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Acton-Boxborough Regional High School

ABRHS Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year

Posted Date: 08/07/26 (10:57 AM)
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Dear ABRHS Students and Families,

I hope you are having a relaxing and enjoyable summer. In a few short weeks, we will begin the 2026-2027 school year! We extend a warm welcome to the incoming 9th graders and new 10th, 11th, and 12th graders joining ABRHS this year. The first day of school will be Monday, August 31 for 9th graders and Tuesday, September 1 for 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. New students in grades 10-12 will have an orientation on Monday, August 31 from 11:00 am - 2:47 pm. This staggered start helps our newest students get settled and comfortable before the full school community comes together.

We know everyone is committed to making this school the best it can be. As always, we will prioritize creating a supportive, inclusive community here at AB. We encourage students to actively participate in classes and get involved in clubs, ensembles, athletics, and event planning. We are also looking forward to student leadership in our Coalition for Inclusivity, School Council, and Artificial Intelligence Task Force. 

This year, together with students, we want to prioritize human connection by encouraging reduced phone and technology use before school, during lunch and free periods, and after school. Look for cards and other games on cafeteria tables and around school to connect with peers technology-free.  

Please spend some time reading information about the upcoming school year, included below. This school year promises to be another great one for AB. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and we will see you soon!

Sincerely,

Ms. Dean

Principal, ABRHS  

Opening Days of School 

  • Mon, Aug 31: 9th Grade Orientation (8:00 am - 2:47 pm, Blue Day Schedule) / New 10th-12th Grade Orientation (11:00 am - 2:47 pm)

  • Tue, Sept 1: First day of school for all 10th-12th graders, Second day for 9th graders (Full 7-period Blue Day)

  • Wed, Sept 2: Normal school schedule begins (Gold A Day)

We will have a full-day 9th Grade Only Orientation Day on Monday, August 31. Ninth graders will have an assembly, advisory, their Blue Day classes, group meetings with assistant principals and counselors, and a class photo. Students will also learn about the high school experience by meeting with their assigned 11th and 12th Grade Ambassador and by attending a student panel event. 


Buses for 9th graders will run on their normal schedule, and students will arrive at school between 7:30 and 7:50 am. Everyone will be directed to the Stearns Gym to get their schedules and then to the cafeteria, where breakfast will be served. The day will officially begin with a class assembly at 8:00 am in the auditorium. Here is a link to the overview of the day. The school day will end at 2:47 pm, and buses will run on their normal schedule at dismissal. 


We will also have a New Students in 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade Orientation for new students only from 11:00 am - 2:47 pm on Monday, August 31. New 10th, 11th, and 12th graders will meet counselors and APs, eat lunch, get their Chromebooks, and tour the school with AB Student Ambassadors. Students should arrive at school between 10:45 and 11:00 am, and they will be dismissed at 2:47 pm. Bus transportation at the end of the day will be provided. 


On Tuesday, September 1, all 9th through 12th graders will be in school. This will be the second day for 9th graders and the first day for all 10th through 12th graders. On September 1, we will have all seven periods and advisory, following a Blue Day schedule. Then, on Wednesday, September 2, we will begin our normal schedule, following a Gold A Day schedule with 6 class periods (Blocks A through F) and one dropped class (Block G). Grades 10 - 12 will have their first class assembly on their second day, Wednesday, September 2. A calendar for each day of the school year can be found here. Please note that for the Labor Day Weekend, we do NOT have school on Friday, September 4 or Monday, September 7. 


9th Grade Information 

We are excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to the high school! A few things ninth graders and families should know:

  • Optional 9th Grade Tours - We are offering optional, student-led tours for 9th graders on Friday, August 28, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Interested students are welcome to meet at the Front Door, where an 11th or 12th Grade Student Ambassador will provide a tour of the school. Do not worry if attendance is not possible as we will provide plenty of directions and guidance on the first day.

  • Getting Started - The Transition to 9th Grade Website and 9th Grade Start-Up Guide cover key info for 9th grade students and families.

  • Student Portal - Students and parents/caregivers now have access to the Student Portal in PowerSchool, where students can view schedules and grades.

  • 9th Grade Webinar (New This Year) - This Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00 pm for parents, caregivers and students will share introduction information about the 9th grade year (link to follow).

