Raider Nation Newsletter

Week of September 19, 2022

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Dear Atholton Families,

Last week (September 15) marked the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month! During this time, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by appreciating the rich history, culture, heritage, and contributions of individuals and their family members who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South- and Central America.

As I have shared with students, we are entering our third week of school. By this point, students should have a clear idea of where their classes are and the expectations we have of them for the school year. This means that they should arrive to school on time and in their first-period class before the bell rings at 7:25 am. It also means that they should consume all of your food and drink (coffee) BEFORE entering the building.

Just as we encourage our students to get involved and participate in the Atholton community, we ask the same of our parents. Whether it be the PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association), PBSA (Parents of Black Students Association), or the various boosters (athletics, JROTC, music, drama), parent involvement is key to the experience of our students. Please get involved!

Please remember that we still need you to update your contact information in Family File. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. All parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year. Parents/guardians can complete Family File by logging in to HCPSS Connect, selecting the More Options tab on the left, and then selecting Family File in the center column.

Lastly, Chromebooks have become an integral part of teacher lessons. Please remind students to charge their devices so they begin their school day with a fully charged Chromebook.

Have a terrific week!

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

Have You Completed...?

Please be sure you complete the following:

Family File -- we need your current emergency contact information. See directions below.
Breakfast / Lunch -- load student account to purchase breakfast and/or lunch.
Join PTSA!! https://atholtonptsa.memberhub.com

Important Information

Free and Reduced Meals Program: Many HCPSS families have been impacted financially by the pandemic and may be eligible now to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program. Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including testing fees, tuition, internet and more. Click here to learn more here is the link for HCPSS Connector to apply.

Family File now available for the 2022-23 school year: Parents can now access and complete the Family File for the 2022-23 school year. Parents must complete the Family File annually to ensure HCPSS has the most current information for each child. Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to verify or update the following information: Student Information, Parent/Guardian Contact, Emergency Contact, Medical Information, Arrival/Dismissal Procedures (for when in-person classes resume), Photo Approval, Data Confidentiality, PTA/PTSA Directory. Here is the link for HCPSS Connect.

Schedule Changes

Below you will find information about our schedule change process for the upcoming 22/23 school year. Please note that we cannot guarantee we will be able to fulfill schedule change requests after the start of the school year. Summer is the best time to request a schedule change. Please contact your counselor to request a schedule change as soon as possible if you have changed your mind about a course you’ve requested.

Starting on the first day of school, the following timeline will be used to prioritize access to courses for graduation requirements, balanced class sizes, and instructional needs. Schedule Change Process on or after the first day of school:

Phase I – August 29 through September 2 :

• Hole in schedule

• Wrong course was scheduled

• Aiding and release time

Phase II – September 6 through September 16

• All phase I reasons

• Elective changes

• Students may only have one round of electives changes (1 form)

• Level changes

• Aiding and release time

Phase III – September 19 through September 23

• All phase I reasons