Monthly Newsletter
October 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
Donielle Chase-Mercer| PPW | Donielle_Chase-Mercer@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
Counselors met with seniors on Thursday, September 12th and Friday, September 13th about post-high school planning. Steps necessary to request letters of recommendations and transcripts was reviewed. The presentation is available in the Atholton HIgh School Student Resources Canvas page. Please select "Student Services" and then then "12th Grade" to access the presentation.
The Senior College Evening Presentation is located HERE
Transcript information
Unofficial Transcripts Available for View!
Unofficial transcripts for all seniors have been posted to Synergy. All seniors should review their transcripts for accuracy and let us know of any issues as soon as possible. Feel free to print your unofficial transcript directly from Synergy if you need it for any purpose.
What About Official Transcripts?
If you need your official transcript for college applications please enter the colleges in either Common App (if you are applying using the Common App) or Naviance (for non-Common App Schools).
If you need your official transcript for any other reason (scholarship applications, personal use, internships, etc) please complete this request form.
Juniors
11th grade lessons will be held on Oct. 10th and 11th and will focus on helping students identify resources to make informed career and post high school educational decisions to plan for the future. Stay tuned for more information throughout the year.
Sophomores
Freshman
SAT and ACT Test Dates and Information
College and Career Visits
Please sign up in Naviance under College Visits.
Scheduled College Visits as of 10/1/2024
Learn about Apprenticeship Opportunities Tue October 1, 2024 9:00 AM
Davidson College Tue October 1, 2024 10:30 AM
Shenandoah University Tue October 1, 2024 11:00 AM
Pennsylvania Western University Tue October 1, 2024 11:30 AM
University of the District of Columbia Tue October 1, 2024 12:30 PM
Coppin State University Wed October 2, 2024 10:15 AM
Salisbury University Wed October 2, 2024 12:10 PM
Wilson College Wed October 2, 2024 12:40 PM
Notre Dame of Maryland University Fri October 4, 2024 9:00 AM
The Catholic University of America Fri October 4, 2024 11:00 AM
HCC JumpStart Informational Session Mon October 7, 2024 9:00 AM
Spelman College Tue October 8, 2024 9:30 AM
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Tue October 8, 2024 10:00 AM
American University Tue October 8, 2024 11:00 AM
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Tue October 8, 2024 12:00 PM
Rochester Institute of Technology Wed October 9, 2024 10:15 AM
University of Rochester Wed October 9, 2024 10:40 AM
Mount St. Mary's University Wed October 9, 2024 11:40 AM
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Wed October 9, 2024 12:10 PM
Drexel University Wed October 9, 2024 12:40 PM
Wilson College Thu October 10, 2024 12:00 PM
St. Mary's College of Maryland Fri October 11, 2024 1:00 PM
The George Washington University Fri October 11, 2024 1:15 PM
Washington College Mon October 14, 2024 12:00 PM
Roger Williams University Mon October 14, 2024 1:00 PM
Florida Institute of Technology Tue October 15, 2024 8:30 AM
Washington and Lee University Tue October 15, 2024 10:30 AM
Learn about Career and Technology High School Programs Tue October 15, 2024 11:00 AM
University of Connecticut Tue October 15, 2024 11:30 AM
Gettysburg College Tue October 15, 2024 12:00 PM
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Thu October 17, 2024 11:30 AM
High Point University Thu October 17, 2024 12:30 PM
University of Scranton Thu October 17, 2024 1:00 PM
Careers in the Armed Forces Tue October 22, 2024 10:00 AM
William & Mary Wed October 23, 2024 11:40 AM
Columbia University in the City of New York Thu October 24, 2024 8:30 AM
Vanderbilt University Thu October 24, 2024 12:30 PM
York College of Pennsylvania Mon October 28, 2024 10:00 AM
Hood College Mon October 28, 2024 1:00 PM
Pace University Wed October 30, 2024 8:30 AM
Dickinson College Wed October 30, 2024 11:40 AM
Marymount University Mon November 4, 2024 1:00 PM
Marymount University Mon November 4, 2024 1:00 PM
University of Utah Wed November 6, 2024 11:40 AM
Explore Careers Trades Fri November 8, 2024 11:15 AM
University of New Haven Mon November 11, 2024 10:30 AM
Learn about Career and Technology High School Programs Tue November 12, 2024 9:00 AM
Learn about Career and Technology High School Programs Tue November 12, 2024 9:00 AM
Learn about Apprenticeship Opportunities Mon November 18, 2024 1:45 PM
Learn about Apprenticeship Opportunities Mon November 18, 2024 1:45 PM
HCC JumpStart Informational Session Tue November 19, 2024 8:30 AM
HCC JumpStart Informational Session Tue November 19, 2024 8:30 AM
University of the District of Columbia Thu November 21, 2024 12:30 PM
College and Career Readiness Information:
Student and Family CCR Weekly
-Follow us on Instagram: HCPSS_CCR
-Subscribe to our Google calendar for all postsecondary events
-Visit our scholarship document
-Visit our enrichment program document
-Attend our March2Future Sessions
Please read the CCR weekly newsletter. Our newsletter shares all upcoming postsecondary events as well as relevant information and resources on navigating postsecondary exploration.
