The Rev Report - September 25, 2026
Dear ABRHS Community,
A highlight of my week was teaching a math class as a substitute teacher. The students and I worked on solving absolute value equations and inequalities, and it was a lot of fun! Additionally, last night, we enjoyed welcoming parents and caregivers to the high school for Back to School Night, and we look forward to a continued partnership this year. We are grateful to the student volunteers who helped last night, and we are very thankful to the PTSO for the delicious staff lunch from Oscar’s Burritos today.
PSAT Exam Registration for 11th Graders - Deadline September 30
The PSAT/NMSQT helps students prepare for college and qualifies 11th graders for National Merit scholarships. ABRHS will offer the exam during Community Day on October 13. Online registration ends on September 30. Please contact Shannon Dandridge, sdandridge@abschools.org, with any questions.
“990” Instructional Hours
As shared last week, during our District’s five-year review this past year, DESE (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) cited the high school for not meeting the mandated 990 hours of instruction required in a school year for every 9th - 12th grader. We have one school year to correct this issue, which means we will make changes that will take effect for the next school year, 2027-2028.
To align with DESE standards, three adjustments are required: 1) maintaining full schedules for all students; 2) adding 18 instructional hours across the academic calendar; and 3) ensuring senior dismissal occurs no earlier than 12 days prior to the final day of school for grades 9 through 11.
On October 15, the High School will share an update at the School Committee meeting. Additionally, we have formed a faculty committee to determine possible solutions. Throughout this process, we will have student and family forums and feedback opportunities, and these dates will be shared soon.
12th Grade Updates
The 12th grade class has shown excellent leadership and an inclusive tone this year for our school. At the class meeting on Tuesday, we discussed what’s ahead for seniors. This is a very busy time, and we encourage students to reach out to counselors when needed for support and guidance. Please take note of the following:
Friday College Application Drop-Ins: Fridays through November 6, counselors are available during lunch periods in 119N to answer questions about college applications.
Transcript Requests: Seniors must submit transcript requests in SCOIR from their student account at least 10 school days before the college’s deadline. Here are the instructions.
Senior Dues: Please note that senior dues are $200.00 if paid by October 31. Beginning November 1, the fee will increase to $225.00. Senior dues pay for the following: Cap and Gown, Senior T-Shirt, Yearbook, and a ticket to the Kimball Farm Outing. Senior dues are required for all seniors.
Senior T-Shirts: Seniors, please fill out this form to submit your T-Shirt Size. The form will close on Wednesday, September 30 at 3:00 pm.
Caps and Gowns: All seniors must submit this form to order their caps and gowns for graduation by Friday, October 16. The cost of your cap and gown is included in your senior dues, so you will not need to provide payment information in order to submit your cap and gown order.
Senior Parking Lot Painting: Due to the weather forecast, Senior Parking Lot Space Painting has been moved to next Friday, October 2, at 3:00 pm.
Class Assembly Slides: Here are the presentation slides shared at the Senior Assembly this week.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework
Artificial intelligence continues to transform the educational landscape. Over the past year, district and high school leaders developed guiding vision statements emphasizing the importance of human connection, critical thinking, and ethical considerations. Please review the District AI Guidelines and the ABRHS AI Vision Statement, Accompanying Principles, and Anchoring Statements. Expectations regarding AI usage vary by course and assignment. Unless otherwise specified, students should complete all academic work independently without the use of AI. Students are encouraged to consult their instructors with any questions regarding permitted AI use.
College Applications and Financial Aid Information
We extend our thanks to the Counseling Department for hosting the recent College Application and Financial Aid evening sessions. Presentation materials are accessible via the following links:
Financial Aid 101 Fall 2026.pdf
Class of 2027 - Understanding the Application Process (Fall College Night) (1).pdf
Please contact your student's school counselor with any specific inquiries.
Community Day - October 13
We look forward to hosting our second annual schoolwide Community Day on Tuesday, October 13. Details regarding schedules and activities are available in the PSAT and Community Day Plans.
May 2027 AP Exam Registration
Students planning to take AP Exams in May 2027 should complete registration by October 30 to avoid late fees. Parents and caregivers should review the registration process with their student using the class join code provided by the course instructor. Additional details are available on the AP Exam Registration Information page. Please direct questions to our AP Coordinator, Ms. Nestlerode, at anestlerode@abschools.org.
Have a relaxing weekend!
Sincerely,
Ms. Dean, ABRHS Principal
Photos of the Week
AB Color Guard & Band
AB Football and Fans
Back to School Night Volunteers
Community Organizations
Proscenium Circus
Girls Soccer Fundraiser
12th Grade Class Assembly
Senior Class Photo
Upcoming Dates
Wed, Sept. 30: 9th Grade Caregiver Night with Counselors & Administration, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Fri, Oct. 2: Senior Class Parking Space Painting, Senior Lot, 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Wed, Oct. 7: School Council Meeting, 119N, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Mon, Oct. 12: No School, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
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Tues, Oct. 13
PSAT Exam for Grade 11
Community Day for Grades 9, 10 and 11
Unified Basketball, Regan Gym, 4:30 pm
Wed, Oct. 14: School Picture Make-Up Day, Room 119N
Wed, Oct. 14 - Fri, Oct. 16: Senior Portraits, 119N, 3:00 - 6:30 pm
Sat, Oct. 17: Homecoming Dance, Stearns Gym, 7:00 - 9:30 pm