The Rev Report - October 30, 2026

Posted Date: 10/30/26 (05:20 PM)

Dear ABRHS Community,

Our Senior Class celebrated an amazing (and chilly!) Senior Sunrise at Leary Field on Wednesday morning. Students bundled up in comfy blankets, pajamas, and slippers, drank hot chocolate, and played music and games. There were smiles all around.

This weekend brings the final games of the regular season for Field Hockey, Football, JV Soccer, Swim & Dive, and Volleyball. We also wish our Cross Country teams, Speech & Debate, and Marching Band & Color Guard the best of luck at their tournaments. Go AB!

If you are celebrating Halloween, I hope you have a fun and safe one. Also, enjoy the extra hour as we turn clocks back on Sunday.

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, which was first recognized by the United States Congress and President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Native American Heritage Month honors the traditions and contributions of Native peoples locally and across the nation.

AP Exam Registration – Due Today, October 30
Students taking AP Exams in May 2027 should register today by 11:59 pm to avoid late fees. Caregivers should complete registration together with their student using the class join code provided by their teacher. Please review the AP Exam Registration Information.

ABRHS Instructional Time and “990”
This week, we had interesting and collaborative conversations with students and families about our work to comply with the state-mandated 990 regulations. In the two student forums and Student Council meeting, students shared their concern about the time to get work done without free periods, as well as their disappointment about not being able to choose what they do during these periods. In conversations and questions from families, they also expressed concern about student workload and the need for downtime.

These are all very understandable concerns and, while we develop a solution to comply with 990, we also want to take into account that students need balance, choice, and agency.

As a reminder, here is the School Committee Time on Learning Presentation. These are the state-mandated issues we are working to resolve:

All students must be fully scheduled.
We must add 18 total hours to the overall school year.
Seniors’ last day of school can be no more than 12 days before the end of the regular school year.

Please join us for Student and Family Forums to discuss and share your feedback:

Student Forums (during all lunches in South Commons):
- October 27, October 28, November 10, November 24, and December 8
Community Forums (5:00–6:00 pm):
- October 29 (Rm. 119N), November 18 (Zoom Link), and December 8 (Rm. 119N)

We also invite community members to view the 990 Website and submit questions using this link. Answers will be shared within five days.

Class of 2027 Information

We commend our 12th graders for navigating their very busy first term. Seniors and their families should read this letter from the Counseling Department about applications and college visits to ABRHS.

Senior Dues of $200 are due tomorrow, Saturday, October 31. After that, the price increases to $225. Start planning your costume for Senior Dress Up Day that will take place on Wednesday, November 25!

PSAT and Community Day Student Feedback
Two weeks ago, students took part in our second annual PSAT and Community Day. Each grade level participated in an activity or field trip designed for their class. We would appreciate student feedback on these events so that we know what went well and how we can improve in the future. Students, please complete the Student Feedback Form – Community Day by Monday, November 2.

Veterans Day and NHS Breakfast - Wednesday, November 11

We are very fortunate to have many veterans in Acton, Boxborough, and our schools, and we applaud them for their service to our country. Our National Honor Society and the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough will host the 14th annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Wednesday, November 11.

Winter Athletics – Registration Open through November 15
Winter 2026–2027 athletic registration is open through November 15. Student-athletes interested in winter athletics may register online through FamilyID. A physical exam dated within the last 13 months must be on file with the school nurses. Please email physicals to Erin Doherty (edoherty@abschools.org). All winter student-athletes and their parents/caregivers are invited to the Winter Preseason Athletic Meeting on December 8 at 7:00 pm.

Cabaret Night - November 20 and 21

ABRHS Choruses will present the 32nd annual Cabaret Night on Friday, November 20 & Saturday, November 21. All styles of music with plenty of acting, dance & instrumental groups will be featured. Purchase tickets here.

Yearbooks

Families of students in grade 9, 10, & 11 may use this link to purchase if you would like to purchase your student a yearbook. Families of students in grade 12 do not need to purchase a yearbook, as every senior receives a yearbook through their senior dues. 12th grade families can purchase a Celebrate Grade Ad for the yearbook.

High School Grab N' Go

In partnership with the Acton Food Pantry, students can access food or personal care items through Grab N’ Go in the Counseling Center at no charge. See Ms. DelTorchio or submit this order form online. All information submitted will remain confidential.

2026 Holiday Gift Fund

Here is information about our 2026 Holiday Gift Fund.

Health Screenings

The Health Office will soon begin conducting state-mandated screenings that will take place throughout the school year. These screenings include postural screening for 9th graders and vision, hearing, height, and weight for 10th graders. If you would like to opt your student out of any of these screenings, please contact Nurse Erin Doherty at edoherty@abschools.org.

Weather and Emergency Communication Procedures

As the weather starts to get colder, it is important to remember our emergency and inclement weather protocols. Recently, Superintendent Light shared this message regarding AB's Weather & Emergency Communication Procedures. We will keep you updated with information about school closures, cancellations, and delays as soon as possible.

Student Drivers in Winter Weather

We do have many students who drive to school, and it is up to families to decide whether weather conditions are safe for student drivers. If families believe the conditions are unsafe for their student drivers, we encourage you to make alternative arrangements for transportation to school.

Have an enjoyable weekend!

Sincerely,

Ms. Dean, ABRHS Principal

Upcoming Dates

Fri, Oct. 30:
- Field Hockey’s Play for the Cure Game, 5:30 pm
- Interact Club Movie Night featuring “Hocus Pocus”, Auditorium, 6:00 - 8:45 pm
Sat, Oct. 31: US Bands Marching Band Finals, Stoughton, MA
Wed, Nov. 4: Term 1 ends
Thu, Nov. 5: Red Cross Club Bake Sale, Front Lobby, 3:00 - 4:00 pm