Raider Nation Newsletter

Week of March 7, 2022

March is Women's History Month!

Dear Atholton Families,

March is Women’s History Month and although women deserve to be celebrated and empowered 365 days a year, this month is an excellent time to highlight the contributions of exceptional women throughout history. It’s also the perfect opportunity to consider how far women have come since then as well as reflect on the challenges they still face. It was President Jimmy Carter who, in 1980, first declared March 8 through 14 as National Women’s History Week. This was done in recognition and celebration of women’s achievements in history, culture, and society. A few years later, in 1987, Congress passed a resolution establishing March as Women’s History Month. Moreover, this Tuesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

This past week was a rollercoaster of highs and lows vis-a-vis Atholton Athletics. Our Lady Raiders basketball team made it to the Regional Final against rival River Hill. Our Lady Raiders did an outstanding job battling against #1 River Hill and entered the fourth quarter with a lead. Unfortunately, they came us short in a 56-51 loss. Nevertheless, it was one of the best games I have witnessed in my career and our Lady Raiders should hold their heads up high for a game well played. We are so proud of you and your great season! Dr. Martirano even stopped by to see our ladies play! See the photo below. Photo Credit to Maha Blair. (THANK YOU!).

Our boys basketball team began their march to the state semifinals with wins over River Hill and Long Reach. Friday night was the test against Kenwood from Baltimore County. Down 10 at one point, the team never gave up. They fought back to go on to win and earn a birth in the Maryland 3A State Semifinals. Read about the exciting game here. The boys will play this coming Tuesday at Montgomery Blair High School at 7:30 pm against the team from Oakdale High School. I hope to see you there!

Our students and staff have made the seamless transition to voluntary indoor masking. Students have been respectful of one another and one’s choice to wear or not wear a mask as have our teachers. Please remember that at-home health checks are very important:

AT-HOME HEALTH CHECKS

Parents/guardians should keep their children home if they are experiencing symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease, including COVID-19. In addition, parents/guardians are to perform the following COVID-19 health check every day before the student leaves home. Students and staff should NOT come to school with any of these symptoms:

fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
sore throat
cough
difficulty breathing
diarrhea or vomiting
new onset of severe headache (especially with fever), or
new loss of taste or smell

For persons with chronic conditions such as asthma, the symptoms should represent a change from baseline.

Lastly, tomorrow night is college information night for juniors and their parents. Important information will be shared regarding preparation for next year. Please refer to the information below. I hope you are able to attend.

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal