CONT.)

CONGRATULATIONS to the following DHS Students

Career & Technology Highlights Exceptional Students The following students have been selected by the Career & Technology department as those who possess special attributes such as excellence in work, team player, positive outlook, courteous, leadership ability, and striving for success in all they do: Kidest Daniel Mark Eisenhardt Glenda Griffith Caitlin Hussakowski Brooke Jordan Erick McCoy Joseph McDaniel Amy Redman Sahnnon Schooley Danielle Watson Josh Lockwood-Wewer

Congratulations to the Boys Indoor Track Team for wining the Montgomery County 3A Championship. We recently hung a state championship banner in the gym to recognize their achievement.

ATHLETES of the DECADE Congratulations to the following athletes who were selected by the Gazette as Athletes of the Decade. There were a lot of variables that went into the selections such as statistics, team accomplishments, and big game performances. Below are the Damascus graduates who were the ‘best of the best’ as selected by the Gazette:

Fall Sports: Tony Edwards – Football (Graduated 2008) Matt Reidy – Football (Graduated 2005)

Winter Sports Chrissy Phelps – Basketball (Graduated 2004) Erika Zoller – Indoor Track (Graduated 2005) Brad Katzenberger – Wrestling (Graduated 2004)

Spring Sports Corey Consuegra – Baseball (Graduated 2000) Kevin Keith – Baseball (Graduated 2005) Ellen Smith – Softball (Graduated 2007) Jessica Wides – Softball (Graduated 2001) Nicole Wilson – Softball (Graduated 2000) Taylor Wyatt – Softball (Graduated 2009) Will Zahorodny – Track (Graduated 2008) Erika Zoller – Track (Graduated 2005)

College Signings (The following students signed Letters of Intent) Chris Betts – Niagara University, NY, for Baseball Katie Gladhill – High Point University, NC, for Lacrosse Jessica Kaufman – Mount St. Mary’s, MD, for Basketball

Student Transfer Application Season February 1 through April 1

Montgomery County parents who wish to request a change in school assignment for their children from their home school may begin the process during the upcoming transfer season, which will be held from February 1 through April 1, 2010. High school students are assigned to a school on the basis of their place of residence and are expected to attend their home school. Assignment changes of students from one school to another are permitted under the following limited circumstances: � Older sibling in the requested school, � Continuation in feeder pattern from middle to high school, except when affected by boundary changes, � A documented hardship situation The transfer process begins in the home school, where parents may request an assignment change form and an information booklet that describes the process and provides useful information. Assignment change forms and the Change in School Assignment Information Booklet will be available in schools beginning the first week of February. Special programs that do not fall under the transfer guidelines are listed in the booklet. Every effort will be made to notify parents of the assignment decision by May 15, 2010.

For more information about the transfer process, parents are asked to contact the principal of their home school. Non-English speaking parents may receive more information by calling the Spanish Hotline (301-230-3073), the Asian Hotline (301-230-5436), and the ESOL Parent Center (301-230-0674).

Newsletter 2

From the Principal’s Desk… (CONT.)

CONGRATULATIONS to the following DHS Students

Straight A’s: The following students earned Straight A’s for the 2nd marking period: 9th Grade Elaine Athey Samantha Baube Marlea Brisbane Anthony Brown Casey Brown Laura Bulmer Karen Close Amanda Clower Samantha Day Angelica DeLeon Lauren Derby Anne Domalski Victoria Donnelly Olivia Emery Nicholas English Manuel Flores, JR Megan Gallahan Erin Gaughan Andrew Gentile Collin Gonchar Allison Grujich Mary Frances Gumbs Allison Halpert Maria Hitchcock Laura Keegan Adnana Korkutovic Christopher Lee Benjamin Lopez Gina Marler Savana McClure Sarah McRoberts Amanda Obenland Quanah Potts Sydni Reinhold Jack Rogers Meghan Ruppel Alexander Salem Kelsey Turner Kiet Zhou

10th Grade Marlie Austin Shannon Burns Prachi Chadha Trenton Cope Herta Granado Danielle Green Abigail Henningsgaard Lexie Kambich Seth Lauer Hannah McIlvried Elizabeth Meaney Lianna Meiburger Nicole Pulley Michelle Robinson Shelby Stabler Megan Thompson Melinda Tsai Knashka Underwood

11th Grade Sophia Alapati Bernadette Cannon Kidest Daniel Steven Harris Nueafah Kitchindaopat Elizabeth Klein Kara Marklin Michael Metzman Tokunbo Ogunniyi Daniel Osborne Erin Parker

