Raider Nation News

Week of January 20, 2020

Midterms and MLK

Dear Atholton Families,

This week is midterms week!

As students begin their midterms, I offer one very important piece of advice: Do not skimp on the sleep! Students might be tempted to pull an all-nighter, but a good night’s sleep is key to their success. Help them have a healthy sleep routine so that they may reap the benefits of a fresh mind on test day.

I want to take a moment and WELCOME our newly redistricted families to our newsletter. This is the first newsletter they are receiving in an attempt to familiarize them with the happenings of Atholton High School. We look forward to welcoming them on January 28 (7pm) at our Welcoming Orientation JUST FOR THEM! We've got some nice things planned. See you there new families!

As we prepare for the spring sports season and beyond, we would love to have input from parents of student athletes on those qualities they would like to see in our coaches. A survey was sent out from our Athletics and Activities Manager, Mr. Senisi. If you did not receive this survey, please reach out to Mr. Senisi at Michael_Senisi@hcpss.org.

The exam schedule is once more included at the bottom of this newsletter. Tomorrow (Tuesday, 1/21/20) is a FULL school day. Students will have their FIRST PERIOD exam. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are early dismissal days with two exams each day.

Next week marks the beginning of our state-mandated testing season. On Tuesday (1/28) and Wednesday (1/29), all JUNIORS will be required to take the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment or MISA. We will post testing groups and times throughout the building so that students are aware exactly when they are testing. Additionally, teachers will review this information with them. The MISA is a culmination assessment of three years of high school science. Your child’s participation in this state assessment is critical as it is a GRADUATION REQUIREMENT. Therefore, attendance is VERY important. We ask that you schedule appointments after the school day to avoid additional make-up exam days. Again, this exam is for ALL JUNIORS. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s guidance counselor, science teacher, or assistant principal, Ms. Veslany (lisa_veslany@hcpss.org).

There is nothing like good competition — especially when it involves Reservoir High School. Today kicks off RIVAL SPIRIT WEEK! Three schools, Atholton, Hammond, and Reservoir will compete to see which school Chick-fil-A will donate 20% of funds raised during this competition. So, starting today (1/20) at 6am until this Friday (1/24) at 12pm, we are asking YOU to head to the Chick-fil-A on Johns Hopkins Road. All you have to do is place your receipt in the AHS ballot box or ask the drive-thru associate to do so. Now here is the best part — the winning school will receive a $1000 check for their Booster Program! The winner will be announced at the AHS vs. Reservoir boys basketball game this Friday at Reservoir. LET’S WIN THIS!! But wait...there’s more! See below for special events taking place this week.

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 20th. 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 week!

Warmly,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

Important Information

Chick-fil-A Competion Details

Social Media Contests!!!

Wednesday: Social Media Contest, the students can come in and take a photo in their schools section with using the hashtag #cfajhrdrivalweek and tag @johnshopkinscfa on Instagram has a chance to win a FREE DESSERT. We will pick 3 winners at random that follows the directions above.

Thursday: Social Media Contest, the students can come in and take a photo in their schools section with using the hashtag #cfajhrdrivalweek and tag @johnshopkinscfa on Instagram has a chance to win a FREE DESSERT. We will pick 3 winners at random that follows the directions above.

Friday : Wear your school COLORS Social Media Contest : the students can come in and take a photo in their schools section with using the hashtag #cfajhrdrivalweek and tag @johnshopkinscfa on Instagram has a chance to win a FREE DESSERT. We will pick 3 winners at random that follows the directions above. THIS ONE THEY MUST WEAR THEIR SCHOOL COLORS IN THE PHOTO. We'll have our team members involved in this as well.