News from the Nest

Dear Aberdeen High School Families,

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I join the Aberdeen High School community as your new principal. I look forward to working together to ensure our Eagles soar to new heights this year.

As we prepare for the first day of school, I encourage you to review the new Board of Education policies and to read this entire newsletter carefully. It is filled with important information, upcoming events, and opportunities you won’t want to miss.

I am a firm believer in transparency and open communication. While the amount of information we share may feel overwhelming at times, my goal is to keep families fully informed about all that is happening at Aberdeen High. Throughout the year, you will have multiple ways to stay connected:

1. School Website – currently being revamped for easier navigation.
2. HCPS App – select Aberdeen High School to receive timely updates.
3. Email Updates – from administration, counseling, and teachers.
4. Home Access Center – for monitoring student grades.
5. Canvas – for instructional resources and class information.
6. Monthly Newsletter – with upcoming events, celebrations, forms, and opportunities.

As a parent of a high school student myself, I understand how overwhelming this transitional time can be for both students and families. Please know we are always just a phone call or email away. Before school begins, check your email to ensure we haven’t reached out regarding schedule changes, residency confirmation, or any other matters that could impact your student’s start to the year.

Our Eagle educators have been busy this summer preparing engaging programming and instructional resources. Our custodial team is working tirelessly to make sure the building shines, our SGA students are gearing up for Freshman Orientation, and our fall athletes are already hard at work.

The countdown has begun, and we can’t wait to welcome our students back on the first day of school!

Sincerely,
Erica Harris
Principal
Aberdeen High School

The Harford County Board of Education recently passed an amended Portable Communication Device Policy. A few snapshots from the policy are provided below, but a pdf version of the full policy is attached for your review.

What was the policy for HS students last year?

Last year schools implemented a brand new revamped PCD policy passed by the Board of Education. For high schoolers, this allowed students to carry their PCD on their person, but it needed to be deactivated and out of sight during class time.

What is the new policy for HS students for the 25-26 school year?

Students will now be required to keep their PCD and PLDs (e.g. cell phone, headphones) deactivated and in their assigned locker during instructional time. Students are no longer permitted to carry their cell phone on their person during instructional time, but can access it in between classes, at lunch, and on the school bus. Students are permitted to wear a WCD (e.g. smart watch) during instructional time, but it must be deactivated.

When will this policy be enforced?

Administration and faculty will begin implementing this policy on the first day of school. All students will be assigned lockers and will receive their locker number and combination on the first day. Students are responsible to ensure their locker is shut and locked. Students are not permitted to share lockers or give their combinations to other students.

Student Backpack Use - Students are permitted to use backpacks or similar items to carry their schoolbooks, materials or equipment while traveling to and from school. However, because of the importance of maintaining a safe environment in the school, such items must be stored inASSIGNED LOCKERS or designated areas during the school day.

The school principal will have the authority to make exceptions based on medical or health conditions, or disability. Harford County Public Schools shall not assume responsibility for the theft, loss or damage to a student’s backpack or similar item, or its contents.

The following Conditions shall apply:

• Bookbags, backpacks, etc. shall be stored in the student's assigned locker or designated area.
• Students may carry a nontransparent bag no larger than 4.5 x 8.5 inches with them during the day for personal hygiene purposes.
• Musical instrument cases shall be stored in the music room or designated storage areas.
• Athletic bags and gear shall be stored in either the student's locker, assigned physical education locker or designated storage area, as appropriate.

If any student is determined to be in violation of this policy, the school administrator will take corrective action, including, but not limited to the following:

• Requiring the student to place the item in his/her locker.
• Taking reasonable steps to notify the parent/guardian.
• Initiating progressive disciplinary action for repeated violations or insubordination as appropriate, which may include suspension from school.

Search Policy: The principal or assistant principal may conduct a reasonable search of a student including the search of a student's bag or other belongings in accord with the board's policy on search and seizure.

Tuesday, August 19 – 22, 2025 – SMA Orientation

Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Administration of the SAT 8:00am-12:00pm

Friday, August 29, 2025 – Open House 9:00-11:00 am

Monday, September 1, 2025 – Schools and Offices Closed – Labor Day

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – First Day of School

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – Back to School Night 5:00pm-7:00pm

Friday, September 12, 2025 – HAC Update

Tuesday, September 16-17, 2025 -- School Pictures

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 -- 3-hour Early Dismissal

Friday, September 26, 2025 – HAC Update

Thursday, October 2, 2025 – Schools Closed

Friday, October 10, 2025 – Interim Progress Reports

Monday, October 13-15, 2025 – Senior Make-up pictures

Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 3-hour Early Dismissal

Friday, October 17, 2025 – Schools Closed

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – SMA Open House

Friday, October 24, 2025 – HAC Update

Friday, October 31, 2025 – 3-hour Early Dismissal

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

The Pit Shack is our first business shout out!!! They will be here at AHS on Wednesday, September 3 during Back to School Night!! Stop out and support them on your way to or from meeting your student(s) teachers.