Raider Nation Staff Newsletter
Week of March 30, 2020
HCPSS Continuity of Learning Plan
Hello Raider Nation,
Welcome Back! I know the last two weeks have been challenging as the school system worked to develop its distance learning plan. However, I hope the time afforded you the opportunity to check off a few things on your to-do list, reconnect with family, and relax. Moreover, I hope that each of you and your families are safe and healthy. I apologize in advance for the length of this newsletter but there is A LOT of information to share with you. Please read carefully, print and highlight (if you must).
MOST IMPORTANT -- AHS VIRTUAL STAFF MEETING TOMORROW at 9am
Join Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/qsv-rvpt-xfp
Join by phone (US) +1 929-220-3725 (PIN: 386 083 843#)
Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in our Technology Check-In last week. It was in preparation for all of our virtual meetings this coming week and the distance learning with students in the upcoming weeks. I hope you have taken the time to read carefully all of Dr. Martirano’s emails AND read the information contained in the links. I have provided a link to some important information:
First, I want to address Spring Break and the revised work expectations. Spring Break for students will remain the same (April 6 - April 13). For staff, Spring Break will change. Staff are expected to work April 6 - April 8. Staff are off April 9, 10, and 13. Please make note of this. Also, Dr. Martirano referenced leave during our distance learning period (see below). Please be sure to follow these instructions regarding leave.
10- and 11-month staff begin teleworking on Monday, March 30. Whether you are one of the few staff members who need to report to a work site or one of the many staff who is teleworking, leave must be entered into Workday when you are not able to "report" to work and meet work expectations.
Beginning Wednesday, April 1, there will be new leave categories in Workday specifically related to COVID-19. This is as a result of the recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Information about this leave will be shared by Tuesday, March 31.
Below you will find the schedule for the week (new information is in bold/green). Please be sure to make note of the countywide meetings on Tuesday and Thursday and your department meetings on Friday. We will not have a staff meeting on Wednesday to allow you to prepare to deliver distance instruction. The schedule/required tasks may change as I receive more information from HCPSS. Will do my best to send it out in a concise and timely manner.
Lastly, a huge thank you to the AHS Admin Team. Adrienne, Lisa, Mike, and Sam have been right there with me helping to get things ready for you virtually. I am so fortunate to have such competent and dedicated people on my team!
Monday, March 30
All Staff - Turn off your automatic reply in Outlook
9:00 am - Required Staff Meeting
Join Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/qsv-rvpt-xfp
Join by phone (US) +1 929-220-3725 (PIN: 386 083 843#)
Agenda
Review Virtual Meeting Norms
Continuity of Learning Plan
Q&A
Remainder of the day, complete the following required tasks:
Review and complete the Digital Integration of Tools for Teaching Canvas Module. Many of you have viewed this module before, but it is critical that you carefully review the content.
Teachers - Send an e-mail/Canvas message to your students. Sample emails are here.
By 1:00pm -- Sign-up (click here) for Tuesday's Required Virtual Training. Contact your AP or ITL if you need assistance. There will be a maximum of 40 people per time slot.
Tuesday, March 31
Virtual Meeting - Required for all Teachers (MUST Sign-up (click here))
Links:
Join Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/xda-tewr-rox
Join by Phone: +1 406-616-3086 (PIN: 110 311 921#)
Meetings are designed to provide an overview of the expectations and the schedule as we transition to an online model for Continuity of Learning
Complete self-paced Canvas Modules (More details to follow)
Wednesday, April 1st
Planning time/Complete self-paced Canvas modules (More details to follow)
ITLs -- set up Google Meet for department meetings on Friday and share links
Thursday, April 2nd
Virtual Meeting - Required for all Teachers from 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Course-specific breakout sessions from 9:30-11:00 a.m. More details to follow.
Planning Time/Complete self-paced Canvas modules (more details to follow)
Friday, April 3rd
Morning -- Department Team Meetings (8am - 10am)
Link from your ITL
Includes collaborative virtual planning
Special Educators and Paras attend appropriate content meetings
Planning time/Complete self-paced Canvas modules -- IEP/504 (more details to follow)
See you virtually tomorrow!
Robert
Important Information
Atholton Athletics
In this time of COVID-19, school closures, and social distancing, it is nice to have some positive information to share with you!
We are pleased to announce a few outstanding accomplishments that have recently occurred in Atholton athletics:
Madison Garrigus was named girls Indoor track and field Athlete of the Year. She won the county and region titles in the pole vault to becoming the first girls indoor field athlete to win the county's top award since at least 1991. Madison vaulted a personal-best 11 feet at the MPSSAA 3A East Region championships to break the Howard County record.
Jordan Oates was named Howard County boys basketball Player of the Year. Jordan led the county in scoring, rebounding, and 3-point shots made. setting new Atholton program records in the latter two categories.
Eric Woodson will be the new head football coach for the 2020-2021 fall season. Mr. Woodson was the head coach at Glen Burnie HS for the past 7 seasons and is committed to carrying on the legacy of Atholton football. Once we get back to school, a meeting will be set up with parents and players to introduce the staff.
Minds in Motion: Atholton HS had over 185 winter student athletes receive the MPSSAA Minds in Motion Award, whereby students received more than a 3.25 GPA while participating in a high school sports. Great job in the classroom!
Thank you to all of our student athletes, parents and coaches for their patience as we try to navigate through these unchartered waters. The most important factor is the safety and well being of our community. Be safe and hope to see you all soon.
On another note, the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) is at a stand still at this moment. The boys’ basketball 3A State Semi-Finals is still postponed at this time and no date has been set for the game. There has been no official word on the fate of the spring season. We are hopeful that we will begin the season once all students return to school.
Mike Senisi, AAM
THIS WEEK
Meetings
All Meetings are VIRTUAL
Monday -- Virtual Staff Meeting (9:00am)
Tuesday -- Sign up for HCPSS Meeting
Thursday -- Curriculum Meetings
Friday -- Department Meetings
Mark Your Calendar
SPRING BREAK -- Teacher Work Days -- April 6 - April 9
Atholton High School
Email: rmotley@hcpss.org
Website: ahs.hcpss.org
Location: 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: 4103137065