Raider Nation News

Week of September 9, 2019

First Week Complete

Dear Atholton Families,

The first day of school is an exciting time for students, parents, and teachers for all very different reasons (Lol!) As I mentioned at Back To School Night, I spent a large part this first week visiting students in social studies classes to discuss expectations for the year, provide guidance on the new dress code, and discuss our new Atholton values. One thing I noticed was how many students were still adjusting to the routine. Now that the first week of school is behind us, we should all (students, parents, and teachers) be adjusted to our new routine. Please continue to help our students make the adjustment.

You received notice from me this week regarding our unscheduled evacuation on Thursday. Once again, we had a HVAC rooftop unit blow a motor and the odor of smoke in the building as a result. The Howard County Fire Department came out to inspect and approved our return to the building. Unfortunately, it will take a couple of weeks to get a new motor and the unit repaired for the D-wing of the building.

This week will mark the 18th anniversary of 9/11. The Young Americans for Freedom club, to commemorate 9/11, will place flags along the school’s property. Additionally, we will observe a moment of silence during first period tomorrow morning.

Also this week, on Thursday, is our Senior Kickoff. We will spend set aside time for the administration and student services to speak to seniors in preparation for this very important upcoming year!

As I shared with students, a lot of time was spent this summer combing through all the data collected last year on what values are most important to the Atholton community. We analyzed data from parents, teachers, and students. Thank you again to those parents who took the time to attend one of our Pizza with the Principal meetings and provide feedback, or those who responded to the online survey.

There were FOUR values that were common among the three stakeholders -- RELATIONSHIPS, ACHIEVEMENT, INTEGRITY, AND DIVERSITY. We will engage in several initiatives this year revolving around these four core values. We have already developed a logo to use to highlight these new values (see below). More to come!

Lastly, a huge thank you to Mr. Posner and the AHS Marching Band and our JROTC program for their participation in New Student Orientation and Back To School Night. We are so fortunate at Atholton to have such outstanding programs that contribute to the overall student experience. Moreover, I am thrilled to report that three students from our Raider Marching Band took part in the festivities at the Maryland – Syracuse game (see below). Congratulations to Jake Rudolph, Mariana Lennon and Matthew Rudolph for representing Atholton and rooting on the Terps (my alma mater ) to that blowout of Syracuse.

Wishing everyone a fantastic week!

Warmest Regards,

Robert Motley, Principal

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Atholton Values Logo

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Raiders at UMCP!

L to R -- Jake Rudolph, Mariana Lennon, and Mattew Rudolph

Important Information

Senior College Information Night

Atholton High School Student Services will be hosting a Senior College Information Night tomorrow, Monday, September 9th at 6:30pm in the auditorium.

You may attend with your high school senior or attend on your own. The event will include a presentation on the HCPSS college application process, a presentation on getting started with the financial aid process, and a Q&A panel with local college representatives from University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Towson, Salisbury, Johns Hopkins, McDaniel, and Howard Community College.

Regional Advanced Placement (AP) Nights

Renee Bos, Coordinator of Secondary Social Studies and Advanced Placement Programs, and the school level AP coordinators will host three regional informational meetings for students, parents, and community members regarding recent changes in Advanced Placement classes and exams. Students and parents are urged to attend as important information will be provided about new AP registration requirements, the new online AP Classroom Portal, changes in the AP curriculum, and other topics. There will also be time allotted for questions.

While these events are being held at regional sites, students and families can attend any of the three meetings.