The Rev Report - September 12, 2025

Posted Date: 9/12/25 (6:25 PM)

Dear ABRHS Students and Families,

This week, students took part in the Fall Activities Fair that showcased our many AB Clubs. When I visited the club booths, I heard students share their club’s purpose and activities for the year. Potential members signed up for clubs of interest. We are proud of our vibrant and inclusive clubs at AB. Finally, Football, Cheer, and Marching Band have their first home game tonight on Leary Field!

Early Release Day - Monday, September 15

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. Buses will operate normally at this time. At school, staff engage in professional learning and collaboration during this time.

September 11 Recognition and Looking Forward

Thursday was the 24th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11 in our country. During the morning announcements on Thursday, we paused to remember the events of the day and honor the lives lost. I was living and teaching in New York City at the time, and I shared my remembrances of that day. Additionally, two of the four hijacked planes took off from Boston’s Logan Airport, and families from Acton-Boxborough lost loved ones on the plane. Every year, Massachusetts honors a flight attendant from Acton for her bravery on one of these flights by presenting the Madeline Amy Sweeney award for civilian bravery.

As we remembered and honored September 11, I encouraged everyone to do their part in making the world a better, more peaceful place. The students of AB have the power to lead the way in both this community and the entire world.

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15

Monday 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.

ALICE Drill Rescheduled - Wednesday, September 24 at 8:30 am

Due to complications with our video presentation, we have rescheduled our ALICE Drill. It will now take place on Wednesday, September 24 at 8:30 am. As a reminder, we activate our ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) protocols during a situation involving an active threat. We will share another message with families and prepare students at school prior to the drill.

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 Thursday, October 16. If you have any questions about ordering, please call Mark Lawrence at 603-882-0116. General questions can be directed to Melissa Dempsey, mdempsey@abschools.org.

Senior Yearbook Portrait Sessions at ABRHS

For seniors who have not yet taken their senior photos, Mark Lawrence photographers are returning on October 21, 22, and 23. To reserve an after-school senior portrait session, check for an email from Mark Lawrence with the booking information or call Mark Lawrence Photographers directly at 603-882-0116. Spaces are limited, so book your after-school senior portrait session soon.

Vision of a Graduate Design Process

We are looking for original artwork from students that captures the values, competencies, and aspirations of an Acton-Boxborough graduate. Please see our newly adopted AB Vision of a Graduate. This is a multi-step process, and the first deadline for submission is Friday, October 3. Read more about the process here, and please consider submitting a design for our Vision of a Graduate!

9th Grade Elections Workshop

We are excited for our 9th Grade Class to elect their Class Leaders and Student Council Representatives! We will hold 9th Grade Elections on Wednesday, September 24. Anyone interested in running for office must attend a mandatory Class of 2029 Election Workshop on September 12, 15, or 16. Please read more about the Class Leader and Representative Process here.

Class of 2026 - Counseling and College Application Workshops and Resources

The Counseling Department is excited to work with the Class of 2026 as they prepare for their next steps beyond AB. Please take a look at the Class of 2026 - Counseling Events and Resources for specific information about upcoming events and resources.

College Visit Calendar for Seniors - Reminder

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. 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 Ms. Holden-Webber at holden-webber@abschools.org with questions.

PSAT Exam Registration for 11th Graders - Reminder

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) will be administered in school for all 11th graders on Tuesday, October 14. We recommend that 11th grade students considering applying to college take this exam. The PSAT will measure critical reading and math problem-solving skills, and is the qualifying exam for National Merit scholarships.

Online exam registration will end on Monday, September 29. In order to register, students should visit www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/222297. Payment by credit card is required. If you require financial assistance, complete a request for a fee waiver as part of the registration process. We only offer this test for 11th graders. Please contact Shannon Dandridge at sdandridge@abschools.org if you have questions.

Understanding the College Application Process - Tuesday, September 18 at 6:00 pm

The Counseling Department Fall College Night for parents and caregivers of seniors is Thursday, September 18 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 colleague application process.

Financial Aid Night - Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 pm

The Counseling Department will be hosting Financial Aid Night for 12th grade caregivers on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium. This event will provide relevant information on the college financial aid process. Please contact Ms. Wioletta Pawlowska at wpawlowska@abschools.org with any questions.

Upcoming Dates

Mon, Sept. 15 - Early Release for Students at 1:15 pm

Wed, Sept. 17 - Proscenium Circus Caregiver Information Night, Auditorium, 6:00 pm

Thurs, Sept. 18 - Fall College Night for 12th Grade Caregivers, Auditorium, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Thurs, Sept. 18 and Fri, Sept. 19 - Senior Group Meetings with Counselors

Tues, Sept. 23 - Rosh Hashanah, No School

Wed, Sept. 24