Members of the Thurmont Grange  No. 409 recently presented dictionaries to all Northern Frederick County third-grade students. This is a community service project called “Words for Thirds,” and all of the third-grade students in the Catoctin feeder system received dictionaries (Sabillasville Environmental School, Lewistown, Thurmont, and Emmitsburg Elementary Schools). The Grange is an agricultural organization…

Food 4 Kids will continue at Elias Lutheran Church through the fall. This is the original “backpack” program in the Emmitsburg Elementary School and  Head Start. If your child or grandchild would like to receive a weekend bag of food (two breakfasts, two lunches, two snacks, and two drinks), come to Elias Lutheran Church, located…

The Catoctin Area Civitan Club donated 30 bookbags,  filled with a folder, pencils, and crayons to our local schools. The Thurmont Primary School, Emmitsburg Elementary School, and Lewistown Elementary School each received 10 bags to distribute to children in need. Stacy Bokinsky (Lewistown Elementary School Counselor), Daniel Genemans (Lewistown Elementary School Student), Ginger Malone, Mary…

The Catoctin-Ettes, inc., will again be offering its free, introductory baton twirling course for beginners interested in the growing sport of baton twirling.  The classes are set to begin on Wednesday, February 12, at the Emmitsburg Elementary School. The course runs for four consecutive Wednesday evenings  and is geared for beginners from ages 5 and…

The National Grange, founded in 1867, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan fraternal organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture. The Grange is part of more than 2,100 hometowns across the United States. The Thurmont Grange serves our Catoctin region. One of the programs administered annually by the Grange is Words for Thirds, where every third-grade…

Blair Garrett Teachers are an integral part in the development of youth today. Over the course of the school year, they work day in and day out to give children a well-rounded education. But what about over the summer months when kids are out of school? Teachers like Missy Kearchner, who teaches fifth grade at…

Theresa Dardanell See someone alone. Reach out and help. Start With Hello! In September, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) participated in the third annual Sandy Hook Promise Start With Hello Week. This national anti-violence campaign encourages students to reduce social isolation with acts of kindness that starts with just saying hello. Schools created activities to…

The Thurmont Lions Club (TLC) held its Education Night on May 9, 2018.  TLC was honored to have Mark Pritts, Frederick County Public School’s instructional director, as the guest speaker. On March 19, the Thurmont Lions Club held its Teacher of the Year reception. There were eight teachers honored as the “Teacher of the Year”…

Elizabeth Swindells On Friday, April 6, 2018, Emmitsburg Elementary School held their first-ever Race For Technology. The event was held in an attempt to provide funds for technology and other resources in the classroom, as well as PTA-sponsored activities, such as field trips and family involvement activities. In the preceding weeks, students took home letters,…

It is time to recognize the special teacher who has made an impact on your child’s life and on your school community. Do you know a teacher who goes beyond what is expected? You can let this teacher know how important he/she has been to you by nominating him/her for the Thurmont Lions’ Teacher of…

The Emmitsburg Elementary School PTA is offering one Wanda Severance scholarship for $300 to a graduating Catoctin High School (CHS) senior. Requirements are: (1) Attended Emmitsburg Elementary School a minimum of one-full year (K-5); (2) Include a letter of recommendation from either a high school or community-related person (i.e. teacher, counselor, employer, clergy, activity coach);…

The Catoctin-Ettes, Inc. will again host its annual free four-week baton twirling course for beginner twirlers. Classes will begin on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at the Emmitsburg Elementary School, with two sets of classes being held: (1) three-five years of age; (2) six years of age and older. The younger group will attend class from…

Theresa Dardanell Parents traded places with students at Emmitsburg Elementary School during Literacy Night on October 13, 2016. While students listened to a story and worked on crafts, parents were in the classrooms learning how to help their children succeed. As families arrived, they were greeted by Principal Mary Ann Wiles and the Emmitsburg Elementary…

Outstanding Catoctin Feeder Area Teachers Recognized The Thurmont Lions Club honored thirty-two teachers at their “Teacher of the Year” reception, held on April 21, 2016, at Emmitsburg Elementary School. The reception is an annual event, sponsored by the club, so that teachers who have made an impact on students and the school community can be…

Words For Thirds The National Grange, founded in 1867, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan fraternal organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture. With strong history in grassroots activism, family values, and community service, the Grange is part of more than 2,100 hometowns across the United States. The Thurmont Grange serves our Catoctin region. One of…

School Bells are Ringing Across the County James Rada, Jr. Frederick County students headed back to school on Monday, August 24. Nearly every school saw new faces among the faculty and staff. Thurmont Primary School Thurmont Primary School is the only school in the area not seeing any staffing changes this year. All of the…