Raider Nation News

Week of March 30, 2020

HCPSS Distance Learning Plan Coming

Dear Atholton Families,

Today marks the end of our second week of closure and as our teachers prepare to return to work “virtually” tomorrow, I am writing to express my deep gratitude to each and every one of you for your patience as we work to begin implementing the HCPSS Continuity of Learning Plan.

The next couple of weeks are reserved for staff to prepare for distance learning. If you have not heard, Spring Break will remain in effect as scheduled for our students -- April 6 - April 13. Staff will use this time to continue to develop plans and modify their lessons for online learning. As we prepare, we ask that those families that require assistance with technology, help us prepare by completing the online HCPSS Student Technology Survey so that we can assess where we are as a community, and how to best distribute the limited devices we have available for student use. Additionally, we will deploy paper survey copies at the "Grab and Go" sites. Equally as important, there will be staff on-site to gather information, fill out the survey for families, and answer questions.

I hope you have taken the time to read carefully all of Dr. Martirano’s emails AND read the information contained in the links. I have provided a link to some important information:

As you may have heard, regarding student assessments, Maryland has received approval to waive federal 2019-2020 Assessment and Accountability Requirements. Thus, school ratings will not be assigned and HCPSS will not administer the MCAP English language, mathematics, science and social studies assessments, the American Government high school assessment or the Maryland School Survey for this school year. For information about AP testing, visit the following AP website: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update?SFMC_cid=EM288604-&rid=47666037

I would like to end on a very positive note. I hope you were able to see the bulletin that went out celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our winter athletes. I have included it below in case you missed it. Also, I am so proud to share the great things our students are doing in service to the community during this difficult time. See the photos below. If you would like to donate blood, contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-Cross (800-733-2767). The nearest location is at the Columbia Mall. Great job Drew, Andre, Justin, and Nico!

Finally, as teachers return to work tomorrow, they will begin reaching out to students and responding to emails. Please feel free to reach out to them with any questions you may have. Please understand that NO decisions have been made regarding grades/grading/marking periods. They will not have answers for you regarding these issues.

Please enjoy the brief video the administrative team made during one of our virtual meetings. See below. I have to learn to look into the camera (Lol!) -- something I will share with teachers.

Wishing you all a safe week. Stay in and stay healthy!

Warmly,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

Admin Meeting (2020-03-27 at 13:11 GMT-7)

drive.google.com

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Drew Kassman, Andre Richmond, and Justin Werner

Juniors Drew, Andre, and Justin took time during the school closure to help Food on the 15th and the Howard County Food Bank provide for non-perishable food for low income families and the elderly.

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Nicholas Taber

Sophomore Nico heard the cry to help by donating blood and headed to the Red Cross location at The Mall in Columbia to donate.

Important Information

Atholton Athletics

Madison Garrigus was named girls Indoor track and field Athlete of the Year. She won the county and region titles in the pole vault to becoming the first girls indoor field athlete to win the county's top award since at least 1991. Madison vaulted a personal-best 11 feet at the MPSSAA 3A East Region championships to break the Howard County record.

Jordan Oates was named Howard County boys basketball Player of the Year. Jordan led the county in scoring, rebounding, and 3-point shots made. setting new Atholton program records in the latter two categories.

Eric Woodson will be the new head football coach for the 2020-2021 fall season. Mr. Woodson was the head coach at Glen Burnie HS for the past 7 seasons and is committed to carrying on the legacy of Atholton football. Once we get back to school, a meeting will be set up with parents and players to introduce the staff.

Minds in Motion: Atholton HS had over 185 winter student athletes receive the MPSSAA Minds in Motion Award, whereby students received more than a 3.25 GPA while participating in a high school sports. Great job in the classroom!