News from the Nest

Dear Eagle Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for taking the time to review the News from the Nest Newsletter for November. I truly appreciate the many parents who have provided feedback and recommendations. We will continue working to increase transparency and strengthen communication with our families.

As you may know, the first quarter is coming to a close, and we will begin the second quarter next week. The first quarter brought our Eagles many proud moments, including:

1. Medal Ceremony: We celebrated students who maintained honors-level grades throughout last school year.
2. Counselor Launch Meetings: Our counseling team met with every student to discuss this year’s goals, academic progress, and future plans.
3. Homecoming Week: Spirit Week, the pep rally, and the Homecoming Dance were a tremendous success—filled with school pride, participation, and enthusiasm.
4. First Annual Trunk or Treat: Hosted for our Aberdeen feeder schools, this event was well attended and showcased our student teams, clubs, and organizations while building community with our future Eagles.
5. Adulting 101 Series: This new after-school program has been a hit! Students are signing up, and the community is spreading the word. The series gives students a chance to learn practical skills essential for adult life.
6. Fall Athletics and Marching Band: Our fall sports teams had strong seasons—many improving records and advancing in playoffs. Our marching band impressed at assessment with outstanding choreography and musicianship.
7. Academic Rigor: A record number of students are taking Advanced Placement courses and have registered for the May assessments. Their commitment to challenging coursework and preparation for post-secondary success is commendable.

The success we’ve seen is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, students, and families.

As we begin the second quarter, we ask for your continued partnership in a few key areas:

1. Email Communication: Please remind your student to check their school email daily. Many opportunities—such as scholarships, events, and activities—are shared via email.
2. Cell Phone Expectations: Please remind students that cell phones must be off and stored in lockers during instructional time. While we’ve seen improvement, we are noticing an increase in students requesting restroom passes multiple times per day to use their phones. The restroom is not a cell phone “safe space.” Phones should be off and away so students can remain fully engaged in learning.
3. Monitoring Progress: Please ensure that both you and your student can access HAC and check grades regularly. Staying informed helps students remain accountable and proactive.

We appreciate your continued support with school rules, safety, and initiatives. We are proud of all that our students have accomplished so far and look forward to celebrating even more Eagle success in the months ahead.

Enjoy your weekend!

Erica Harris, Principal

11/11 Veterans Day - Schools and Offices Closed

11/14 Picture Makeup Day

11/17 Picture Makeup Day

11/19 HCPS - Virtual mental health series: "Establishing Healthy Boundaries"

11/20 Winter Athletic Parent Meeting

11/21 1st Quarter Report Cards Posted on HAC

11/26 3-hour Early Dismissal

11/27 Thanksgiving Break - Schools and Offices Closed

11/28 Thanksgiving Break - Schools and Offices Closed

12/09 1st Quarter Honors Breakfast

12/15 Winter Chorus Concert

12/16 Winter Orchestra Concert

12/17 Winter Band Concert

12/18 Winter Dancer Concert

12/20 Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Market

12/23 3-hour Early Dismissal

12/24 - 1/2 Winter Break - Schools and Offices Closed

Reminder from Food and Nutrition –application for school meal benefits for families experiencing a change in income can be filed anytime during the year – please remind families they can apply if there has been a recent change in income - here is the link: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Games during lunch at AHS Cafeteria - Led by Dr. Royster and the counseling office. DRAW FOUR!

George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale Mentorship with Aberdeen High School:

SAME Chesapeake Evening Networking Event with STEM Students

Wednesday, November 12th at 5pm

The purpose of this event is to connect local high school & college STEM students with local STEM Professionals. Light dinner provided.

Location: Harford Community College Aberdeen Hall, Room A255 and 256

Free for Current Students

Click here to register.

