The Rev Report - September 11, 2026
Dear ABRHS Community,
On Wednesday and Thursday during lunches, the East Commons was a busy and energetic place! Over 70 clubs were featured at our Fall Activities Fair. Our students help lead these clubs, and their commitment shows. Additionally, many athletic teams and activities had their first games and meetings this week. A highlight was our first home football game and marching band performance last night on Leary Field - Go AB!
September 11 - 25th Anniversary
Today was the 25th anniversary of the tragedy of the September 11 attacks. During the morning announcements today, we paused to remember the events of the day and honor the lives lost. I shared that I remember the day vividly, as I was living and teaching in New York City at the time.
Additionally, several families from Acton-Boxborough lost loved ones on the plane. Every year, Massachusetts honors a flight attendant from Acton for her actions that day with the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for civilian bravery.
As we remembered and honored September 11, I encouraged everyone to make our world as inclusive as possible by choosing compassion and curiosity. The students of AB are our next generation and have the power to lead the way in this community, the country, and the entire world.
Rosh Hashanah - September 11 through September 13
The holiday, Rosh Hashanah, will begin this evening and last until Sunday evening. Rosh Hashanah is one of the most holy days in the Jewish religion and is a time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. Happy New Year to all celebrating.
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15
Tuesday begins the celebration of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. During this month, we celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities within our community and country.
Early Release Day at 1:15 pm - Monday, September 14
This Monday will be our first of 15 Early Release Days for students this year. Students will have a day of shortened classes with dismissal at 1:15 pm. At school, staff engage in professional learning and collaboration during this time.
High School Leadership Coalition for Inclusivity - September 14 at 5:30 pm
The High School Leadership Coalition for Inclusivity is a place that brings together students, educators, families, and community members from across our school community to continue building an inclusive and equitable community and to collaborate in addressing incidents of hate and bias. We will have our first meeting of the school year on Monday, September 14 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. All are welcome, and please email Ms. Vanasse (cvanasse@abschools.org) to learn more.
Cyber Incident Update
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation this week as we reset passwords. As Superintendent Light indicated in his most recent message, we are still investigating this situation. This week’s added security measures have resulted in no additional malicious inbound traffic. Updates will be provided.
Community Day - 10th and 12th Grade Permissions Slips Due
On Tuesday, October 13, we will have our second annual Community Day. Students will participate in grade-level-specific activities.
9th Grade - On-Campus Choice Workshops, Trivia, Team-Building, and Games
10th Grade - Trip to Boston: Revolutionary Spaces (Deadline extended to 9/15): 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 extended to 9/15): Complete 12th Grade Field Trip Form via ParentSquare.)
Upcoming Safety Drills
To ensure we are prepared for emergencies that may arise, we will conduct safety drills throughout the school year.
Tuesday, September 15 at 9:05 am: First Fire Drill (This first drill is announced and, per the Fire Department, all subsequent drills this year will be unannounced.)
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.
Class of 2027 - Counseling Resources
The Counseling Department is excited to work with the Class of 2027 as they prepare for their next steps beyond AB. Please take a look at the Class of 2027 - Counseling Updates for specific information about upcoming events and resources.
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 Admissions 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.
Understanding the College Application Process - Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00 pm
The Counseling Department Fall College Night for caregivers of seniors is Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium. Early decision, early action, and application procedures will be discussed. This is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions about the college application process.
Financial Aid Night - Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 pm
The Counseling Department will be hosting Financial Aid Night for 12th grade caregivers on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium. This event will provide information on the college financial aid process. Contact Heather Arthur, harthur@abschools.org, or Sara Clinton, sclinton@abschools.org, with any questions.
PSAT Exam Registration for 11th Graders - Reminder
The PSAT/NMSQT is a great tool for students considering college, and ABRHS will offer it to 11th graders during our schoolwide Community Day on October 13. The PSAT measures critical reading and math problem-solving skills and is the qualifying exam for National Merit scholarships.
Online exam registration will end September 30. In order to register, students should visit www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/222297. Students can request a fee waiver as part of the registration process. Please contact Shannon Dandridge, sdandridge@abschools.org, if you have questions.
Please note: Students in 11th grade who are not registered for the PSAT will join the 12th graders for career speakers and college visits on October 13, unless they are excused from school by a caregiver through the main office.
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 Orders and Picture Make-Up Day
This week, students had their school pictures taken during English classes. Mark Lawrence Photographers will email you directly with information on how to order a photo package. If you were absent, a picture make-up day will take place on Wednesday, October 14. If you have any questions about ordering, please call Mark Lawrence at 603-882-0116. General questions can be directed to Melissa Dempsey at mdempsey@abschools.org.
Have an enjoyable weekend!
Sincerely,
Ms. Dean, ABRHS Principal
Photos of the Week
Volleyball vs Lincoln-Sudbury
Fall Activities Fair
Robotics Class
AB Marching Band
AB Football vs Groton-Dunstable
AB Cheer
First Responders Night
The Acton-Boxborough Community Compass Kindness Cone has been spotted at the high school!
If you spot the cone while you're out and about, stop for a photo and share it on social media using #ABCCKindnessCone!
Upcoming Dates
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Mon, Sept. 14
Early Release for Students at 1:15 pm
Coalition for Inclusivity at 5:00 pm, Room 119N
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Wed, Sept. 16
(Inaugural) Robotics Competition Team Meeting, 3:00 - 4:00 pm, Room 114N
Fall College Night for 12th Grade Parents and Caregivers, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Mon, Sept. 21: NO School, Yom Kippur
Tues, Sept. 22: Senior Class Assembly, Auditorium, 2nd half of B Block
Wed, Sept. 23: Financial Aid Night, Auditorium, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
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