12th Grade Sara Bleistein Samuel Brittian Emily Buras Gwendolyn Cannon Julie Eisenberg Stephanie Eisig Audrey Ervin Katelyn Giganti Michael Giroux Albert Hammond II William Hammond,III Hannah Hensman Jodie Hill Erika Hoffmeier Jessica Kaufman Jessica Kim Emily Laraia Mindy Markman Amanda Mey Christopher Nejad Dana Ng Mahyar Olomishirazi Jonathan Robinson Frank Rumore Kevin Sanders Megan Sanquist Shannon Schooley Amanda Sessa Kelsey Stabler Katherine Stansell Nicole Urps Brian Van Doren Kelsey Watkins Mary Wildsmith Marvin Wilkinson Denzel Woode

Environmental Club Wants to know how you can contribute to making our earth a little greener?

You can drop off old batteries, old/used ink cartridges, burnt out CFL (spiral high energy) light bulbs, and plastic grocery bags to the Environmental Club so that we can properly recycle/dispose of all items! Please drop them off with Mrs. McCormick in room 149 or office 147.

Newsletter 3

IMPORTANT INFORMATION New Graduation Requirements for State of Maryland High Schools

As you know, all students must earn 22 credits in specific content areas and meet the Maryland High School Assessment (HSA) graduation requirements to achieve a Maryland diploma. In order to earn the required credits and graduate in four years, students should complete the four HSA courses prior to their senior year. Starting with this school year, 2009–2010, students must earn the minimum number of credits as indicated on the chart below to be promoted to the next grade level. This includes all of the four HSA areas (English, Algebra, Government, and Biology). For example, in order to become an 11th grader, a student must earn a minimum of 10 course credits, including at least two credits for required mathematics courses, two credits for required English courses, one credit for required science course, and one credit for required social studies course. This sequence ensures that students will have successfully completed the four HSA courses prior to their senior year. Students who successfully complete HSA courses prior to their senior year have time to retake tests and/or complete Bridge Projects, if necessary to graduate on time.

End of:

Total Credits Needed for

Promotion to Next Grade

Mathematics Credits in Required Courses

English Credits in Required Courses

Science Credits in Required Courses

Social Studies Credits in Required Courses

Other Credits

Grade 9 5 1 1 0 0 3 Grade 10 10 2 2 1 1 4 Grade 11 15 3 3 2 2 5

End of Grade 12

Total Credits Needed for Graduation

Mathematics Credits in Required Courses

English Credits in Required Courses

Science Credits in Required Courses

Social Studies Credits in Required Courses

Other Credits

Grade 12 Credit-related Graduation Requirements

22 4 4 3 3 8

All students, including students with disabilities, are expected to participate in specific courses within this timeframe. Diploma-bound students with disabilities also have the right by law to receive special education services until age 21. When Individualized Education Program teams have questions regarding the instructional programs of students with disabilities, the special education supervisor shall be consulted. As stated in Board of Education Policy JEC, Placement, Promotion, Acceleration, “The final responsibility for decisions on placement, promotion, and retention of students rests with the principal...” Therefore, the principal, in consultation with the counselor and parents/guardians, may change a grade level placement when unusual circumstances occur. If you have any questions about your child’s grade level placement, please contact the school counseling office at 301-253-7037.

SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR Check out Damascus High School Spirit Wear! You can shop in the convenience of your own home by going to the Damascus High School website, select the SPIRITWEAR icon on the top of the page or scroll down to the Our Community section, and then merely click on Sprit Wear. Here is the link to our website: http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/damascushs/

Newsletter 4

DHS to Celebrate 100 Years of Education In 1909, a three year high school course was initiated in Damascus, MD. One year later, the Board of Education officially approved the operation of Damascus High School.

100 Years later, Damascus High School is extremely proud to recognize and celebrate a century of Education! Beginning in January, 2010, and continuing throughout the spring semester, representatives from Damascus High School will be planning and organizing several commemorative events.

“We are very fortunate to be a part of such a great school and community,” said Damascus High School Principal, Robert Domergue. “It really is an honor to be involved during such a special time.”

Events will include school wide trivia and essay contests, vintage video and photographs of Damascus alumni, staff, and community leaders aired on the weekly school broadcasts, an in-school showcase displaying various Damascus High School artifacts, a retired staff luncheon and recognition program, and a formal end-of-year celebration.

All former staff members and alumni wishing to contribute in any event planning should contact Andrew Fields, Assistant Principal at 301-253-7030.

Social Studies News Now that February has arrived we will be asking students to select courses for next year. Current 8th graders will take United States History next year. Current 9th graders will take National, State, and Local Government. Current 10th graders will take Modern World History. Current 11th graders can take Social Studies electives.

