The Raider Nation Newsletter

Dear Atholton Community,

With senior final exams coming up next week, we're about a month out from final exams for our underclassmen. I want to share some information about missing exams that I get pretty frequently:

• For senior exams, when a student misses the exam, they should check for an alternate date/time with their teacher. Many students have AP exams over the next two weeks, so we know students (and teachers) need to be flexible with their dates.
• Many make-up senior exams will be scheduled for Friday May 16th (after the 11:35am dismissal).
• Final exams for underclassmen will take place between Friday June 13th and Wednesday June 18th.
• Friday 6/13 will be a full day of school.
• Monday 6/16, Tuesday 6/17, and Wednesday 6/18 will be half days.
• Final exam make-ups can be scheduled with a teacher anytime between 6/13 and 6/18 (no early exams.
• If students miss any exams during the exam window, they will need to schedule time over the summer to take make-up exams. These exams will not be graded until teachers return in August.

If you have any questions about final exam testing, please contact the specific teacher, your child's counselor, or their administrator.

Sincerely,

Nick Novak

Principal

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) students who competed at the State MESA Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Both of our teams placed at the state level — a tremendous achievement that reflects their year-long dedication and hard work!

Community Cleanup Team took 1st Place in their challenge
Planetary Landing Team took 2nd Place in their challenge

These scholars have worked diligently all year long, and their commitment, teamwork, and problem-solving skills truly paid off. Please join us in congratulating them for representing our school with excellence and innovation!

Way to go, MESA Scholars — we are proud of you!

Get ready for AHS Drama Double Good Popcorn virtual fundraiser! This is a 100% contactless event, and the product ships directly to the buyer. Use this link to purchase some delicious popcorn snacks and support the The Atholton Drama Boosters: https://s.dgpopup.com/49mkw26w

Nominate Faculty & Staff Members for Above and Beyond Awards: Parents & Students, every year the PTSA recognizes faculty & staff members who have made a real difference to support students and have gone “Above and Beyond” the normal call of duty this school year. Nominees are recognized in three categories: Academic, Extracurricular, and Student Services/Support (e.g., office staff, Student Services, custodians). You can nominate one staff member in each category.

To submit your nomination(s): Send an e-mail to Michelle Maslan (amaslan@comcast.net) indicating:
-Name of the staff member you are nominating

-The category for the nomination (Academic, Extracurricular or Student Services/Support), and

-A few sentences explaining/supporting your nomination

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, May 12, 2025 and the winners will be announced at the final staff meeting on June 2, 2025.

ATTENTION, PARENTS AND STUDENTS!

I am thrilled to let you know that your student has been specially selected to join in an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime educational trip to ITALY! We are now offering our trip in 2026 to give families more time to plan for this adventure.

What’s in store:

• Venice: Step into the past as you wander through the enchanting canals and immerse yourself in Venice's timeless traditions.
• Florence: Experience the vibrant heartbeat of Florence, where art and history come alive in a city that has inspired countless masterpieces.
• Rome: Stroll the historic streets of Rome, soaking in its rich history and architectural heritage. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Dates: March 2026 (over Spring Break) Open to: Howard County high school students!

Mr. Brenfleck will host an INFORMATIONAL MEETING on May 15th at 6:30PM in the Media Center.

Next steps: Please have one parent or guardian register to attend our information session by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4iJmLUS Those who register will qualify for a $300 tour discount! We can’t wait to tell you more!

There will also be an in-school INORMATIONAL MEETING on May 14th for students during RAIDER TIME in Mr. Brenfleck's room, F180. Contact Mr. Brenfleck with any questions. This is more than just a trip – it’s a hands-on lesson and experience that travelers will remember for a lifetime. (Please note that this is NOT an HCPSS trip.)

Attention all 9th - 12th graders interested in becoming a teacher:

Check out the FREE Towson University Summer Scholars Institute!

Info here: http://bit.ly/4cQKl09

Event: Books in Bloom

Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2025

Rain date: None. This event is outdoors rain or shine.

Event Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm

Volunteer Arrival Time: 8:15am

Volunteer Departure Time: 5:00-5:30pm

Location: Color Burst Park

Location Address: 6000 Merriweather Drive, Columbia, MD 21044

(Color Burst Park is located next to Symphony Woods and Merriweather Post Pavilion in the new Merriweather District.)

Parking Information: Parking is free and available at (3) separate locations.

Volunteer Check-in Location: Look for the VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN tent set up at Color Burst Park. We will be near Toastique.

Responsibilities: Volunteers will be responsible for greeting guests, assisting with kids crafts and giveaways, assisting Busboys and Poets with popup bookstore, general assistance throughout the festival.

Split shifts available: No. You must be able to stay from volunteer arrival to departure time.

Food available for volunteers: Yes. Water, sandwich, and snacks will be available for volunteers. (When registering to volunteer, please let me know if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any food restrictions.)

What to wear: Dress for the weather with comfortable shoes. Volunteers will be given t-shirts to wear/keep. Bring a raincoat for inclement weather.

NHS/SSL Hours Available: Yes. A letter highlighting volunteer responsibilities and hours served will be distributed at volunteer check-out.

Registration deadline: April 25th or until volunteer slots are filled

To register: cathyvsmith@outlook.com

Event Coordinator: Cathy Smith, 410-302-4662,

For more information about Books in Bloom, please visit https://merriweatherdistrict.com/books-in-bloom/

Hello Atholton,

We invite you to be a part of the “Uplifting Lives Initiative,” a donation based organization dedicated to empowering youth, transforming lives and making a positive impact in our community. Your support will help provide essential resources and meaningful assistance to those who need it most. Together, we can create a lasting change and uplift our community! Get involved and make a difference today. For more information, check our instagram page @ahsgreendrop.

Want to get involved? Donate: clothes and shoes / backpacks and purses / games and toys / books and media. Place your items in the green boxes located throughout the school from Tuesday, April 22 until Friday, May 9.

SAT Boot Camps at Atholton HS - $199

**These prep classes will prepare students for the May 3, June 7, and Aug. 23 SATs.**

• M/W April 28 & 30 from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
• M/W Aug. 11 & 13 from 5 pm - 9 pm
• Interested in live, virtual prep? See website for all of the upcoming classes!

College Essay Writing Workshops in HoCo - $199

**These highly-rated, limited-enrollment workshops take students from idea generation to outline, to a complete draft of their Common App main essay.**

• M/W June 23 & 25 from 5 pm - 9 pm
• M/W Aug. 4 & 6 from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
• See website for the growing list of workshops, including live, virtual options, too!

Each college prep class is only $199,* or choose a Premium Bundle and save up to $500. AHS PTSA earns a portion of student tuition! Visit www.theanswerclass.com to view the full class schedule and to register your student.

To date, more than 1,210 AHS students have benefited from the prep and $32,900+ has been donated to AHS PTSA! 95% of students would recommend the course to a friend!

*Early Bird Discount: Register one week ahead of your course & SAVE $20!

Register today at: http://www.theanswerclass.com

5/5 AP Exams Begin

5/7 11:35am Dismissal

5/8 Dance Concert-Night 1

5/9 Dance Concert-Night 2

5/12 PBSA Meeting

5/13 Senior Crab Feast

5/15 Choir Spring Concert

5/16 11:35am Dismissal

Atholton PTSA

Atholton PBSA

Atholton Boosters

Atholton Drama Boosters

Atholton JROTC Boosters

Atholton Music Boosters

Atholton Robotics Boosters