The Rev Report - November 7, 2025

Posted Date: 11/07/25 (05:10 PM)

Dear ABRHS Community,

We had a great start to the second term of the school year this week! Our Decennial Accreditation Visit from NEASC (the New England Association of Schools & Colleges) was very successful. The Accreditation Team was very impressed with AB, and they highlighted the incredible culture of care for students evident throughout the building. They enjoyed hearing from students about their authentic experiences in classes and their passion for so many extracurricular activities.

The Accreditation Team shared that one highlight was talking to students about their work during the Student Work Showcase. Students shared exceptional projects and portfolios in many subjects. I even got to play mini Skee-ball, which was one group’s Statistics project! Students also shared their leadership in our Vision of a Graduate Work and Student Spotlight Series.

Based on the visit, we fully expect to be accredited, and we will receive an official report from NEASC in the Spring. Thanks to all students and staff for making this visit a rewarding experience and for representing AB so well.

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, which was first recognized by the United States Congress and President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Native American Heritage Month honors the traditions and contributions of Native peoples locally and across the nation.

Veterans Day and NHS Breakfast - Tuesday, November 11

We will not have school on Tuesday in honor of Veterans Day. This is a day to honor our military veterans for their service to our country. Our National Honor Society and the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough will host the 13th annual Veterans Day Breakfast. We are very fortunate to have many veterans in Acton, Boxborough, and our schools. We sincerely thank and applaud all veterans for their service to our country.

Football Game - Tonight, 6:30 pm on Leary Field

We are looking forward to our home football game tonight at 6:30 pm on Leary Field. We are so grateful for all the support and enthusiasm from our students and community at our games this year. We want to remind everyone of these expectations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Go AB!

MMEA Eastern District Festival Student Honors and US Band Champions

We are pleased to share that 19 AB students were accepted into the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Eastern (MMEA) Senior District Festival that will be held in January. Additionally, 11 of the 19 students were further recommended to audition for the Massachusetts All-State festival. Finally, the ABRHS Revolution Marching Band was named US Bands Division V-A State Champions!

Speech & Debate Team - Societe de 300 Honor

The AB Speech & Debate Team has earned membership to the National Speech & Debate Association's prestigious Societe de 300 for 2025. This recognition is based on the number of Honor Society Points awarded through competitions, leadership, and service activities. Congratulations!

Quarter 1 Report Cards

As a reminder, this year, we have transitioned to an Open Gradebook, in which students and families can see grades in the PowerSchool Portal on an ongoing basis. Our goal is to provide students with information so they can monitor their learning and set goals for their progress. As in previous years, we will continue to send Quarter 1 Report Cards on November 14. Please note that between now and then, grades and comments may be updated in PowerSchool as teachers complete grading. Quarter 1 grades and comments should not be considered final until the Q1 Report Card is received.

College Information for Seniors

We commend our 12th graders for navigating their very busy first term! Seniors and their families are encouraged to review this letter from the Counseling Department about college applications.

Weather and Emergency Communication Procedures

As the weather starts to get colder, it is important to remember our emergency and inclement weather protocols. Recently, Superintendent Light shared this message regarding AB's Weather & Emergency Communication Procedures. We will keep you updated with information about school closures, cancellations, and delays as soon as possible.

Student Drivers in Winter Weather

We do have many students who drive to school, and it is a family decision to determine if weather conditions are safe for student drivers. If families believe the conditions are unsafe for their student drivers, we encourage you to make alternative arrangements for students to get to school.

Seal of Biliteracy - 12th Grade Opportunity

The State Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to study and learn languages, recognizes the value of language diversity, and honors the multiple cultures and languages in a community. It also provides employers and colleges with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills. The Seal of Biliteracy is for any high school senior who demonstrates proficiency in English and any other language. Please find more information about this opportunity here.