Next-year juniors have more choices than they had as younger students. First, they can take the required class (Modern World History) at an Advance Placement (AP) level. This means that if they do well on the AP test they can qualify for college credit. Second, they are eligible to take Social Studies electives. Our electives have been very popular with many students and they are all listed in the Course Offerings booklet that will come home with your student. Some of these electives can also be taken at the AP level and others are open to all students. If your son/daughter has done well in previous Social Studies classes and he/she is willing to work hard then an AP class should be in his/her future, if not during the junior year then in the senior year. Besides the possibility of college credit (thus saving you money and getting your student a head start on others), AP classes do a better job of preparing students for the rigors of college. If you think that your student would benefit from the challenge of an AP course, but you are concerned that the homework would be too much or that your student needs more help with study skills, then consider “AP World History with College Literacy.” We added this course a couple of years ago and it is a great way for students to break into AP.

Next-year sophomores can now take NSL-Government at the AP level. AP-NSL is a year long course that will prepare exceptional sophomores who are willing to work hard to take the AP American Government test that is normally given to juniors and seniors after a year of a required government class and a semester of an elective AP American government class. The course content needs to be covered both deeply and quickly so much is required of these students. The pay-off is better preparation for college and for future high school AP courses. We are also offering “AP-NSL with College Literacy” for students who want the challenge of AP, but are concerned about not having college-ready study skills.

Social Studies also would like to encourage all students to take advantage of a fresh semester. If you did not do as well as you would have liked now is the time to change your work habits. Natural ability and luck, while helpful, are not enough. Effective effort is the key to success and teachers are here to help you be successful. If you have questions about the Social Studies program please call your teacher or me at 301-253-7072.

- John Mosier

Newsletter 5

Senior News (Class of 2010) We will graduate on JUNE 4, 2010 here at Damascus High School. Please everyone hope for good weather. Each family will get 6 tickets. One of those tickets (and only one) will allow one person into the auditorium in the event of rain. There are just not enough seats to give this large class any more than one indoor ticket. All other ticket holders will watch the graduation from classrooms on closed circuit TV. We will have professional videographers broadcasting the ceremony. Our cookie dough sale was not as successful as we would have liked. We made a little less than $1,500. Please consider buying some cookbooks to help out the class. You can stop by the Media Center and pick up a book between 7am and 3:30 pm. The cost is $8.00 per book. Thank you to Claudia Klahre for all her hard work in publishing this book. A Senior T-shirt with everyone’s name on the back will be available for purchase for $10.00. Order forms were given out in homeroom February 3 or they can be picked up in the media center letter box for Class of 2010. Orders must be in by February 19, 2010. Important Dates for Social Activities o February 3 – Homeroom - Officers distribute Class Song selection directions and calendar o February 3 to March 26 - Recommend your choice of song for the class song o February 19 – Deadline for ordering Senior T-shirt o March 25 – Mr. Damascus TBA o March 26 – Last day to recommend your choice of song for the class song o April 14 – Homeroom - superlatives and class song voting (top 4 choices from the Online recommendations) o April 15 – Student speaker tryouts Room 120, 2:15pm o April 20-23 – Banquet ticket sales ONLY 4 DAYS. Don’t delay - must give final numbers to Rio Marriot o April 29 – SENIOR BANQUET (Marriot at Rio) 6 – 9:30 cost ~$35.00 final TBD o May 14 – Senior Class Breakfast and meeting [Parent Volunteer Chairs Linda Kaufman and Pam Nehring] o May 15 – Prom o May 18 – Song tryouts o May 28 – Last day for seniors o June 3 – Rehearsal and Picnic – all students who wish to walk across the stage MUST be present at rehearsal. o June 4 Graduation* 10 am here at DHS

We are still in need of parent volunteers to chair the PICNIC. Mrs. Sluger and Ms. Berg will be busy at the graduation rehearsal.

All events are on your EdLine calendars.

*IMPORTANT: If you or any of your guests will need sign language interpreters and/or cued speech transliterators for deaf and hard of hearing, please email Ms.Berg or Mrs. Sluger ASAP so arrangements can be made.

DHS Career Center News Monthly Newsletter & Weekly Updates!

