Raider Nation Newsletter

Dear Atholton Families,

I hope everyone is safe and warm amid the recent snow, freezing rain, ice, and rain. It has been an interesting 24 hours vis-a-vis the weather. Hopefully, we will be ready to go “on time” tomorrow when school resumes.

This week we have THREE half-days – Wednesday (1/19), Thursday (1/20), and Friday (1/21). I have posted the schedule below. Friday also brings the end of the second quarter and first semester. It is hard to believe that we are halfway through our school year! Please encourage your child(ren) to reach out to their teachers regarding any missing assignments.

Our first Class of 2022 Graduation meeting was held last week. Graduation coordinators, Ms. Bopst and Ms. Bonomo-Thomas provided important information on caps and gowns, etc. You may find all of the information in the Frequently Asked Questions section on our website. Please check here FIRST with any questions before reaching out to the coordinators. You may reach them at Krista_Bopst@hcpss.org and Jeanette_Bonomo-Thomas@hcpss.org

As HCPSS plans for technology needs in the event of virtual instruction, families were asked earlier this week to identify student technology device needs. Due to supply chain shortages and delivery issues, HCPSS does not have a laptop for every student in the school system. The purpose of the survey is simply to understand which students have a personal device available for instructional use in the event of a shift to virtual instruction.

Students with an HCPSS-issued device and who have a personal device available for use may be asked to return their HCPSS device so that it can be issued to students who do not have personal devices. This would only be if we had to shift to virtual learning due to the pandemic. Having this data now will help with our transition plan, and ensure that virtual instruction would be successful.

Please complete this questionnaire to indicate:

• If your child has an HCPSS-issued device and would need that device in the event of virtual instruction, or could return it and have a personal device to use.

• If your child has not been issued a device and would need one in the event of virtual instruction, or have a personal device available to use.

• If your family does not have access to the internet at home.

Details on accessing and completing the questionnaire (Links to an external site.) may be found online.

Finally, today marks the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Schools and offices close on this day, but people must remember that MLK Day is about more than having another day off. The day has come to be recognized as a day of service nationwide, so take these 24 hours to do something that honors King’s values and his revolutionary place in American history. It is a day of service, after all — but make sure that giving back to the community doesn’t begin and end with January 17th. If you are able to go out and give your time by cleaning up neighborhoods, serving at a soup kitchen, or just spending time with members of a community in need, then start by searching for volunteer opportunities near you.

Wishing everyone a fantastic upcoming week!

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

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)

7:25am – 7:55am Period 1

8:00am – 8:30am Period 2

8:35am – 9:10am Period 3

9:10am – 9:25am Brunch

9:30am – 10:00am Period 4

10:05am – 10:35am Period 5

10:40am – 11:10am Period 6

A VIRTUAL EVENING FOR PARENTS ABOUT THE SAT & ACT

Presented in Partnership with AHS PTSA

So many questions surrounding the college application process. The Answer Class has the answers for you! You’ll feel supported and more confidently able to assist your student after this session!

Mon., Jan. 24 @ 7:00 pm ww Online

This complimentary session includes:

• An explanation of test optional colleges and what this means for your student

• Differences between SAT & ACT

• Helping your student decide which test better matches their strengths

• Question and Answer period

Join Us!

https://tinyurl.com/3a5jb6cy

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.

January 19 -- School Closes 3hrs Early

January 20 & 21 -- School Closes 3hrs Early

January 24 -- School Closed (Teacher Workday)

Click Below for Boosters' Organization News

PTSA

Athletic Boosters

Drama Boosters

JROTC Boosters

Music Boosters

Technology Boosters

Email: Robert_Motley@hcpss.org
Website: www.ahs.hcpss.org
Location: 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 313-7065