
The Raider Nation Newsletter
News from Principal Novak: February 24, 2025
Responding to the Incident at the Columbia Mall
Dear Atholton Community,
Like you, I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic events at Columbia Mall this past weekend. As a principal and a father, it was horrible to hear about the senseless violence that changed three young people's lives (and their families' lives) forever.
I want to echo Superintendent Barnes' message about support for any student who needs somebody to speak with about this event. If your child knew any of the students involved in the shooting or are just struggling with the news, please don't hesitate to reach out to their counselor. The HCPSS Mental Health and Wellness page has many links to resources for support, but we are also here to help. As a reminder, the alphabetic assignments are listed below:
Last Names A-C: Phil Cohen
Last Names D-Hn: Dana Meledick
Last Names Ho-Md: Melissa Cheadle
Last Names Me-Sb: Erin O'Connor-Rudman
Last Names Sc-Z: Kelly Warner
Sincerely,
Nick Novak
Principal
Important Information
Drama Recycling Closed & Spongebob the Musical
Hello Raiders! AHS Drama Recycling collection is now CLOSED. Thank you for all of your donations, and come see Spongebob the Musical March 13,14, 15 @7pm! Tickets are now onsale at https://hcpss.booktix.com/
West African Student Union Potluck Dinner
Get your ticket for WASU's Black History Month Potluck on Thursday February 27th. The potluck will include food, music, and fellowship from 4:30- 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the door and online (OSP).
HCPSS Military Night
HCPSS Military Information Night- March 5th from 6-8pm at Howard High School Representatives on-site for the Military Academies, ROTC, and enlistment for all branches. Additionally, there will be a panel discussion from the Academies and ROTC programs as well as an HCPSS Alumni Panel. Students and families in grades 7-12 are invited to attend.
HCPSS HBCU College Fair
HCPSS HBCU College Fair- March 15th 9am-2pm at Guilford Park High School Students and families in grades 9-12 are invited to attend the countywide HBCU College Fair. They will have activities, workshops, information sessions, on site admissions, and more.
HCPSS SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FAIR
Saturday, March 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cedar Lane School
11630 Scaggsville Road
Fulton, MD
The HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair provides families with information available from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services (those who have an IEP or IFSP). Get connected to:
For information, please contact FSRC@hcpss.org. Registration is not required. The event will be cancelled if HCPSS has an inclement weather closure. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
Important Information-Reposted
Senior Information-5 Days Left to Order Caps & Gowns
Attention Seniors! Make sure to complete all of these items below.
Graduation:
- Order your cap and gown through this linkLinks to an external site. by March 1st
Senior Activity:
- Senior Trip to Hershey Park Interest Form- fill out this linkLinks to an external site.
Please address any questions to Mrs. DeFilippo, Mrs. Jesneck, Sgt. Gordiano
Raider Roast 2025
Are you ready to mix and mingle with folks from Raider Nation (and raise money for the Athletics & Activities Boosters)? Check out the flier below and get your tickets to the Raider Roast on the Boosters website: https://www.atholtonboosters.org/
Upcoming Events
Please mark your calendars for these important dates and check out the full school calendar on our website:
2/24 PTSA Meeting
2/25 Winter Sports Awards Ceremony
2/27 Black History Month Assembly
3/1 Cap & Gown Order Deadline
3/5 HCPSS Military Info Night