The Raider Nation Newsletter

Dear Atholton Families,

As I write this message, I'm reminded of a sign I saw on a church marquee this weekend. It said "Giving Thanks isn't Just for a Day. It's a Lifestyle." Most definitely, developing an attitude of gratitude will change your life (and others too), but for now, I'll use the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday to give thanks for all the wonderful things in my life.

On a personal level, I am thankful for friends and family who enrich my life and bring me great happiness.

Speaking professionally, I am truly thankful to be a part of the Atholton Community. I have been blessed to work at so many great schools in HCPSS and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know the students, staff, and families here at AHS. Not to sound cliché, but like my friends and family, AHS also enriches my life and brings me great happiness.

As you take some time off this holiday, I hope you have an opportunity to reflect on what you're thankful for and spend time with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving and Go Raiders!

Sincerely,

Nick Novak

Principal

Our Food Pantry will be open during conferences November 20th- 21st. Food bins will be in the front office for you to take home.

Our December food distribution will be December 20th from 2:45-4:00pm.

The Raider Recycling Initiative (RRI) is a group of student leaders within the 2023 Leadership Class with a mission to support the community. RRI has partnered with Planet Aid to start a clothing and textile drive at Atholton. Throughout the month of November, we will have boxes throughout the school to collect clothing, shoes, coats and other textiles like bedding and towels.

Also, on Monday, November 20th during parent/teacher conferences, we will host a Raiders Recycling Initiative Raffle Night from 3:30 to 6:30pm. For every bag of clothing that’s donated, your name will be entered into our drawing for a chance to win a prize. Planet Aid is a non-profit organization created to help international communities by recycling and distributing donated items. Our bin is located in the front parking lot.

A few reminders from the attendance office to help you navigate absences and tardies. You can consult the HCPSS Attendance Policy for more info:

• The school must receive notification from the parent or physician explaining the absence/tardiness of a student within five (5) school days of the student’s return or the absence/tardiness will be unlawful/unexcused.
  
• Absences for Discretionary Days: A written request for such absences to be lawful/excused should be submitted at least one week in advance to the principal. Such absences may not occur during exam or state-mandated testing periods unless authorized by the principal/designee. For absences of up to three (3) days per year, the principal will determine whether the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. For absences in excess of three (3) days under this provision, the principal in consultation with the Community Superintendent or designee will determine if the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused.
• Teachers may assist students with make-up work when a student has an unlawful absence, however, students will not receive credit for such assignments.
• Students presently enrolled in public schools are considered lawfully absent from school, including absence for any portion of the day, and may receive make-up work under the following conditions: Bereavement, Illness of the student, Health-related exclusion, Pregnancy and parenting needs, Court summons , Hazardous weather conditions, Observance of a religious holiday, State emergency, Suspension, or Lack of authorized transportation.

11/20 Career Exploration Day (Modified Bell Schedule)

11/20 1/2 Day-Evening Conferences

11/21 1/2 Day-Afternoon/Evening Conferences

11/22 No School- Conferences

11/23-11/24 Schools & Offices Closed

11/30 NHS Induction Ceremony

12/1 Senior Portrait Make-Ups

Although we are not even half way through the 2023-2024 school year, we are already gearing up for course selections for the 2024-2025 school year. If you only have a senior and won't be here next year, you can skip this. If you are returning next year, read on for more information about our timeline.

This December, teachers will begin making course recommendations for next year. This is VERY early and so it's important to note that teachers are basing their recommendations on how your student has performed so far this year. The recommendations can also be revisitedthroughout the year if/when students show more growth/improvement.

Towards the end of December, the course selection process will begin, but we recommend that you not get ahead of yourself too much. In January, we will have our annual scheduling night where you can learn more about specific courses directly from teachers. In addition, students can attend an elective fair during the school day to find out about different course options.

Mark your calendars for January 9th and be on the lookout for more information about course scheduling coming soon after Thanksgiving Break!

Atholton PTSA

Atholton PBSA-New Website!!!

Atholton Boosters

Atholton Drama Boosters

Atholton JROTC Boosters

Atholton Music Boosters

Atholton Robotics Boosters