Raider Nation News
Week of April 22, 2019
Welcome Back!
Dear Atholton Families,
I hope you all had a great break. It is hard to believe that we are in the fourth and last quarter of this school year. Spring has arrived, the weather is getting warmer and we are in the homestretch with just about two months of school remaining. The time will fly by! For our seniors, the end is in sight. As you know, it is much harder to keep the students’ focus on academics when the beautiful weather is beckoning our attention. You, too, may be experiencing SPRING FEVER! However, to whatever extent you can, please remind students that there are still important things that lie ahead. Namely, state testing, AP testing, and final exams. This is the time to prepare for all of the end of year assessments and finish strong!
Additionally, this is the time to encourage students to find out if they have any outstanding obligations. These obligations can range from lost textbook fees, lunch fees, library books, to athletic uniforms. Please work with the school to settle any outstanding obligations before the school year ends. Seniors will receive information on settling their obligations at the senior meeting on Wednesday. Graduation tickets will not be distributed to any senior with an outstanding school obligation.
Before we left for break, there were a few things to celebrate involving Raider students and staff. Junior Erica Morton was honored for her selection as the 3rd Place Winner in the Grades 9-12 category of the Choose Civility 2019 Poster and Video Contest! Congratulations Erica! Atholton English teacher, Mr. Thomas Stuppy was selected as the Teacher of the Year by the Class of 2019. Mr. Stuppy will be honored by the Board of Education at a reception later this month. Additionally, Spanish teacher, Mr. Brandon Morfoot, was named the 2019 Howard County World Language Teacher of the Year! Mr. Morfoot will now vie for the Maryland World Language Teacher of the Year. We wish him all the best! Congratulations to both Mr. Stuppy and Mr. Morfoot.
Lastly, on the Friday before break, the Bully-Free Forever Club, with the assistance of our PTSA, invited a guest speaker, Mr. Ken Nwadike, to speak to the entire student body. Our superintendent, Dr. Martirano was attendance, along with all community superintendents. Mr. Nwadike delivered an inspiring speech to students and spent the entire day at our school conducting group sessions. Atholton is so fortunate to have such an active Bully-Free club that promotes acceptance and inclusion for all. Kudos to the club and its sponsor, Ms. Jessica Grady for a job well-done.
Enjoy the photos of all the events from this past week!
Have a fantastic week!
Warmly,
Robert A. Motley
Principal
Erica Morton, 3rd Place in Choose Civility Poster Contest
Mr. Stuppy, Class of 2019 Teacher of the Year
Mr. Morfoot, 2019 HCPSS World Language Teacher of the Year
Class of 2019 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Caps & Gowns: As of Thursday, April 4, approximately 80 members or 20% of the senior class had not yet ordered their caps and gowns for graduation. Gowns are custom made-to-order, so time is running out! Balfour plans to deliver these items by the end of April. Late orders will be delivered later. To ensure delivery in time for graduation, please place any remaining orders today! To inquire about financial assistance, please contact Mr. Motley or your student’s counselor, and be sure to include the student’s height and weight in your message. Please note that while it is allowed for students to wear an older sibling’s cap and gown, the student must inform Ms. Bonomo-Thomas or Ms. Beneski of their intention to do so, if s/he has not done so already, and must confirm that the cap and gown is the current style (click for picture).
- Senior Meeting: The next senior meeting, at which additional important details and materials will be shared, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 during Raider Time. The schedule for the last week for seniors will be posted on the website along with the booklet of information seniors will receive at the meeting.
- Graduation Tickets: Each senior will receive a standard allotment of 10 tickets. Additional tickets can be requested by emailing our principal’s secretary, Robbie Adkins at robbie_adkins@hcpss.org, prior to May 16.
- Website: Answers to more frequently asked questions can be found on the AHS website under the Graduation 2019 button. This is where materials from the 4/24 meeting will be posted afterward.
- Post-Prom: Please consider this PTSA-sponsored SAFE alternative for your senior after prom. Tickets are $15.
Raiders After Midnight: Tickets on Sale April 1
"Raiders After Midnight" is open to all Juniors, Seniors, and their guests. Students do not have to attend Prom to attend Post Prom.
It takes a village to host the post prom party. We are seeking volunteers to contact local businesses to donate to this event. Volunteers report at 10 pm to set up. If anyone can help, please contact ptsa@atholtonptsa.org.
The PTSA also accepts donations from parents of all grades - pay it forward!
PTSA Scholarships for Seniors
DEADLINE EXTENDED!!
Applications will be available from our website on April 1. The PTSA is proud to offer two (2) scholarships for $500 each for the following categories:
- Students attending an accredited four year college or university
- Students attending an accredited community college
- Students attending an accredited vocational school.
All scholarships will be awarded based on students' community service.
Atholton HS Values -- Your Input Is Needed
Values List #1 (Click to Enlarge)
Values List #2 (Click to Enlarge)
Values Vote Link
Mark Your Calendar
May 2 -- Pre Prom Assembly
May 4 -- Prom
May 24 -- School Closes at 9:45am for ALL students
May 24 -- GRADUATION @ 12 noon
May 27 -- School Closed -- Memorial Day
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