News from the Nest

Good Evening Eagle Parents and Guardians,

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome students and staff back to school as we move toward the conclusion of the second quarter. Our students are already off to a strong start—actively participating in state testing, with more than 90 students registered to take the ASVAB.

With the new year comes a variety of activities, updates, and a few important reminders. Please take a moment to review the information below and keep this newsletter for reference throughout the month.

1. Student Email Communication
Please encourage your student to check their school email daily. Many important announcements, deadlines, and opportunities are communicated electronically, and students can miss out when emails go unchecked for extended periods of time.

2. Monitor HAC and Academic Progress
Second quarter concludes later this month. We encourage families to regularly review HAC and follow up with students regarding any missing or incomplete assignments. Staying on top of assignments and accessing available academic supports is the best way to ensure students earn credit.
Helpful tip: Have your student restart their school-issued device regularly to ensure updates are installed and the device is functioning properly.

3. Engage in the Aberdeen High School Community
We invite you to be an active part of our school community by attending games, concerts, plays, fundraisers, and workshops. Family involvement is vital to student success, and we value opportunities to connect with our students and families. Please also encourage your student to explore the many opportunities available at AHS, including tutoring, clubs, service organizations, athletics, and the arts—there truly is something for everyone.

4. Aberdeen 250 Acts of Service Challenge
Aberdeen High School is proud to partner with the City of Aberdeen in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. To kick off the year, we invite students, families, and community members to participate in the Aberdeen 250 Acts of Service Challenge. These acts of service do not need to be grand—small, selfless actions can make a meaningful impact on our community. More information about activities, contests, and celebrations will be shared soon.

5. Adulting 101: Budgeting Basics
Our fourth Adulting 101 session will take place next week and will focus on the basics of budgeting. All students are welcome to attend, with a special emphasis on our upperclassmen who are preparing for life after high school.

6. Cellphone and Earbud/Headphone Reminder
Please remind your student of our cellphone and earbud/headphone expectations. Teachers consistently report that when devices are out of sight during instruction, student engagement and learning significantly increase.

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter and for being a vital part of the Aberdeen High School community. We look forward to a productive and successful remainder of the quarter.

Warm regards,
Erica Harris
Principal, Aberdeen High School

1/14 ASVAB test

1/14 Adulting 101 Series for STUDENTS: Basics of Budgeting

1/16 3 hour early dismissal

1/19 Schools and Offices Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/22 Personalize Your Education Experience Information Night (Snow date 1/29)

1/27 Adulting 101 Series for STUDENTS: Basics of Banking

2/24 2nd Quarter Honors Breakfast

The Aberdeen High School Food Pantry Food Drive was a success. Thank you to all of the staff, students and clubs that participated and collected can goods and other shelf stable items that will benefit our school community. The winner of the food drive is ..............The Science National Honor Society. They will be honored for their contributions on 1/27/27.

✨ Prom 2026 – Save the Date! ✨

We are excited to announce that Prom 2026 will take place on April 18, 2026, from 7:00–11:00 PM at the beautiful Top of the Bay on APG! The theme will be announced soon, and we can’t wait to begin planning with our students.

🎟️ Tickets

• Price: $80 per person
• Where to Buy: School Cash Online
• Sales Dates:
• Seniors: January 20 – February 6
• Juniors: January 27 – February 6
• Limited to 400 tickets, so please purchase early!

👥 Guest Pass Information
Because the event is held on a military base, we must follow strict security guidelines. Guest passes are due January 30—no exceptions.

• Every guest’s full name must be submitted in advance; the list is finalized a little over two months before prom.
• The approved list will be provided to the APG gate on prom day.
• Upon arrival, guests must tell the gate guard they are attending Prom at Top of the Bay and present a driver’s license or student ID.
• Names will be checked off before entry, and all guests must arrive by 8 PM.
• Please be aware that there may be a security dog at the gate and possibly inside the venue.

We’re looking forward to an unforgettable night celebrating our students—more details to come! ✨

Our seniors met with Ms. Taddia and a representative from Jostens on November 18th to kick off graduation planning! Students learned about cap and gowns, graduation apparel, and the exciting steps ahead as we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026. Each senior received a packet to bring home with all the details.

If your student wasn’t able to attend, no worries—packets are available in the main office.

Families can also explore the graduation options and information shared at the meeting by visiting:
https://www.jostens.com/graduation/high-school/graduation-packages

We’re excited to begin planning for this memorable milestone with our seniors and their families!

Save the Date for Graduation 2026- May 26, 2026, at the APGFCU Arena!

I have been a social worker for over 15 years in the state of Maryland. Having worked in various capacities over my career, the most rewarding impact has been here at Aberdeen

At Aberdeen -

I support your students by:

Creating a safe space for students to vent; providing school supplies; encouraging appropriate advocacy skills; facilitating a monthly huddle for students to check in and support each other; and participating in Re-entry conferences

I support families by providing:

Linkage to Food resources (New Aberdeen Food Pantry); financial Resources; parent Engagement workshops (coming soon); and referrals for community based mental health services.

Parent workshops

Please complete the link to participate in the parent engagement survey:

Aberdeen High Parent Engagement Survey – Fill out form

HCC Hours 1/15/26 8am-10am in the school counseling office: Ms. Laurentius will be in the building for general HCC questions or dual enrollment questions.

School counseling game day will occur on Thursday 01/15 at all 4 lunches.

Course selection for next year will begin at the end of January and run through February. Students will meet with their School Counselor during either their Math or SRT class to select their courses for next year. Please discuss with your child their courses for next year.

Personalize Your Education Experience Information Night: January 22nd at 5pm in the AHS Auditorium.

Snow Date: January 29th

Learn about Dual Enrollment Options, Apprenticeship, Workforce Development, and Part Time opportunities for the upcoming school year. Parents and Students welcome.

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!

Subscribe to Local Scholarship Postings:

https://www.hcps.org/departments/studentservices/SchoolCounseling.aspx#ScholarshipsAnchor

Scholarship Searches:

• Central Scholarship – Scholarships, Career Grants, and Interest-free Loans!
• Delegation Scholarships
• FastWeb - Conduct a scholarship search
• Finding Scholarships - Advice and background from the College Board
• Harford County Education Foundation Scholarship Central - Harford County Education Foundation holds several scholarship awards for graduating seniors attending Harford County Public Schools.
• Senatorial Scholarships
• State Financial Assistance Programs & Applications - Check link for details

Free Spring Semester Workforce Development Courses at Harford Community College

Interested in getting free, hands-on training in the manufacturing, logistics, or construction industries this Spring? Consider taking a workforce development course at Harford Community College covered by the Ratcliffe Scholarship. Students must be over the age of 16 to participate. Click ​here for a list of available courses​ and ​here for the scholarship application​. Act quickly, courses start soon!

For more information, contact one of the HCC Career Navigators below:

Macon Tucker (mtucker@harford.edu)

Allison Chapman (alchapman@harford.edu)

ASVAB Test Prep Workshops:

o Monday 01/12/2026 at 8:00 am-9:00 am Petty Officer Watkins of the Navy will give 20-30 minutes pre-ASVAB test to students that sign up (You will get your score right away). · Workshop signup: https://forms.office.com/r/ZKBm1hNSuz?origin=lprLink

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:

• “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

Thank you again, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. abhs.ptsa@gmail.com

Senior Banners are for sale!

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)

AP EXAMS - open to all students taking advanced placement courses

Late AP exam registration information:

• · 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.