Raider Nation Staff Newsletter
Week of August 17, 2020
Preparing for a Virtual Return
Hello Raider Nation,
I hope this correspondence finds you and your family safe and healthy. Believe it or not, our official start date is next Tuesday, August 25! What better way to kick things off than a Sunday newsletter from Robert (smile).
While this is not your official welcome back letter, there is a lot of information that I need to share with you so that you are not overwhelmed next week. I will be sending two very important pieces of information later this week -- your virtual schedule for August 25 - September 4 and our 2020 - 2021 meeting schedule.
This coming week, we are collecting materials from last year from students. Adrienne sent an email asking for volunteers to assist with this collection process. Please email her if you are available to assist on Wednesday, August 19 or Friday, August 21. The hours are 8am to 3pm.
There are two staff announcements to share with you. First, join me in congratulating Nicholas Johnson on his appointment to Instructional Team Leader of Special Education. I am thrilled to have Nick join our leadership team. Second, please welcome Bade Hanna to our science department. Hanna joins us from Long Reach High School. I am looking forward to working with her. Please reach out to her and give her a big RAIDER NATION WELCOME!
Please read the information below carefully. Pay particular attention to the NEW requirements regarding setting up your Canvas pages (PDF document below). There are new expectations for our virtual environment.
Leave of Absence Options due to Child Care
The Office of Human Resources has outlined extended leave options that are afforded to employees during these unprecedented times. Several leave options provide job protection such as Emergency Family Medical Leave Extension Act (EFMLEA), Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA), and Child Rearing Leave. This means that although their current position will be declared a vacancy, staff will be placed back into an equivalent position upon return from leave. Employees returning from leave will be guaranteed a job; however, they may not be placed at the school in which they vacated. If the position is available, they will be returned to their original position. Please contact LeaveOptionsSY2021@hcpss.org for additional information and guidance.
Materials of Instruction
HCPSS is not allocating MOI funds at this time from curricular budgets. This decision is based on implementing the virtual school model. As teachers begin to return to work, please understand that there are no funds allocated to teacher PCards. HCPSS will revisit this decision as we transition back to school in the building.
Print Services Opening
Print Services will reopen the web-to-print site Monday, August 17 for all staff. When your order is complete, you will receive an email from Print Services offering a delivery or pick up option.
Delivery Option – Logistic Center staff will deliver your order to your school/office. You should expect to see your order on the next delivery day. Delivery days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Pickup Option – You can pick up your order at Print Services, 9645 Gerwig Lane, Columbia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and noon, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. Call us at (410) 313-7002 when you arrive and we will bring your order to your car. Pop your trunk for contactless delivery. You must wait to receive confirmation and instructions from Print Services prior to coming for pickup.
High School Supply List Menu
The number of items on the supply list menu have been reduced to keep costs down for families and reflect those most essential for virtual learning. Input was received from high school administrators and the Division of Academics. The number indicates the maximum that can be requested; each team/teacher will develop a supply list from the menu according to school/course needs. Please be mindful of the monetary cost of the supplies that are requested and the burden this may place on families. The county-wide high school supply list is below.
That is all for now. See you next week!
Robert
Mark Your Calendar
August 25 -- Staff returns
September 1 -- Deadline for Early Graduation Application
September 3 -- New Student VIRTUAL Orientation (9th Graders / Redistricted Students / New students to Atholton) -- 10:00am
September 8 -- First Day of School for Students
September 10 -- Virtual Back To School Night (6pm) (more details coming...)
Atholton High School
Click Below for Boosters' Organization News
Email: Robert_Motley@hcpss.org
Website: www.ahs.hcpss.org
Location: 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 313-7065