The Rev Report - November 6, 2026
Dear ABRHS Community,
This week, we welcomed November, shorter days, and the start of the second quarter! Throughout the first quarter, I saw daily examples of students fully engaging in their learning, supporting one another, and making AB a great community. Just yesterday, students wrapped up tests and final projects for the quarter, and the Red Cross Club held a popular, energetic bake sale after school. Students also cheered each other on at our playoff field hockey and football games, and our Cheer Team earned second place at the DCL championship!
November is a wonderful time for students to reflect on what they’re grateful for and how they can help those around them. At our grade-level assemblies on Wednesday, November 25, we will highlight service and gratitude.
Diwali - Sunday, November 8
This Sunday, November 8, is Diwali, one of the major religious celebrations in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. This festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Happy Diwali to those celebrating.
Veterans Day and NHS Breakfast - Wednesday, November 11
We are very fortunate to have many veterans in Acton, Boxborough, and our schools. 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. In honor of Veterans Day, we will not have school next Wednesday.
Community Service Program and Volunteer Hours Report
AB is proud of our rich tradition of community service. Every year, AB students complete over 70,000 hours of community service! Check out our Volunteer Opportunities on our website and complete the Volunteer Hours Report Form by Tuesday, December 1, so that we can recognize your efforts.
Senior Dress Up Day - Wednesday, November 25
Seniors are looking forward to our long-standing Senior Dress Up Day on Wednesday, November 25. Students can use this form to register for the Costume Contest. Students can also include a skit, dance, or musical performance, and the winners across all categories will be invited to a pizza party.
School Council Meeting - Thursday, November 12 at 5:00 pm
We have our next School Council meeting next Thursday, November 12, from 5:00–6:00 pm in Room 119N. At this meeting, we will discuss recent and upcoming events and DESE’s 990 instructional hour mandate. Please email Melissa Dempsey at mdempsey@abschools.org with any questions.
Project Graduation - Volunteers Needed
We are grateful to our community’s Project Graduation, which plans an all-inclusive, substance-free celebration for our seniors. AB Project Graduation 2027 needs parents and caregivers of students in all grades to keep this tradition going for the 38th year! Click here to volunteer and RSVP here for the kick-off meeting on Monday, November 16 in the Cafeteria.
Athletics Updates
Congratulations to our Fall Athletes, especially our seniors, whom we celebrated at Senior Nights. We are proud of the way our teams represented our school throughout the season. Additionally, many teams have advanced to playoffs this week and next. We look forward to celebrating athletes going on to compete at the collegiate level next Tuesday at the Athletic Signing Day. Take a look at this Athletic Update for more information.
Winter Athletic registration is open through November 15. A physical exam dated within the last 13 months must be on file with the school nurse, Erin Doherty (edoherty@abschools.org). The Winter Preseason Athletic Meeting will be on December 8 at 7:00 pm.
Cabaret Night - Friday and Saturday, 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.
AP Exam Registration Updates
For AP test takers, please check your email to find out if you have a message about incomplete registration. If so, please complete it by this Sunday, November 8. Follow the instructions here and email questions to anestlerode@abschools.org.
Quarter 1 Report Cards
We completed the first quarter of our school year this past week. As a reminder, students and families can see grades in the PowerSchool Portal on an ongoing basis. Our goal is to provide students with information so they can monitor their learning and set goals for their progress. We will also send Quarter 1 Report Cards on November 17. Please note that between now and then, grades and comments may be updated in PowerSchool as teachers complete grading. Quarter 1 grades and comments should not be considered final until the Q1 Report Card is received.
Seal of Biliteracy - 12th Grade Opportunity
The State Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to study and learn languages, recognizes the value of language diversity, and honors the multiple cultures and languages in a community. It also provides employers and colleges with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills. The Seal of Biliteracy is for any high school senior who demonstrates proficiency in English and any other language. Please find more information about this opportunity here and complete this form.
ABRHS Instructional Time and “990”
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:
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Student Forums (during all lunches in South Commons):
October 27, October 28, November 10, November 24, and December 8
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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.
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.
Have an enjoyable weekend!
Sincerely,
Joanie Dean, ABRHS Principal
Upcoming Dates
Sun, Nov. 8 - Diwali; Deadline for Late AP Registration
Tues, Nov. 10: 990 Student Forum, South Commons, All Lunches; AB Athletics Fall Signing Day, Auditorium, 3:00 pm
Wed, Nov. 11: NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day. National Honor Society Veterans Day Breakfast, Stearns Gym, 8:30 - 10:30 am
Thurs, Nov. 12: Asian Culture Club, Hindu Student Union and Badminton Club Diwali Celebration, West Commons, 3:00 pm; Korean Language Club & 9 Lives Dance Club K-pop Dance Workshop, East Commons, 3:00 pm; School Council Meeting, 119N, 5:00 pm
Sun, Nov. 15: Winter Athletics Registration Deadline
Photos of the Week
Political Science Classes Election Exit Polling
AB Cheer at DCL Championships
Speech & Debate
Girl Up Club Hygiene Drive Donations
Red Cross Club Bake Sale
AB Volleyball
AB Field Hockey