ABRPTSO

Weekly Chatter

AB Regional High School

September 15, 2024

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Calendar of Events:

• Monday, September 16 – Early Release Day for students at 1:15 pm
• Monday, September 16 and Tuesday, September 17 – Senior Group Meetings w/Counselors 
• Thursday, September 19 – Fall College Night for 12th Grade Parents at 6:00 pm
• Friday, September 20 – Acton Memorial and Sargent Memorial libraries visit the ABRHS Library
• Monday, September 23 – College Financial Aid Night at 6:00 pm
• Thursday, September  26  – Back to School Nights for Parents/Caregivers at 6:30 pm 
• Thursday, October 3 - Rosh Hashanah, No School
• Friday, October 4 - Senior Class Assembly , G Block 
• Wednesday, October 9 – 9th Grade Parent Night with Counseling and Admin at 6:00 pm

Calendar: 2024-2025 School Calendar

School Pictures - Ordering Photos and Retake Day

Last week, students had their school pictures taken during their English classes. If you would like to order 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.

Understanding the College Application Process for Senior Parents and Caregivers

The Counseling Department Fall College night for parents and caregivers of seniors is September 19th at 6:00 pm in the ABRHS Auditorium. A presentation on the pros and cons of early decision and early action will be directed at seniors who are planning on applying early to college and to those who are considering this option.

In addition, counselors will review the procedures for students to follow in submitting applications and requesting transcripts, school reports, and teacher recommendations. This is an opportunity for parents to review the steps and have questions answered.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY VISITS TO ABRHS 



Beginning Tuesday, September 17th, and run 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 attend a college or university visit should indicate in their SCOIR account a day prior to 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 college 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

Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Meeting - Open to All Students

On Thursday, September 19th, the district will host Donald Haes, an expert on non-ionizing radiation to talk with students and answer questions about radio signals that come from cell phones, cell towers, and wifi. Donald Haes is a Radiation Safety Specialist and Certified Health Physicist who specializes in non-ionizing radiation safety concerns. The School Committee is considering a proposal to build a cell tower on campus and Mr. Haes will be available to talk with students about their concerns on Thursday, September 19th from 3:00-3:45 in the Administration Building Auditorium. Transportation home from the event must be provided by the students and family or students can take the Late Bus. Students and families can learn more about this proposal and add a public comment at this link.

ABRHS Library News/Updates

• Save the Date: Representatives from the Acton Memorial and Sargent Memorial libraries will be in the AB library on Friday, September 20, 2024 to help students sign up for their public library cards!
• 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.

Financial Aid Night



The Counseling Department at AB would like to cordially invite you to the Financial Aid Night presentation on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 6 pm at the ABRHS's auditorium. We secured a very well-regarded expert on college financial aid matters, Julie Shields-Rutyna, who will provide information on college financing, types of aid, and college financial aid applications. Should you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to Wioletta Pawlowska, School Counselor, at wpawlowska@abschools.org 

ABRHS School Council - Tuesday, October 1st from 5:00 - 6:00 pm

We will have our first School Council meeting of the year next week. School Council is a school-based committee composed of the principal, parents/caregivers, teachers, and community members that meets to engage the school and their community in discussions about their school. School Council meets seven times over the course of the year. We have a few spots open for parents, community members and 11th grade students. Please email Melissa Dempsey (mdempsey@abschools.org) if you are interested in being a member of School Council.

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 

AP Exam Registration and Payment 

AP Exams will be in May of 2025 (May 5-9, May 12 - 16), Late AP Exams (May 19-23) and registration has started. 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.

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

(site ABRHS uses to process payment of AP exams)

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

PSAT Exam Registration

PSAT Registration Begins on Monday, September 16th 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.

ABRHS Student Handbook

The Student Handbook contains all policies, regulations, and practices that govern our school community and create an inclusive and respectful environment at ABRHS. All students must review and agree to the content in the Student Handbook.

Students and families are required to log into the PowerSchool Public Portal to confirm they have read and understood our handbook.

Please reference the Student Handbook (p. 47-53) for detailed information about excused and unexcused absences. 

