The Rev Report - September 3, 2026
Dear ABRHS Community,
There was a lot of energy in the high school this week as we started the 2026-2027 school year! Students found their classes, reconnected with peers, and learned about the year ahead. We are thrilled to welcome the 9th grade class as well as many new students in grades 10, 11, and 12 and several new staff members. Please don’t forget picture days in English classes next Wednesday and Thursday. Have a nice, long Labor Day Weekend!
Class Assemblies and Community Expectations
During all class assemblies this week, we highlighted our community values, shared school expectations, and enjoyed some friendly AP (Assistant Principal) Team games. Here are some key takeaways:
We are an inclusive, supportive community of learners, and we want every individual to do their part in making ABRHS the best it can be.
Our Vision of a Graduate helps guide us. At the start of this year, we are focusing on the value of communication. We have baskets for phones and card games on cafeteria tables to encourage human connection and in-person conversations.
Upcoming events include: PC/Musical Auditions, Fall Activities Fair, Athletic Events, Community Day, and the Homecoming Dance.
Cell phone use, phone cubbies, door access, procedures for arriving late or leaving early, and community expectations were discussed.
Here are the slides for each assembly: 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade.
Advisory
On Tuesday, we enjoyed welcoming the 9th graders and new 10th, 11th, and 12th graders into our Advisories. Advisory meets every Monday throughout the school year, and we will continue building connections between students and adults during this time. Advisory is my favorite part of every week, as students talk about what is going on, discuss school events, and enjoy each other’s company.
Getting Involved
The new school year is a great time for students to get involved in something new! We have over 70 clubs, many athletic teams, student government and leadership opportunities, and so much more. Upcoming opportunities include the Coalition for Inclusivity, School Council, and School Committee Student Representative. Students can find out more information and sign up for clubs at the Club Fair during all lunches next week on September 9 and 10. Additionally, please see the numerous Visual and Performing Arts Opportunities.
Unified Basketball
AB was once again named a Unified Champion School last year in Massachusetts! Our AB Unified Basketball Team starts practices on Tuesday, September 8 in the Stearns Gym from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. Please reach out to Faith Jarger, fjarger@abschools.org, or Nikki Jeannotte, njeannotte@abschools.org.
Community Day - Tuesday, October 13
On Tuesday, October 13, we will have our second annual Community Day. Students will participate in grade-level specific activities. An outline of events is provided below, and more specific information will be shared soon.
9th Grade - On-Campus Choice Workshops, Trivia, Team-Building, and Games
10th Grade - Trip to Boston: Revolutionary Spaces (Deadline (9/11): Complete 10th Grade Field Trip Form via ParentSquare.)
11th Grade - On-Campus PSAT Exam and Wellness Workshops
12th Grade - Choice of Trip to UMass Amherst, UMass Lowell or Middlesex Community College or On-Campus Post-Secondary Planning Workshops (Deadline (9/11): Complete 12th Grade Field Trip Form via ParentSquare.)
Building Access and Check-in/Check-out Procedures
In recent years, we have been given guidance and recommendations from NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), our accrediting body, and the NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) that it is necessary for us to better account for students in an out of the building, especially in the case of an emergency. In recent years, we have taken steps to monitor doors and ensure sign-in and sign-out procedures, and we have increased supervision at entrances and throughout the building.
This year, 11th and 12th graders who are allowed to leave school during a free period or lunch will sign out and back in using the MyFlexLearning app. Several area schools use this program as well. This program is linked to a student’s schedule so we know if a student is free or not, and then it quickly generates a code that we scan, allowing us to know the time a student leaves and enters the building. While it will take a week or so to work out all the logistical issues, once it is up and running well, this system will work more quickly and efficiently than our previous, manual sign-in and sign-out procedures.
Please note, the MyFlexLearning program is only for 11th and 12th graders. 9th and 10th graders are not allowed to leave the building during the school day, unless excused by a caregiver. When students are excused, they will sign in and out at the Front or Senior Door and receive a pass to go to class.
Service Dogs
We do have at least one service dog to assist individuals in our school this year. Unlike a therapy dog, service dogs are focused on their jobs of supporting specific students or staff members. Therefore, others should not touch or talk to service dogs. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding.
Senior Portraits
Mark Lawrence Photographers are returning to the high school on October 14, 15, and 16, from 3:00 to 6:45 pm for Senior Portrait Sessions. We only use senior portraits taken by Mark Lawrence Photography for Senior Yearbook photos. The deadline for photos to be taken is November 14, 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.