Tuesday 11/18 (all 4 lunches)- Join your School Counselors for Game Time (Chess/Uno) in the cafeteria and win snacks

State Financial Aid Programs through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) provides a number of state grants, scholarships, and loan assistance repayment programs for eligible Maryland residents. Below you will find a complete listing of programs offered by MHEC. Visit https://mhec.maryland.gov for more information

Join your School Counselors for College Application Assistance during lunch on Fridays in November and December:

Seniors, do you need help with college applications? Are you unsure about Xello? What about the Common App or Common Black App? Do you have questions about fee waivers or scholarships? What about college in general? If so, please drop into the Counseling Office on Fridays during your lunch for ‘College Fridays’. Counselors will be on standby to help you with any and all questions about college, the college application process, Xello and scholarships. You are welcome to bring your lunch with you. We hope to see you soon!

College Admission reps will be here at AHS to meet with you to discuss their college programs. You can register for these visits by logging onto Xello and clicking on Events under the Explore Tab. https://xello.world/en/

Please use your student email address as your username. If you do not remember your Xello password, you can reset it (check your junk folder for the reset email).

All visits will be held in the school cafeteria. Please use an Ehall pass to attend.

Tuesday, November 4th at 8am – Robert Morris University

Tuesday, November 4th at 9am – Stevenson University

Monday, November 10th at 1pm – Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

Monday, November 10th at 1:15pm – Mount St. Mary’s University

· Harford Community College: Tuesday, November 11, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm; Meet at the Student Center on the campus of Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. In addition, to the campus tour, we will provide students with an opportunity to complete the admissions application. If a student is interested in just this tour, please let me know so that we can ensure a seat is reserved for the student.

· Towson University and Harford Community College: Tuesday, November 11, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm: We will depart from 1918 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood (on a school bus) and travel to Towson University located in Towson, MD. Following the campus tour and lunch, we will then travel to Harford Community College for the above referenced tour. We will then return to 1918 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood. If a student is interested in this package tour, the student can register using the following link: https://forms.gle/1qRturQATqATmJzg9

· University of Maryland, College Park: Friday, November 7, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm: We will depart from 1918 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood (on a school bus) and travel to the University of Maryland located in College Park, MD. Following the campus tour and lunch, we will then return to 1918 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood. If a student is interested in this package tour, the student can register using the following link: https://forms.gle/aVaWzRaoUJydL2Ta8

The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now open!

✅ Start your FAFSA form now: FAFSA.gov
📅 The earlier you apply, the better your chances of maximizing aid.

Upcoming FAFSA Nights:

Let Harford Community College’s Financial Aid team guide you through the Financial Aid process for the 2026-27 school year. Learn about the FAFSA®, types of financial aid and how to apply, key deadlines, updates from last year, financial aid terms, tips on maintaining your aid, and more. Sessions are open to all, whether you plan to attend Harford or any other college or university. You’ll have a chance to ask important questions and lay the groundwork for your academic future.

Reserve your spot today at one of the high schools below and let Harford help you realize your educational dreams! Select an Information Night at the location (and date) that works best for you.

John Carroll High School
Tuesday, November 11, 6—8 PM | RSVP

FAFSA Completion Event: Saturday, November 8th

If you would like hands on assistance with completing your FAFSA, please register for this FAFSA Completion Event on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9 - 1:00 PM at HCC, 401 Thomas Run Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015 RSVP

November 12th
Aberdeen HS Military Recruiter Workshop
🕣 Time: 8:30–9:30 AM
📍 Location: Aberdeen HS Auditorium
Meet recruiters from the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and National Guard. It’s a information session.
🥐 Continental breakfast provided

Students have already signed up for this event.

Mental Health Series

To proactively support students' overall well-being, Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) is partnering with ParentGuidance.org to offer a virtual webinar series developed by licensed therapists. These interactive sessions are designed to help parents and caregivers support their children’s mental health and wellness.

