The Raider Nation Newsletter

News from Principal Novak: December 4, 2023

Did Someone Say Graduation?

Dear Atholton Families,

Let me get right to the news that no, I don't have our graduation date yet. That is literally the most frequently asked question for any HCPSS high school principal. I do, however, want to take a moment to lift up the "graduation window" that HCPSS recently shared. I often assume that you get all the news coming from HCPSS too, but, with some recent inquiries about graduation dates we received, it's clear that it's better to be repetitive than run the risk of keeping you in the dark. If you already know all this info, feel free to skip ahead.

The graduations for HCPSS class of 2024 will take place between Monday May 20th and Friday May 31st. No graduations will be held on Memorial Day and all ceremonies, with the exception of the Cedar Lane School, will take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Which of these dates and times will be reserved for Atholton? Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a little longer for that information. Since the ceremonies are held at Merriweather, we have to wait until their concert lineup is firmed up before we can finalize dates. For now, you can tell Grandma, Uncle Charlie, and whoever else is planning on coming to graduation, to keep that timeframe open.

One important date for seniors we do know is January 3rd--that's the first graduation meeting for the class of 2024. Seniors will meet in the auditorium during Raidertime for the first in a series of updates about the graduation timeline and everything they have to do to make sure they are shaking my hand at Merriweather in May and getting their diploma. More info to come (and you'll know that graduation date as soon as I do)! Go Raiders!

Sincerely,

Nick Novak

Principal

Important Information-New

Career Academy Information Sessions

Current 8th-11th grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend an in-person information session on HCPSS Career Academies on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at the Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL), 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD. The evening begins at 6:30pm and will include two 15-minute information sessions and a visit to a third academy. Click here for more detailed info!

CALLING ALL TECHIES!

Come on down to B120 Tuesday, December 12th, and attend the Once Upon a Mattress Tech Interest Meeting! Learn the many different backstage roles of our spring musical, and get the materials to apply to be apart of the Crew. All returning tech members must attend. If you have any questions, talk to Ms. Adler in B120 or email hadler@hcpss.org. See you there!

Important Information-Reposting

Inclusive Schools Week Starts Today!!!

Best Buddies is preparing for National Inclusive Schools week and wants you to know about their spirit days, so you/your students can join in:

Monday---Pajama Day

Pajamas can be the battle uniform for children with cancer and too often kids fight that battle; isolated in hospital rooms or when they are home for months at a time.

Tuesday---Tie-Dye Day

Tie Dye represents the infinite potential of individuals with autism as well as their limitless possibilities and abilities.

Wednesday---Mixed Match Socks Day

The first World Down Syndrome Day was held on March 21, 2006. Chromosomes are shaped like socks. Wearing mixed-match socks shows off and celebrates how cool our Down Syndrome students are with their extra chromosome. “Be a homie with an extra chromosome!”

Thursday---Green Glow for Mental Health Awareness Day

The color green symbolizes the continual awareness of mental health in order to help fight the stigma that is often associated with it.

Friday--- Best Buddies Pride Day/Twin Day

Best Buddies is our inclusive friendship club at Atholton High School. It is an opportunity for everyone to create life-long friendships between students in our academic life skills program and the greater Raider community.

Service Hour Opportunity

If you/your student needs service hours, please contact Friends of Rabbits, Ms. Wendy Woods @ 410.802.3921. This non-profit organization is the largest rabbit rescue organization in the Washington DC/Baltimore region.

Upcoming Events

Please mark your calendars for these important dates:

12/5 Orchestra Concert

12/7 Band Concert

12/13 Winter Pep Rally/ 11:35am Dismissal

12/18 Senior Portrait Make-Ups

12/19 Choir Concert

12/23-1/1 Winter Break

1/2 Students return to School

1/9 Course Scheduling Night

Looking Ahead

Midterm Exam Information

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 (A Day)

Period 1 Exam
Full day of school (modified bell schedule)
No extracurricular activities, including practices, rehearsals, events, etc.
Students attend AM & PM ARL classes

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 (B Day)

Periods 2 & 3 Exams
11:35am dismissal
No extracurricular activities, other than 90 minute conditioning practices which may begin at 3:05 PM
Students attend AM ARL classes, but PM ARL students do not.

Thursday, January 18, 2024 (A Day)