Welcome to Our School

Chopticon High School
25390 Colton Point Rd.
Morganza, MD  20660

301-475-0215 Phone Extensions
301-475-0222 (Fax)

Office Hours
Monday - Friday 7:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Scholarships Presented to NAOF Seniors on May 16, 2013

Two National Academy of Finance (NAOF) seniors received scholarships through BECA which were funded by members of the Professional Adviosry Council. The scholarships were provided by the National Contract Management Association, Chesapeake Chapter and the Raley, Watts & O'Neill. Pictured below are Mr. Jesuś Godinez, NCMA Chesapeak Chapter, Ms. Mary Kay Myers, Patuxent Partnership; Elizabeth Hill, scholarship recipient; Megan Spence, scholarship recipient; Mr. Chris King, Raley, Watts & O'Neill and Chair of the PAC; Ms. Cynthia Baden, NAOF Coordinating Teacher; Mr. John Walters, Edward Jones Investments; and Ms. Colleen Blundell, Cedar Point Financial Services. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Academy of Finance Class of 2013

The National Academy of Finance Class of 2013 students, were recognized at a Completion Ceremony held at Chopticon High School on May 16, 2013.  Pictured with the students are members of the Professional Advisory Council for the National Academy of Finance, Board of Education members Vice Chair Mr. Brooke Matthews and Mrs. Mary Washington, and Dr. Martirano, Superintendent of Schools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PETER WIDMAYER ELECTED STUDENT MEMBER FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

 

SAFETY ASSISTANT TEAM LEADER NAMED SUPPORT STAFF EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FOR ST. MARY'S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mr. Antone "Chicago" Smith has been named the St. Mary's County Public Schools Educational Support Profesisonal of the Year.  Mr. Smith was recognized by Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano at a ceremony on April 18.   Mr. Smith is instrumental in helping to create a safe learning enviorment at Chopticon.  As stated in one of the recommendation letters,  "He (Mr. Smith) is visible and mobile in the cafeteria during lunches.  He is quick with a word of praise for a student or a gentle admonition to change poor behavior."  Mr. Smith has also assisted in the establishment of the Future Leaders of the World (FLOW) mentoring program at Chopticon.  FLOW meets on Thursdays and Mr. Smith has encouraged students to join him in “tighten up Thursdays”.  Mr. Smith and the students dress up in suits or their best dress which has a positive effect on student behavior.  Mr. Smith actively supports our students in their extracurricular activities where he continues to encourage students to do their best. 

  

CHOPTICON'S SGA EARNS FELIX JOHNSON AWARD

 The Chopticon High School Student Government Association (SGA) earned the Maryland Association of Student Councils Felix Simon Award.  The award recognizes superior achievement in leadership and service throughout the school year.  Members of Chopticon’s SGA have supported several community service projects including food drives and Relay for Life.  The students have also set-up recycling bins in all of the classrooms and offices and have actively participated in state-level conferences as well as school level meetings including School Improvement Team meetings.  Great work by the students and sponsor,  Ms. Jessica Bosse.

FIVE FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS NAMED TO NATIONAL ACADEMIC SQUAD

Dani Garcia, Abbey Liverman, Amanda Morton, Sarah Sindelar, and Tori White were awarded National Academic Squad honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association for their superior academic acheivements.

 

 The Chopticon Marching Band members were recognized by a Resolution of Special Recognition presented by Delegate John Wood at the Maryland General Assembly on February 19.  The band members were recognized for their exemplary performances this year.  In addition to winning a state and national title, the marching band was chosen to represent the USS Maryland at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony in December where they won the award for Most Outstanding Band in the parade.  The marching band is under the direction of Mr. Todd Burroughs.

 

 

Upcoming High School Assessment Testing and Review Sessions


Testing for Seniors Only
April 15 - Algebra HSA
April 16 - English HSA 
April 17 - Biology HSA 
 
General Testing Sessions
May 20 - Algebra HSA
May 21 - English HSA
May 22 - Biology HSA
May 23 - Government HSA
 
After school review/preparation sessions
 

Content

Algebra

Biology

English

Teacher

Ms. Lewis

Ms. Stone

Ms. Franklin

Room

Room A209

Room B206

B117

Time

2:50 – 4:00

2:50 – 3:30

2:50 – 3:30

Dates

April 17

April 25

April 8

April 24

May 2

April 22

May 8

May 9

May 8

May 15

May 16

May 15

 

 

May 20
 

 

 

HSA Review Sessions

 Upcoming High School Assessment Testing and Review Sessions


Testing for Seniors Only
April 15 - Algebra HSA
April 16 - English HSA 
April 17 - Biology HSA 
 
General Testing Sessions
May 20 - Algebra HSA
May 21 - English HSA
May 22 - Biology HSA
May 23 - Government HSA
 
After school review/preparation sessions
 

Content

Algebra

Biology

English

Teacher

Ms. Lewis

Ms. Stone

Ms. Franklin

Room

Room A209

Room B206

B117

Time

2:50 – 4:00

2:50 – 3:30

2:50 – 3:30

Dates

April 17

April 25

April 8

April 24

May 2

April 22

May 8

May 9

May 8

May 15

May 16

May 15

 

 

May 20

 

Letter from the Principal Regarding School Safety

December 15, 2012

 
Dear Chopticon Families,
 
The tragic event that recently occurred in Connecticut makes us think about the safety of our schools. Please be assured that we continually focus on maintaining a safe and orderly school and do all we can to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors.  The safety and security of Chopticon High School is our greatest responsibility.  Within our school system, central administration support staff and school-based staff work together to provide prevention services to our schools that include coordinating counseling and threat assessments for students who may require support. As always, we strongly encourage anyone to report any information of concern.
 