• Format: Virtual and completely confidential—registration, attendance, and participation are anonymous to other viewers.
• Time: All sessions are held from 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Registration: Visit the HCPS Parent Academy Facebook page or the link on the event flyer .
• Contact: For registration assistance, email Mary Beth Stapleton at Mary.Stapleton@hcps.org.

Session Schedule:

• “Establishing Healthy Boundaries” - Wed. Nov. 19
• “School Avoidance” - Wed. Dec 17
• “Bullying—Stop the Cycle” - Wed. Jan. 21
• “What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention” - Wed. Feb. 18
• “Everyday Happiness” - Wed. Mar. 18
• “ABCs of Substance Use & Vaping” - Wed. April 15

Senior Banners are for sale!

🎓 Early Bird Price: $40 if purchased by December 12, 2025.
💰 After that date, prices will increase, so don’t wait!

Banners can be purchased through the AHS PTSA Giveback store (link below).

https://aberdeenhsptsa.memberhub.com/store/items/759892

We are looking for sponsors as an advertising and partnership opportunity. Please let me know if you would eb willing to serve on the day of, or if you'd be interested in running a workshop at abhs.ptsa@gmail.com.

By joining the PTSA, you help make meaningful events like this possible. If you haven’t already, we invite you to join and support our efforts to bring engaging and impactful programs to our students.

Join the PTSA (https://aberdeenhsptsa.givebacks.com/shop)

Thank you to The Screaming Bean for funding new uniforms for the AHS football team!

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

Ineligibility 2025-2026 Winter Sports/Extracurricular Activities

Ineligibility begins Monday November 24, 2024, for all 9th – 12th grade student(s) who earned a failing grade “E” in one or more classes for 1st quarter. Report cards come out on Friday, November 21st. Please have your student(s) check their report card on HAC. If your student(s) earned an “E” on their 1st Quarter report card, they will need to have an appeal hearing to see if they are granted an appeal to participate in the 2025 Winter Sport or extracurricular activity. On Friday, November 7, 2025, students will be emailed a form link that must be completed and submitted to have an appeal hearing. The submission deadline is Wednesday, November 26th, by 12 PM (Noon). If not submitted by the deadline date (11/26 at Noon) the student(s) will not have an appeal hearing. There will be no extensions!

AP EXAMS - open to all students taking advanced placement courses

Late AP exam registration information:

• · Opens: November 17th at 8:00 am

  · Closes March 5th at 5:00 pm

  · Cost:

  o $42 per exam for the following:

  ü Any student who is FARMS (free/reduced meals program) eligible.

  ü Any student in 11th grade.

  ü Any student in 12th grade.

  o $146 per exam for any 9th or 10th grade student who is NOT FARMS eligible.

  
  

  If you have questions, please contact: Mrs. Bane (AP Coordinator) Danielle.Bane@hcps.org.

• Registration online through Total Registration - www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/210000

State Assessments:

• State assessments are required for graduation purposes in the following areas:
• Government
• Biology (LS MISA)
• Algebra 1
• English 10
• All 9th grade students will take a Mathematics assessment (Algebra 1, Geometry or Algebra 2) for ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) purposes.
• Testing will take place in school on the dates listed below:
• Government – April 27th and 28th
• Biology (LS MISA) – April 29th and 30th
• Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry – April 20th and 21st
• English 10 – April 9th, 10th, 13th and 14th – students will test all 4 days
• Testing will also take place in school December 1st - January 16th for students who did not test in the Spring of 2025 or who have not met College and Career Readiness Standards.
• MCAP Scores from Spring 2025 testing will be distributed mid October.

Contact Danielle Bane (Danielle.Bane@hcps.org) if you have any questions regarding PSAT/AP Exams or State Assessments.

Is your student College and Career Ready (CCR)? Please see the chart below to see if your student is on the right path. Being CCR is one of the criteria looked at when determining eligibility for Dual Enrollment, Apprenticeship Programs and Workforce Development Programs that students can participate in their Junior/Senior year.