Monthly Newsletter
December 2023
School Counselors:
Melissa Cheadle | Last names Ho-Md | Melissa_Cheadle@hcpss.org
Phillip Cohen | Last names A-C | Phillip_Cohen@hcpss.org
Dana Meledick | Instructional Team Leader | Last names D-H | Dana_Meledick@hcpss.org
Erin O'Connor Rudman | Last names Me-Sb | Erin_Oconnor_Rudman@hcpss.org
Kelly Warner | Last names Sc-Z | Kelly_Warner@hcpss.org
Student Services Staff:
John Henderson | College and Career Readiness Counselor (CCR) | John_Henderson@hcpss.org
Kevin Lee | PPW | Kevin_Lee@hcpss.org
Amanda Ganoe I School Social Worker I Amanda_Ganoe@hcpss.org
Katrina Montgomery | Data Clerk | Katrina_Montgomery@hcpss.org
Jennifer Nelson | Registrar | Jennifer_Nelson@hcpss.org
Mike O'Shaughnessy | School Psychologist | Moshaughnessy@hcpss.org
Allison Sultan | Registrar | Allison_Sultan@hcpss.org
Anne Handy | Student Services Secretary | AHandy@hcpss.org
Mark Sturdivant I Black Student Achievement Program Liaison I Mark_Sturdivant@hcpss.org
Jessie Moore I Alternative Education I Jessie Moore@hcpss.org
Justin Riggin I Alternative Education I Justin_Riggin@hcpss.org
Important Dates:
Course Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year
Atholton Student Thinkabouts for Scheduling 2024 – 2025
1. Course Registration is an important process.
2. Talk to your parents about your selections. Make sure you are making the right choices today to enhance your future tomorrow.
3. Take your time to complete this process correctly and in a timely fashion. *A schedule change is not always possible, so take your time and do it correctly now.
4. Think about your goals and which courses will support you in attaining your goals.
5. Push yourself in the areas of interest, but give yourself room to breathe and have fun as well. Aim to create BALANCE in your Schedule.
- Rigor of courses and outside work
- Extracurricular activities
- Time for healthy activities [exercise, rest etc.] Family commitments
- Priorities and life goals
***The most important thing is to have a healthy and happy you!! ***
6. You must sign up for 7 COURSES and 3 ALTERNATES
7. Teachers make recommendations based on what is best for you, as a student, so if you choose to opt into a different course, you should discuss this selection with your teacher. In addition, your parent/guardian will need to complete a Course Placement Review (Waiver) Form online through their HCPSS Connect account.
8. Students who wish to complete dual enrollment, release time, or student aiding, must still choose 7 courses and 3 alternates. In addition, you will need to fill out an aiding or release time form at a later date.
9. Please contact your school counselor, if you have any questions about this process.
IMPORTANT SCHEDULING DATES
December 2023 - Teachers will meet with students about core course recommendations
December 18th - Window opens for students to enter remaining course requests, including alternates, in Synergy
January 3rd - Course Registration Raider Time Lesson AND Electives Fair during all lunch shifts
January 9th - AHS Scheduling Night Event - In-person, 6-8pm; more information will be coming soon.
January 16th - Due date for all course requests to be entered in Synergy
January 23rd – February 14th - Counselors meet with students to finalize accuracy of next school year’s course selections
February 8th - All ARL requests must be in Synergy
Information by Grade Level:
🎓 Seniors
- For students that have last minute questions before submitting their applications, remember to visit the senior folder for FAQ. The FAQ provides specific information about your school AND general information about the application process. Congratulations and good luck to all our seniors applying to college.
- FAFSA 2024-2025 Changes: Visit studentaid.gov for the most up to date information. Check out this article for the most significant changes to the FAFSA. Additionally, there are several webinars and upcoming information sessions linked here. We highly recommend attending multiple sessions to gain a greater understanding of the process.
- Mid-Year Reports: All Howard County Public Schools will send mid-year reports to all colleges for which students have requested a transcript. This will be done in February and will include 1st Quarter, 2nd Quarter, and mid-term exam grades.