This horrific event reminds us that school safety is a team effort. Our teachers, staff, parents and students must all work together to ensure that Chopticon High School remains a safe and secure learning environment. As a team, we must remain vigilant in our focus on school safety. Thank you for your cooperation regarding our safety practices and procedures and your continued support of our students and staff.
 
For further information about school safety and resources for talking with your children about violence, please visit the St. Mary’s County Public Schools website (www.smcps.org). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact SMCPS Department of Safety and Security at 301.475.4256 ext. 150, or call our school at 301.475.0215.
 
Words cannot fully describe our feelings about this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families.
 
Sincerely,
Garth E. Bowling
Principal
Chopticon High School
 

Parent Tips in Spanish

Consejos para padres con niños en edad escolar: Cómo ayudar a sus hijos tras los tiroteos en los centros de educación
Como padre, puede que usted tenga dificultades para explicarles a sus hijos como pudo ocurrir esta matanza indiscriminada en un campus universitario. Es importante recordar que los hijos confían en sus padres cuando necesitan sentirse seguros. Esto es cierto sin importar la edad que tengan sus hijos, ya sean niños pequeños, adolescentes o jóvenes adultos. Tenga en cuenta los siguientes consejos para ayudar a sus hijos a que manejen mejor su angustia.
Hable con su hijo: Hablar con sus hijos acerca de sus preocupaciones e inquietudes es el primer paso para ayudarles a sentirse seguros y comenzar a afrontar los sucesos que ocurren a su alrededor. De lo que hablen y de cómo usted lo diga dependerá de la edad de sus hijos, pero todos necesitan saber que los está escuchando.
•       Encuentre el momento en que están dispuestos a hablar: como por ejemplo cuando van en el automóvil, antes de la cena, o a la hora de irse a dormir.
•       Comience la conversación, hágales saber que está interesado en lo que les está pasando y cómo están manejando la información que reciben.
•       Escuche lo que piensan, sus puntos de vista y ¡no los interrumpa!, déjelos expresar sus ideas y opiniones antes de responder.
•       Exprese sus ideas y opiniones sin desestimar la de ellos, reconozca que está bien no estar de acuerdo.
•       Recuérdeles que usted está allí para darles seguridad, apoyo y bienestar. Deles un abrazo.
Haga de su hogar un lugar seguro: A menudo, los hijos, independientemente de su edad, ven su hogar como un refugio seguro cuando el mundo a su alrededor es abrumador. En momentos de crisis, es importante recordar que sus hijos pueden llegar al hogar buscando ese sentimiento de seguridad que tienen cuando están allí. Haga de su hogar un lugar en el que sus hijos encuentren el aislamiento y bienestar que necesitan. Planee una noche en su hogar con toda su familia donde cada uno participe en la actividad que más le guste.
Observe los síntomas de estrés, miedo o ansiedad: Después de un suceso traumático, es muy común que los niños (y adultos) experimenten una amplia gama de sentimientos como miedo, shock, enojo, tristeza y ansiedad. El comportamiento de sus hijos puede cambiar debido a su reacción a lo ocurrido. Puede serles difícil dormir, concentrarse en los deberes escolares, o pueden tener cambios de apetito. Esto es muy normal y debería comenzar a desaparecer después de un tiempo. Aliente a sus hijos a expresar sus sentimientos hablando sobre lo que les pasa o escribiéndolo. Para algunos niños puede ser útil expresar sus sentimientos a través del arte.
Tómese un "descansó de las noticias": Sus hijos, especialmente los adolescentes y jóvenes adultos pueden querer mantenerse informados sobre los sucesos a través de la televisión, Internet y los periódicos. Es importante limitar la cantidad de tiempo que uno pasa viendo las noticias, ya que la constante exposición puede en realidad intensificar su ansiedad y miedo. También es importante que tenga sus propios momentos de descanso, tómese el tiempo para realizar actividades que disfrute. Intente realizar actividades en las que participen tanto los integrantes de su familia como los amigos de sus hijos.
Cuídese: Cuídese para que pueda cuidar de sus hijos. Sea un modelo para sus hijos sobre cómo manejar estos eventos traumáticos. Mantenga horarios regulares para actividades tales como comer en familia y hacer ejercicio y así ayudará a recuperar un sentido de seguridad y normalidad.
Estos consejos y estrategias le pueden ayudar a guiar a sus hijos en momentos de crisis. Si se siente estancado o abrumado, puede considerar hablar con alguien que pueda ayudarle. Un profesional de la salud mental autorizado para ejercer, como un psicólogo, puede ayudarlo a desarrollar una estrategia adecuada para seguir adelante. Es importante obtener ayuda profesional si siente que no es capaz de funcionar o llevar a cabo actividades básicas de la vida diaria.
La redacción de esta página de consejos fue posible gracias a la colaboración de los miembros de la Asociación Americana de Psicología (APA, por sus siglas en inglés): Ronald S. Palomares, PhD y Lynn F. Bufka, PhD.
Derechos de autor: APA 2007
Los artículos y textos del Centro de Apoyo pueden ser reproducidos íntegramente, siempre y cuando se acredite que provienen de la Asociación Americana de Psicología. No se pueden reproducir las imágenes. Cualquier excepción a esto, incluyendo frases o citas de Centro de Apoyo o APA Help Center, deberá ser presentada por escrito a Help Center y será considerada caso por caso. Estas autorizaciones serán dadas una sola vez por cada caso y tendrán que ser solicitadas para cada uso adicional del documento.
 
