Raider Nation Staff Newsletter
Week of September 10, 2018
Off To A Great Start!
Hello Atholton Family --
It is hard to believe that the first week is behind us! I hope it was as exciting for you as it was for me.
First, I want to thank the English department for allowing me to visit their classrooms to speak with students. I know how valuable instructional time is and I appreciate their cooperation. Also, I cannot forget the remarkable contribution our JROTC program makes to our school community. From new student orientation, back to school night, to assisting teachers with classroom needs, our JROTC program is a valuable resource and deserves recognition for all they do. Lastly, I want to thank the entire staff for helping send a consistent message to our student body vis-à-vis our "new" expectations for this school year (English teachers understand the quotes..Lol). From my classroom visits, it is apparent that our message is being heard LOUD and CLEAR.
“Coming together is a beginning
Keeping together is progress
Working together is success.” -- Edward Everett Hale
Keep this in mind as the year progresses.
I think it is important to share some of the outcomes of our discussions with students. There was one major topic that emerged in each discussion – Raider Time. We made a decision (concession) that students would be allowed to listen to music during Raider Time. Please make note of this. We all know that there will be that two percent who will push the limit regarding these expectations. Stay vigilant and let’s make sure we hold students accountable.
See you all tomorrow!
Robert
New Safety Measures
Atholton High School’s front doors were equipped with a CCTV camera and a buzz in latch over the summer. It is now fully functional and the front office began using it Friday.
You will need to use your HCPSS ID Badge to re-enter via the front doors if you leave the building during school hours, 7:25am-2:10pm. If you find that your HCPSS ID Badge does not allow you access, push the buzzer once, release and the front office staff will unlock the door for your entry. At that time you should bring your badge to a front office staff and they will scan it and ask the Office of Security to activate your badge for front door access. Activation may take several working days.
THIS WEEK
September 11 (9/11)
Now that school has “officially” started, this coming week proves to be a busy one with activities. Tomorrow is the 17th Anniversary of 9/11. There will be TWO announcements tomorrow commemorating this day. The first, from the President of the Young Americans for Freedom Club. This club is responsible for the myriad of flags on our campus. The second will be from me to ask for a moment of silence.
I want to remind everyone of the HCPSS policy on controversial issues (Policy 8050). In addition to Policy 8050, the Division of Instruction offers the following suggestions for how this topic should be handled in our classrooms:
1. Consider the age-appropriateness of instructional materials and classroom discussion
about details related to the event.
2. Please temper emotional rhetoric and guide conversations based on facts.
3. In discussions about what they have seen on television broadcasts and what they have
read, make sure that students discern the differences between truth and rumor, and
reliable and unreliable information.
4. Watching extended television coverage is not an appropriate use of instructional time. Some of the footage that may be replayed is both graphic and disturbing, and is best viewed under the guidance of parents or guardians.
Senior Kickoff ! / Wednesday, Sept. 12
On Wednesday, we will have our Senior Kickoff! This will take place from 10:10 until 2:10, culminating in a catered lunch. As a result, there will NOT be “D” lunch on Wednesday. Please follow these lunch reassignments:
· Science will eat “B” lunch
· Fine Arts will eat “A” lunch
· PE will eat “C” lunch
All seniors will report to their 4th period class. Those seniors with A Lunch /release time must report to the auditorium. An announcement will be made to release seniors to the kickoff.
The schedule for Wednesday is below:
Professional Responsibilities (carryover from last week)
Just a reminder that your HCPSS SafeSchools Modules need to be completed by October 5.
In addition, there are other modules that need to be completed. Please see the chart below and complete all necessary module by the same due date, October 5.
Digital Integration of Tools for Teaching
Self-directed online (20-30 minutes to complete)
https://hcpss.instructure.com/courses/48282
Teachers will complete an online module on the selection and use of Digital Tools. Details will be shared with administrators at the August 29 meeting.
Canvas Training
Self-directed online (20-30 minutes to complete)
Teachers will view a short presentation about new functionality, best practices, and a review of 2018-19 Canvas Expectations.
Synergy Training
Self-directed online (10-20 minutes to complete)
https://hcpss.instructure.com/courses/33079/pages/synergy-online-training
Teachers will view a short presentation about how to set up seating charts and take attendance. They will also have the opportunity to review how to enter interim/report card grades, set up Parent/Teacher Conferences, and enter Minor Incidents and Student Injury reports.
Hoonuit Training
Self-directed online (15-20 minutes to complete)
https://hcpss.instructure.com/courses/54028/pages/hoonuit-tutorials
Teachers will view short presentations about Hoonuit; basic terminology, navigation, content, and functionality.
Raider Sports Report
Results and Schedule
Volleyball:
Congratulations to Elise Park who was named to the All-Tournament Team at this past weekends Westminster’s Volleyball tournament.
JV Boys Soccer:
Congratulations to the JV Boys soccer team who placed 1st at the Meade High School Soccer Classic.
JV Football:
Congratulations to the JV Football team who beat Wilde Lake HS on Friday night and are starting the season 2-0.
This week:
JV and V Field Hockey -- Tuesday @ Reservoir
Cross Country-- Wednesday @ HOME (MRHS/RHHS)
JV and V Boys Soccer -- Thursday @ HOME (Reservoir)
JV and V Girls Soccer -- Thursday @ Reservoir
JV and V Football @ HOME vs. Reservoir -- Friday
Come out and support our student athletes!
Staff Newsletter
Email: rmotley@hcpss.org
Website: ahs.hcpss.org
Location: Atholton High School, Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 313-7065