  • Back to School Night - For all 9th–12th grade parents/caregivers: Thursday, September 24 at 6:30 pm is an in-person chance to visit your student's classes and meet their teachers.

  • 9th Grade Parent/Caregiver Night - Wednesday, September 30 at 6:00 pm in the High School Auditorium is an in-person presentation on high school life with assistant principals and counselors.

  • Getting Support - For guidance on getting help at the high school, see the Where Do I Find Help Guide for Students and Communication Guide.

  • Lockers -  Not required, but if a 9th grader wants one, they should see Ms. Melanie Vaughn (mvaughn@abschools.org) in the Main Office.

Student Schedules 

Student schedules will be available online through the PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal and the PowerSchool Student Portal next Friday, August 14 around 2:00 pm. At that time, families and students will be able to use their username and password to access student information and schedules. 


A reminder email about portal login information will be sent to parents and caregivers this Monday, August 10. Completion of emergency contact information and other forms by the parent or caregiver will be required before accessing student schedules from either the parent/caregiver portal or the student portal. 


First-time parent/caregiver users should create a parent/caregiver portal account by going to the PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal and clicking Create Account. Detailed instructions are available under Learn More or New to the District. Parents and caregivers will need their student’s ID Number and Access Password to create a new account. If a parent/caregiver needs to retrieve this information, please contact Jackie Bedoya at jbedoya@abschools.org. Student users should log in via the PowerSchool Student Portal.  (After the required information is entered through the Parent/Caregiver Portal, the student’s schedule will be visible on both the Parent/Caregiver and Student portals. Students may download the PowerSchool app to access this information.)  


Should a student identify an error or wish to inquire about adding or changing an elective to their schedule, they may complete the Summer Scheduling Request Form. (This link may also be found on the My Class Schedule page of the PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal and the main page of our website under What’s Happening.) Students should submit requests by Friday, August 21. After August 21, students should wait until school starts on August 31 and September 1 to contact their counselor for any schedule questions.


Please be aware that, due to class size restrictions and other schedule conflicts, some requests may not be able to be fulfilled. Additionally, it is important to know that requesting a schedule change now may result in additional class changes in order to maintain other required courses. Therefore, we encourage students to carefully consider their requests before completing the form. At this time, we no longer accept requests for level changes to higher-level courses. If there are extenuating circumstances, students should contact the appropriate Department Leader. 


Finally, it was brought to our attention that some students were briefly able to view a schedule on the portal earlier in the summer. This occurred due to a glitch in our PowerSchool system. Official student schedules will be shared on Friday, August 14, and any schedule version viewed before that date should be disregarded.


Student Guidance

Every student is assigned a counselor and an assistant principal (AP) they will work with throughout their high school years. A student can find their counselor and AP assignment in the PowerSchool Student Portal and PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal once schedules are available next Friday. Please reference this chart that outlines the AP/Counselor pairs for students, as there have been some changes. 


Advisory

Students will meet in their advisory groups every Monday. Advisory will continue to build connections between peers and staff, support student self-advocacy and resilience, and strengthen our school community. We look forward to incorporating even more student input into our advisory activities again this year. As in previous years, advisory groups will consist of the same students from last year (current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders) with the addition of one to three new 9th graders. 


Communication 

Clear and consistent communication with students and families is a priority for us. We encourage families and students to reach out to teachers, special educators, counselors, assistant principals, and staff members with any questions or concerns throughout the school year.  


Daily announcements will be shared with students on the PA system. Students will also receive the daily email message, Good Morning, AB, that contains important scheduling information and announcements. Students and families will receive The Rev Report from me through ParentSquare on Friday afternoons, featuring weekly news and updates. On Sundays, the PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization) sends out the weekly Chatter with calendar and event information. Families who wish to receive the Chatter should choose this desired preference on the School/PTSO Permission page in the PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal. 


Students and families can visit the ABRHS Website for additional information and updates. The Where Do I Find Help Guide for Students and the Communication Guide for Parents/Caregivers answer commonly asked questions and give guidance about who to contact for assistance.    


Open Gradebook

Last school year was the first year we opened up the PowerSchool portal for students and parents/caregivers so they could view current student grades on assignments and assessments throughout the school year. We are pleased to share that the overall feedback was positive from students, families, and staff, and we will continue this practice going forward. 