School Picture Days
School pictures will be taken during English classes next week on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10 for both the yearbook and student IDs. Families will receive order information from Mark Lawrence Photography and may call them at 603-882-0116 with any questions.
ABRHS School Council
School Council is a school-based committee composed of the principal, parents, caregivers, teachers, students 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, our first meeting is on Wednesday, October 7 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm, in Room 119N. We have several spaces open for parents, caregivers and community members, please email Melissa Dempsey (mdempsey@abschools.org) if you are interested in being a member of School Council.
College Visit Calendar for Seniors
We are pleased to host numerous college visits for our 12th graders. Dates can change, so it is a good idea to check the calendar periodically. Students are notified of the visit dates of colleges they have selected as being of interest to them in their SCOIR accounts. Before a visit, seniors should check in with their teachers to make sure it is allowable to miss class. If there is a conflict or issue with missing a class, students can drop by quickly to introduce themselves to the Admission Counselor and return to class. Juniors may only attend these sessions if they have a free period. Please contact Kate DelTorchio at kdeltorchio@abschools.org with questions.
Student Representatives to the School Committee
Each year, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District School Committee welcomes five high school students to serve as Student Representatives on the School Committee. Student Reps share updates on events, classes, and activities with the School Committee and provide a student perspective on policies that affect student programs and other areas of student life at AB. Students who are interested in learning more or interested in applying to be a Student Rep, fill out this form by next Friday, September 11.
Senior Parking Passes and Senior Lot
Seniors should see Ms. Vaughn in the Main Office during lunch for parking passes and assigned spot. Only seniors with valid passes are allowed to park in the Senior Lot. Students must park in their assigned spots. Thank you for your cooperation. We are very excited that this year, for the first time, seniors will be painting their parking spots after school on Friday, September 25. For those who do not drive, there will be a place where they can paint for the Class of 2027 as well.
Upcoming Safety Drills
To ensure we are prepared for emergencies that may arise, we will conduct safety drills throughout the school year.
Tuesday, Sept 8: Bus Evacuations for all grades.
Week of September 14: First Fire Drill (note: per Fire Department regulations, these will not be announced; students will receive instructions prior to the drill).
Tues September 22: First ALICE Drill (note: students will be notified prior to the drill.) As a reminder, we activate our ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) protocols in the event of an active threat, such as an armed intruder.
9th Grade Family Information Sessions
Next Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00 pm, there will be a 9th Grade Family Zoom Webinar to share introductory information about the high school. Students and caregivers may attend this webinar. Additionally, the week after Back to School Night (Thursday, September 24 at 6:30 pm), we will host the 9th Grade Caregiver Night on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:00 pm. This will be an opportunity for caregivers to learn more about high school and hear from the assistant principals and counselors.
AB Resource Center
We are incredibly fortunate to have the AB Resource Center at our Central Office Administration Building. Please see information regarding resources and services in this flyer. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm with extended hours on Wednesdays until 7:00 pm.
The new school year is a good time for some AB Revs Gear. Check out our Sideline Store. Through Monday, September 7, enjoy 25% off using the code LABORDAY25 as well as the general 20% code at the top of the screen. Go AB!
Sincerely,
Ms. Dean, ABRHS Principal
Photos of the Week
Staff Opening Day
Student Volunteer Greeters
Student Ambassadors
Student Experience Panel
Class of 2030
9th Grade Assembly
Card Games in the Library
Class of 2027 Senior Staircase
Opening Day Assembly
New Mural in the Outdoor Classroom
Band Camp 2026
Thank you to the PTSO for new planters!
Welcome New Staff!
Upcoming Dates
Fri, Sept. 4 and Mon, Sept. 7: NO School for Labor Day Weekend
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Tues, Sept. 8: Bus Evacuations
9th grade: 9:10-9:30
10th grade: 9:35-9:55
11th grade: 10:10-10:30
12th grade: 10:35-10:55
Wed, Sept 9: 9th Grade Caregiver & Student Webinar Zoom, 6:00 pm
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Wed, Sept. 9 and Thur, Sept. 10:
School Picture Days, Auditorium, Students will attend with their English Classes.
Fall Activities Fair, East Commons, All Lunch Blocks
Fri, Sept. 11: 10th and 12th Grade ParentSquare Community Day Field Trip Forms Due
Mon, Sept. 14: Early Release for Students at 1:15 pm
Wed, Sept. 16: Fall College Night for 12th Grade Parents and Caregivers, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Mon, Sept. 21: NO School, Yom Kippur
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 & Administration, 6:00 - 7:30 pm