Did you know that in the monthly Husky Hornet, Mr. Martin has listed several colleges visiting DHS, college fairs and information on scholarships? In addition to the monthly newsletter there are weekly updates too. Check them out at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/damascushs/careercenter/careercenter.aspx?sid=11008#huskyhor

net

A sample scholarship opportunity is listed below. The Star Scholarship Foundation

The Star Scholarship Foundation was established by Paul Peck in 1972 to help African-American /Black students achieve their higher education goals. This is a $1,000.00 grant-in-aid scholarship which will start you on the road to achieving your career goals by improving your education and building your job skills. This competitive scholarship program is open to all African-American (Black American of African descent) 9th, 10th, and 11th graders in the Montgomery County Public Schools who meet the minimum requirements and want scholarship money to pay for future college or vocational school costs.

The potential exists to win three (3) STAR scholarships. Thus it is possible for a 9th grader to win up to $3,000.00 toward their education after high school. The scholarship may be used for tuition, housing, books, or fees and paid directly to the college or vocational school. Please see Mr. Martin in the career center (room 133) for the application form. Please take the opportunity to discuss this scholarship with your counselor.

Newsletter 6

From the English Department The purpose of this section is to explain changes to the English Department’s course offerings that affect seniors for 2010-11 school year.

Next year, Honors English 12 will be eliminated. We will begin offering AP English Language—the AP English course traditionally taken by juniors—to seniors in replacement of Honors English 12. We will also continue to offer AP English Literature to seniors. Therefore, current juniors at DHS will have three choices for senior English:

AP English Language for Seniors (Course #101501, 101601)

AP English Literature (Course #101700, 101800)

English 12 (Course #134100, 134200)

11th grade students who are currently enrolled in AP Language will be able to register for AP English Literature or English 12. 11th grade students who are currently enrolled in Honors English 11 or English 11 will be able to enroll in AP English Literature, AP English Language for Seniors, or English 12.

The basic differences between the three 12th grade English choices are the following: 1. AP Language: Emphasizes non-fiction (essays, biographies, documentary film, editorials, political cartoons,

speeches). Imitates the “Freshman Composition” or “Language and Rhetoric” course required of all college freshmen. Most writing prompts are short non-fiction essays about current events, social issues, or critical analysis.

2. AP Literature: Emphasizes fiction, drama, and poetry. Imitates the “Introduction to Literature” class required of most college freshmen. Most writing prompts analyze poetry, prose, or dramatic literature.

3. English 12: Surveys both fiction and non-fiction. Focuses on the reading, thinking, and writing skills needed for life after high school. Writing prompts focus on literary interpretation and essays based on personal experience or opinion.

Both AP Language and AP Literature can earn a student college credit if he/she earns a minimum score of 3 on the AP exam for that course. AP Language for Seniors will be similar to AP Language taken by juniors, but it will also include some senior-specific essays—such as the college application essay and college resume. Both AP Literature and AP Language students receive an extra quality point if they earn an A, B or C in an AP class. Finally, all three classes will also work to prepare students for success on the SAT, ACT, and Accuplacer exams.

Seniors will be better prepared for college if they take an AP English course in their senior year. With the revised offerings, more of our students will have that opportunity. If you have any questions regarding the English course offerings, please feel free to contact me at 301-253-7066

- Jerry Nava, English Resource Teacher

The American Legion Boys State Program 2010 McDaniel College in Westminster, MD will be the location for this year’s American Legion Boys State program which runs from June 20 through the 26, 2010. Over 200young men from across the state will gather for this one week camp in order to learn about the operations, ideals, functions and goals of gov

ernment. Some of the specific objectives of Boys State are:

• To provide an opportunity to learn, understand and practice the basic principles underlying the representative form of government;

• To teach young leaders to make decisions in line with reason; • To develop civic leadership and interest in governmental affairs; • To meet other likeminded young men from across the state in a challenging, fun environment.

This program is limited to Damascus High 11th grade males who are in good academic standing and recommended by their counselors. This is a competitive program which requires a personal interview and a commitment to attend the camp for the entire week. Additionally, prospective candidates must be physically fit and willing to participate in directed activities. A physician must sign off on the application or the candidate must a high school physical exam on file. There is no cost to participate and further information is available from Mr. Art Smith, counselor, at 301.253.7037. The application deadline is March 19, 2010 at 2:30 PM.

Newsletter 7

Swarmin’ Soiree An Evening of FUNdraising and Friends!

