ABRPTSO

Weekly Chatter

AB Regional High School

October 20, 2024

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Calendar of Events:

Mon, Oct. 21 – Early Release for Students at 1:15 pm

Wed, Oct. 23 – Picture Retake Day 

Sat, Oct 26 – PSAT Exams

Tues, Oct. 29 – Orchestra Masquerade Concert, 7:00 pm

Fri, Nov. 1 – Diwali, No School

Mon, Nov 4 – Term 1 Ends

Tues, Nov. 5 –  Junior Class Raking Day and Professional Learning Day, No School

Mon, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day, No School 

Calendar: 2024-2025 School Calendar

News for Seniors

• Cap and Gown Orders are due Friday, October 25th. The order form has been sent to all seniors' abschools email accounts.  All seniors are required to place an order. There is no extra cost to order caps and gowns, the cost is covered by the senior dues. Contact Melissa Dempsey at mdempsey@abschools.org if you have any questions. 
• Senior Drop-ins - School Counselors will be available in room 115N, all three lunch periods every Friday through 11/8/24 to assist Seniors with their College Essays or other college/university questions. No appointment necessary.

Student Volunteer Opportunity

The AB Resource Center is actively looking for AB Exchange Store Volunteers (grades 8-12) to volunteer after school for 1-2 hours. Reach out to Piña Madera, the AB United Way Project and Volunteer Coordinator at pina@abuw.org with any questions. For more volunteer opportunities, visit the ABRHS Community Service Program page. 

Junior Class Raking Day!

Tuesday, November 5 - 10:00 a.m. - noon

The Class of 2026 is organizing a community service project for Tuesday, November 5th (a no-school day) with the Acton and Boxborough Councils on Aging. Students will be helping senior citizens with raking and yard clean-up. All juniors are invited to participate in this annual tradition and will receive an email with details on how to sign up. Registration will open on Friday, October 18th, and the deadline is Thursday, October 24th. Students will need to provide their own transportation that day and may need help from families to arrange rides. Questions about Junior Class Raking Day can be directed to Ms. Tejeda (jtejeda@abschools.org).

Career & Financial Literacy Seminar



The Career & Financial Literacy Seminar (formerly Senior Seminar) is a semester-long elective for juniors and seniors that focuses on career exploration, financial literacy, and other post-high school skills. It is also the primary prerequisite to pursue an internship at the end of senior year. Career exploration activities allow students to explore their interests and aptitudes and to investigate possible careers. This in-depth study allows students to use a variety of self-evaluation instruments to determine their strengths; they build on these results in subsequent college and career searches. Specific skills addressed include: writing a resume; crafting a cover letter; and developing interview skills. A second focus of the course deals with life skills, with a major focus on personal finance, including budgeting and wise use of credit; car buying; apartment rental and trip planning. In all areas, extensive use of the internet for fact-finding and direct class discussion will enhance student decision-making. Any senior who has previously or is currently taking the class is eligible to apply for the Senior Internship program; this program allows selected students in Gr.12 to do a three-week internship at the end of their senior year in an area of professional interest. 

College and University Visits

Colleges and universities will be visiting ABRHS daily through mid-November. See the Fall 2024 College/University Visits Calendar for who is visiting. Please note that the visit date/time may change as schools sometimes need to cancel and reschedule. These visits are for Seniors (class of 2025). Juniors may attend only if the visit is during their free period. Seniors planning to participate in a college or university visit should indicate in their SCOIR account a day before the visit that they will be attending and email the class teacher that they will be missing class due to their planning to attend XYZ college/university visit. On the day of the university visit, students should come to the Counseling Center and sign an attendance sheet within the first 10 minutes to be marked as excused. Any questions regarding the college/university visits should be directed to Mrs. Holden-Webber at pholdenwebber@abschools.org

Military Visits to ABRHS

Several times a year, representatives from different branches of the military visit ABRHS and set up informational tables in the cafeteria during lunch periods. Please contact Mrs. Holden-Webber at pholdenwebber@abschools.org if you have any questions. The next visit is with the US Marines on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. 

ABRHS Extra Help & Library Resources

• After School Math Help - The Math Department is offering after school math help again this year! All students are welcome to drop in for extra help on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in 158W from 3-4:00 p.m.
• Social Studies Academic Support (SSAS) - Would your student like help completing homework, preparing for a test, or writing an essay in social studies?  Check out the SSAS schedule and please sign up using this link.  Students can drop in, but preference will be given to those who filled out the form ahead of time.  Please read this doc for additional information
• Research & Writing Center at the ABRHS Library - Students can make an appointment to get individualized help in the library with any part of the research or writing process across the curriculum. Email abrhslibrary@abschools.org to make an appointment, or with any questions. 
• ABRHS Library Test Prep Resources - Is your student planning on taking the PSAT, SAT, or an AP test this year? Students can access free academic support and test prep through the library with PrepSTEP. Students can sign-in with their abschools accounts to get going and then track progress. Please reach out to Anna Secino (asecino@abschools.org) with any questions.

