Raider Nation Newsletter

Dear Atholton Families,

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope you had some time to enjoy the beautiful snow this morning. It was just enough to enjoy without causing any problems – the best kind of snow! Moreover, it’s Super Bowl Sunday! Whether you are rooting for the Rams or the Bengals, it is the halftime show that always garners the most attention. Enjoy!

Last week, I spoke about our awesome dance program and boys basketball team. This week I would like to highlight our robotics team, indoor track, and girls basketball.

I had the pleasure of visiting our Space RAIDers Robotics team this past week and witnessed firsthand their intense preparation for the First Robotics competition. The teamwork and focus required to build a robot to perform a myriad of tasks is impressive. I cannot wait to watch them perform. I encourage you to learn more about this amazing team here and share with your child – all are welcome!

The Atholton boys and girls track, and field team competed on February 9th at the Class 3A East regional indoor track and field championship at the Baltimore Armory. The top four finishers in each event qualified for the state meet. The Raiders were led by Darian (DJ) Traver Jr. who placed first in the 300 meters (38.22) and 500 meters (1:10.39). Additionally, he teamed with Luke Nelson, Jemeel Mbure, and Noah McCormick to place second in the 4x400 relay. Olivia Struble placed first in the pole vault with a personal record of 9 feet. Ethan Mulcahy placed fourth in the mile and Katie Woods placed third in the shot put. Also advancing to the state meet is the 4x800 relay team consisting of Sophia Urdinola, Chiara Sforza, Grace Rue, and Caroline Perret. Overall, there were many outstanding performances with numerous Raiders placing in the top eight in their respective events. In the 3A East region, Atholton boys’ placed 4th out of 15 schools, and the girls’ placed 6th out of 16 schools. As a result, the team will have solid representation at the 3A state championship meet on Feb. 16-22 at the Baltimore Armory.

The Lady Raiders basketball team, coached by math teacher Julia Reynolds, has been quietly marching their way through the competition this season. At 10-3, the Lady Raiders have impressively outscored their opponents on average by 20 points! They recently went on a six-game win streak before falling to rival River Hill yesterday. Please come out and support the Lady Raiders this Tuesday against Wilde Lake. It is also SENIOR NIGHT…Go Lady Raiders!!

Lastly, we will have a half-day this Wednesday, February 16 and there WILL BE school next Monday, February 21 – a full day. Also, review the information below regarding parental consent for digital tools for instruction. If you haven’t already done so, please log in to complete.

Wishing everyone a fantastic upcoming week!

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

Ms. Wade -- 9th Grade ONLY (Kim_Wade@hcpss.org)

Mr. Cohen -- Last Name A - E / Grades 10 - 12 (Phillip_Cohen@hcpss.org)

Ms. Meledick -- Last Name F - Kj / Grades 10 - 12 (Dana_Meledick@hcpss.org)

Ms. Clearfield -- Last Name Kk - P / Grades 10 - 12 (Lisa_Clearfield@hcpss.org)

Ms. Wright -- Last Name Q - Z / Grades 10 - 12 (Keturah_Wright@hcpss.org)

In an effort to continue expanding our authorized set of digital tools for instruction, HCPSS has curated a new set of supplemental digital tools that are available only through Google’s menu of additional services. HCPSS is committed to leveraging technology in ways that ensure all students have access and opportunity to communicate, collaborate, create, and innovate safely and responsibly anywhere, anytime in support of learning. These supplemental digital tools are approved by HCPSS and comply with federal, state and Howard County Board of Education student data privacy policies. Due to Google’s settings, students must access this set of tools by utilizing Google’s menu of additional services, which requires consent by a parent or guardian.

To provide consent:

1. Log in to HCPSS Connect.

2. Select More Options from the left panel.

3. Select HCPSS Google Menu from the middle of the page.

4. Click the check box to provide consent. Changes are saved automatically.

A parent or guardian must provide consent for each student by selecting the student’s name at the top of the page.

We wanted to share the following information regarding the upcoming 14th Annual Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Virtual College Fair - MCPS-HBCU Fair 2022 Flyer

Date: Friday, February 18, 2022

Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Information: This free virtual event will provide students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 60 HBCUs. Representatives will share information and answer questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors, and much more. The event will also feature a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information, and more.

HBCU Fair Opening Remarks and Welcome - 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Keynote Speaker: Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, President, Bowie State University Virtual Booths with HBCU Representatives, Organizations and Workshops – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/familysupport/hbcu/

Source: The African Art Museum of Maryland website

1. FREE Parenting Classes: HC DrugFree is pleased to present another series of this popular parenting class for Howard County parents, guardians, and grandparents starting March 30. This program will meet via Zoom for 5 classes (March 30, April 6, 27, & May 4, 11) from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Adults should plan to attend all 5 sessions. Topics include How to Prevent Drug Use in Your Family, How to Develop Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards, Avoiding Trouble: How to Say No to Drugs, Managing Conflict: How to Control and Express Your Anger Constructively, and How to Strengthening Family Bonds. The class is free, but registration is required: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParentingClassReg For more information: Email Parenting@HCDrugFree.org, visit www.hcdrugfree.org or view downloadable flyer

2. FREE Life Skills Classes for Students: HC DrugFree is providing a highly interactive skills-based program designed to promote positive health and personal development for youth in grades 6-9. For slightly younger or older students, please register and we will consider each request. We encourage siblings and friends to take these classes together! These skills have been shown to help students resist substance use, violence, and other high-risk behaviors. Our instructional team consists of dedicated adults and older students sharing situations they may face in high school, college, and beyond. The next series of classes will be held via Zoom Tuesdays and Thursdays May 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 and June 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration is required. Please sign-up ASAP as space is extremely limited! For more information: Email LifeSkills@hcdrugfree.org, visit www.hcdrugfree.org or view downloadable flier

3. All High School Students Welcome: HC DrugFree's Teen Advisory Council is open to all Howard County High School Students. Community service hours available. The next meetings will be on Mondays, February 21 and March 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To receive the Zoom link for the February 21 meeting, click here to register, email Admin@hcdrugfree.org or visit www.hcdrugfree.org for more information.

4. Student Volunteers and Interns: High school and college students who are interested in assisting with HC DrugFree's Life Skills online classes for younger students should hurry and email LifeSkills@hcdrugfree.org. Our volunteer and internship opportunities look great on applications and resumes, and being virtual allows college students to volunteer from anywhere.

5. Parents: If you are interested in learning more about what is happening in Howard County, the many free resources HC DrugFree and other organizations offer, or how your student can volunteer as they learn skills and receive more community service hours, then sign up for our free newsletter to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed. Go to the bottom of our homepage at www.hcdrugfree.org

6. Medication and Sharps Drive-thru Collection: HC DrugFree’s next drive-thru prescription and over-the-counter medication and sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens) collection will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot in Columbia. Medication will be guarded and transported by the Howard County Police and the DEA. For more information visit www.hcdrugfree.org or email Admin@hcdrugfree.org

February 16 -- 3-hour Early Dismissal

February 21 -- FULL DAY OF SCHOOL (President's Day)

Click Below for Boosters' Organization News

PTSA

Athletic Boosters

Drama Boosters

JROTC Boosters

Music Boosters

Technology Boosters

Email: Robert_Motley@hcpss.org
Website: www.ahs.hcpss.org
Location: 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 313-7065