Dinner Dance & Silent Auction Saturday February 27, 2010

Sponsored by the Damascus Athletic Boosters Music/entertainment provided by

Good Vibrations! Montgomery Country Club

7:00-11:00 pm Cash Bar / Silent Auction

$50.00 per person

For more info contact: Carolyn Marschall @ carolynmm@msn.com or

Paula Tranfaglia-Sanquist @ ptsdesigns@aol.com

---------------------------------------------------- Swarmin’ Soiree - Ticket Order Form

**Seating limited to first 180 people -Order deadline Jan. 22, 2010** Please send Order Form to the Main Office at DHS w/check payable to

“DHS Athletic Boosters” in an envelope marked “Athletic Boosters Soiree” Tickets are also available at Music Café in Damascus

Name of person ordering _________________________________ Mailing address for tickets _________________________________ Contact phone & email Phone________________ Email _______________ Qty tickets ordering ___________ x $50.00 each = ___________total enclosed Name of person(s) attending (please print on backside- important for even seating) Payment type (please circle): Cash or Check #

Tickets will be mailed to the address provided.

Advanced Placement Tests Parents: Registration for the 2010 Advanced Placement tests will begin Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Registration forms will be distributed to all Advanced Placement students on Tuesday, February 18, 2010. Each test is $86. Limited financial aid is available to those who qualify. You may register in the Guidance Office during non class times. Registration will end on March 19, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Please call Mrs. Djouha at (301) 253-7037 if you have any other questions.

Newsletter 8

From the PTSA’s President… Thanks again to the all of the DHS families who supported the Sally Foster Gift Wrap Fundraiser on-line. With your help, the PTSA sold close to $1600 in gift wrap, earning almost $800 for the PTSA.

As a holiday gift to the DHS staff, the PTSA provided complementary gift wrapping for DHS teachers and staff. Many teachers signed up for this wonderful service provided by our staff appreciation co-chairs, Connie Baisey and Judy Frazier. In February, they will be serving soup, salad, and various breads to DHS staff at a PTSA sponsored luncheon.

As many of you know, the Damascus PTSA is partnering with Kaplan SAT prep this year. Since we are partnering with Kaplan, all Damascus High School families will receive 50% off of the original price of a Kaplan SAT prep course in 2009-2010.

Please support DHS Post Prom by taking your special someone to That's Amore on Shady Grove Rd on February 21st. A portion of that day's sales will be donated back to the Post Prom committee. Carry-out and dine-in apply. For more information, visit the DHS web-site.

We hope you will consider joining us at the PTSA meetings on the third Tuesday of each month to learn more about what is happening in the school and how to find out about the things your students are interested in.

PTSA meetings are a place to ask questions and get answers. We always welcome new members and look forward to seeing all of our members at our meetings! A representative from the Kiwanis Clubs of Montgomery County will be speaking briefly at our February meeting about starting a Kiwanis Club in Damascus. We hope to see you at our next meeting on February 16th at 7pm in the media center.

Enjoy all of the time off with family and friends in February! Sincerely, Reina Sprankle

SAT or ACT- Which test is best for you? As I shared with you in the November newsletter, there are two different college entrance exams. For many years, the only choice for students was the SAT test. That has changed! Almost all 4 year colleges and universities now accept the ACT!

Determining whether a student should take the SAT or ACT can be a difficult choice. Low PSAT scores could indicate that a student might have a better chance taking the ACT. In November, we gave a sample ACT to juniors and in February we will give a section of a sample SAT test. With this information, we can help parents and students choose the test that will bring the student the best results. We plan to mail a letter home to all parents of juniors with our recommendation on which test we think your student will have the best chance for success. We believe more students will benefit for focusing efforts on one particular test since the tests are different in style. A third test, the Accuplacer, is used as a placement test for students who plan on attending Montgomery College. All students are admitted to Montgomery College; however, the results on the Accuplacer test determine whether a student must take remedial classes in English, reading or math.

Our counselors will be meeting with juniors in March to review test options with them. As parents you can help in the following ways:

* Learn the differences between the tests. * Ask for help from our counselors. * Do not assume that because you took the SAT test, that it is the best choice for your child. * Do not let your child take an actual test without preparing for it.

These tests are important for college, so make sure you child is truly prepared to take the test. In order to assist students, MCPS now provides a practice program that parents and students can use at home for free. You can work on this program by logging on to http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/

1. In the upper left-hand corner, click on the box that says, “Prepare & Study for the SAT/PSAT & ACT.” It looks like this:

2. A list of high schools appears; click on the blue Damascus High School link in the center of the page.

3. The student’s 6 digit ID number should be used for their student name and password.

Newsletter 9

2010 Annual Mulch Sale 2010 Annual Mulch Sale The Damascus High School Athletic Booster Club not only supports ALL athletes at DHS but it supports the entire community through various school functions. After a 2 year hiatus, the Damascus High School Athletic Booster Club will be holding their Mulch Sale March 13th, 2010. All the proceeds from this sale stay here in the community and support the athletic program here at Damascus High School.

