The Raider Nation Newsletter

Dear Atholton Community,

Homecoming is over, but what a fantastic time it was. The hallways were decorated so well and the senior class deservedly finished their career as four-time hallway decorating champs. The outfits for Spirit Week were fantastic to see, especially for costume day and decades day (you definitely feel old when what you wore in high school becomes a throwback spirit day outfit). Our pep rally was such a hype up moment for students and staff on Friday afternoon. The breakfast was delicious, the game was a close contest, and students seemed to enjoy themselves at the dance. However, my favorite event had to be the parade.

Maybe it was because the parade got canceled last year due to inclement weather, but this Saturday's event was amazing. There was so much energy from the students and the spectators and the weather was beautiful. We had students, staff, community participants, future Raiders, and more all making the event a true Raider Nation celebration. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Can't wait to start planning for next year! But until then, let's bring that same level of enthusiasm to whatever event you attend this year.

Thanks to everyone who made this year's Homecoming a huge success. We couldn't have done it without you. Go Raiders!

Sincerely,

Nick Novak

Principal

Senior Families! We don't have a graduation date yet or a window of time, but we know that graduation will be happening for the class of 2025 this Spring. We do know though that it is time to begin ordering your graduation regalia from our official provider--Josten's! Information regarding packages, pricing, and ordering can be found in the link below.

Josten's Atholton HS Graduation Ordering Link

Demand for the Atholton HS food pantry is growing and we need to make sure our inventory can keep up with the demand. Please consider purchasing items from our wish list below to help out. The food gets delivered directly to AHS, so you don't have to drop it off yourself. Here's the link to purchase through Amazon:

Food Pantry Wish List

The HCPSS Food and Nutrition Service is holding their 1st Regional Food Taste Test Event at the Guilford Park High School cafeteria on November 14 from 6:00-7:00 pm The food taste test is an exciting opportunity for parents and students to try new and currently prepared foods and share their opinions. This event is an authentic method to engage our school community to support and celebrate the value of being willing to try healthy school meals. In addition to tasting samples of food, the event will also be an opportunity to provide participants with relevant information and literature about school food service. Participants are asked to register for the event by November 7 at https://forms.gle/Fypx58DtXWf5vhA7A since capacity is limited to a maximum of 450 persons. Please contact Brian Ralph, Director of Food and Nutrition Service if you have additional questions.

The flyer below includes important details about a free food giveaway happening the week of Thanksgiving. Please take advantage of this opportunity if you need it or pass it in to someone who does. Thanks.

Thanks to the parents who have helped with our Open Gym already. It's a big help having some additional support in the main gym. We have some additional dates to sign up for if you're free for 30 minutes-2 hours. Whatever time you can provide is greatly appreciated! Sign up to help here.

Our late to school line has been growing lately, so I wanted to remind folks to get your students on the bus when possible (ALL buses get here by 7:40am each morning) or get in the drop off lane by that time. 7:30-7:45am is the sweet spot to aim for to ensure your student isn't marked late. We will be cracking down on students who are late to school and they will be receiving consequences including lunch detention, after school detention, Friday School, and suspension of parking permit (for student drivers). Thanks for helping ensure your student is on time and ready to learn!

On Oct. 17, 2024, HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes announced the establishment of an active external school safety and security advisory workgroup made up of students, staff members, parents, police, county officials, and other community members to deeply explore the issue of school safety and make recommendations to the Superintendent and the Board of Education. He charged the advisory group to consider every possibility and put any possible solution on the table in accelerated fashion.

Anyone who is interested in serving on this advisory workgroup should complete the online interest form by Nov. 1, 2024. A collection of stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and experiences will be selected from those who apply.

All of the October 18th senior picture dates have been booked, so we have added more dates: December 9-10, 2024 and January 7, 2025. All three days will have appointments from 2:45pm-8pm in the senior cafeteria. Make your appointment here: https://seniors.legacystudios.com/atholton-hs-columbia-md/

If your student is planning to tryout for a Winter sport, please make sure your forms are submitted on HCPSS Connect by November 12th. All the info you need to complete the process is on our athletics webpage.

Free Online Parenting Classes (Open to HoCo grandparents too) - HC DrugFree offers an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that helps parents, guardians and/or grandparents develop stronger relationships with their kids, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors. These classes are for families with children 9-14 years old (slightly younger and older may register and will be considered) and held on Zoom on November 12, 15, 19, 22, and December 3 from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. For more information and to register, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/currentevents/

Medication and Sharps Disposal Take Back Day - HC DrugFree will host another convenient drive-thru medication and sharps collection on Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot (near the CA Swim Center). Bring unwanted and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medication, “sharps” (needles, syringes, and EpiPens), vapes without the batteries, inhalers, and more. Medication will be guarded and transported by the Howard County Police and DEA. For more information and to volunteer, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/currentevents/

Teen Advisory Council - The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) receives Community Service Hours for providing the youth perspective to HC DrugFree's staff and Board of Directors. Youth input increases the effectiveness of HC DrugFree's educational programs, newsletters, website and other services. TAC is open to Howard County students in grades 8 through 12 (public, private and homeschool) who meet monthly during the school year to discuss teen use of alcohol and other drugs and to develop educational messages that promote a vision of a county where youth are drug-free by choice. For more information and to register, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/currentevents/

10/29 Open Gym During Lunch

10/30 End of 1st Marking Period

10/31 No School for Students

11/5 Election Day- Schools & Offices Closed

11/6 Choir Cluster Concert

11/8 Report Cards Viewable in Synergy

11/11 Evacuation Drill-5th Period

11/12 Athletics & Activities Boosters Meeting

Atholton PTSA

Atholton PBSA

Atholton Boosters

Atholton Drama Boosters

Atholton JROTC Boosters

Atholton Music Boosters

Atholton Robotics Boosters