News from the Nest
November 2026 Edition
Welcome to AHS
A note from the Principal
Dear Eagle Parents and Guardians,
As we enter November, I am reminded of how much we have to be thankful for at Aberdeen High School. I am grateful for our students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community partners who make our school such a special place. The success of our Eagles is truly a team effort, and we appreciate the role each of you plays in making Aberdeen a great place to learn and grow.
Academic Success: It's Okay to Ask for Help!
As we move through the second quarter, I encourage all students to take ownership of their learning and seek help when they need it. If your child is struggling with an assignment, preparing for a test, or just needs a little extra support, encourage them to reach out to their teachers. Our teachers are always willing to help!
Students can also take advantage of our National Honor Society Tutoring Program, which provides an opportunity for peer support and additional academic assistance. Please check grades regularly through Home Access Center (HAC) and have conversations with your child about their progress. Sometimes a little encouragement and an extra effort can make all the difference!
Stay Connected and Get Involved!
One of the best ways to support our students is to show up and be involved. We encourage families to take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with our school.
A few things happening around the Nest:
School Play – Tonight and Tomorrow! Come out and support our talented students and staff. So much time and effort goes into these performances, and we would love to see our families in the audience!
Counseling Office Parent Nights: Our counseling team offers evening sessions to help families navigate academic planning, college and career readiness, and other important topics. We encourage you to attend and take advantage of these opportunities.
School Events and Activities: Whether it is an athletic event, a performance, or a school-sponsored activity, your presence matters. Our students love seeing their families supporting them!
Please continue to watch for announcements, emails, and updates about upcoming events.
We Are Here to Help!
We recognize that sometimes families need a little extra support, and we want you to know that you do not have to navigate those challenges alone. Whether it is assistance with food, clothing, basic necessities, or other resources, please reach out to our administration, counseling department, or school social worker. We have resources and community partnerships that can help connect families with support.
There is no reason to feel uncomfortable asking. Taking care of our students means taking care of the people who support them at home, too.
Celebrating an Everyday Hero: Ms. Shannon Hampton!
We are excited to congratulate Ms. Shannon Hampton, our Aberdeen High School Everyday Hero!
For more than two decades, Ms. Hampton has demonstrated an incredible commitment to her students, the English curriculum, and Aberdeen High School. Her passion for teaching, dedication to her craft, and the relationships she has built with generations of students are truly admirable. The impact of an educator like Ms. Hampton reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our Eagle family. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!
A Final Thank You
As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for your continued support and partnership. Thank you for encouraging your children, supporting our teachers, attending events, asking questions, and celebrating the successes of our students.
We all play a part in helping our Eagles succeed, and I am grateful to be part of this community. I hope your family enjoys a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with time together, happiness, and plenty of reasons to be thankful.
With gratitude,
Erica Harris, Principal
Aberdeen High School
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Tuesday, November 10 Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, November 11 Schools and Offices Closed (Veterans Day)
Friday, November 13 Music Trivia Fundraiser
Wednesday, November 18 Makeup Underclassman Pictures
Thursday, November 19 Makeup Underclassman Pictures
Wednesday, November 25 3-Hour Early Dismissal Schools and Offices
Thursday, November 26 Schools and Offices Closed-Thanksgiving
Friday, November 27 Schools and Offices Closed-Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 2 First Quarter Honors Ceremony
Saturday, December 5 SAT Testing
Make Up Picture Day Nov. 18-19
ABHS Marquee Players Present...
Extracurricular Eligibility
First-Quarter Report Cards & Extracurricular Eligibility
First-quarter report cards will be released on November 20th. Students and families are encouraged to review grades and academic progress.
Any student who received an E as a first-quarter grade must complete an eligibility appeal by submitting the appeal form through the eligibility link that will be shared with all students.
Important Deadline: November 25th at 11:00 AM
All appeals must be submitted by this deadline. Students who do not complete and submit an appeal will not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities during the second quarter.
Please be sure to review your grades and complete the appeal process on time, if applicable.
ABHS Christmas Bazaar VENDOR SIGN-UP
School Counseling
November School Counseling News:
Interested in Harford Community College? Ms. Brea Abel, HCC Admissions Specialist, will be meeting with interested students on Wednesdays and Thursdays. She can help you explore your options, understand the admissions process, and learn what steps you need to take to get started.
Who: Juniors and seniors interested in HCC or Dual Enrollment
When: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Where: Counseling Office
Duration: 20-minute appointments
Ready to learn more? Schedule your appointment with Ms. Abel here:
Schedule an Appointment with HCC Admissions
Take advantage of this opportunity to explore your options and plan your next steps toward college!