We believe an open gradebook can help strengthen partnerships among students, teachers, and families by providing an additional tool to foster helpful dialogue around feedback and learning. An open gradebook increases a student’s independence and ownership of their work and helps them set goals for improvement. Please refer to the Open Gradebook FAQ and the Grading Calendar for the 2026-2027 Year for more information.


Back to School Night

Parents and caregivers should mark their calendars for our annual Back to School Night on Thursday, September 24 at 6:30 pm. On this night, parents and caregivers will follow student schedules to meet their teachers, visit their classrooms, and learn about their courses. This is always an engaging, enjoyable evening for our entire community.


School Supplies

On the first day of school, students may want to bring paper, a pen, a pencil, and a fully-charged Chromebook. (Note: 9th Graders and new students will receive their Chromebooks during Orientation Day on August 31.) It may be best to wait to buy all school supplies until after students attend their classes for the first few days to learn the necessary supplies for each class. 


Bell Schedule and Early Release Days

Our daily schedule follows a Seven-Drop-One rotation. In essence, we have seven periods, with six classes meeting and one that drops each day. Here is a link to our Bell Schedule, ABRHS-Daily Block Calendar, and ABRHS-Schedule. They will continue to be updated throughout the school year.


This year, we will have 15 Early Release Mondays, which follow a shortened schedule, dismissing at 1:15 pm for staff professional learning. The Early Release Mondays are: 

  • September 14

  • October 5 and 26

  • November 16 and 30 

  • December 14

  • January 11 and 25 

  • February 8

  • March 1, 15, and 29

  • April 12

  • May 3 and 24

Additionally, there are three scheduled half days with 11:22 am dismissals prior to Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break (December), and Summer Break. They include: Wednesday, November 25; Wednesday, December 23; and the last day of school, currently scheduled for Thursday, June 17. (Please note the last day of school is subject to change due to snow days.)


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. Parents/Caregivers must log into the PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal on August 14 to confirm they and their student have read and understood our handbook. 


This year’s handbook changes are summarized here. More information will be shared with students prior to the first day of school about the MyFlexLearning Program that will be used for 11th and 12th graders upon entering or exiting the building after 8:00 am and before 2:47 pm. 


Attendance  

We know that consistent daily attendance is essential for student success. Belonging to a school consistently helps students build connections with peers and staff and engage in their schoolwork more fully and successfully. 


We ask families to work with us to prioritize consistent, daily attendance in all classes for our students this year. We only have 180 school days each year, and we urge families to plan medical appointments, events, and vacations outside of our scheduled school days. We want to remind families that the scheduled last day of school is Thursday, June 17. Yet, with any snow days (and we have had many in the past few years), this date will shift forward. For example, if we have four snow days (as we did last year), our last day of required school for all students would then be Wednesday, June 23. All days until the end of the school year are required for attendance and completion of schoolwork.  Here is a copy of the 2026-2027 School Calendar.


Please take some time to read through the following important attendance procedures.    

  • Excused/Unexcused Absences - Parents/caregivers may excuse five absences in a quarter. On the sixth absence, medical or other approved documentation must be provided. Otherwise, the absence will be unexcused. Please reference the Student Handbook (pp. 51-57) for more information about excused and unexcused absences. 


After three unexcused absences in a daily class or two unexcused absences in an alternate day class per quarter, students will lose quarterly credit for that class. Please also note that students missing more than half of a class period (more than 30 minutes) will be considered absent (unexcused).


  • Absence Notification - When a student will be absent, a parent/caregiver must either email hsattendance@abschools.org or call 978-264-3323. Please leave the name of the student, grade, and reason for absence. Emails must be sent from the parent/caregiver email address connected to the PowerSchool Account. Beginning this year, handwritten notes will not be accepted. Additionally, all absence excuses must be received within 24 hours of the absence. Students cannot be excused by a parent or caregiver to miss a period or assessment while they are in the school building. 


  • Excused Early Dismissals (and Return to School) - If a student needs to leave early, a parent/caregiver must email (hsattendance@abschools.org) or call (978-264-3323) the Main Office. If a student is sick, they must check in with a Nurse. The Nurses’ Office will coordinate communication home with families directly.


