Dear Atholton Families,

We have arrived at the final three days of school in 2021. As we reach the close of this calendar year, Atholton, as a large part of the country, has experienced a significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases. We must continue to follow our protocols to ensure we are all safe and that learning continues to take place. I have received several inquiries regarding sending students to school this week. As always, families are given three discretionary days to use as they see fit.

On Thursday, December 16, the Board of Education made adjustments to midterms and finals for this school year. The Board voted to suspend midterms for the 2021-2022 school year. Additionally, the Board voted to make the final exam worth 10% of the course final grade. Previously, midterms and finals were each worth 5% of final course grades.

The Board also eliminated finals from semester-long courses that occur in either semester of the 2021-2022 school year.

For a 1.0 credit high school course, the final grade components will be:

• Q1 – 22.5%

• Q2 – 22.5%

• Q3 – 22.5%

• Q4 – 22.5%

• Final exam – 10%

For a 0.5 credit high school course, the final grade components will be:

• Q1 or Q3 – 50%

• Q2 or Q4 – 50%

Additionally, there were decisions made regarding the resumption of activities (see below). If you have any questions regarding these directives, please contact our Athletics and Activities Manager, Mr. Michael Senisi at Michael_Senisi@hcpss.org.

Immediate Resumption of Activities

The following activities and events may resume immediately. Masks must be worn during all indoor activities.

• Athletics team practices may occur entirely outside.

• Theater, music, and dance rehearsals

• Clubs and other extracurricular activities not considered athletics and don’t require travel

• Tutoring and academic interventions

• Certain field trips communicated by each school

• Outdoor events in the community

• After school community use of facilities

Activities Resuming on January 3, 2022

The following activities may resume on January 3, 2021. Masks must be worn during all indoor activities except when student-athletes are actively participating in practices and competitions indoors or outdoors.

• Indoor athletics practices

• Dance performances

• Music concerts and performances

• Travel for extracurricular activities

Congratulations to our PTSA Reflections winners. The AHS PTSA Reflections committee has forwarded three entries on to the County level of competition for the 2021-2022 theme " I will change the world by..." contest. The winners for the AHS competition are listed below. Each has received a certificate of achievement.

• Film Production- Mason Coleman 10th grade

• Music Composition- Stephen Sullivan III 12th grade

• Visual Arts- Jayson Clarke 9th grade

Lastly, with winter break and the accompanying holiday season and new year on the very near horizon, I am eager for this collective time of reflection and renewal. This newsletter will resume in the new year. As always, I wish you peace, understanding and contentment in 2022. May we each have opportunities to continue to learn and work in productive and satisfying ways, and to give and receive in equal measure.

Have a restful winter break and see you next year!

Warmest regards,

Robert A. Motley

Principal