-
Apprenticeship Virtual Information Session: Want to learn more about apprenticeships. Join HCPSS Workforce Development: Monthly virtual session on Monday, December 18, 2023 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Once you register, you will receive a teams meeting link to join.
HCPSS Pre-Electrical Application/Registration Form Pre-Apprenticeship Flyer
Juniors
We enjoyed visiting you in December through your English class. We reviewed the many resources and the technology that is used at Atholton such as Naviance, Canvas, and Synergy.
Upcoming lessons will include information on the World of Work requirement for graduation and Post-Secondary Planning.
Sophomores
Career Academy Information Sessions
Current 8-11 grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend in-person information sessions on HCPSS career academies on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at the Applications and Research Laboratory, 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD. The evening will include two 15-minute information sessions and a visit to a third academy beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Participants will learn how Career and Technical Education (CTE) career academies provide high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, scholarships, and industry certifications, participate in worksite and mentorship experiences, and become creative problem solvers by participating in hands-on project-based learning.
Complete information on all career academies is available online. Students/parents are encouraged to review the Career Academies Overview.
Schedule-Agenda
6:30-6:45 pm Session I
6:50-7:05 pm Session II
7:10-7:30 pm Open to visit any academy
Parking at Applications and Research Lab (ARL) is limited. Please plan to arrive at the ARL by 6:15 to ensure time to park either at the ARL, Homewood School or Board of Education lots next to the ARL.
College and Career Readiness Information:
December 3rd Student and Family Weekly
-Follow us on Instagram: HCPSS_CCR
-Subscribe to our Google calendar for all postsecondary events
-Visit our scholarship document
-Visit our enrichment program document
-Attend our March2Future Sessions
HCPSS Sponsored Upcoming Events:
6 diciembre at 7pm Noche de información hispana: Esta presentación en español ofrecerá un resumen del proceso de solicitud de ingreso al colegio comunitario, la universidad y los procesos de admisión. únete usando este enlace
December 12th at 6:30pm IN PERSON at the ARL
A Career Academy offers high school students with similar interests a unique opportunity to prepare for college and entry-level employment in the specific career areas listed below. Each Career Academy offers a recommended sequence of courses, internships, capstone projects, or research projects related to students' career goals, and the opportunity to earn college credit and/or industry certification while in high school. Frequently Asked Questions
December 13th at 7pm: March2Future Career Academy Opportunities for HCPSS Students: Learn about the opportunities in HCPSS for students. Experts from HCPSS will share all the opportunities that HCPSS offers within our Career Academy Program including programs at the ARL, apprenticeship opportunities, and career academies offered within each high school. Registration is required. Link to register is here.
Upcoming Events:
Visit the postsecondary Google calendar for more information and links to register.
Dec 4 1pm *NCAN Getting Ready for the Better FAFSA
Dec 6 11am *Howard County Workforce- IT Hiring Event
Dec 6 6pm *Compass Education Presents Navigating College Admission Tests
Dec 6 7pm *Revolution Prep Presents Understanding the Digital SAT
Dec 6 7pm HCPSS Noche de información hispana
Dec 7 4pm *HCC/Associated Builders Contractors Presents Plumbing Information Session
Dec 12 6:30pm HCPSS ARL Open House to learn about Career Academies (In Person)
Dec 12 8pm *Filling out the FAFSA Presented by College Board Real Talk
Dec 13 7pm March2Future Presents Career Academies in High School (Virtual)
Dec 13 7pm *uAspire presents Completing the FAFSA
*These programs are not sponsored or endorsed by HCPSS.
Opportunities
The Howard County Health Department is recruiting Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigators (UTEIs) to assist Howard County Enforcement Officers with enforcing Maryland’s Tobacco 21 law in Howard County through retailer education compliance checks.
During each tobacco retailer enforcement check with the Enforcement Officer (EO), the UTEI will attempt to purchase a tobacco product from a tobacco retailer in Howard County. A UTEI will be scheduled an average of one (1) to two (2) days a month, with a maximum of 5 hours per day $19.00 per hour. Transportation is provided.