Assistant Principal Team Contest for Students - Everyone is Awesome

Our current AP (Assistant Principal) Team standings are: Team Hagopian, no points; Team Baker, 1 point; Team Mullin, 2 points; and Team Vanasse, 4 points. Students have one more school day - next Wednesday - to submit their guess of the weight of the jar of Legos. Points will be awarded to teams for the overall number of guesses and accuracy. Here is a snapshot of the participation data so far:

Community Service Program and Volunteer Hours Report

AB is proud of our rich tradition of community service. Every year, AB students complete over 70,000 hours of community service! Check out our Volunteer Opportunities on our website and complete the Volunteer Hours Report Form so that we can recognize your efforts. Thanks for making AB the best it can be!

MIAA Sportsmanship Summit

On Thursday, several AB student-athlete leaders travelled to Gillette Stadium for the 31st Annual MIAA Sportsmanship Summit. More than 100 schools and close to 1000 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from around the Commonwealth gathered to recognize and celebrate the positive behaviors we strive to foster in our educational athletic programs. We appreciate our student-athlete leaders for their representation and contributions at this conference.

School Council Meeting - Wednesday, November 12 at 5:00 pm

Our next School Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 12, from 5:00–6:00 pm. School Council is a school-based committee composed of parents, caregivers, teachers, students, community members, and the principal. We meet seven times throughout the year to discuss school initiatives and handbook improvements. We currently have several open spaces for parents, caregivers, and community members, and we would love to have you join us. If you are interested, please email Melissa Dempsey at mdempsey@abschools.org.

Winter Athletics - Registration Open through November 16

Winter 2025-2026 Athletic Registration will be open through November 16. Student-athletes interested in Winter Athletics may register online with FamilyID. A physical exam dated within the last 13 months must be on file with the school nurses. Email physicals to Erin Doherty (edoherty@abschools.org) or Colleen McGovern (cmcgovern@abschools.org). All winter student-athletes and parents/caregivers will meet for our Winter Preseason Athletic Meeting in early December.

Student Council and Outreach Club Food Pantry Drives

Student Council and the Outreach Club are holding a food drive for the Acton Food Pantry starting Monday, November 3, and lasting through Friday, November 14. Donations can be dropped off in boxes in the front lobby and the Counseling Center. Please refer to this link for what items the pantry has identified as critical needs.

High School Food Pantry Outpost

We have a food pantry outpost at ABRHS. Students in need of food or personal care items can access these items through the Counseling Center at no charge. See Ms. Holden-Webber or submit this order form online. All information submitted will remain confidential.

Junior Class Spaghetti Dinner & Auction - Saturday, November 15

The Junior Class Leaders will host a Spaghetti Dinner for all Class of 2027 families on Saturday, November 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. There will be a silent auction to help raise funds for class events such as a Junior Prom. Purchase tickets here and see a sample of the items being auctioned off. Juniors may volunteer by completing this form.

31st Annual Cabaret, November 21 and 22 at 7:00 pm

Don’t miss the ABRHS Choruses present their 31st Annual Cabaret Night! Enjoy musical performances of all styles, including Broadway, contemporary, a cappella, dance, and instrumental. Shows are Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. All tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance here.

Senior Dress Up Day - Wednesday, November 26

Seniors, start planning your costumes for Senior Dress Up Day on Wednesday, November 26. Check out the ABRHS Senior Website for more information.

AP Exams 2026 - Registration Deadline on Sunday, November 9

The final ordering deadline for May 2026 AP Exams is this Sunday, November 9. Here are the registration instructions.

AB Forward and Reorganization Reminders

The District is engaging in exploring a reorganization model to best use our financial resources while providing an excellent educational program for every student. Many community and staff members have participated in recent community forums and focus groups. I encourage you to take a look at the AB Forward Website and complete the AB Forward Survey by November 9. Updates about next steps in reorganization are presented at School Committee Meetings and AB Forward Steering Committee Meetings.

Upcoming Dates

Fri, Nov. 7 - Discover STEM 2025, ABRHS, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Mon, Nov. 10