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Raider Nation Newsletter

Week of January 3, 2022

Raider NationNewsletterWeek of January 3, 2022
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Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

Dear Atholton Families,


Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a peaceful winter break and you are enjoying our very first snow day of the school year!


As we return to school from the winter break and snow day, we are doing so with a renewed sense of caution to ensure that everyone is safe. There was new information shared by HCPSS regarding updated quarantine procedures. Please refer to the information here. To summarize:

  • Unvaccinated and vaccinated students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate and may not return to school until:

    • They have been out of school for at least 5 days from the onset of symptoms or upon receiving a positive test without symptoms, and

    • Remain fever-free for 24 hours, and

    • Show a consistent improvement of symptoms

  • Students and staff who test positive may return to school on the 6th day (following all mask protocols).


As we strive to keep our school community safe, please remember to continue to have students self-monitor, and parents please conduct frequent health checks (daily). More importantly, I cannot stress how important it is to keep students home should they show any signs or symptoms associated with COVID-19 or any other communicable disease. Those concerned about absences should note that any absence due to illness is considered an excused absence allowing for students to make up any work missed. Lastly, should a student test positive for COVID-19, please inform the school nurse immediately (Sandra_Eggerl@hcpss.org).


As we see the increase in cases across the country (the Omicron wave), we will be even more vigilant in enforcing that ALL students and staff wear their masks PROPERLY and CONSISTENTLY. Universal indoor masking remains in effect in all HCPSS facilities and during ANY event taking place at the school. In order for us to remain in-person, EVERYONE must wear a mask and wear it PROPERLY. If you are notified that your student is not adhering to this policy, they may be in jeopardy of being sent home. We must take these extreme measures to ensure the safety of everyone.


I have received several inquiries regarding the status of activities, athletics, and other events. HCPSS provided an update regarding school activities. You may find the information here. We will resume regular activities – athletic practices, games, after-school clubs, etc. Please stay tuned for more information regarding our athletic events and spectator guidelines.


This Thursday evening is our Scheduling Night. This is an informational night regarding registration for courses for next year. Come hear about the myriad of elective courses available to students and take advantage of the opportunity to speak with content team leaders regarding any questions you may have about course sequences or differentiated levels (honors, GT, AP, etc.). The event will take place from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. We will be sending out meet codes for the event in the next couple of days. Please block out the time.


Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding as we strive to provide a safe environment for our students and staff. Working together, following our protocols (proper mask-wearing, health checks, staying home when ill) will ensure that we remain in-person and provide our students the necessary learning and social environment to which they are accustomed.


Warmest regards,


Robert A. Motley

Principal

School Counselor Assignments

Ms. Wade -- 9th Grade ONLY (Kim_Wade@hcpss.org)

Mr. Cohen -- Last Name A - E / Grades 10 - 12 (Phillip_Cohen@hcpss.org)

Ms. Meledick -- Last Name F - Kj / Grades 10 - 12 (Dana_Meledick@hcpss.org)

Ms. Clearfield -- Last Name Kk - P / Grades 10 - 12 (Lisa_Clearfield@hcpss.org)

Ms. Wright -- Last Name Q - Z / Grades 10 - 12 (Keturah_Wright@hcpss.org)

Leadership U 2022

Is your student looking to build their confidence, strengthen their leadership and problem solving skills, and learn how to network? Does your student want to make a difference in our Howard County community? Consider joining the Leadership U Class of 2022! Leadership U is an exciting, experiential leadership, teambuilding, and community service opportunity for current high school sophomores. This unique four-month program involves a week-long summer program of hands-on activities, as well as involvement in a team community service project. This program is for students with leadership potential, a desire to learn with others, and for those with an interest in the community. Come to learn more and speak to some of our grads at one of our information sessions being conducted from 7-8pm on the following evenings: January 26 (virtual via Zoom), February 10 (HCLS-Miller Branch), March 1 (HCLS-Miller Branch). Both parents and students are highly encouraged to attend. Students must register on our website to attend. Additional information is available at http://www.leadershiphc.org/leadership-u-2/ or email Sasha Butler sbutler@leadershiphc.org. Applications are due March 10, 2022.

Mark Your Calendar


January 6 — Scheduling Night

January 17 -- School Closed (MLK Holiday)

January 19 -- School Closes 3hrs Early

January 24 -- School Closed (Teacher Workday)