Monthly Newsletter
May 2024
School Counselors:
Phillip Cohen | Last names A-C | Phillip_Cohen@hcpss.org
Dana Meledick | Instructional Team Leader | Last names D-H | Dana_Meledick@hcpss.org
Erin O'Connor Rudman | Last names Me-Sb | Erin_Oconnor_Rudman@hcpss.org
Melissa Cheadle | Last names Ho-Md | Melissa_Cheadle@hcpss.org
Kelly Warner | Last names Sc-Z | Kelly_Warner@hcpss.org
Student Services Staff:
John Henderson | College and Career Readiness Counselor (CCR) | John_Henderson@hcpss.org
Kevin Lee | PPW | Kevin_Lee@hcpss.org
Amanda Ganoe I School Social Worker I Amanda_Ganoe@hcpss.org
Katrina Montgomery | Data Clerk | Katrina_Montgomery@hcpss.org
Jennifer Nelson | Registrar | Jennifer_Nelson@hcpss.org
Mike O'Shaughnessy | School Psychologist | Moshaughnessy@hcpss.org
Allison Sultan | Registrar | Allison_Sultan@hcpss.org
Anne Handy | Student Services Secretary | AHandy@hcpss.org
Mark Sturdivant I Black Student Achievement Program Liaison I Mark_Sturdivant@hcpss.org
Jessie Moore I Alternative Education I Jessie Moore@hcpss.org
Justin Riggin I Alternative Education I Justin_Riggin@hcpss.org
Important Dates
Information by Grade Level
🎓 Seniors
- Be on the lookout for an opportunity to highlight your plans for after high school! Student Services will be sending out more information to celebrate the stars we have at Atholton! ✰
- For students that have last minute questions before submitting their applications, remember to visit the senior folder for FAQ. The FAQ provides specific information about your school AND general information about the application process. Congratulations and good luck to all our seniors applying to college.
- FAFSA 2024-2025 Changes: Visit studentaid.gov for the most up to date information. Check out this article for the most significant changes to the FAFSA. Additionally, there are several webinars and upcoming information sessions linked here. We highly recommend attending multiple sessions to gain a greater understanding of the process.
- Important Graduation Survey: This survey is mandatory for everyone in the Class of 2024. This survey will let us know where you need to send your final transcript. Counselors will visit English classes and provide time for students to take the survey. However, students CAN choose to take this survey independently. The survey takes less than 20 minutes, and the directions walk you through each step.
Juniors
The Junior Interview Clinic was held on April 11th and 12th. Our community members had such wonderful things to say about our students. Congrats on a fabulous job!
During our lesson in April, we reviewed next steps for junior year. As a reminder, we will need the Pink Waiver Form completed and turned in by all students the end of the school year. We will be visiting the classrooms again in early June to share detailed information about preparing for post-secondary plans.
HCPSS Summer Programs
2024 Summer Programs Registration is open!
Synergy online enrollment requests for currently enrolled HCPSS students is open for Innovative Pathways Summer High School, STARTALK Chinese Language Summer Camp, and Summer Math Scholars programs.
Families can find up-to-date course information and enrollment directions on the Summer Programs web page (https://www.hcpss.org/summer-programs/). Direct questions to the individual program office.
HCC JumpStart Information
HCC will be hosting Collaborative Hours during the Spring, and Summer dates are being added. In addition, HCC has updated their most recent advising hours and procedures. See below for details.
How to Access JumpStart Application & Registration Support:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iC91iy47Fgd8bcoVGpsfQFfRhCvbZqt7jPpFvc_kip0/edit?usp=sharing
How to Access Advising at Howard Community College:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Tm-tLWMWhXFQEY5jNCizGqkY30KgCpc/view?usp=sharing
Collaborative Hour & Other Upcoming Support Dates (updated regularly):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GpOyvCw1o-jywT9-kmNN1xoEUiJ3694oF6_oj45q67I/edit?usp=sharing
Supporting Mental Health and Wellness
HCPSS promotes the mental health and wellness of each of our students to develop their unique strengths, abilities, and characteristics towards success and well-being. Staff consider the variety of factors that impact a student’s functioning such as age, cultural background, social emotional skills, academic outcomes, and access to resources.
Learn more about the HCPSS Model for Mental Health Supports in Schools
SEEKING IMMEDIATE HELP
If you or someone you know is having suicidal or thoughts of self-harm, or has taken/ingested drugs or alcohol and is in danger of overdose:
- Call 911
- Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line
- Seek immediate help from a health care provider
BEHAVIORAL/MENTAL HEALTH
Parents/guardians, family members or friends who are concerned about a child/student’s safety, well-being or health should reach out to their school administrator and/or student support team.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
HCPSS provides substance abuse prevention and intervention services for any students in need, and specifically around tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUPPORTS & RESOURCES
TRAUMATIC EVENTS
HCPSS has student services teams in every school available to support the social-emotional wellbeing of children every school day. During times of increased stress caused by traumatic events occurring close to home or viewed on the news, there is an increase of required services. Our schools are equipped with the resources to support children during the school day, and we want to make sure parents and community members have resources to speak to children outside of school hours.
In addition to the Crisis Supports and Resources, parents/guardians and family members may find these resources helpful:
HCPSS STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Psychological Services
School psychologists provide strategies and recommendations to assist with student interventions.
School Counseling
Counselors follow a set curriculum to help all students with their personal, social, and academic development.