AP Exam Registration

AP Exams will be in May 2025 (May 5-9, May 12 - 16) and Late AP Exams (May 19-23). Registration and payment for those AP Exams are happening now! 

AP Exams at ABRHS are only open to ABRHS students or individuals who reside in Acton or Boxborough.

Oct 31, 2024: Preferred registration completed 

Nov 01, 2024, LATE REGISTRATION FEE: Begin +$10 per exam late registration fee 

Nov 09, 2024 REFUND POLICY: Date by which a student can receive a Full Refund 

Nov 9, 2024: If you have not completed the Two website enrollment process yet, do it NOW.

Nov 09, 2024, LATE REGISTRATION FEE: Begin +$45 per exam late registration fee 

Nov 14, 2024, 11:59 PM Date and Time AP Exam registration ends.

The AP Exam order will be placed on 11/15/24 for students who have completed the following two website enrollment processes and paid for the exams.

1. MyCollegeboard * AP teachers will give AP students access codes.

For students seeking a self-study AP Exam access code, please email pholdenwebber@abschools.org with your first and last name and the AP exam you seek to self-study.

2. Total Registration www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/222297

(site ABRHS uses to process payment of AP exams)

For additional information, please reference the AP Exams May 2025 Informational Handout: Fall 2024 document. If you have any questions regarding the AP Exams, please contact the AP Coordinator. Ms. Holden-Webber at pholdenwebber@abschools.org

School Picture Retake Day 

Mark Lawrence Photographers will be at ABRHS for Picture Retake Day on Wednesday, October 23rd in 115N during all Lunch Periods. Here are the details:

• Picture Retakes are only for students who were absent on the original picture day and for those who have ordered photo packets and would like a new photo packet.
• If you have already purchased photos, Mark Lawrence will charge a $10 fee for a retake, and students should bring cash or a check for $10, made out to Mark Lawrence Photographers, and return their original printed photos packets on retake day. 
• Retake day is not for student ID card picture replacements.
• If there was an error on the part of photographers on the first photo, or if a student was absent during the first Picture Day, students can attend the retake day and there will not be a fee. 

If you have any questions about retakes please call Mark Lawrence at 603-882-0116. General questions can be directed to Melissa Dempsey, mdempsey@abschools.org. 

Project Graduation: Help Plan the Party!

We have good news and good news. First, the good news. Project Graduation 2025, the all-night, everyone's-invited, substance-free senior celebration is ON. Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to keep this tradition going for the 36th year! The other good news is that there is a place for you in the planning. We are still in need of a few volunteers. These spots are for anyone with a child in the district in any grade! Decorating, fundraising, and communications are where you can dazzle. Click through to this form to tell us all about it, or shoot us an email. It's a great group working for a great cause — keeping our community's kids safe from drinking and driving on commencement night. 

Warmly, 

The AB Project Graduation 2025 Team

abprojectgraduation@gmail.com

https://www.abprojectgrad.org

The ABSAF board would like to sincerely thank all the volunteers who came out to help at the phonathon on September 29 & 30. The fundraiser was a big success because of the generosity of those who attended and/or supported. We kindly thank you all!

CLICK HERE to purchase your 2024 - 2025 ABSAF Pass!

Community Education Classes

Teen Hip Hop: November 6-20

Designed for teens, this class will teach hip hop moves and grooves through short combinations and routines.

ACT Practice Test: November (Gr. 10-12): November 23

This full-length practice ACT provides students with the opportunity to sit for a low-stakes test in a simulated Test Day environment.

SAT Practice Test (Gr. 10-12) Prepare for success on the SAT! Our low-stakes, simulated Test Day environment fosters familiarity and confidence.

November 16

January 4

Career Paths in Computer Science & Computer Engineering: November 7

This seminar will offer valuable insights into the broad landscape of technology careers

Jumpstart Juniors: November 14

This seminar will help junior students organize and prioritize their college search and application process. 

Driver's Ed

Buckle up! Driver Education classes will held be on the following dates:

November 12-March 11 (Tuesdays)

Winter Vacation (December 26-30)

January 11-March 15 (Saturdays)



Winter Basketball

Get out on the basketball court as a player, ref or coach in the Comm Ed Winter Basketball Leagues! Register online and view all the details on our Basketball Page.

Fall Soccer Clinic

ABRHS Varsity Boys and Girls are hosting a Fall Soccer Clinic for any children K-6 to help them with soccer skills. The kids, varsity boys, and coaches had a blast last year! Please register here if your child is interested. All that is needed is: soccer ball with their name on it, water, and shin guards (recommended). Cost is $25. Date: October 20, 2024

Time: 3:30-5:00pm

Venue: Lower Fields, 66 Hayward Rd, Acton, MA

Please feel free to contact us with any questions: vigfamily829@gmail.com

We look forward to a great time!!

APPLE PIE BAKING CONTEST

Bakers of all ages are invited to submit an apple pie. Prizes for winner of best under-15 baker, and best adult baker. Pies must be delivered to the library on SATURDAY Oct 26th by 2pm for judging. Contestants should pre-register online here https://forms.gle/ASuKbFaFmNfsE7798 There are 20 places only.