The Damascus High School Athletic Booster Club not only supports ALL athletes at DHS but it supports the entire community through various school functions. After a 2 year hiatus, the Damascus High School Athletic Booster Club will be holding their Mulch Sale March 13th, 2010. All the proceeds from this sale stay here in the community and support the athletic program here at Damascus High School.

Please pre-order your mulch if you can. $4.00 a bag for Landscapers Grade premium hardwood mulch. Free delivery for orders of 10 bags or more. Go to the DHS website www.damascushs.org

Please pre-order your mulch if you can. $4.00 a bag for Landscapers Grade premium hardwood mulch. Free delivery for orders of 10 bags or more. Go to the DHS website www.damascushs.org<http://www.damascushs.org> and click on Athletics to get an order form OR you can call Rob Wells at 301-253-7050 to order over the phone. We are proud to share the quality of our mulch has improved to a true landscaper’s quality. Please be sure to review the specific ordering information below.

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me at the DHS Mulch Hotline.

Rob Wells, DHS Mulch Chair, 301-253-7050 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Damascus High School Booster Club 2010 Annual Mulch Sale

WHEN: Saturday, March 13, 2010 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. WHERE: DHS parking lot**

Support the community and athletes by ordering your spring mulch NOW.

Complete the form below and mail along with your check (payable to DHS Boosters) to: DHS Booster Club, 25921 Ridge Rd, Damascus, MD 20872

Send order early – no orders accepted after March 8! NO CHECKS WILL BE CASHED UNTIL MARCH 1 Name: Phone:

Address:

Email Address: _________________________________________________________________

Specific directions to your home:

# of bags: X $4.00 per bag* = $

*3 cubic ft. of landscapers’ quality shredded hardwood mulch per bag = $4.00 per bag **Minimum 10-bag order for FREE delivery within ten-mile radius of DHS.

~OR~ Phone the DHS Mulch Hot Line to place order! (leave message 24-hrs a day)

at 301-253-7050 (Rob Wells)

Celebrating Diversity DHS will celebrate diversity on February 26, 2010, at its annual African-American History Month assembly. This year’s theme is Connections from Within whereby current students and staff will be connected to historical notables from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to our American culture. The celebration will also include performances by the Step Team, DHS Chorus and Jazz Band, and Amplifly, a hip-hop dance group.

DHS American Sign Language Club will meet in room 201 the first and third Thursday afternoon of each month. Our upcoming meetings are March 3rd & 17th. Mark your calendars! Beginners are welcome! Come and learn how to communicate in ASL. Any questions? See Mrs. Grysavage in room 162.

oming meetings are March 3rd & 17th. Mark your calendars! Beginners are welcome! Come and learn how to communicate in ASL. Any questions? See Mrs. Grysavage in room 162.

Newsletter 10

Naviance/Succeed Program Starting January 31st, Naviance will be transitioning all clients from the old Family Connection interface (formally TCCi Family Connection Program) to the new Family Connection interface (Naviance/Succeed Program).

Please keep in mind that they have not removed or modified any functionality. This is an update to improve the organization, navigation and look of the site based on their research with over 4,000 students and parents using Naviance in addition to hundreds of suggestions from schools such as ours. In addition, the new Family Connection includes a free national scholarship search provided by Sallie Mae.

Thousands of schools have already converted and their experience has shown that students and parents are able to rapidly understand the new site organization, which is very simple and intuitive.

The Damascus High School Guidance Department has introduced the Naviance/Succeed Program to your student. The Naviance/Succeed Program is a web based guidance management system that is designed to help students save time and improve results in post secondary searches. With Naviance/Succeed Program you can gain insight into college admissions and other post secondary decisions you and your student make.

Your student was instructed to add you to the program so that you will be able to receive all updated and pertinent information from their guidance counselor and the career center pertaining to post secondary plans. You as a parent have been assigned a code to log onto and explore the program as well. To obtain this code please contact me in the career center by phone or email.

If you have any questions about the new look, please feel free to contact me (Mr. Martin) in the career center by email or call (301) 253-7045.

Damascus High School Athletic Department The Damascus Athletic Department would like to congratulate the Fall Season recipients of their respective team awards. Most Valuable Player, Sportsmanship, and the Harry Stipe Scholar Athlete (Senior Only) Nominees are selected by the teammates and coaches in each sport.

