Raider Nation Staff Newsletter
Week of January 20, 2020 (1/20/20)
Midterms and MLK
Hello Raider Nation,
Today marks the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Schools and offices close on this day, but people must remember that MLK Day is about more than having another day off. The day has come to be recognized as a day of service nationwide, so I hope you took these 24 hours to do something that honors King’s values and his revolutionary place in American history. It is a day of service, after all — but make sure that giving back to the community doesn’t begin and end with January 20th. If you are able to go out and give your time by cleaning up neighborhoods, serving at a soup kitchen, or just spending time with members of a community in need, then start by searching for volunteer opportunities near you.
Thank you again for your assistance, cooperation, and calm demeanor as we navigated the “popcorn fire” last week. We received an email from the Office of Safety and Security commending us for the way the incident was handled and that it was, “textbook in what is expected in a fire emergency, and how it was executed.”
The exam schedule is once more included at the bottom of this newsletter. Tomorrow (Tuesday, 1/21/20) is a FULL school day. Students will have their FIRST PERIOD exam. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are early dismissal days with two exams each day. Just a reminder that no exams are to be given OUTSIDE your assigned exam day.
Next week marks the beginning of our state-mandated testing season. On Tuesday (1/28) and Wednesday (1/29), all JUNIORS will be required to take the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment or MISA. We will post testing groups and times throughout the building so that students are aware exactly when they are testing. Additionally, teachers will review this information with them. This year, the MISA is a GRADUATION REQUIREMENT. I want to thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility as we administer this state-mandated assessment.
There is nothing like good competition — especially when it involves Reservoir High School. Today kicks off RIVAL SPIRIT WEEK! Three schools, Atholton, Hammond, and Reservoir will compete to see which school Chick-fil-A will donate 20% of funds raised during this competition. So, starting today (1/20) at 6am until this Friday (1/24) at 12pm, we are asking YOU to head to the Chick-fil-A on Johns Hopkins Road. All you have to do is place your receipt in the AHS ballot box or ask the drive-thru associate to do so. Now here is the best part — the winning school will receive a $1000 check for their Booster Program! The winner will be announced at the AHS vs. Reservoir boys basketball game this Friday at Reservoir. LET’S WIN THIS!! But wait...there’s more! See below for special events taking place this week. The Athletic Boosters will be placing boxes in the school where you and students can drop off receipts if you have them.
A HUGE thank you to Matt Lathroum, Katie Meloro and everyone else who made our Party at AHS video a reality. It truly took a village and nothing makes me more proud than to see how you all answered the call to participate. The video will make its debut at our orientation night for our new students redistricted to us. We will then show it during a RaiderTime to share with everyone.
If you haven’t done so already, please schedule your midyear evaluation with your assigned administrator. Information on dates and times have been shared. Please do so ASAP. If there is a problem, please see your administrator.
A reminder that one of the purposes for RaiderTime is for students to make-up work (tests/quizzes, etc.). We have noticed an uptick in holding students late and having them miss other classes to make up work. Please be respectful of your colleagues and not impose on their classroom time.
Lastly, your ITL should have mentioned the book study I would like to lead starting next month. The book, entitled, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain , delves into the science of learning and the role relationships play in this process. I truly believe that participating in this book study would add to your teacher toolbox as we prepare for the arrival of our new students. Your ITL has read the book and participated in the book study this year. Unfortunately, there is no CPD credit involved with this book study but discovering new strategies and rich dialogue with colleagues should be motivation enough :-). If interested, please let your ITL know by the end of this week and they will pass it along. I need to order the books.
See you all tomorrow!
Robert
Important Information
Student Support Team Information
If you have concerns about a student, please reach out to the various supports we have in place to assist. See below how to access information to support students in need of assistance:
Link for Tier 1 Interventions Document.
This can be found on the Atholton High School Canvas Page. Click on 'Student Support'. Link located under 'Student Support Team'
THIS WEEK
Meetings
Mark Your Calendar
January 20 -- MLK Holiday -- SCHOOL CLOSED
January 21 - 24 -- MIDTERM EXAMS
January 22 - 24 -- 3hr Early Dismissal
January 27 -- Professional Work Day -- No Students
January 28 -- New Student/Parent Orientation (7pm)
Atholton High School
Email: rmotley@hcpss.org
Website: ahs.hcpss.org
Location: 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: 4103137065