The Raider Nation Newsletter

Dear Atholton Families,

I am pleased to share that Atholton High School has been named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll! We are a Silver member of the Honor Roll, which recognizes schools whose AP program is delivering results and broadening access for students. Atholton had 54% of seniors from the class of 2023 who took at least one AP exam during high school, 47% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 19% of seniors who took five or more AP exams! Congrats to all the students, staff, and families who contributed to this incredible recognition.

In addition to the AP Honor Roll, we also found out that Atholton earned a Niche ranking of 16th in Maryland and a US News & World Reports ranking of 33rd in Maryland. Both rankings reflect the solid reputation Atholton has established for academics, athletics, and activities. A strong graduation rate and success for students of diverse backgrounds earns Atholton an impressive position in both of the rankings. Once again, this is a testament to the students, staff, and families of our school who have made this recognition possible.

Go Raiders!

Sincerely,

Nick Novak

Principal

Atholton offers FREE drop-in tutoring from teachers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-5pm. Math is offered both days. Social Studies, English, and Science are Thursday only. Students should go to the media center to get help. Transportation will run to specific pre-determined spots. If you have any questions about transportation or other aspects of the program, please contact the Beyond School Hours program coordinators--Emily DeFilippo or Imani Hinson.

Students in grade 9-11 will be taking school pictures on Thursday 10/12 or Friday 10/13. The picture day is scheduled by when a student has English. Students should have already received this information from their teacher. Pictures will be used for the yearbook and you have an opportunity to purchase photo packages and fun gifts for friends and family (mugs, magnets, mouse pads, etc). You may not know this, but the school does receive a percentage of the money from your purchases. Thanks for supporting Atholton! (The order form can be found below.)

We are pleased to announce that Atholton will be continuing to offer permit testing at school. The next MVA Driver’s Permit Test will be on Tuesday, December 5th at 2:50 p.m. in the media center. Students must be 15 years old and 9 months on December 5 to complete the driver’s permit test. Students must return a signed parent permission form. Permission Forms (hard copy only) will be available starting October 5. Forms can be found on Mrs. Bopst's classroom door (room F182) or the front office. Drivers' manuals are also distributed by Mrs. Bopst, the front office, or the media center. Permission forms must be returned to Mrs. Bopst by November 28 \ and late forms cannot be accepted. 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 your child needs to use accommodations for the test, then please visit your local MVA branch for support.

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

Did you know that October is National Arts & Humanities Month? On behalf of the Atholton HS- PTSA. I am pleased to announce that the Reflections Art Program will kick off in October. It has been a few years since we have sponsored the program at Atholton, but it's back and I hope you/your student will participate. The Reflections Program is a National PTA program that provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts . Data shows that participation in the arts boosts confidence, provides mental stimulation and sets students up for success inside the classroom and in life. The 2023-2024 theme is: “I am Hopeful Because…”. What a great way for students in all grades to express themselves creatively. Please stay tuned for additional details on the submission categories, criteria, and program deadlines.

October is the start of National Bullying Prevention Month! We wanted to use this opportunity to share with our students, parents, guardians, and families some information and definitions to better help you understand bullying. It is important that you understand what bullying is to ensure you are able to report it when you see it or are told about it. Thank you for helping to ensure our school a safe place for all students!

How do I know if something is bullying?

Conflict between students is inevitable, but it’s not always easy to identify whether the conflict is bullying or mean/rude behavior. Understanding the difference is important so we know how to respond. Here are a few key points to consider when determining if something is bullying:

• Bullying - Repeated, harmful, and involves an unfair power match

• Mean - Hurt is intentional/purposeful, but not part of a larger pattern or a mismatch

• Rude - Accidentally hurting another person’s feelings

All of these behaviors require attention. Addressing mean/rude behavior early can help prevent a student from turning their behavior into a pattern of bullying.

What are some of the different types of bullying?

Bullying can appear in many different forms. Below are a few examples.

• Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Verbal bullying includes:

• Teasing

• Name Calling

• Inappropriate sexual comments

• Taunting

• Threatening to cause harm

• Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone's reputation or relationships. Social bullying includes:

• Leaving someone out on purpose

• Telling other children not to be friends with someone

• Spreading rumors about someone

• Embarrassing someone in pubic

• Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Physical bullying includes:

• Hitting/kicking/pinching

• Spitting

• Tripping/pushing

• Taking or breaking someone’s things

• Making mean or rude hand gestures.

• Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets.

• Most common places cyberbullying occurs are: social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Tik Tok, text messages, direct messaging, chat rooms, emails and online gaming communities.

• Includes sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.

• At times can cross the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

• More information on Cyberbullying can be found on the Stopbullying website.

How do I report bullying?

1. When you believe bullying has taken place, you should report it through the Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation (BCHI) reporting form. Reporting can take place in one of three ways:

1. Complete a BCHI online reporting form

2. BCHI paper reporting form (available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office

3. An oral report to a staff member

2. It is important to note that policy states “in the event the reporting party does not complete a BCHI Reporting Form, school administrators/supervisors will take the appropriate steps to address and document the incident.” Therefore, if you or someone else makes an oral report, it then must be documented (i.e. through a BCHI reporting form) by the administrator.

• October 14: Navigating the Howard County Public School System
• December 16: Social Emotional Well-Being and Substance Abuse
• January 27: Processes for Parent Empowerment
• March 9: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

Atholton will be hosting a "Career Fair" during the half-day on November 20. This event will be an opportunity for all students to explore various careers they may be interested in. We are in the process of identifying speakers to talk with our students that day. If you would like to participate by sharing your profession with our AHS students, please complete this form. As we get presenters and as we approach November, more information will be shared with families.

10/9 No School for Students

10/11 PSAT for Grade 10 Students

10/12 Underclassmen Pictures (through English classes)

10/13 Underclassmen Pictures (through English classes)

10/18 PSAT for Grade 11 Students

10/20 No School for Students

Atholton PTSA

Atholton Boosters

Atholton Drama Boosters

Atholton JROTC Boosters

Atholton Music Boosters

Atholton Robotics Boosters