College Promise Scholarship Information Event
Thursday, November 12th 6:00PM/HCC Chesapeake Welcome Center
RSVP here: https://admissions.harford.edu/register/CollegePromiseInfoEvent
This event focuses on informing students and their families how they can receive the College Promise Scholarship; which provides tuition assistance for eligible applicants to attend the community college in their county for FREE (almost)!
What We'll Cover:
A brief guide to completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The latest updates to the financial aid process for 2026–2027
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship @ Harford Community College
Q&A booths with financial aid advisors
Seniors! College Application Deadlines are closer than you think!
For information on requesting your transcript, letters of recommendation, and how to match your Common App account, view our Xello quick guides:
Xello: How to request a transcript
Xello: How to request a recommendation letter
Xello: Linking your Common App Account
When requesting letters of recommendation…before you submit a Xello request – please talk to your teachers in person, give them at least 2 weeks’ notice of your deadline, and provide a resume. This will ensure a timely and well-written letter!
Military Events:
Military Information Recruiter Breakfast
Date: Thursday, November 12th
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The School Counseling Department will host a Military Information Recruiter Breakfast for interested 10th-12th grade students. This event provides an opportunity to learn about the various branches of the military service and speak directly with recruiters. You must sign up to attend: Military Information Session with Recruiters (Breakfast) – Fill out form
ASVAB Preparation Sessions
Dates: Monday and Tuesday lunch periods, November 30th through December 15th
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: School Counseling Conference Room
To help students prepare for the ASVAB, school counselors will offer preparation sessions during lunch periods. Students will have the opportunity to complete practice assessments, review test-taking strategies, and learn more about the exam. Just bring your lunch and you will be given practice questions.
ASVAB Testing
Date: Friday December 18th
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Location: Cafeteria
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will be administered by the School Counseling Department. The ASVAB measures abilities and predicts future academic and occupational success to help students match their skills with civilian and military careers. Taking the test in high school does not obligate a student to join the military or speak with a recruiter.
You must sign up to attend: Aberdeen HS ASVAB Sign Up 12/18/2026 – Fill out form
College Campus Visit
Social Work Dept.
Ladies of Aberdeen
Food Drive
HBCU Visit
Nature Worx
Free and Reduced Meals Application
Make sure your information is up to date (click the image below)
AP Exam Registration Information
Athletic Event Tickets- Go Fan
Physical Education Uniforms
PTSA
Greetings, AHS Community!
💥 The PTSA membership page is live! We are excited for parents, teachers, students, and community supporters to join for the 2026/27 school year.
💸 Think of the membership fee as a donation. The funds go toward assisting teachers with necessary classroom supplies, senior celebrations, honors breakfasts, teacher/staff appreciation events, and more.
🚫 There is no commitment tied to the membership. Though we’d love to see you at the monthly PTSA meetings and appreciate any amount of volunteer hours, it is not required.
😏 There are perks involved. Members: can vote on important PTSA decisions; receive discounts throughout the year at local shops; can join the PTSA’s social media pages; hear school news and announcements straight from administrators during monthly meetings; are eligible to be entered in monthly prize drawings; have access to the national PTA’s online magazine; and, help to create a community of care around our children.
🆕 We are a new Board and look forward to meeting you at our first monthly PTSA meeting on September 17th. Meetings are on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm via Zoom; some may be hybrid if there is interest. Meeting announcements and links will be sent to all one week prior, with a reminder as the date approaches.
👋🏽 Please stop by our table at AHS’s Open House, Thursday, August 27, 1pm-3pm, to say hello! We are looking forward to a fantastic year.
Respectfully,
The 2026/27 PTSA Board
President: Sarah Paxton | Vice President: Keri Kateley | 2nd Vice President: Shola Kemp Treasurer: Erika Brown | Secretary: Deanna Scott
For more information, visit the AHS PTSA website: https://aberdeenhsptsa.givebacks.com/
To purchase a membership:
visit https://aberdeenhsptsa.givebacks.com/shop,
Parent Connection Corner
PBIS at Home
Local Business Shout Outs
Aberdeen High School wants to give a big shout out to all the businesses who helped make our 2nd annual Trunk or Treat a success!!!
Do you have or know someone with a local business? Would you like to partner with Aberdeen High School? Would you like to see your business represented in our newsletter??
If so, Please reach out to the PACE liaison : Aaron Heasley at aaron.heasley@hcps.org

