Dear ABRHS Community,

Even though the weather has turned very cold, it is still hard to believe it’s already December. We had a busy week at school, and one highlight was our Student Spotlight Series presentation hosted by our ABSEJ (AB Students for Equity and Justice) Club. Students from our DAY (Dear Asian Youth) Club shared their personal stories and experiences. I enjoyed learning about many cultural and community traditions. Students expressed a desire for others to take the time to understand the nuanced customs and traditions of their cultures, and they also appreciated how many students and staff work to say names correctly and learn about their background.

Human Rights Council Cultural Color Day - Tuesday, December 9 

In honor of International Human Rights Week, the Human Rights Council is inviting students and staff to join in highlighting the great diversity of our community. On Tuesday, December 9, all are encouraged to wear the colors of their cultural heritage, country flag, traditional clothing, or other colors of their identity. Members of the Human Rights Council are offering students the opportunity to make bracelets of their cultural colors during all lunches on Monday and Tuesday.    

Doors and Safety Reminders

During the morning announcements, I reminded our community that, with the cold weather arriving and our continued focus on safety, we want to make sure all doors to the outside are closed at all times and all students and visitors check in upon entering the school. Any propped doors should be reported to a staff member. It takes all of us working together to make us as safe as possible.    

Proscenium Circus presents Chicago - December 11 - December 13

Come and enjoy Chicago, produced by Proscenium Circus, our Theater Program. Tickets for December 11 through December 13 shows are now available at www.abdrama.org. Student Night ($5 student tickets) will be on Thursday, December 11.

Signs of Suicide (SOS) Program for Seniors - December 8 - December 12

In our efforts to continue to provide education and preventive measures in the area of mental health for our students, we will have our annual Signs of Suicide Program and Training for 12th graders from December 8 through 12. Please read more information here.

Junior Class of 2027 Updates

If you were unable to attend the Junior Post-Secondary Planning Night for Parents/Caregivers event, you can view the presentation at this link.  Junior students met in groups with their counselors this week to begin discussions about post-secondary planning. 

Share Photos of Student Volunteers 

One of the highlights of the annual Community Service Awards Night is a slideshow of our AB student volunteers. If you would like to include your student, please email a photo of your student volunteering. Please include your student’s name and the volunteer organization or activity to Ms. Nestlerode (anestlerode@abschools.org).

Class of 2026 - Diploma Name Verification

All seniors should stop by the Admin Office to check how their name will appear on their diploma. Please see Mrs. Dempsey by December 11 to request a change.

Winter Athletics and Fencing Cooperative

We are excited that our Winter Athletic Season got underway this week. Please take a look at a new Fencing Cooperative opportunity. We know that all of our AB athletes will represent themselves, their team, and our community well throughout the season. Go AB!

Food Drive by Food Awareness Club

The ABRHS Food Awareness Club is hosting a non-perishable food drive in the lobby from December 9 through December 15. The Acton Food Pantry is asking for sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, boxed baking mixes, shampoo, and Band-Aids. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Class of 2028 Toy Drive

The 10th Grade Class is organizing the annual Toys for Tots Drive. Donate to kids in need this holiday season by dropping off unwrapped, unopened toys by December 12. Boxes are in the Main Lobby and Counseling Center. 

AB Forward Update

On Tuesday, AB Forward had their last meeting and voted on four school reorganization options to move forward for consideration to the School Committee. These options impact our elementary schools, and I want to acknowledge the challenge ahead for our elementary school communities. It was an honor to be a part of the AB Forward Committee, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn even more about our community through this process.

Have a relaxing weekend!

Sincerely,

Ms. Dean, ABRHS Principal

Upcoming Dates

Week of Dec. 8 - 12 - Signs of Suicide Presentation and Screening, 12th Grade English classes

Tues, Dec. 9 - Human Rights Council Cultural Color Day

Wed, Dec. 10 - School Council Meeting, 5:00 pm, 115N

Thurs, Dec. 11-Sat, Dec. 13 - Chicago: Teen Edition, Proscenium Circus, Auditorium

Tues, Dec. 16 

• Dear Asian Youth Club Bake Sale, 3:00, Front Lobby

• Winter Concert - Band, Chorus & Orchestra, 7:00 pm, Auditorium

Thurs, Dec. 18 - Red Cross Club Bake Sale, 3:00, Front Lobby

Fri, Dec. 19 - Jewish Student Union serving latkes during all lunches, Cafeteria and Commons 

Tues, Dec. 23 - Early Dismissal at 11:22 am

Wed, Dec. 24 - Fri, Jan. 2 - Winter Break

Photos of the Week

Thanksgiving Day Game

Student Spotlight Panel featuring students from Dear Asian Youth

Proscenium Circus Presents Chicago: Teen Edition 

Invest in Girls Club at the Champions of Financial Literacy Breakfast