Raider Nation News

Week of April 6, 2020

HCPSS Distance Learning Plan Coming

Dear Atholton Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you safe and healthy as we all continue to navigate the new norm in our lives regarding school and learning. Believe it or not, our students are officially on Spring Break! I know that seems a bit odd considering they have been off the last three weeks, but the good news is that after this “official” break, our distance learning plan goes into effect.

This past week HCPSS began distributing technology to those families who expressed a need. This past Friday, the distribution was at Atholton and I had the opportunity to see a few of our students and families that came out. Being in the building really made me ‘homesick’ and seeing familiar faces made me realize how much I truly miss everyone. If you still need technology but failed to sign up, IT IS NOT TOO LATE! In fact, even if you do not need technology, we still would like for you to tell us so. I am so grateful for the almost 90% of you that have completed the survey. Please help us by completing the online HCPSS Student Technology Survey if you haven’t already. A special thank you to HCPSS employee and Atholton parent, Mr. Allen Cosentino, for volunteering to help distribute technology on Friday.

Next Tuesday, we will begin our distance learning with students. Parents/guardians should check your Canvas notification settings to ensure you are receiving announcements, assignments and messages from teachers. Directions on updating your parent profile and notification settings are available online. Parents/guardians unfamiliar with Canvas may find it helpful to review the features in this Canvas Orientation. Teachers will be emailing students this coming week with links for logging in the following week.

Last week, details were released regarding third quarter grades. Please find answers to related frequently asked questions on the HCPSS website. More communication from teachers will follow on third quarter grades.

As always, I like to end on a positive note. This week I am so proud of the efforts of our Robotics Team -- Space RAIDers. They are using their expertise to create personal protective equipment (face shields) for healthcare workers. Kudos to them for jumping in and helping out the heroes working on the front line. You can read about their efforts here.

Congratulations to junior Molly Flynn for her recognition as a PNC Bank Achiever. Molly was recognized for her outstanding leadership in the classroom, in her community, and on the playing field. Click here for her interview.

Lastly, please look for a VERY IMPORTANT message from me tomorrow. Contained in the message will be the schedule for school on April 14th. It will include the times students are expected to check-in with their teachers. I will also be sending the same message to students via their Canvas accounts. Please be sure to pay careful attention to those notices tomorrow. Also, if your child has not reached out to his/her teachers to say hello, please encourage them to do so!

I wish you all a fantastic week and look forward to the start of school in another week!

Warmly,

Robert A. Motley

Principal