Team MVP Sportsmanship Stipe Nominee

Fall Sports Cross Country-Boys Varsity Thomas and Alex Arias Devante Thomas Denzel Woode

Cross Country-Boys JV Phillip Carlacci Griffin Walter

Cross Country-Girls Varsity Emily McIlvried Alex Carroll Nicole Urps

Cross Country-Girls JV Jen Carrillo Samantha Moyer

Field Hockey-Varsity Emily Balmer Sarah Frymark Katie Campbell

Field Hockey JV Halie Detzel Claire Riley

Football Varsity Brian Lucas Tyler Remson Matt Wise

Football JV Jonathan Lopez Dustin Colbert Jake Wood

Golf Andrew Yakubik Megan Sanquist Brian Fowler

Soccer-Boys Varsity Nick May Elmer Diaz Kevin Sanders

Soccer-Boys JV Daniel Hay Max Ramirez De Arellano Oscar Orellana

Soccer-Girls Varsity Megan Polansky Courtney Mason Danielle Moreau

Soccer-Girls JV Claire Arellano Natalie Dhagan

Tennis-Girls Mary Henningsgaard Julie Eisenberg

Volleyball-Girls-Varsity Rachel Wilson Sara Bleistein

Volleyball-Girls JV Marlie Austin Shannon Graham

Newsletter 11

POST PROM NEEDS YOU!!! The Post Prom Committee is working hard to make sure that our students have a 2010 Post Prom event, but we can’t do it without your support. Not just the support of the Juniors and Seniors, but of EVERYONE at DHS.

Post Prom is a safe and alcohol- free alternative for after the actual Prom. Our event is held at Dave & Buster’s. The students go straight from the Prom to Dave & Buster’s on buses or in limos. The event lasts until 5am and we offer buses back to DHS every hour from 2am-5am. We give them unlimited food and soda, and a $30 Power Card for games where they can win tickets. All the other games (which are the majority) are free all night long. We have the whole venue to ourselves. Last year we had 390 students attend Post Prom and at 5am, we still had 140 students. That is unprecedented! This will be the 3rd year we have used Dave & Buster’s and it has been extremely successful. Although this is a wonderful event, it is expensive. We need to raise $13,000. We feel that the safety of our students is certainly worth the cost. We can’t do this without the support of the entire DHS family. We are asking for each family to make a tax deductible donation of $40, but any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please don’t discount us because you have a freshman or sophomore, or your child isn’t going to the Prom. You will certainly know someone’s child who is. Do this for their safety.

WE ARE IN JEOPARDY OF NOT RAISING ENOUGH MONEY TO HOLD THIS EVENT! Please help us. Please make your checks out to DHS Post Prom and either give them to the office at school, or mail them to:

Lisa Dinsmore OR Kathi Van Hoesen 9724 Dixie Ridge Terrace 26840 Howard Chapel Dr Gaithersburg, MD 20882 Damascus, MD 20872

Thank You So Much!

DHS Centennial Celebration Damascus High School is extremely proud to recognize and celebrate a century of Education! Beginning in January, 2010, and continuing throughout the spring semester, representatives from Damascus High School will be planning and organizing several commemorative events. Events will include school wide trivia and essay contests, vintage video and photographs of Damascus alumni, staff, and community leaders aired on the weekly school broadcasts, an in-school showcase displaying various Damascus High School artifacts, a retired staff luncheon and recognition program, and a formal end-of-year celebration.

All former staff members and alumni wishing to contribute in any event planning should contact Andrew Fields, Assistant Principal at 301-253-7030. We have a special interest to speak with anyone who has information regarding Damascus High School pre-1950.

Tentative Events DATE VENUE DETAILS 5-Feb DHS TV A look around Damascus, 1937 8-Feb - 12-Feb CONTEST Schoolwide Trivia 12-Feb DHS TV Baseball Game vs. Blair, 1930's 19-Feb DHS TV Tea & The Montgomery County String Trio, 1940's 1-Mar EVENT Retired Staff Luncheon, Class Visits, and Staff Meeting 1-Mar - 5-Mar CONTEST Schoolwide Trivia 5-Mar DHS TV Project in the Woodshop, 1950's 12-Mar DHS TV FTA Future Teachers of America, 1950 19-Mar DHS TV A 1950 Lunch at DHS, 1950 7-Apr DISPLAY DHS Opens Historic Display Case 9-Apr DHS TV A look aound DHS, 1950 12-Apr - 16-Apr CONTEST Schoolwide Trivia 16-Apr DHS TV Arbor Day, 1950 19-Apr - 23-Apr EVENT Spirit Week Representing: Early 1900 Themes 23-Apr DHS TV DHS Dedication Exercises, 1950 Late Spring TBA Damascus Spring Gala TBA

Newsletter 12

Welcome to the 2010 ACT-SO Competition If you know of any African-American student(s) that would benefit by participating in the following program, please encourage them to see Mr. Culpepper (science department) or me

(Mr. Martin in room 133) for a student packet as soon as possible.

