Catoctin Corner

by Avie Hopcraft The first day of school has already come and gone, and it’s hard to believe how quickly summer sped by, with fall now upon us. Newbies “Freshmen” have adapted well to Catoctin High’s environment, and the upperclassman are taking on more responsibilities as they move up and get prepared for life after high school. Catoctin High School is back in routine, and junior and senior students are already prepping for the SAT’s. The first term is almost over and, so far, all Catoctin sports teams, are doing great. Homecoming will be held on October 1, 2016, giving Catoctin High’s students a moment to take their mind off of their responsibilities and enjoy themselves with friends. Even though it’s good to get a break from the challenges of school, students are still encouraged to work hard every day and be prepared for school and life after school. The Thurmont and Emmitsburg Community Show took place in September, and the event featured some great entries in every category. Catoctin’s Spirit Week also just passed in September, and consisted of five different spunky days, allowing students to express themselves. First, Spirit Week started with Maryland Monday, then Tourist Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and lastly, Spirit Day Friday. It’s a great week for Catoctin High School—or any school for that matter—and allows faculty and students to have fun and have an excuse to wear pajamas and funky clothing. Most importantly, it permits students to act like true kids and teenagers, because when we are done with high school, we officially have to grow up, in a sense, and won’t get a chance to do things like spirit week anymore. It’s good to get a break from the seriousness and reality of grades and school sometimes. These kind of school events don’t just benefit the students, the faculty gets to act like kids, too, and connect with the students. Overall, it’s a healthy, exciting activity that Catoctin does for its students and faculty. Catoctin hosted a Financial Aid Night for parents on September 21, 2016, with the help of Amy Wilkinson (director of Financial Aid-Mount Saint Mary’s). If parents are interested in this offer, she will provide you with any information for the FAFSA application; the file can be turned in as soon as October 1, 2016. Also for those students who are interested in the military or in other career options, the ASVAB will be taken on November 3, 2016, at 7:30 a.m. at Catoctin High School. This test is free to juniors and seniors. If interested, you will need to sign up through Naviance (site for students dealing with colleges, applications, and career goals) the day of or before October 25, 2016. Lastly, if parents or students of Catoctin would like to get reminders of college meetings and information on important national tests, sign up for “Remind 101” alert. It alerts you about college information, special dates, and Naviance reminders. If you possess a smartphone, just download the app and it will text reminders right to your phone. Juniors and seniors, stay on top of what you need to do, so you will succeed with the careers ahead of you! Graduation will be here before you know it, so it’s important to stay focused and have things like, “Remind 101” to help guide you along the way.