Raider Nation Staff Newsletter
Week of May 11, 2020
Happy Mother's Day!
Hello Raider Nation,
Happy Mother’s Day! I hope everyone has taken the opportunity to express their gratitude to all our mothers and the work they do day in and day out to support their families. I truly appreciate all our mothers do to support our school. THANK YOU! Given our unique circumstances, I hope you have found a way to honor our mothers and those that fill that role in our lives.
As you know, all Maryland Public Schools are closed for the remainder of the year. While we are all saddened by the fact that we will not return to Atholton this school year, it does not mean that we have stopped our Continuity of Learning Plan. We will continue with our check-ins and submission of work as normal. HCPSS is currently in the process of developing a plan for staff to enter the building to close out the year. More information is coming.
We are inching closer and closer to an official announcement regarding our virtual graduation. I anticipate an announcement this week that will detail the specifics of the virtual graduation and our graduation date! Please stay tuned. A reminder that if you would like to create a video message for our seniors, please let me know. We will be developing a distribution plan for caps and gowns once the shipment arrives. We will also use this time to distribute cords and stoles and settle all senior obligations. The graduation window is June 1 - June 9 so we still have a few weeks to prepare.
As the last day for seniors approaches (May 20), there are several activities being planned. This week is Senior Spirit Week. Each day is highlighted below. On May 19, the PTSA and school will be hosting a Senior Driveby Breakfast. The PTSA has a gift for our seniors and the senior class has a breakfast gift card. We will be distributing strict protocols later in the week along with a route for students / families to follow. Additionally, Howard County Police will be on site to help monitor and direct things. This will be a good practice for our cap and gown distribution. Please let me know if you are interested in coming out to assist. Our Senior Awards Slideshow and Athletics Awards will be posted on May 29 and we will include the Virtual Stars we had our seniors decorate as well.
This is the LAST week for seniors to submit assignments as their last day is next Wednesday (5/20). Here is the timeline for senior grades:
Teachers should enter "P" or NA for students who are graduating, rather than an "I".
May 15th – teachers may begin entering Q4 Grades for seniors
May 22nd – Q4 grades are due for seniors
May 29th – report cards attached to documents for seniors
Additionally, your ITLs have been asked to work with you in cataloging senior obligations. It is our plan to collect and settle obligations, and distribute caps and gowns and cords/stoles ALL on the same day. We are tentatively looking at Wednesday, 5/27 or Thursday, 5/28.
This week is scheduled for department meetings beginning tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. A part of your meeting will be devoted to discussing plans for Friday’s expectations for articulation. Per HCPSS, this Friday should be used for vertical articulation between content departments within the building to review student course placements for 2020-21. Critical to the process this year will be consideration for a gap analysis and the impact on instructional design for the upcoming school year. In addition, schools should use part of this time to develop a communication plan for connecting with feeder middle schools and sending/receiving high schools for follow up review of course selections and other pertinent information related to individual students (IEP/504). HCPSS is aware that this Friday is also the countywide Rainbow Conference. If you plan to attend, please plan your schedule accordingly with your ITL.
As you may have heard, MSDE provided modifications for the evaluation of teachers during this unprecedented time. Our TDL, Katie Meloro, is more than happy to field any questions you may have regarding your evaluation this year. You may find information in Canvas regarding the adapted model.
Advanced Placement exams begin this week. Nina put out a list of students taking which exams on which day. Students taking AP exams should be given credit for attendance for periods on the day of the exam.
Below you will find an electronic version of the Disciplinary Referral form. Please use this as needed and submit to Sam Richman, Dean of Discipline.
Lastly, regarding the holiday on May 25 (Memorial Day), there will need to be an adjusted distance learning schedule for May 26-29. More information will be provided as the schedule is finalized.
ITLs -- please send your meeting link to your assigned administrator if you have not done so already.
Have a great week!
Robert
Disciplinary Referral Form
THIS WEEK
Senior Spirit Week
Tuesday -- College or Favorite Jersey Day
Wednesday -- Roll Out of Bed Day (Pajama Day) -- appropriate
Thursday -- Class Color Day (Wear Black)
Meetings
All Meetings are VIRTUAL
Monday-- Department Meetings (9:30 a.m.)
Thursday -- ITL Meeting (11:30 a.m.)
Friday -- SST Meeting (1:15 p.m.)
Friday -- Articulation / Department Meetings
Mark Your Calendar
May 19 -- Senior Car Parade
May 20 -- Last Day for Seniors
Senior Activities
May 11 - 14 -- Spirit Week
May 14 -- Music Senior Awards (Livestream @ 7pm)
May 19 --Car Parade Breakfast @8:30 a.m.
May 20 -- Last Day
May 29 -- Awards SlideShow / Athletics Awards posted
June 1 - 9 -- GraduationAtholton High School
Email: rmotley@hcpss.org
Website: ahs.hcpss.org
Location: 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: 4103137065