Raider Nation Newsletter

Week of March 27, 2023

Spring Break Next Week!

Dear Atholton families,

This past week was one of the most exciting of the school year. So much took place that I don’t even know where to begin! Let’s start with last Tuesday…the first “official” day of spring sports competition. There was nice weather and an overall winning day for Atholton athletics. I had the opportunity to see our softball, baseball, and tennis teams start their Howard County seasons off with a win over Hammond! JV girls lacrosse fought hard until the end, just losing out while varsity won against Centennial. It was truly a great day of sports!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of taking in some healthy competition in the robotics arena at Delaney High School in Timonium. Our Space RAIDers did well despite the tough competition. I came sporting the swag the team gave me and cheered them on in two of their matches. A special thank you to the students and parents who were so welcoming! Lastly, yesterday evening, I attended The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee spring musical. What a production! Our students did an amazing job, and I really enjoyed the “audience participation.” This was something new to experience. Congratulations to Ms. Freel on her first Atholton production.

In keeping with the theme of a lot taking place this past week, HCPSS released high school commencement dates! I was thrilled to report that the Class of 2023’s graduation will take place on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 11 am. Now that we have our date, this allows us to back map and plan our senior week. The LAST DAY FOR SENIORS will be TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023. Below you will find a document with all the information regarding senior final exams, etc. I am sure the most pressing question from parents is regarding graduation tickets. I will send a link where families can reserve their tickets. Each student will be allocated TEN tickets. Be on the lookout for the link to reserve your tickets in the next newsletter after the break (April 10).

Due to our 11 am graduation on June 1, school for ALL STUDENTS will close at 10 am on June 1. Please mark your calendars.

HCPSS is hosting a community event called Student Drug Use: A Crisis We Can’t Ignore to engage students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members regarding the substance abuse crisis that is directly impacting our schools and community.

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 28, from 7-9 p.m., at Howard High School (8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City).

Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano will keynote the event, sharing local and national data about student substance use and behavioral health needs that illustrates the frightening realities our youth are facing and how HCPSS is responding to those needs. Following Dr. Martirano’s remarks, attendees will have the opportunity to choose one of several breakout sessions led by HCPSS staff and community health partners.

Visit the HCPSS website for more information about the event. Please note: If you require any language support, please contact the Office of Multilingual Family Services.

Last week marked the beginning of Ramadan. This Islamic holy month is from March 23-April 22. Our Muslim students and colleagues look forward to the spiritual, mental, and physical benefits of the many observances and practices, such as fasting during the daylight hours and attending nightly prayers at the mosque. Atholton is working to identify a space for our Muslim students during the day. Please reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Finally, this week marks the END of the third quarter marking period. Additionally, there is a 3-hour early dismissal (school ends at 11:10 am), and our spring break is next week. School will resume on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. I wish everyone a safe and relaxing break.

Have a fantastic week and break!

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

Class of 2023 Information

Senior Last Week Schedule

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Senior Exam Schedule 2023.pdf

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Vaccinate Before You Graduate Clinic

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FINAL VBYG letter and consent English 2023.pdf

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MCAP (Maryland State Testing)

Our state testing window is as follows:

English Language Arts – ELA 10: April 13 - April 18

Science MISA: May 1 - May 5

American Govt: May 8 - May 12

Algebra I and II: May 15 - May 22

MVA Permit Testing

The next MVA Driver’s Permit Test will be on Monday, April 17th, at 2:15 p.m. in the Media Center. Students must be 15 years old and 9 months by April 17th to complete the driver’s permit test. Students must return a signed parent permission form to the front office or Mrs. Bopst by Tuesday, April 11th. Late forms will not be accepted. Forms can be found on Mrs. Bopst's classroom door (room F182). Students are registered for the MVA Permit Test on a first-come, first-serve basis when the signed permission slip is returned. Spots are limited. If you need accommodations for the test, please visit your local MVA branch for support. Students can get driver's manuals from Mrs. Bopst to help prepare for the test.

*Disclaimer - when you pass the MVA Permit Test at school, YOU MUST make an appointment with the MVA branch to obtain the actual permit and pay the fee. When you pass, the paper given to you is only a piece of paper and DOES NOT SERVE as your learner’s permit.