Volunteer Opportunities
Event Name: Halloween Spook-tacular
Date: October 25 th, 2024 Event Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm, volunteer time- 4:30 PM-8:30 PM
Location: Merriweather District, 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044
Responsibilities: Assisting with set up and clean up, handing out candy to children, directing parents/children throughout park, greeters, manning craft stations, other responsibilities as needed Registration deadline: 10/18 or as soon as slots are filled
Register directly with Event Coordinator, phone, email: Cathy Smith, cathyvsmith@outlook.com cell: 410-302-4662
Learn about Invasive Species and Native Plants
Earn (2) hours of Service hours, while being outdoors! Volunteer to pull invasive species and replace them with native plants along River Hill pathways as part of River Hill Community Association and Columbia Association’s Pull and Plant program. Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Columbia Gym: 6151 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029 Register: Events@villageofriverhill.org or call 410-531-1749.
School Based Mental Health (SBMH)
School Supplies
Moving?
If your family is planning to move it is important that you update your address with the Student Services Office. Please contact Ms. Sultan, Registrar, for more information about what is needed to keep your file accurate.
Tutoring Opportunities
Atholton's Beyond School Hours (BSH) After-School Academic Support Program
The Academic Intervention program will provide invited students an opportunity to receive additional time (in-person ONLY) after school most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (2:45pm to 4:00pm) for support in completing classwork, homework, or studying for upcoming tests or quizzes as well as learn key concepts that they are learning both in Math and English. One or two educators will be on hand to provide support. Sign UP
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
Unity Day
As we celebrate Unity Day this month, our focus is on promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion throughout our school community. Unity Day is a special opportunity for us to stand together against bullying and unite to create a world where everyone feels respected and valued.
What is Unity Day?
Unity Day, recognized annually in October, is a national event designed to promote an inclusive environment, where bullying is not tolerated. It's a time to wear orange and spread messages of kindness and acceptance to ensure that no student feels alone or excluded.
Why Kindness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Matter
In our daily interactions, it's easy to forget how impactful small acts of kindness can be. Whether it's offering a smile, including someone in a group, or lending a helping hand, these gestures make our school a more positive and welcoming place.
- Kindness: A simple act of kindness can change someone’s day. It shows compassion and creates connections between us all.
- Acceptance: We all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Embracing each other’s differences is key to building a supportive community.
- Inclusion: No one should feel left out. By making an effort to include others, we can ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging and is appreciated for who they are.
Ways to Get Involved
Here are a few ways students and families can help foster unity at school and beyond:
- Wear Orange on Unity Day: Show your support by wearing orange on Unity Day to stand together for kindness, inclusion, and anti-bullying efforts.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Challenge yourself to perform random acts of kindness throughout the week—whether it's complimenting someone, helping a peer, or just offering a friendly hello.
- Get to Know Someone New: Step out of your comfort zone and talk to someone you haven’t met before. Learning about someone else’s experiences broadens our understanding and strengthens our community.
- Spread Positive Messages: Decorate school hallways or social media feeds with positive messages, reminding everyone that our school is a place where kindness and inclusion thrive.
Let’s make this Unity Day a powerful reminder that together, we can create a more positive, inclusive, and kind school environment. Thank you for helping to make our school a place where everyone belongs!
If you ever need support:
As always, your school counselors are here to help. Whether you’re struggling with a difficult
Together, let’s make every day a Unity Day!