School Culture and Climate
HCPSS has a strong commitment to teaching students, families, and staff about bullying prevention and providing students with a safe learning environment.
School Social Work
School social workers provide mental health services and facilitate connections between home, school, and community supports to promote students’ academic achievement.
SAT and ACT Test Dates and Information
College and Career Readiness Information:
Upcoming Events:
For more information and links to register, visit our postsecondary Google calendar.
April 30 6:45pm *Prepare For Takeoff: Destination 225° Job Chat With Southwest Airlines Employees Focusing on the Career of a Pilot
April 30 7pm *Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Present:s Financial Aid 101
April 30 7pm *Let’s Talk Direct Admissions by Niche
May 1 4pm *HCC Freshman Focus Registration Night
May 4 All Day *National Cryptologic Foundation hosts Cyber Saturday at HCC
May 8 6:30pm *NCAA Initial Eligibility for College-Bound Student Athletes
May 8 7pm *Sallie Mae Presents: Options to pay your remaining balance
May 8 7pm *JHU Presents: Application Workshop Personal Statement
May 12 2:30pm *Six Colleges in Baltimore - Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Pomona, Swarthmore, and Williams Information Session at Randallstown Community Center
Johns Hopkins University invites you to attend our Excel Youth Conference on Saturday, June 8th—a free, one-day event for high school students and families from the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas. This is a chance for talented students in our community and their families and support systems to learn how to successfully navigate the college search and application process. Register here.
For a complete list of enrichment, academic, employment and internship programs, click here.
The Answer Class: Be prepared for the May 4th & June 1st SATs -- without breaking the bank!
Affordable preparatory options are in YOUR neck of the woods -- at the University of Maryland, in MoCo, HoCo, Anne Arundel County, AND as always, live online.
Teenagers Decoded: Brennan Barnard, College Guidance Network, interviews Lisa Damour, author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. Lisa Damour explains why teens do what they do, when parents should be concerned, and what we can do to support their healthy development. This was an excellent webinar that shared fantastic nuggets of advice for parents of teenagers. If you are a parent of a teenager, I highly recommend listening. Throw it on while you are driving! You won’t be disappointed.
School Supplies
Planning a Summertime Move? Need to Update your Address?
If you have moved or are planning to move please let us know as soon as possible so that we can assist with updating your family's information.
For families moving out of Howard County: you will need to complete a withdrawal form and return it via email to the registrar. Once this form is received we will be able to put together a packet of information and necessary documents for you to bring to your child’s new school.
For families who are changing addresses within Howard County: after you have moved, please complete a Change of Address form and provide your new lease/deed and a utility bill so that we can update your address in our system. If your address change results in a change of school we will assist in transferring your child’s records to their new school.
If you have any questions please contact Allison Sultan, Registrar, at allison_sultan@hcpss.org or 410.313.7068.
Tutoring Opportunities
Atholton's Beyond School Hours (BSH) After-School Academic Support Program
There are support sessions available for the four main content areas in the media center from 3:00-5:00 PM.
· Students with IEPS: Homework club every Tuesday and Thursday
· Math Support: Every Tuesday and Thursday
· English, social studies and science are only on Thursday.
For more information, please contact Imani Hinson (Imani_Hinson@hcpss.org) or Emily DeFilippo (Emily_DeFilippo@hcpss.org)
Online Homework Assistance – Howard County Library
http://hclibrary.org/new-a-main/get-homework-help/
In addition to receiving guidance from HCLS staff, students (K-12) and college-age adults can connect with free tutors for assistance with math, reading, science, social studies, English/language arts, and writing. Both English and Spanish speaking tutors are available seven days a week from 2 pm until 11:55 pm.
HCEA Tutor List
As service to the community, the Howard County Education Association maintains a list of educators willing to tutor. If you are interested in hiring an HCPSS teacher to provide tutoring, please pick up a list of these tutors from the AHS Student Services office.
Canvas Observer Directions
Importance of Keeping Active
Physical fitness isn’t just about staying active; it encompasses a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the gym or sports field.
1. Promotes Healthy Growth and Development: Regular physical activity supports healthy growth and development in youth. It strengthens muscles and bones, improves coordination and balance, and enhances overall physical health. In adolescence, when bodies are undergoing significant changes, engaging in regular exercise helps ensure optimal development.
2. Boosts Mental Well-being: Physical fitness isn’t just about the body; it’s also about the mind. Exercise releases endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good hormones,” which can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Encouraging youth to participate in physical activities can enhance their mood, reduce feelings of stress, and promote overall mental well-being.
3. Enhances Academic Performance: Research suggests a positive correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement. Regular exercise improves cognitive function, memory, and concentration, which can lead to better performance in school. By incorporating physical activity into their routines, students may experience improved focus, productivity, and academic success.
4. Fosters Social Skills and Teamwork: Engaging in sports and physical activities provides opportunities for youth to develop essential social skills and teamwork abilities. Whether playing on a team or participating in group exercises, students learn cooperation, communication, and leadership—skills that are invaluable both inside and outside the classroom.
5. Establishes Healthy Habits for Life: The habits formed during youth often carry into adulthood. By instilling a love for physical activity early on, we equip our youth with the tools they need to lead healthy, active lifestyles throughout their lives. Encouraging regular exercise and making it a priority can have lasting benefits for their long-term health and well-being.