Raider Nation Newsletter

Week of January 10, 2022

New Athletics Spectator Guidelines....

Dear Atholton Families,

Now that we have returned from winter break (albeit only for a couple of days), our athletics and activities are prepared to resume this week. As I mentioned in my newsletter last week, there are new spectator guidelines for our athletic events. Please read the following information carefully:

Beginning Monday, January 10, 2022, HCPSS will limit attendance at indoor athletic contests in an effort to allow additional distancing between spectators and limit the possibility of the spread of COVID.
Each student-athlete in basketball, cheer, and wrestling will be issued 4 passes for admission to HCPSS indoor athletic contests. These passes will be valid through January 22 and will be accepted at home and away contests.
HCPSS will continue to evaluate this process and will provide an update regarding this capacity limitation by January 21.
A mask will be required for attendance. Failure to comply will result in being asked to leave the event.
Please contact our Athletics and Activities Manager, Mr. Michael Senisi at Michael_Senise@hcpss.org with any questions.

There will be no exceptions to this county policy. Our coaches should have already reached out to our student-athletes and their families about this new policy.

We had a nice turnout for our virtual Scheduling Night as parents and students begin to navigate the registration process for the next school year. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor (assignments listed below) if you have any questions. As mentioned in earlier communications, counselors will meet with ALL students to discuss course registration for next year. These counselor–student meetings will take place from January 10 - February 16.

There will be an HCPSS sponsored informational session on the Gifted and Talented Independent Research and Intern/Mentor program this Wednesday, January 12 @ 7 pm. You must register for this session. Information and registration may be found here.

Please be sure to see the information below regarding a parent virtual evening about the SAT and ACT sponsored by our PTSA.

Given the new regulations regarding our athletic events, I want to remind you of our strict enforcement that ALL students and staff wear their masks PROPERLY and CONSISTENTLY. Universal indoor masking remains in effect in all HCPSS facilities and during ANY event taking place at the school. In order for us to remain in-person, EVERYONE must wear a mask and wear it PROPERLY. If you are notified that your student is not adhering to this policy, they may be in jeopardy of being sent home. We must take these extreme measures to ensure the safety of everyone.

Please note that January 19, 20, and 21 are designated three-hour early dismissal days. These were originally our midterm exam days. There has not been an update on whether these days will remain half days or not given that we no longer will have midterm exams. Please stay tuned as the Board of Education is scheduled to meet this week and this topic may be discussed.

Lastly, our previously scheduled first meeting of the Class of 2022 on Wednesday during Raider Time in the auditorium has been moved to the evening and will be a virtual event. The Class of 2022 Information meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 12 @ 7 pm. The link for the meeting is: meet.google.com/tkv-sota-fpt

Please remember that you must use your child’s credentials to log into the meeting. Our graduation coordinators are:

Ms. Krista Bopst -- Krista_Bopst@hcpss.org

Ms. Jeanette Bonomo-Thomas -- Jeanette_Bomono-Thomas@hcpss.org

Wishing everyone a fantastic upcoming week!

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal

School Counselor Assignments

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)

SAT and ACT Parent Night

A VIRTUAL EVENING FOR PARENTS ABOUT THE SAT & ACT

Presented in Partnership with AHS PTSA

So many questions surrounding the college application process. The Answer Class has the answers for you! You’ll feel supported and more confidently able to assist your student after this session!

Mon., Jan. 24 @ 7:00 pm ww Online

This complimentary session includes:

An explanation of test optional colleges and what this means for your student
Differences between SAT & ACT
Helping your student decide which test better matches their strengths
Question and Answer period

Join Us!

https://tinyurl.com/3a5jb6cy

For more information go to, http://www.theanswerclass.com

Leadership U 2022

Is your student looking to build their confidence, strengthen their leadership and problem solving skills, and learn how to network? Does your student want to make a difference in our Howard County community? Consider joining the Leadership U Class of 2022! Leadership U is an exciting, experiential leadership, teambuilding, and community service opportunity for current high school sophomores. This unique four-month program involves a week-long summer program of hands-on activities, as well as involvement in a team community service project. This program is for students with leadership potential, a desire to learn with others, and for those with an interest in the community. Come to learn more and speak to some of our grads at one of our information sessions being conducted from 7-8pm on the following evenings: January 26 (virtual via Zoom), February 10 (HCLS-Miller Branch), March 1 (HCLS-Miller Branch). Both parents and students are highly encouraged to attend. Students must register on our website to attend. Additional information is available at http://www.leadershiphc.org/leadership-u-2/ or email Sasha Butler sbutler@leadershiphc.org. Applications are due March 10, 2022.