News from the Nest

Good Evening Eagle Parents and Guardians,

October is an exciting time at Aberdeen High School! There is so much happening in and around our school community. Many of our athletic teams will celebrate their seniors with Senior Nights this month, our Marching Band has an upcoming competition, and we are looking forward to our Pep Rally, Homecoming Game, and Homecoming Dance. Please keep an eye on your email and our school communications for information about these events and the many other celebrations taking place throughout the month.

While October brings many opportunities for our students to connect, celebrate, and build memories, it is also an important month academically. Progress Reports and Parent-Teacher Conferences provide valuable opportunities for families and school staff to work together to support student success.

Our teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff are here to partner with you. We encourage you to stay connected by regularly checking Home Access Center (HAC), reading school and teacher communications, and reaching out whenever you have a question or concern.

Two important dates to remember are:

• October 9: Progress Reports will be available in HAC. Please take a few minutes to review your student’s grades and progress.
• October 13: Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups will open. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with your student’s teachers and discuss their progress, strengths, and areas for continued growth.

With so much happening both inside and outside of school, it can be easy for students—and families—to lose sight of our primary focus: making academic progress. One of the most effective things you can do is check your student’s progress regularly. Taking a few minutes every couple of weeks to review grades, assignments, attendance, and upcoming work can help identify concerns early and celebrate successes along the way.

At Aberdeen High School, we believe that academic excellence and meaningful school experiences go hand in hand. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to learn, compete, perform, serve, lead, and build connections that extend beyond the classroom. Together, we can make Aberdeen High School a true beacon in our community.

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to our students. When our school, families, and community work together, our Eagles soar higher.

Warm Regards,

Erica Harris, Principal

Saturday, October 3 SAT

Thursday, October 8 College Info Night

Friday, October 9 Progress Reports

Tuesday, October 13 Parent Teacher Conference Night

Thursday, October 15 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Thursday, October 15 Homecoming Football Game

Friday, October 16 Homecoming Dance

Tuesday, October 20 Senior Make up Pictures

Thursday, October 22 SMA Open House

Friday, October 23 HAC Update

Thursday, October 29 Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 30 3 Hour Early Dismissal

Monday, November 2 Schools Closed for Students

Tuesday, November 3 Schools and Offices Closed (Election Day)

Thursday, November 5 FAFSA Night

Thursday, November 5 End of First Quarter

Wednesday, November 11 Schools and Offices Closed (Veterans Day)

School Counseling News October 2026

Announcements:

Seniors,

The Counseling Department will offering senior workshops on October 12, 13, 14, and the 23rd. These workshops are designed to provide you with the information you need for your post-graduation plans. Please take a few minutes to review the senior workshop descriptions and to sign up! If you are a part-time student, please be mindful of choosing a workshop that fits your schedule. We look forward to meeting with you to help you prepare for your future!

Senior Workshops

Military Enlistment Information – This workshop will explore everything you need to know about the armed services. The timeline and steps from recruitment to permanent party duty station. The difference between enlisted personnel and officers will be discussed. The pay scale and benefits will be reviewed. You will learn military vocabulary – MOS, ATI, PSC, TSC, MEPS. The difference between Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard will be explored along with the benefits of each. Participants should bring their laptop and calendar.

HCC Enrollment – This workshop will be conducted by representatives from HCC. They will explain the application process. What type of placement testing is needed will be addressed. They will also give some information about financial aid. Participants should bring their laptop.

4 year College Enrollment – This workshop will focus on using Xello as a tool to organize the application process. Students should set up their Common Application, using the hcps email address, prior to the workshop. Students will link their Common Application to their Xello Account. Other topics include how to request transcripts and letters of recommendation. Participants should bring their laptop with them to the workshop

Trades at HCC Workshop – This workshop is designed for students looking for a certification for employment. HCC non-credit representatives will be exposing participants to programs at HCC that provide employable certifications and skills. There are over 30 different programs available for reasonable tuition, some courses are free for qualifying students through Ratcliffe Scholarship. Participants should bring their laptop.

Employment Workshop – This workshop is designed for students who are looking to find a full-time job after graduation. Participants will learn the importance of a resume. There will be a discussion on how to search for a full-time career with benefits. Participants should bring their laptop.

Sign up for a senior workshop using this link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4BA8AD22A1F94-65753432-senior

Upcoming College Events:

HCC College and Career Fair October 7th 4-7pm APGFCU Arena: Flyer below

College Information Night for Seniors and Families: Learn about the college application process, financial aid, scholarships, using Xello to submit transcript and letter of recommendation requests, and more! October 8th at 5pm in the Aberdeen High School Auditorium

Historically Black College and University Fair October 28th 6-8pm at Joppatowne High School: Flyer Below

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

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,

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