Emails and calls should include the student's name, grade, date, and time of dismissal. A pass will be issued for the student to pick up at the Main Office by the beginning of second period. If a student returns to school after leaving, they must stop at the Main Office to check back in and receive a pass to return to class.


  • Excused and Unexcused Lateness/Tardies -  If a student will be late to school, a parent/caregiver must email (hsattendance@abschools.org) or call (978-264-3323) the Main Office. Immediately upon entering school, the student should check in at the Main Office to obtain a pass to class. Without an excuse from a parent/caregiver, the student will be marked Unexcused Tardy.  


  • Required School Attendance for Athletics, Clubs, or Events - Students must attend school for three (3) periods in order to participate in a school-sponsored club activity, athletic practice/competition, or event after school.


  • 2025-2026 (Last Year) Q4 Attendance Appeals Students who lost credit during the 4th quarter last year were sent a notification by email in late June.  Students may submit an attendance appeal to their Assistant Principal by Friday, September 11.


Cell Phones and Smart Devices

We will work to support our students in their responsible and balanced use of technology. To ensure full engagement at school:

  • During class, cell phones must be stored in the classroom phone cubbies. Cell phones should remain in cubbies during student breaks from class.

  • In hallways during class periods, phones must be put away. 

  • Phones are permitted in the cafeterias, commons, and library during lunch, free periods, and passing time. This year, we will encourage students to put their phones away in the cafeteria, commons, and library. We have observed happier students when they spend time without electronics, eating and talking to peers. We will provide card games on cafeteria tables and in the commons to promote technology-free time.  

We encourage families to discuss this guidance and the benefits of limiting cell phone use with their students before the start of the school year. Full policy details can be found in the Student Handbook  (pp. 58-59).

Artificial Intelligence

Last year, students and staff worked to create Artificial Intelligence Guidance for both the District and High School. This year, in the high school, teachers will share departmental guidance for acceptable artificial intelligence use in classes. While all learning will prioritize human connection and critical thinking, students should expect that based on the assignment and subject, there will be varying degrees of acceptable use of artificial intelligence. Unless stated otherwise, students should assume the use of artificial intelligence on assignments and classwork is not allowed. We encourage students to ask their teachers when they have any question about acceptable use.


Cafeteria and Lunch Procedures 

There are three lunch periods during the school day, and each student will be assigned to one of these lunch periods based on their fourth-period class every day. With our rotating schedule, a student’s fourth-period class will change daily throughout the seven-day schedule. Lunch period assignments associated with rooms are available by August 21 on our bell schedule. In general, next year’s lunches will follow this schedule for the entire year. This year, in order to better account for students at all times, we will not rotate lunches three times throughout the year. 


9th graders and new students will become accustomed to this changing lunch schedule fairly easily within the first and second week of school. Students should not hesitate to ask teachers, staff members, and AB Ambassadors questions about lunch or room locations.


In addition to lunch, our Food Services Department also serves breakfast and snacks before and after school. Here are the Food Services Website and the Food Services Welcome Letter. All students are eligible to receive one daily breakfast and one daily lunch at no charge during the school year. Even though every student receives a free breakfast and lunch again this year, we ask eligible families to apply for free and reduced meals. Additional information can be found in the Food Services Letter above. 


The School Store will operate before school and during lunch, providing snacks and lunches as well. Students will use their PIN numbers to receive food in the Cafeteria, School Store, or East Commons Vending Machine, and they can be found in the PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal.


Guidance for Off-Campus Privileges for 11th and 12th Graders ONLY

  • 9th Graders are required to go to their classes every period. During free periods in their schedule, 9th graders will have Directed Studies to study and complete homework assignments for their classes. Occasionally, if there is no substitute teacher (students should wait five full minutes), classes will not meet. When this occurs, 9th graders may go to one of the common areas inside the building. 9th graders may not leave school or be in the class hallways during class times. Students who leave campus will be reported to the Assistant Principal’s Office. 


  • 10th Graders may have scheduled free periods in their schedules. During free periods, 10th graders may go to one of the common areas inside the building. 10th graders may not leave school or be in the class hallways during class times. Students who leave campus will be reported to the Assistant Principal’s Office. 