New Attendance Procedures for 2024-2025



Parents and caretakers will want to be familiar with the attendance policy and procedures for excusing student absences, latenesses, and early dismissals. You can learn more here: Quick Guide for Parent/Caretakers Reporting Attendance

Helpful Links:

ABRHS Website

2024-2025 School Calendar

Athletic Calendar

Community Service Program & Volunteer Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Student Handbook

Student Job/ Employment postings

Project Graduation: Class of 2025, Let's go!

Aaaaaand, we're back! After a fantastic all-night, substance-free celebration for the entire Class of 2024, we're ready to rock for the Class of 2025. In times past there was a lot of drinking and driving, but for more than 30 years the Acton-Boxborough community has come together to keep kids safe on graduation night. And although June is a long way off, we start planning NOW. We are seeking key volunteers to make this rite of passage a reality. This is a rare way to stay involved now that your kids are out of elementary school. Please click through to see the roles that match your interests: Entertainment, Decorations, Communications, or Head Honcho. Then simply sign up! Believe it or not, your time could save lives.

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): Fall/Winter 

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.

Intro to Python (Grades 9-12) 

Students are introduced to foundational programming concepts such as functions, conditional statements, variables, data types, looping, and data structures.

Wednesdays, September 18 - December 11  

Saturdays, September 21 - December 14 

The Mental Edge - Developing an Elite Mindset for Sports & Life (Grades 9-12): September 10 - October 29 

This course focuses on developing an elite mindset for athletes who want to take their game to the next level. 

ACT Practice Test: 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

A toolbox of effective strategies for the Reading/Writing and Math sections of the PSAT. 

In Person - at Concord-Carlisle High School - October 5

Online - October 8

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

Wednesday, September 18

Wednesday, October 9

College Prep Event at Acton Memorial Library

College season is right around the corner for many students and the whole process, from application to entering college can be daunting. Housing, financial aid, class schedules, roommates and so much more can really add stress to what should be an exciting transition period in your life! Join Tufts University alums Nicole Setow and Nitya Nadgir as they discuss the ins and outs of preparing for college and answer your burning questions along the way

https://actonmemoriallibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/rs-hold-2/

Superintendent's Community Coffee

Join Superintendent Peter Light and School Committee Chairperson Adam Klein for a Welcome Back virtual Community Coffee on Tuesday, September 17 at 8:30 a.m. Topics include thoughts and questions about the opening of school and goals for the upcoming year. Zoom link: 

https://abschools.zoom.us/j/7983953930

AB Music Car Wash



It's time for the annual AB Music Car Wash on Saturday, September 21st!

Need your car washed? Save the date for this Acton Boxborough Friends of Music (ABFOM) fundraising event supporting student musicians in band, chorus, orchestra and color guard. 

Saturday, September 21st 9am-1pm

Admin Building at 15 Charter Road

$10/car

Note: Rain date is Sunday, September 22nd 9am-1pm.

Danny's Place Programs



Looking For After-School Programs? Danny's Place has them! 

Come chat with staff, and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt for kids/teens. Don't miss out on two afternoons of family fun and discovery. You'll learn everything about our programs and how we are helping the youth in our community.

What: September Sneak Peek

When: Tue Sept 17 & Thu 19 

Time: 4:30-6:00pm

Where: Danny's Place - 543 Mass Ave, Acton, MA

Questions? Email cristina@dannys-place.org

"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.

High School Store

There are lots of things for sale at the school store - apparel, winter hats, school supplies, snacks, drinks and more! Students work at the store for community service hours and credit - feel free to visit us, right in the main lobby of the High School. Find us online to see what apparel we have available.

Do you have a job opening for an ABRHS High School Student?

If yes, we post openings to the student body.

Complete a job posting HERE

Would your student like to volunteer? 

To view the list of volunteer opportunities and to learn more about our Community Service Program, please visit this link.  

Academic Support Offered by Math, Science, & Social Studies Departments

The Math and Science departments at ABRHS are offering academic support/extra help after school! Please click here for detailed information regarding Math and Science.

For information about the Social Studies Academic Support (SSAS) click here.