Raider Nation Newsletter

Week of September 26, 2022

Celebration!

Dear Atholton Families,

Just a reminder for our community that there is NO SCHOOL TOMORROW, September 26, 2022.

This week’s newsletter begins with some fantastic news – Atholton High School has three National Merit Semifinalists – Ryan Nguyen, Lucy Wang, and Jessica Zhou!

Each year, over 1.5 million juniors entered the National Merit Scholarship program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. To qualify as a semifinalist, these three, now seniors, represent less than 1% of ALL U.S. high school seniors! Furthermore, our three students are among the highest-scoring in the state of Maryland! We are so very proud of their achievement and wish them all the best as they strive to become National Merit Finalists!

Additionally, I am pleased to announce that Atholton High School has selected its candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Each HCPSS high school nominates a male and female candidate who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and leadership in their school. Please join me in recognizing Atholton’s two nominees: Preston Waldrup and Emma Cho. We wish them both the best as they compete against their peers from across the county.

This week marks the return of RaiderTime. For those of you new to Raider Nation, RaiderTime occurs EVERY Wednesday for 30 minutes. This FLEX time is a county-wide schedule that every high school uses. You may find the RaiderTime schedule on our school website. This is an amazing opportunity for students to schedule a time to meet with a teacher for additional assistance or to make up any work missed. Additionally, RaiderTime is an opportunity for our clubs and activities to hold meetings, and even our sports teams may meet during this time. Some students use the time as a study hall or a chance to connect with their friends. This year, we are piloting an open gym and an open cafeteria where students may go to play basketball or simply connect with their friends in a larger space. Whatever they choose, students MUST have a pass from the sponsoring teacher. We will send a reminder to students regarding our expectations for RaiderTime.

As the county-wide PSAT day approaches on October 12, I would like for my seniors and their families to begin making plans for this day. The PSAT will be administered to all of our 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students. Our seniors are encouraged to use this as a discretionary day to engage in college and career research opportunities. For those seniors taking advantage of this opportunity, please email our attendance secretary, Ms. Weinberg, at Mona_Weinberg@hcpss.org to inform her of your use of a discretionary day of absence (which is excused).

Lastly, today is the start of Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Jewish New Year, which marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days. For all of those celebrating in the Atholton community – wishing you a happy new year and reflection on the year ahead.

Wishing everyone a fantastic week!

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

Have You Completed...?

Please be sure you complete the following:

Family File -- we need your current emergency contact information. See directions below.
Breakfast / Lunch -- load student account to purchase breakfast and/or lunch.
Join PTSA!! https://atholtonptsa.memberhub.com

Important Information

Free and Reduced Meals Program: Many HCPSS families have been impacted financially by the pandemic and may be eligible now to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program. Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including testing fees, tuition, internet and more. Click here to learn more here is the link for HCPSS Connector to apply.

Family File now available for the 2022-23 school year: Parents can now access and complete the Family File for the 2022-23 school year. Parents must complete the Family File annually to ensure HCPSS has the most current information for each child. Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to verify or update the following information: Student Information, Parent/Guardian Contact, Emergency Contact, Medical Information, Arrival/Dismissal Procedures (for when in-person classes resume), Photo Approval, Data Confidentiality, PTA/PTSA Directory. Here is the link for HCPSS Connect.