  • 11th and 12th Graders may have Off-Campus Privileges, in which they have the option to leave campus during their unassigned times during the school day. Students can have their off-campus privileges revoked by not exhibiting appropriate behavior. When students leave school, they must return on time for their scheduled classes.


  • IMPORTANT: Off-Campus Privileges (Opt-Out Policy) - If a student leaves school, staff, administration, and the towns of Acton and Boxborough are not in any way responsible for the student’s supervision, nor for any injuries or mishaps that occur during the movement to and from the school grounds and during activities in which they shall participate. Parents/caregivers who do not want their 11th or 12th grade student to have Off-Campus Privileges must complete this form. Please note: In the absence of a submitted form, the school automatically assumes authorization for eligible 11th and 12th graders to participate in off-campus privileges.


  • Eligibility for Off-Campus Privileges - In the absence of a parent/caregiver notice to opt their student out of Off-Campus Privileges, all eligible 11th and 12th grade students will be granted Off-Campus Privileges. In order to be eligible for Off-Campus Privileges, students must be in 11th or 12th grade, in good academic standing with consistent attendance, and adhere to the ABRHS Student Handbook code of conduct at all times. If a student does not meet these eligibility requirements or exhibit appropriate behavior, their access to Off-Campus Privileges may be revoked temporarily or permanently.


Door Access

From 7:30 - 8:00 am, students will be able to enter through three (3) doors: Front Door, Senior Door, and Auditorium Lobby Door. From 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, students will be able to enter only through the Front Door and Senior Door. Upon entering the building, students will be required to check in and out at the Front/Main Office or Senior Door. For 11th and 12th graders, the MyFlexLearning program will generate a one-time code based on their schedule to enter at the Front Door or Senior Door kiosk. The program will indicate whether they are allowed them leave and record their return. More information about this will be shared with students prior to school.

 

Building Access Before and After School Hours

Our school day begins at 8:00 am, and students are permitted in the building starting at 7:30 am. Students are not allowed to enter before this time, as there is no supervision.


Our school day ends at 2:47 pm most days, and it ends at 1:15 pm on Early Release Mondays. After 3:00 pm on regular days (and 1:30 pm on Early Release Days), students may be in the building only if they are participating in a school-sponsored activity supervised by a staff member, advisor, or coach. Additionally, on most Mondays through Thursdays, students may be in the cafeteria or the library from 3:00 - 4:30 pm (and 1:15 - 4:00 pm on Early Release Mondays). The Fitness Center is also open for student use on most days from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. Students may not be in other parts of the building after dismissal.   


Financial Assistance 

For families that may need assistance with school-related dues and fees, please read the Financial Assistance Letter 26-27 for detailed information and reach out to your student's assistant principal with any questions.  


Medical Updates and Information

We encourage families to reach out to our Nurses (Erin Doherty - edoherty@abschools.org and Colleen McGovern - cmcgovern@abschools.org) with any medical questions. As a reminder, no medicines may be brought in, carried in backpacks, or used by any student on school premises. Occasionally, a student may require non-prescription medicine, such as acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen. These over-the-counter medications will be dispensed by the nurse to students only when a parent/caregiver has completed the online emergency information card giving permission (see PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal).


Student IDs and School Pictures 

Every student will be provided an ABRHS ID card. Once issued during the first quarter, we ask that students carry their ID card with them at all times. School pictures will be taken during English classes on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10. For any students who miss the September dates, the photographers will be available on Wednesday, October 14. Families will receive order information from Mark Lawrence Photography, and please call them at 603-882-0116 with any questions. 


Senior Portraits

Senior portraits included in the yearbook are required to be taken by Mark Lawrence Photography. In order to meet publishing deadlines, all portraits must be taken by November 13, and students must submit their portraits to the Yearbook by November 30. If seniors have not already taken their senior portraits, they should schedule an appointment soon by calling Mark Lawrence directly at 603-882-0116. If you have any questions, email abrhsyearbook@abschools.org.


Lockers 

While many high school students do not use a locker during the school day, some do. If a student would like a locker at any time throughout the year, they should see Ms. Melanie Vaughn (mvaughn@abschools.org) in the Main Office.


