Atholton High School

Atholton's Administrative Team

Nick Novak, Principal – nicholas_novak@hcpss.org

Nick Novak is starting his 24th year in HCPSS. After graduating from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a BA in English and History, he attended the University of Maryland for graduate school. Nick started his career as an English teacher at River Hill HS and was promoted to Assistant Principal at RHHS after six years. He did a brief two-year stint as Assistant Principal at Glenelg HS before returning to River Hill HS in 2009 as the principal. Nick’s next stop as principal was at Howard HS where he served from 2015-2023. Nick’s passion for technology, student leadership, and building a collaborative school community has earned him recognition as an “Outstanding Leader Using Technology” by the Maryland Society for Educational Technology, “Principal of the Year” by the Maryland Association of Student Councils, “Best Principal” by Howard magazine, and “State Principal of the Year” by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals. He enjoys every aspect of the high school experience and is thrilled to be a part of Raider Nation to continue the traditions of success and work with students, staff, families, and the community to improve the school. Nick enjoys spending time with his wife, Jenny, and son, Justin. He likes watching movies, reading, and building Harry Potter LEGO sets.

Samuel A. Richman, Assistant Principal – Samuel_Richman@hcpss.org

Mr. Richman is entering his 32nd year in education this year and fourth year at AHS.  Mr. Richman received his undergraduate degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland. He then attended Towson State University where he received a Masters in the Art of Teaching (MAT) degree. His teaching career began at Deer Park Middle School in Baltimore County. After 12 years in Baltimore County he came to Howard County to teach Math and Science at Oakland Mills. From there he moved to Hammond High School as an Assistant Principal and then to Long Reach High School. Mr. Richman is a strong believer in education, as is his wife, Noel, also a Howard County teacher. Their three children are all products of Howard County Public Schools. In his off hours, Mr. Richman is a life-long Washington Capitals fan and working on his golf game.

 

Emma Bullock, Assistant Principal - emma_bullock@hcpss.org

Michael Senisi, Athletics and Activities Manager – Michael_Senisi@hcpss.org

Mike Senisi is the current Athletics and Activities Manager (AAM) at Atholton High School. He has over 28 years of experience with the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), including 12 years serving as the AAM at Atholton HS. While working for HCPSS, Mr. Senisi has served in many additional roles including assistant principal at Swansfield Elementary School, Instructional Facilitator for Physical Education, interim Coordinator of Athletics for HCPSS, Adapted Physical Education teacher, and coached soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Mr. Senisi was recognized as a Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers by the National Academic Affairs Division as well as the Adidas State Coach of the Year twice. His undergraduate degree was obtained from the State University of New York at Cortland and earned a Masters degree from Oregon State University. Mr. Senisi continued his educational career at The Johns Hopkins University where he received his graduate certificate in School Administration and Supervision. Presently, he holds a Certified Master Athletic Administrator endorsement from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). Mr. Senisi recognizes the importance and value of an education-based athletic program as part of the total educational program. He believes that the success of the schools extra-curricular activities programs take collaboration from all stakeholders to best meet the needs of all of our students at AHS.

 

Markea Kelly, Assistant Principal, Markea_Kelly@hcpss.org 

School Profile & Performance Report

• HCPSS Individual School Profile
• MSDE Individual School Performance Report

Atholton High School is an exceptional comprehensive high school, established in 1966, with a committed group of highly qualified staff members who provide a rigorous and relevant curriculum for over 1400 students. Atholton’s academic program is tailored to meet the needs of all students, with courses ranging from Advanced Placement and Gifted and Talented to Special Education options. Course offerings are diversified to meet student interests and include Forensic Science, Computer Programming, Journalism, Photography, Psychology, World Languages, Culinary Science, Calculus, and Jazz Band. Additionally, Atholton’s award-winning Army JROTC program provides leadership and academic skill training for over 200 cadets.

Atholton’s staff members are dedicated to providing an inclusive co-curricular and extracurricular program to meet our students’ diverse needs and interests. We offer after-school academic support programs to help students meet with success in their classes and on the state-mandated High School Assessments. We also offer co-curricular clubs such as the Math Team, National Honor Society, Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement, Future Business Leaders of America, and Drama Club. Students with varied extracurricular interests may choose to participate in clubs such as Best Buddies, Active Minds, Red Cross Club, Students Helping Other People, and a full range of award-winning athletic teams. Atholton High School is proud to be a school where we are Inspiring Excellence Together!

Atholton Fight Song

LEED Certification

Atholton High School was given a LEED certified Gold Status in 2016.

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Atholton High School is among a small percentage of Howard County and Maryland schools to have earned LEED certification, which recognizes a commitment to environmental sustainability.