FQAs: FAVORITE QUESTIONS ANSWERED 

1. What time should I get to school if I do not take the bus?
   
   School officially opens at 7:15 AM.  First period starts at 7:30 AM.  Plan on getting to school no later than 7:20 AM so you have time to go to your locker and get to class on time.  
    
2. How much homework will I get on a particular night?
   
   It depends on your schedule, and it can vary depending on the week of the marking period.  It is safe to say that you need to study, read, or do homework every night.  Sometimes it may take you 45 minutes and other nights it may take two hours, so plan accordingly.
    
3. What do we do with our lunch trays and garbage when we finish eating?
   
   You take your trays to the washroom window and put your trash in the garbage.  Please look for the proper receptacles to help the school.
    
4. How do I get involved in clubs and activities?
   
   TSHS offers many clubs and activities.  Make sure you pay attention to the morning announcements as meeting dates and times will be announced.  It is best to see the sponsor listed in your student handbook to learn about a club.  If you do not know who the sponsor is, check with the main office staff or your guidance counselor.
   
   
5. What do I do if my locker does not work?
   
   You can ask a teacher to help, or you can go to the main office and give the secretaries your locker number and the problem, and they will direct you to the appropriate person.
    
6. Can I go to my locker in between classes?
   
   It depends on your schedule and the location of your classes.   There are five minutes in between classes, so plan your trips to your locker accordingly.  A good time to go to your locker is on the way to lunch.
   
   
7. Where do I go if I am late to school?
   
   If you arrive prior to 7:35 AM, you should report to your first period teacher.  If you come to school after 7:35 AM, you should report to the attendance office in the front of the school, sign in, and get a pass.  Please note that three unlawful tardies will result in an unlawful absence notice, and two unlawful absence notices will result in a failing grade for that class.
   
   
8. How much money should I bring for lunch?
   
   It costs $2.30 for a standard lunch.  There are a variety of healthy choices served each day.  You can also buy snacks for an additional charge.  Breakfast is also available for $1.30.  The school lunch menu can be found at http://www2.ccboe.com/PDF/schoolmenus.pdf
    
9. How is my student doing in class? 

There are several ways to monitor how students are performing in high school. 

• Students will receive interim reports periodically throughout the year. Check your calendar for specific dates. 
• In addition, feel free to contact any teacher directly through their school email address located on the school's website.  Also feel free to call your school's main office to leave a message for a teacher.
• Make arrangements to schedule a conference with your student's teachers early in the quarter.
• Please contact your student's teacher(s) directly to communicate any concerns or questions.  Remember email is the easiest and fastest way to reach a teacher. 

10. When do report cards come out?
    
    Report cards are mailed out four times a year:
    
    November 5
    January 29
    April 15
    June 22
    

11.    How can I get a copy of my student's report card if lost or misplaced? 

Additional copies can be obtained from your student's counselor.

12.    How can my student get their makeup work when they are out sick? 

Your student will need to talk with their teachers when they return to school to see what information they have missed. Each student will receive three days to make up work for every excused absence. If your student is out of school for an extended length of time, notify the attendance office and contact your student's teachers or counselor to obtain make-up work. 

13.    My student is not performing well academically. When and where can we get help? 

Contact your student's teacher immediately to identify the problem area.  Ask about any school assistance that is offered during or after school.  You should request a parent/teacher conference.  This can be scheduled and facilitated by contacting the student's guidance counselor. 

14.    Will interim grades appear on my student's transcript? 

No. Only final grades will appear on the high school transcript. 

15.    Should my student take the SAT as a freshman? 

In order for a student to achieve success on the SAT, students must master concepts through Algebra II and possess strong writing and grammar skills. These skills will become more developed as students progress through high school.  Most students take the SAT during the spring of their junior year. The PSAT can be taken during the sophomore and/or junior year to prepare for the SAT. 

16.    How will I know the correct placement for my student in classes for the upcoming school year? 

Students are recommended for courses by their current teachers. These recommendations are based on the student's classroom performance, test scores, and overall ability level. Contact your school during the spring registration process for additional concerns. 

17.    What are the HSAs (High School Assessments)? 

They are state developed exams designed to measure a student's achievement in selected subject areas. Maryland requires that all students enrolled in these classes pass these exams as a graduation requirement. 

18.    What classes have HSAs? 

Subjects tested are Algebra I or Algebra I Part 2, Biology, English II, and LSN.  The test covers material from class according to the state curriculum for that course.