Raider Nation Newsletter

Week of November 16, 2020

American Education Week!

Dear Atholton Families,

This past week we celebrated Veteran’s Day. I hope you took the time to reflect and respect our brave men and women for what they have done for our nation in times of peace and in times of war. From the Army to the Air Force, the Navy, and Marines, and to those in other service areas as well, we have these courageous people who renounce their own safety for the protection of our freedom and let us live in peace. I thank them all for their service and I hope you had the opportunity to recognize and thank a veteran!

This week is American Education Week! We are celebrating American Education Week from November 16–20, 2020. Every year we look forward to honoring public education and the many individuals who make a difference in ensuring that every student receives a quality education.

American Education Week is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our collaboration and partnership with families. This year, during this time of virtual learning, unfortunately, we will not be able to hold all of our traditional American Education Week activities.

We also want to invite you to join our classroom Google Meet sessions to see our incredible teachers and students in action. To ensure student safety, please understand that outside email addresses will not be allowed into Google Meet sessions. Parents/guardians should sit with their children and use their HCPSS email account to log into Google Meet sessions. In addition, we ask that all parents/guardians adhere to these Google Meet privacy guidelines:

Do not video record, audio record, photograph, live stream or transmit in any other way any part of a Google Meet, including not posting on any social media platform.
Any confidential or personally identifiable information related to students participating during Google Meets should not be collected, discussed, or shared.

During this incredibly unusual and often stressful school year, it is even more important that we celebrate the team of people at our schools, including our teachers, administrative and support staff, food and nutrition employees and so many more. At the same time, our families are working closely with us to ensure our students succeed with virtual learning.

As part of American Education Week, Wednesday, Nov. 18 is Educational Support Personnel Day (ESP). ESP staff includes secretaries, health room staff, paraeducators, custodians, and food service staff. We are encouraging families to email a message of thanks to the Atholton High School ESP staff. You can locate all ESP staff emails here.

We look forward to our families getting involved in the spirit of the week. Together, we can move forward in empowering each of our students to achieve and thrive.

Tomorrow was due to be the start of winter sports in-person athletic conditioning. Unfortunately, this has now been canceled due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. Please see the information below.

Lastly, first-quarter grades are officially released tomorrow. Please be sure to review grades on Synergy and reach out to our teachers with any questions you may have. The registration period for conferences opened on Friday. Please log on to schedule a parent/teacher conference to discuss your child’s progress. Conferences will take place next week.

Have a fantastic week!

Warmest Regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

WINTER ATHLETICS INFORMATION

In-Person Athletic Conditioning CANCELED

Due to the recent rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases in Howard County, and in consultation with the Howard County Health Department (HCHD), in-person athletic conditioning, previously scheduled to begin on Monday, November 16, is canceled.

HCPSS will now focus efforts on preparing for a safe and successful start to the winter athletic season beginning on December 7, and in accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) plan for reopening high school interscholastic athletics. While there will be no in-person conditioning opportunities at this time, coaches may continue to engage student-athletes virtually. HCPSS will continue to monitor metrics related to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide regular updates should the rising cases impact the December 7, 2020 scheduled start.

Please know that we take the safety and well-being of all of our students, staff, and families very seriously, and hope that you are staying safe during this difficult time. Please visit the HCHD website for information related to the COVID-19 virus and how to remain safe.

Support Our Fundraisers!!

Athletics

The athletic boosters are having their annual Sherwood Forest Holiday Sale.

Please visit:

https://atholtonboosters.org/spiritwear-blowout-sale/ for more details.

Music

The Atholton Music Department will be selling Cookbooks & Spirit Wear. We have scheduled three dates/times/locations so you can purchase these items and support the music department.

Date/Time/Location

Sat 11/14 from 2 to 4pm @ 7129 Crabbury Ct., Clarksville
Thur 11/19 from 4 to 6pm @ 10309 Pimlico Place, Laurel (rain date: Sat 11/21 from 10am to Noon)
Tues 11/24 from 4:30 to 6:30 @ Corner Stable - 8630 Guilford Rd, Columbia (this is during our Take-Out-Tues Fundraiser! Order your dinner and Music Boosters will recieve15% of the sales)

Bring Cash or Check: Long Sleeve Shirt: $10 Hoodie: $20 Sweatpants: $15 Beanies: $10