The Raider Nation Newsletter
News from Principal Novak: December 16, 2024
New Year's Resolutions
Dear Atholton Community,
We are four school days away from Winter Break and the end of 2024. I shared an article with staff recently about students making New Year's Resolutions and thought it would be good for you to see it too. It definitely takes a village and the more folks having our students reflect on these questions, the better. In your conversations with your student this Winter Break, whether it's on the ski slopes, a tropical beach, or the comfy couch of your Columbia home, try asking one of these questions:
1. What are your resolutions for this new year?
2. Why is it important to make new year’s resolutions?
3. What was the best thing that happened to you this past year?
4. What are you most looking forward to this new year?
5. This year will be a year of…
6. In what ways were your kind to your friends, family, and teachers this past year?
7. What can you do this new year to be a good friend?
8. What can you do this new year to show gratitude for your friends, family, and teachers?
9. This new year, I’m grateful for…
10. This new year, I can’t wait to…
11. What new adventures would you like to go on this year?
12. Can you describe your most memorable new year?
13. Why is the new year important to you?
14. Have you made a new year’s resolution before? What was it?
15. What can you do to make this new year even more special than last?
16. Before this year ends, I will…
17. The best book I read last year was ________ because…
18. The book I’m most looking forward to reading this year is ________ because…
19. This new year, I can’t wait to learn about…
20. This new year, I hope I’m able to…
21. What will you need to do to achieve your goals and keep your resolutions in the new year?
22. How can your classmates and teachers help you achieve your goals and resolutions?
23. How can you help your classmates and teachers achieve their goals and resolutions?
24. In what ways can you practice empathy this year?
25. Describe a time when you helped a classmate or teacher. How did you feel afterward?
26. What was the most fun part of the year in school for you?
27. What are you most excited to do in school next year?
28. What can you do next year to be helpful at home and at school?
29. What was the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year?
I hope everyone has a fantastic Winter Break. Happy Holidays if you are celebrating over break and happiest of New Year's! See you in 2025! Go Raiders!
Sincerely,
Nick Novak
Principal
Important Information
SGA Winter Spirit Week
Just in case you need to help your student figure out what they're supposed to wear (feel free to play along at home and really mess with them).
Course Scheduling Information
The 2025 – 2026 course registration window opened today, Monday, December 16th. Students will receive detailed information during a Raider Time Lesson on Wednesday, December 18th and January 8th. The course registration process is completed online through your student’s Synergy account. (Video Instructions) All students must request 7 CREDITS and 3 alternate CREDITS for next school year. The window for course requests closes on January 14th, 2025.
At this point, review the courses your teachers recommended and begin to think about classes you want to request. We suggest waiting to enter courses in Synergy until after the January 8th Raider Time Lesson. Students and families should work on selecting classes that support your personal and after graduation goals. Below are upcoming important dates to put on your calendar and resources to review. More information and the Raider Time scheduling presentations will be on December 18th AND January 8th.
Important Dates:
December 16, 2024 - January 14, 2025: Students enter courses requests in Synergy
December 18, 2024: Raider Time Course Registration Lesson
January 7, 2025: Scheduling Information Night 6 – 8pm (Snow Date: January 9th)
January 8, 2025: Raider Time AHS Scheduling Lesson
January 8, 2025: Electives Course Spotlight
Resources:
AHS Scheduling Information (Live Document; Additional information/resources added throughout the scheduling season)
Quick Start: Course Registration Flier
Is Your College-Bound Student Prepared for the SAT + College Admissions Process?
SAT Boot Camps at Atholton HS - JUST $199
M/W Jan. 13 & 15 from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (in person)
T/Th Feb. 18 & 20 from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (in person)
Sun., March 2 from 9 am - 1 pm + M/W March 3 & 5 from 7 pm - 9 pm (virtual)
These prep classes will prepare students for March 8, May 3, and June 7 SATs, and include:
- Taking a Practice Digital SAT Under Simulated Conditions
- How to Use the Bluebook App and its Tools to the Student's Advantage
- Understanding the Test and Its Adaptive Framework
- Strategies for ALL Sections of the Test
- Tips on Guessing, Timing, Scoring, and Confidence-Boosting
In addition to SAT prep, The Answer Class offers affordable & comprehensive support for the entire college admissions process. For 20+ years, we've brought joy, ease, and affordability to a complicated and stressful process, and we're here for your family, too!
Visit www.theanswerclass.com to view the full class schedule and to register your student. A percentage of student tuition is donated to AHS PTSA!
*when you register at least one week ahead of your course.
Important Information-Reposted
Information Night- GT Advanced Research Program and AP Seminar (New Course)
Hello Atholton Families,
The Gifted and Talented Advanced Research Program will be offering three courses for the 2025-2026 school year- AP Seminar(for the first time), GT Independent Research, and GT Intern/Mentor. Please join Ms. Chaudhry for a virtual information session on Wednesday December 18 @ 7 PM. The session should last about 30 minutes.
Google Meet Code:
https://meet.google.com/imt-yhks-wzdLinks to an external site.
--Mrs. Chaudhry
Junior Night
Hey Class of 2026! The Junior class is hosting Winter Night on Thursday, December 19th, from 6-8pm in the cafeteria with fun activities like a movie, crafts, service hour opportunities, and snacks! Tickets can be purchased through the QR codes around the school and in person during lunch starting the 16th. See you there!
Support the Homewood Center Students
We would like to invite you to support Homewood’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Treasure Sale. Please consider donating and sharing with others too. Did you know that there are three different educational programs including three high schools and two middle schools all under one roof at Homewood Center? If you are curious about Homewood Center, reach out. We are happy share more about our community school. For questions about the Treasure Sale contact Suzi Young at suzi_young@hcpss.org. Check out the short video about the Treasure Sale and wish lists created by students based on gifts they would like to be able to give their loved ones.
Upcoming Events
Please mark your calendars for these important dates and check out the full school calendar on our website:
12/16 PTSA Meeting
12/17 Choir Concert
12/20 Winter Pep Rally
12/21-1/1 Winter Break
1/7 Scheduling Information Night