ABRPTSO

Weekly Chatter

AB Regional High School

October 6, 2024

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Calendar of Events:

• Mon, Oct. 7 – Early Release for Students at 1:15 pm
• Tues, Oct. 8 – First Unified Basketball Game, 4:00 pm, Regan Gym
• Wed, Oct. 9 – 9th Grade Parent Night with Counseling and Admin at 6:00 pm
• Thurs. Oct. 10 – ALICE Drill
• Mon, Oct. 14 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day, No School
• Sat, Oct. 19 – Student Council’s Homecoming Dance, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
• Mon, Oct. 21 - Early Release for Students at 1:15 pm
• Wed, Oct. 23 – Picture Retake Day
• Tues, Oct. 29 – Orchestra Masquerade Concert, 7:00 pm
• Fri, Nov. 1 - Diwali, No School

Calendar: 2024-2025 School Calendar

NEWS FOR SENIORS

• Class of 2025 West Side Creamery Fundraiser - Monday, October 7th
• Class of 2025 - Cap and Gown Orders - The Cap and Gown Order Form is now open!  The order form has been sent to all seniors' abschools email accounts.  All seniors need to place an order, the deadline is Friday, October 25th. There is no cost to order the cap and gown, the cost is covered by the senior dues.

9th Grade Parent and Caregiver Night - Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Auditorium



On Wednesday, October 9, we will host the 9th Grade Parent & Caregiver presentation from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. At this meeting, counselors and administrators will share information and insights about the high school experience here at AB.   

After School Math Help Is Back!

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. 

Financial Aid Night

If you weren’t able to join us for Financial Aid Night, here are the slides from the presentation. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY VISITS TO ABRHS 

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. These visits begin in October: 

• Thursday, October 17, 2024 - US Army and Army Reserve 

ABRHS Library Resources

• 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.

PSAT Exam Registration

PSAT Online Registration is underway and will  end on Fri, Oct 18, 2024 for Grade 11 students. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will be offered at Acton Boxborough Regional High School on Saturday, October 26, 2024 starting at 8:00 AM. The ABRHS Counseling Department recommends that 11th grade students considering applying to college take the PSAT/NMSQT. For more information, and details and the link to register please visit this link. Please contact Ms. Jodi Chu, jchu@abschools.org if you have questions or require financial assistance. 

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 Pictures - Ordering Photos and Retake Day 

If you would like to order our students photos, please visit this link to order photos online. If your student was absent, retakes will take place on Wednesday, October 23. If you have any questions about ordering, please call Mark Lawrence at 603-882-0116. General questions can be directed to Melissa Dempsey, mdempsey@abschools.org.

CLICK HERE to purchase your 2024 - 2025 ABSAF Pass!

Community Education Classes

Beginning/Intermediate Ballet (Ages 11 - Adults): Session thru January 27

This class is designed to introduce or refine the basics and fundamentals of ballet in an age-appropriate class tailored to teens and adults. Students will learn the basic positions, musicality and cadence of a traditional ballet. 

The Digital SAT, The ACT, and YOU: Everything You Need To Know About College Admissions Testing: October 9

Students will gain an understanding of the differences between the SAT and ACT, the keys to building a testing timeline, the changing role of tests in college admissions, and the essential components of impactful preparation - all while keeping the upcoming digital SAT in mind.

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. 

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.

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.

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)

AB Athletics and EEE Updates

Due to Acton’s elevation to "high risk" community status for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) by the Commonwealth, athletic schedules are being updated. Please read all updates, dates and times at this link. We appreciate your understanding of these circumstances, and encourage you to reach out to Sandy Alexander (salexander@abschools.org) or Jim Scanlon (jscanlon@abschools.org) in the Athletic Department with any questions or concerns..

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

Estate Planning

Danny's Place is hosting a FREE Parent Info Night: "Protecting What Matters: Estate Planning for Parents of Tweens and Teens."

Partnering with The Parents Estate Planning Law Firm, PC, this insightful workshop, led by David Feakes, will equip you with essential strategies to ensure your children are cared for by the people you choose. Get answers to your questions and gain the confidence to secure your family's future.

When: October 15th

Time: 7 PM

RSVP today! www.dannys-place.org/estate-planning

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

Adulting 101

A series of workshops teaching essential life skills, like cooking and professional writing. Learn practical skills not covered in school. Sign up for hands-on workshops and get ready for adulthood!

• Grades: 9-12
• Meets: Mondays, 5:30 - 7:00 PM (monthly)
• Cost: $50 per workshop
• Sign Up: https://www.hisawyer.com/dannys-place/schedules/activity-set/963178

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!

Helpful Links:

ABRHS Website

2024-2025 School Calendar

Athletic Calendar

Community Service Program & Volunteer Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Student Handbook

Student Job/ Employment postings