http://www.apa.org/centrodeapoyo/escolar.aspx
  
 

Chopticon High School Marching Band in Hawaii

The Chopticon High School Marching Band proudly representing the USS Maryland at the memorial ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.  The band placed 1st among the bands participating in the parade.

Photo courtesy of Kolleen Dare

IMPACT AID FORMS

Impact aid forms were distributed through homerooms on Wednesday, September 19, 2012.  It is very important that a parent/guardian complete all sections of the form, sign it, and return it to the school as soon as possible.  Completed and signed forms are used to determine how much funding the schools will receive from the federal government.  Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.  For more information, or to print out a replacement form,click here.  Replacement forms will also be available in the main office.

Science Fair Award Winners

The Science Fair was held on December 13.  Students won awards in the following categories:

Animal Science

1st - Justin Quade, 2nd - Bradley Kirscht, 3rd - Lexxi Hubbell

Behavioral Science

1st, Alexis Spiotta, 2nd - Kristen Mann, 3rd - Andie Tydings, Honorable Mention - Keilan Rupert

Biochemistry

1st, Elizabeth Wockenfuss

Chemistry

1st - Melissa Ballew, 2nd - Brendan Utt, 3rd - Devyn Gass & Jacob Ucekay, Honorable Mention - Bethany Piesner & Olivia Goodwin

Earth and Planetary Science

1st - Victoria Null, 2nd - Brianna Foster, 3rd - Savannah Cecil

Engineering, Electrical, and Mechanical

1st - Jamal Herbert

Energy and Transport

1st - Rebecca Wolf, 2nd - Gabby Gibson

Environmental Sciences

1st - Samantah Youmans, 2nd - Ryan Tomasic, 3rd - Katharyn Campbell

Mathematical Sciences

1st - Cecilia Gehris, 2nd - Brandi Sheeder

AFJROTC CyberPatriot Team Advances to Semi-Finals

The Air Force JROTC CyberPatriot team consisting of Cadets Mitzy Hines, Dalton Zimmerman, and Peter Steelman (Commander) have been notified that they are one of only 45 teams nationwide which will advance to the semi-finals of the CyberPatriot competition.  The semil-finals will take place on January 11.  Best wishes for continuing success.

SGA and Social Studies Classes Assist 1,382 Families

The Student Governement Association (SGA) and students in social studies classes collected 1,818 pounds of food and enough monetary donations to purchase over 30,000 pounds of food that will assist 1,382 families in need.  Great work!

Boyer and Widmayer Recognized as Advanced Statesmen

Chopticon students Shelby Boyer and Peter Widmayer have completed all requirements for the Skills USA Maryland Advanced Statesman Award.  Shelby and Peter were recognized at the Fall Leadership Conference held on November 8-9.

Marching Band Wins 4th Consecutive State Championship

On November 3, the Chopticon marching band won its 4th consecutive USBands Group IIA Maryland State Championship, with a score of 89.25. Additionally, the band won the caption awards for best effect, music, and visual performance.  The marching band will be traveling to Hawaii in December to represent the USS Maryland at the Pearl Harbor ceremonies.

Class of 2013 Picture and Yearbook Info

Click here for information about senior pictures and yearbook deadlines.

A Message from the Principal

 As principal of Chopticon High School, I have the honor of working with a dedicated faculty and staff who provide a world class education for the students of St. Mary’s County.  With millions of dollars earned in scholarship money each school year, our alumni are attending some of the top colleges and universities in the nation.  In fact, three of our graduates are currently  attending United States Military Academies. 

 

At Chopticon, we believe that academic rigor is the key to success.  As a result, twenty-one different Advanced Placement courses are offered to our students.  Those students who take five or more AP classes during their high school experience are designated “AP Stars” and receive special recognition upon graduating.

 

Being a Chopticon Brave means setting your goals high and reaching for the stars.  Our intention is to make each student’s dream come true.  With self-discipline and hard work on the part of the students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the support of our parents and community, this can happen.

 Mr. Garth E. Bowling, Jr.