Chromebooks & ABSchools Email Accounts

Our 1:1 Chromebook Program provides a district-issued Chromebook to each student while enrolled at no cost. All families should review the updated 1:1 program documents and provide permission through the PowerSchool Parent/Caregiver Portal. Incoming 9th graders and new 10th, 11th, or 12th graders should review this information. 


Students must use their @abschools.org email addresses and passwords to use Chromebooks and other digital tools. If students need passwords reset, they may visit the library within the first week of school. 


Bus Schedules 

Bus schedules will be posted under Bus Routes in late August. Please note that a late bus leaves the high school at 4:40 pm every day. Students and families can also see bus information on the BusRight App. For all bus related correspondence, please use ABTransportation@abschools.org


Student Drop-off and Traffic Pattern Information

Morning arrival and afternoon dismissal are very busy times on our campus. It is important that everyone follow the parking, traffic, and drop-off guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone in our community. In particular, this year, we hope to make the parking lots and roads around the high school safer with more cautious driving and coordinated traffic during Drop-off (7:30 - 8:00 am) and Pick-up (2:30 - 3:00 pm).


  • Traffic Patterns and Map - Please find specific traffic pattern information below and a link to the map here. No cars are allowed to park in any parking spaces except Visitor. This means that parents and caregivers should not pull into a parking spot or the Front Circle to drop their students off  during drop-off (7:30 - 8:00 am) and pick-up (2:30 - 3:00 pm). Cars should follow the approved traffic pattern to drop students off safely. 


  • Front Circle - Buses drop students off at the front circle between 7:30 and 7:45 am every morning. During those times, the front circle is closed to non-bus traffic. Additionally, during these times, the Hayward Road Campus Entrance by the baseball and softball fields and tennis courts will be closed to general traffic so that buses can enter and exit campus safely. 


Between 7:30 and 8:00 am, the following locations are available for drop-off: Upper Lot (pool/gymnasium entrance), the West Tower (by science rooms), and the Back Circle (auditorium entrance). At 7:50 am, the Front Circle and the Hayward Road Entrance will open for student drop-off until 8:00 am. Please follow all signage and Traffic Safety Monitor instructions.


  • Auditorium Back Circle and Gazebo - If you are dropping off at the Auditorium Back Circle, enter and exit through Hayward Road and proceed to the Back Circle. Do not drop off at the Gazebo entrance, as this is unsafe. 


  • Upper Lot - If you are dropping off at the Upper Lot (near Regan Gym, Johnson Pool, and Senior Lot), please enter off Hayward Road and proceed through campus to exit in the direction of the Junior High or by returning to Hayward Road. 


  • West Tower - If you are dropping off at the West Tower Location (from Charter Road) by the Science classrooms, please proceed through campus to exit in the direction of the Junior High. No exit is permitted via the Upper Lot/Senior Lot.


Senior Parking

Parking on campus will be available for seniors at a cost of $250 for the year. Seniors may apply for a parking permit following the Parking Permit Instructions, which will be accessible beginning on August 17. During this process, students and families must agree and sign the following Parking Agreements. Students will then have the option to pay through the EFUNDS Electronic Payment System or in person, at the high school in the Main Office, beginning Tuesday, August 18 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm or once school starts during regular school hours beginning Monday, August 31. 


This year, 12th grade students will be assigned a spot in the Senior Parking Lot. All spots were numbered this summer. Students will only be allowed to park in their assigned spots. When purchasing stickers at school, students can pay by credit card, cash, or a check made payable to ABRHS. Any senior who owes a parking fine from their junior year will not be issued a parking sticker until the fine is paid.

 

Additional Parking 

During school hours, parents, caregivers, and visitors are welcome to park in the designated visitor parking spaces at the high school. Please do not park in any other spaces including the 30 minutes prior to drop-off (7:30 - 8:00 am) and pick-up (2:15 - 2:45 pm), as they have been assigned to staff and students. Please note that no parking, including for students, is available at RJ Grey Junior High School, the District Office, or the Parker Damon Building for high school students. Any student without a parking sticker must park at the Hayward Road Lower Fields.


Fall Athletics

Registration for all Fall 2026 sports will close next Friday, August 14 at 11:59 pm. Please visit our Athletics Website for specific information about the registration process, tryout schedules, and coaching directory. Fall Team tryouts and practices (including football and golf) will begin on Monday, August 24. Please email your respective coach for more information about tryouts, team expectations, and any additional questions. Students and families should plan to attend all tryout sessions.