WHAT IS ACT-SO? ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. The ACT-SO program centers around the dedication and commitment of community volunteers and business leaders; to serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence among African-American students. There are 26 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts and business.

WHO SPONSORS ACT-SO? ACT-SO is sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. ACT-SO receives support from schools, community organizations, churches, foundations, private corporations and individuals.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE? High school students of African descent, who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades 9-12 and are amateurs in the categories of competition are able to participate.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACT-SO? The ACT-SO program is intended to be a learning experience, first and foremost. The focus of a viable and effective local ACT-SO program is on enrichment and mentorship. Students work with ACT-SO mentors who help them develop projects throughout the year. Local ACT-SO programs also provide ACT-SO students with enrichment opportunities, such as workshops, tutorials, and field trips. The benefits ACT-SO students receive from the enrichment and mentorship components include substantial assistance toward the development of their ACT-SO projects and valuable tools to assist them throughout their education.

The local competition serves to showcase the hard work students have put in all year long. Students receive medals and prizes provided by the local and regional sponsors and contributors. ACT-SO Students who receive gold medals on the local level then compete at the National Competition where they receive scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors.

The categories that students can participate in are: Sciences Biology/Microbiology Chemistry/Biochemistry Computer Science Earth and Space Sciences Engineering Mathematics Medicine and Health Physics

Humanities Music Composition Original Essay Playwriting Poetry

Performing Arts Dance Dramatics Music Instrumental Classical Music Instrumental Contemporary Music Vocal Classical Music Vocal Contemporary Oratory

Visual Arts Architecture Drawing Filmmaking Painting Photography Sculpture

Business Entrepreneurship

If you and your student are interested, please contact Mr. Culpepper (science department), or Mr. Martin in the career center (room 133) for an application packet.

Hornets Football & Speed Camp The Hornet Football & Speed Camp is a non contact camp for kids entering 4th-9th grade in the fall of 2010. The primary purpose of the camp is to improve the necessary football fundamentals and speed training techniques that are essential to becoming a complete and dominating football player. This camp is perfect for the kid who has never played and wants to learn more about football or the seasoned player who wants to take their game to the next level. Two different sessions are being offered from 7/19-7/23 and 7/26-7/30. To register or to inquire more information go to www.leaguelineup.com/hornetfootballcamp or e-mail coach Wallich at hornetfootballcamp@yahoo.com

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2009 - 2010 PTSA Information

PTSA meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Media Center at 7:00 pm

An open meeting to all! President Reina Sprankle 301-253-0936 1st Vice President Louisa Stack 301-253-8834 2nd Vice President Carolyn Gray 301-972-3866 Treasurer Kristin Trible 301-414-2329 Secretary JoAnn Hayes 301-528-2180 MCCPTA Delegate Lisa Dinsmore 301-253-9169 Curriculum Development Barbara Zellers 301-253-3465 Membership Anja Abbott 301-482-2593 NAACP Rep. Carolyn Gray 301-972-3866 Newsletter Beatrice Kallungal 301-414-2334 PTSA Mailings Laura Mainhart 301-253-0608 Darlene Melkonian 301-253-2091 Post-Prom Liaisons Lisa Dinsmore 301-253-9169 Kathi Van Hoesen 301-253-2898 Scholarship Co-chairs Mary Jean Osborne 301-482-1429 Cathy Magas 301-253-6248 Special Needs Renae Tippett 301-253-1622 Staff Appreciation Judy Frazier 301-253-0306 Connie Baisey 301-990-9782 Student Directory Cathy Hocker 301-253-0590 Education/Curriculum Barbara Zellers 301-253-3465

Important Phone Numbers

Damascus High School..............301-253-7030 DHS FAX Line ...........................301-253-7046 Athletic Director..........................301-253-7050 Attendance.................................301-253-7042 Business Office ..........................301-253-7048 Career Center ............................301-253-7045 Guidance Office .........................301-253-7037 Health Room ..............................301-253-7051 Media Center..............................301-253-7058

Website: www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/damascushs

Emergency Website MCPS:

http://.mcps.k12.md.us/info/emergency

Send NEWSLETTER information/articles via email by the 3rd Friday of each month to:

bkallungal@yahoo.com

Damascus High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association 25921 Ridge Road Damascus, MD 20872-1891

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO. 14

DAMASCUS, MD 20872-1891

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