ABRPTSO

Weekly Chatter

AB Regional High School

September 29, 2024

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Calendar of Events:

Tues, Oct. 1

• School Council, 5:00 - 6:00 pm, Room 115N
• Interim Sent to Families Wed., Oct. 4 – (reports sent for concerns)

Thurs, Oct. 3 – Rosh Hashanah, No School

Fri, Oct. 4 – Senior Class Assembly, 9:30 am

Wed, Oct 9 – 9th Grade Parent Night with Counseling and Admin at 6:00 pm

Mon, Oct. 14 - Indigenous Peoples’ Day, No School



Calendar: 2024-2025 School Calendar

Q1 Interim Reports



Term 1 interim reports will be emailed to parents and caregivers on Tuesday, October 1st. An interim report is sent at the midpoint of the term if a teacher has comments or concerns about a student's performance that they would like to share with parents/caregivers. Not all students will receive an interim report.  Because interim reports are sent by email to the parent/caregiver contacts listed on the Emergency Card Information screen on the PowerSchool portal, we encourage you to check the portal to verify that all parent/caregiver email addresses are accurate (please click here for directions). Please note that we are currently unable to email interim reports directly to students.

A World of Difference - Applications Due October 1



A World of Difference, the anti-bias education program at ABRHS, is looking for Peer Leaders! 10th, 11th and 12th graders interested in promoting community building and leading workshops with the ninth-grade class can apply here by Tuesday, October 1. This experience will build leadership skills and cultivate an understanding of social issues. Join us in creating a more inclusive environment for everyone. If you have any questions, please email Ms. McGrath, mmcgrath@abschools.org.

School Council - Tuesday, October 1, 5:00 pm, Rm. 115N

Every year, we have our School Council meetings with parents, teachers, community members, students, and the principal. School Council meets throughout the year to engage in discussions about our school. The first meeting will be next Tuesday, October 1. We need one or two more parents, caregivers and community members for the council. Please email Mrs. Dempsey at mdempsey@abschools.org by Monday, September 30th.

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 

AB Field Hockey Play for the Cure Fundraiser - Saturday, October 5th 

Class of 2025 West Side Creamery Fundraiser - Monday, October 7th

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: 

• Wednesday, October 2, 2024  - MA. National Guard 
• Thursday, October 17, 2024  -  US Army and Army Reserve 

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 of 2025 (May 5-9, May 12 - 16), and Late AP Exams (May 19-23). Registration and payment for those AP Exams is happening now! The preferred order deadline is 10/31/24, after which late registration fees of $10.00 and then $45.00 per exam will be added to the exam base fee of $106. The 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

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..

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.

Helpful Links:

ABRHS Website

2024-2025 School Calendar

Athletic Calendar

Community Service Program & Volunteer Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Student Handbook

Student Job/ Employment postings

Community Education

Community Ed has many fall class offerings for kids, teens & adults! Check out all of our classes here: Online Catalog. Contact us at ceregistrar@abschools.org with any questions.

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. 

ACT Practice Test (15 yrs. old & a Sophomore): October 5

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

The PSAT Is Coming: Be Ready: October 8 - 10

This three-session class, your student will understand the structure and content of the PSAT and have a toolbox of effective strategies for both the Reading/Writing & Math sections of the test.

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.

CPR/AED Training (Ages 12+): October 16

Learn the skills and gain the confidence to respond to sudden cardiac arrest.

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.

Winter Basketball

The Comm Ed Winter Basketball Leagues are now open for registration! The leagues are open to students in grades 3-12, and who do not play on school, travel or club teams. You can learn more about the program and register online via our Basketball Page.

The Referee program is a paid position for students ages 14+ who have basketball experience and are interested in becoming a ref. Training is provided.

Students in Grades 10-12 are eligible to coach in the leagues, and can apply by creating the appropriate online form below.

Student Coaching Form: To coach teams in Grades 3-8. 

Boys' High School (BHS) Team Coaches: To coach teams in the Boys High School League (open only to seniors)

CLICK HERE to purchase your 2024 - '25 ABSAF Pass!

"Stand Up to Stigma" Scarecrow Contest

Enter the 9^th annual “Stand Up to Stigma” Scarecrow Contest to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Central Middlesex. Bring your $25 donation to Cucurbit Farm at 32 Parker St. in Acton and pick up your scarecrow starter frame. Then drop off your family friendly scarecrow at the farm stand. Individuals, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate. The scarecrows will be on display for the month of October, and the public is invited to cast their vote for their favorite entry. Cash prizes for winners announced November 1^st. Our goal is 100 scarecrows along the fence and many conversations about mental health! Additional info at namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/scarecrow-contest2024.

Calling all frisbee enthusiasts (and interested newcomers)!

Acton-Boxborough Ultimate Frisbee welcomes all 7-12 graders to join in playing this fun and competitive team sport. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. The fall team practices on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Learn more at https://abrenegade.wixsite.com/abultimate or contact us at abrenegade@gmail.com.