Prospective student-athletes trying out for and participating on any team must sign up using Arbiter/FamilyID before the first day of tryouts/practices. (Click on the ABRHS Fall Sports 2026 link at the bottom.) Additionally, proof of a doctor’s physical must be submitted before the first day of tryouts. Please email physicals to the School Nurses Erin Doherty (edoherty@abschools.org) or Colleen McGovern (cmcgovern@abschools.org).


There will be a mandatory Fall Athletic Information Night for all student-athletes, at least one parent/caregiver, and coaches on Thursday, August 27 at 6:45 pm in the High School Auditorium. Please plan for approximately one hour to meet in the auditorium, followed by team breakout sessions.


The athletic fee is $365 per sport, per season, with a $1200 family cap per year. Once teams are decided, fees should be paid online here or by check (made payable to: ABRHS Athletics and turned in to coaches). Waivers are available for those approved for Free and Reduced Lunch or with demonstrated financial need. The ABRSD Financial Assistance website, including details, directions, and the application for waivers of athletic fees, can be found here.


Performing Arts Activities

Band Camp for all band members will be Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21. Orchestra Camp will be on Wednesday, August 26. Please check the Performing Arts Website or with Band and Orchestra Directors if you have questions. Information about auditions for the musicals, plays, a cappella groups, and other auditioned ensembles will be available for students once school starts.


Clubs

We encourage students to consider joining at least one of the over 70 Clubs and Activities available.  We will have our annual Fall Activities Fair for all students during lunches on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10. 


All clubs and activities have a $50 activity fee for all students who wish to participate in one or more clubs. There may be additional fees of $75 for academic teams (such as Academic Decathlon, Speech & Debate, Science Team, Math Team, and Envirothon). Fees will be collected once the school year starts. If you have questions or concerns about the activity fee, please reach out to a counselor or assistant principal.


PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization) 

We are grateful for the support provided by the Acton-Boxborough Regional PTSO. The PTSO supports student events, staff appreciation celebrations, student scholarships, events such as World Cultures Week, and project grants to support teaching and learning. We invite interested families to purchase or renew their annual membership, and we thank you for your support. If you would like to volunteer, please email chatter@abrptso.org.

Upcoming Dates

Mon, Aug 10 - Fri, Aug 14 - Class of 2027 Senior Portraits at ABRHS 

Fri, Aug 14 - PowerSchool Portal opens with Student Schedules around 2:00 pm

Mon, Aug 17 - Fri, Aug 21 - Band Camp  - See Director for Details

Mon, Aug 24 - First Day of Required Preseason for ALL Fall Sports 

Wed, Aug 26 - Orchestra Camp - See Director for Details

Thu, Aug 27 - Mandatory Fall Athletics Information Night, 6:45 - 7:45 pm, HS Auditorium

Mon, Aug 31 - First Day of School for 9th Graders, 8:00 - 2:47 pm and Orientation for New 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders, 11:00 am - 2:47 pm 

Tues, Sept 1 - First Day of School for 10, 11, and 12th graders, Second Day for 9th Graders

Wed, Sept 2 - 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade Assemblies

Fri, Sept. 4 and Mon, Sept. 7 - NO School for Labor Day Weekend

Wed, Sept 9 - 9th Grade Caregiver & Student Webinar Zoom, 6:00 pm (Link sent later.)

Wed, Sept. 9 and Thur, Sept. 10 - School Picture Days and Fall Activities Fair 

Thurs, Sept 24 - Back to School Night at the High School, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Wed, Sept 30 - 9th Grade Caregiver Night with Counselors &Admin, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Action Items for Families

  • Aug 14, after 2:00 pm: Log in to PowerSchool to confirm you and your student have reviewed the Student Handbook.

  • Aug 14, after 2:00 pm: Complete emergency contact information and required forms in PowerSchool to view student schedules.

  • By Aug 14: Deadline to register for Fall Athletics via Arbiter/FamilyID.

  • Aug. 14 - Aug 21: Submit any necessary Summer Scheduling Request Forms.

  • By Sept. 1: Complete the Off-Campus Privileges Opt-Out Form (Only if you do not want your 11th/12th grader to leave campus).