Eligibility requirements:
1. Age 16-20 years
2. Parental/Guardian Consent (if under 18)
3. State ID card with proof of age and Howard County residency
4. Non-smoker
5. Reliable
6. Good communication skills
7. Flexible hours, including weekends and evenings
* Selected applicants will be required to attend an in-person training. (Date TBD)
Link to apply: https://forms.gle/8n473ViaUgF1AjEN9
School Supplies
Moving?
If your family is planning to move it is important that you update your address with the Student Services Office. Please contact Ms. Sultan, Registrar, for more information about what is needed to keep your file accurate.
Tutoring Opportunities
Atholton's Beyond School Hours (BSH) After-School Academic Support Program
There are support sessions available for the four main content areas in the media center from 3:00-5:00 PM.
· Students with IEPS: Homework club every Tuesday and Thursday
· Math Support: Every Tuesday and Thursday
· English, social studies and science are only on Thursday.
For more information, please contact Imani Hinson (Imani_Hinson@hcpss.org) or Emily DeFilippo (Emily_DeFilippo@hcpss.org)
Online Homework Assistance – Howard County Library
http://hclibrary.org/new-a-main/get-homework-help/
In addition to receiving guidance from HCLS staff, students (K-12) and college-age adults can connect with free tutors for assistance with math, reading, science, social studies, English/language arts, and writing. Both English and Spanish speaking tutors are available seven days a week from 2 pm until 11:55 pm.
HCEA Tutor List
As service to the community, the Howard County Education Association maintains a list of educators willing to tutor. If you are interested in hiring an HCPSS teacher to provide tutoring, please pick up a list of these tutors from the AHS Student Services office.
Canvas Observer Directions
Stress Relief/Holidays
The holiday season can be a time filled with joy, festivities, and quality time with loved ones. However, for many of us, it can also bring a significant amount of stress, especially as high school students with academic and personal commitments. To help you navigate this time with more ease, here are some valuable tips for stress relief during the holidays:
1. Plan and Prioritize: Make a list of your responsibilities and commitments during the holidays. Prioritize them to ensure you're focusing on what truly matters.
2. Time Management: Create a schedule or calendar to manage your time efficiently. Allocate time for studying, socializing, and self-care.
3. Self-Care: Make self-care a priority. Take time to relax, unwind, and do activities that bring you joy. This could be reading, listening to music, practicing mindfulness, or even taking a walk.
4. Set Realistic Expectations: Don't put too much pressure on yourself to make everything perfect. Understand that it's okay not to meet every expectation, and it's the thought and effort that counts.
5. Stay Active: Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Consider taking a short walk or engaging in a fun physical activity with friends or family.
6. Healthy Eating: Enjoy the delicious holiday foods, but also remember to maintain a balanced diet. Overindulgence in unhealthy foods can lead to sluggishness and discomfort.
7. Reach Out for Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a trusted adult. Talking about your feelings can be very relieving.
8. Limit Screen Time: While it's tempting to spend hours on social media or watching TV, excessive screen time can increase stress and anxiety. Try to limit your screen time and engage in real-life conversations.
9. Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and the things you're grateful for. Gratitude can be a powerful stress reliever.
10. Learn to Say No: If you feel overcommitted, don't be afraid to decline additional invitations or responsibilities. It's okay to protect your time and energy.
11. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: If you start to feel stressed, practice deep breathing and relaxation exercises to calm your mind and reduce tension.
12. Get Plenty of Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Remember, the holidays are a time to cherish and celebrate, and you should be able to enjoy them. By implementing these stress relief strategies, you can better manage the challenges that may come your way during this season.
Wishing you a happy and stress-free holiday season!
HC DrugFree invites all Howard County students in grades 8-12 to join our Teen Advisory Council (TAC.) Members of TAC meet once monthly during the academic year and act as student ambassadors in their schools and in the community.
Join us for our next Teen Advisory Council meeting of the 2023-24 school year on Monday, November 6 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Learn more & Register: tinyurl.com/HCDrugFreeTAC
Have additional questions? Feel free to e-mail: admin@hcdrugfree.org.