So that the judges can compare apples to apples (so to speak) there are a few guidelines. BUT there are 20 places only... so read the guidelines then register your name as interested 

Guidelines: Pies are to be homemade including crust. Filling is to be just apples and spices (no other fruits). Your recipe should be submitted, including the type of apple(s) used. Pies should be in a 9-inch pie plate/pan. Non-edible materials/decoration not permitted. Judging to be conducted by library staff, last year's competition winners, and a volunteer from the Acton Woman’s Club. Sponsor: Friends of the Acton Libraries.

The public is welcome and invited on Sunday Oct 27th at 2pm for the prize giving, and to enjoy the pies with cheese, cider and more. 

Danny's Place Fall Programs

Scholarship Opportunity!

Danny’s Place Youth Leadership Council (DPYLC)

This council is for high school youth in 9th-12th grade. High schoolers will earn community service hours, and seniors will be eligible for the Mary Laurion Danny’s Place Youth Services Scholarship. This council meets every Tuesday from 3:15 to 4:30 PM, following our fall, winter, and spring session dates. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. 

Apply here:https://www.hisawyer.com/dannys-place/schedules/activity-set/963213

Self-Defense Workshop

Empower Yourself with Practical, Effective Self-Defense!

Feeling confident in your safety can make all the difference. Join us at Danny’s Place on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, at 7 PM for a transformative Self-Defense Workshop taught by internationally certified 5th Degree Black Belt instructors from Concord Self-Defense Academy.

This workshop is perfect for teens and young adults (ages 13+), women, parents, fitness enthusiasts, and high-risk professionals who want to build confidence and learn practical, life-saving techniques. You'll walk away with skills that can help you protect yourself in dangerous situations.

Fee: $50 per individual

Tip: Sign up with a friend or family member for partner-based practice!

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself—reserve your spot today!

What's Next Starts Now!

Join the program that helps juniors and seniors prepare for life after high school, covering resumes, interviews, and college prep! Plan your future with confidence. Enroll now!

• Grades: 11-12
• Meets: Fridays, 3:15 - 4:30 PM
• Cost: $250 per season
• Sign Up: https://www.hisawyer.com/dannys-place/schedules/activity-set/963264

Financial Literacy

Master Your Money with Financial Literacy! 

Ready to take control of your financial future? Our FREE Financial Literacy course, taught by Northern Bank, will give your teen the tools to budget, save, and use credit wisely. Perfect for students in grades 9-12 who want to learn essential money management skills.

 Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:30 PM

 Cost: Free

 Grades: 9-12

 Sign Up: https://www.hisawyer.com/.../schedules/activity-set/963253

Mosaic

Mosaic is a supportive space for those within the LGBTQ+ community! Connect with peers who share similar experiences! Young People starting in 6th grade throughout 12th grade are welcome to join in engaging discussions, interactive activities and games, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships. We meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5:45PM-6:45PM. Sign up: https://www.hisawyer.com/dannys-place/schedules/activity-set/963234

Other Programs: We have many other programs that your teen/kid can join! Please visit www.dannys-place.org/fall to learn more and register!

Casino Royale: A great way to support the AB United Way

The Acton Boxborough Resource Center (ABRC) has become a lifeline for Acton and

Boxborough families who have come through its doors since it opened in September

2023. Close to 350 families have been helped, including almost 300 adults and more

than 500 children.

Run by Acton Boxborough United Way (ABUW) staff and volunteers, the ABRC is a

partnership between the ABUW and the AB school administration.

“We originally envisioned this as a place for new families to get information and support,

but we’re seeing so many kinds of families that need help. Some come when they need

clothes for their children, backpacks or other personal items. Others seek information

about school activities or town services. So many people in our community are

struggling to get by, and the needs are growing every day,” says Katie Neville, ABUW

Executive Director.

In addition to running the ABRC, the ABUW provides emergency grants to individuals

and families in need and awards grants to organizations like the Domestic Violence

Services Network, Minuteman Arc, the AB Food Pantry, Blanchard School Playground,

and the Minuteman Senior Center.

To support the ABRC and the other community projects and organizations it helps to

sponsor, the ABUW relies almost exclusively on fundraising from the local community.

The ABUW’s biggest fundraiser of the year is Casino Royale, which takes place on

Saturday evening, November 16, at the Wedgewood Pines Country Club in Stow. “Even

people who have never played poker, roulette or black Jack have a great time. We’ll

also have a silent auction before and during the event, special raffle prizes, and a

variety of great appetizers,” says Neville. Last year’s event netted close to $40,000,

which Neville hopes to exceed this year as the community needs continue to grow.”

ABUW’s Casino Royale is a great way to spotlight area businesses while making a

meaningful contribution to people in our community who need it most, says Neville. For

more information about available sponsorships, contact Neville at 978-254-2806

or abuw.org/sponsor.



For more information about Casino Royale and tickets, go to abuw.org/casino.

Helpful Links:

ABRHS Website

2024-2025 School Calendar

Athletic Calendar

Community Service Program & Volunteer Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Student Handbook

Student Job/ Employment postings