AMS Newsletter
April 17, 202
· April 20 – 24 – Spring Break
· April 27 – Return from Spring Break
· May 5 – Yearbook Order Deadline
· May 6 – AHS & AMS Arts Festival and AMS Spring Chorus Concert
· May 7, 8 & 12 – 8th Grade Semi-Formal Tickets Will Be on Sale Lunch
· May 19 – AMS Spring Band Concert
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE:
Good afternoon,
As we head into April vacation, I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work of our students and staff. The stretch from February through April is the longest in our school year, no breaks, just heads-down, hard work, and this community has shown up every single day. We are almost three quarters through the year and much has been accomplished. That said, rest matters too, and this break is well-earned.
I hope the Abington Middle School community takes next week to recharge as we step away from our normal routine and spend time with our loved ones. In ten short days we will come back refreshed and finish the year strong together.
Enjoy the break!
Matthew J. MacCurtain
Principal
Impact of the Proposition 2½ Override
Dear Families,
As you may know, the upcoming Town of Abington Proposition 2½ override vote will have a direct impact on our schools and the services we are able to provide for students. If the override is successful, it will allow us to maintain current programming, class sizes, and student supports. If it does not pass, the district will need to make difficult reductions that will affect staffing, class sizes, and opportunities for students.
The list of proposed cuts can be found here: FY27 Proposed Cuts . Additional budget information can be found at https://www.abingtonps.org/.
I will be hosting Cookies, Coffee and Conversations with the Superintendent on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 7:30am and 5:00pm at the Frolio Building (1071 Washington Street) to answer any questions you may have. I am also available via email at feliciamoschella@abingtonps.org or by phone at 781.982.2150.
Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, at Abington High School (201 Gliniewicz Way) and the ballot election is Saturday, May 16, at the Beaver Brook Elementary School (1 Ralph G. Hamlin, Jr. Lane).
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Dr. Felicia Moschella
IMPORTANT NURSE MESSAGE:
As we move through the unpredictable New England spring, we are seeing big swings in temperature from morning to afternoon. It may feel quite chilly at the start of the day, but by lunchtime, temperatures can rise significantly.
To help students stay comfortable and healthy, we encourage families to have children dress in layers. Light jackets, sweatshirts, or long sleeves that can be easily removed are ideal for this time of year. This allows students to adjust to changing conditions throughout the day.
Additionally, with warmer afternoons approaching, it is very important that students bring a water bottle to school each day. Staying hydrated supports focus, energy levels, and overall well-being—especially during outdoor activities like recess and physical education.
Thank you for your continued support in helping students stay safe, comfortable, and ready to learn!
MAY - MCAS UPCOMING DATES:
Math & Science MCAS Testing
· May 4 (Monday) – Grade 5&6 Math Session 1
· May 5 (Tuesday) – Grade 5&6 Math Session 2
· May 6 (Wednesday) – Grade 7&8 Math Session 1
· May 7 (Thursday) – Grade 7&8 Math Session 2
· May 11 (Monday) – Grade 5&8 Science Session 1
· May 12 (Tuesday) – Grade 5&8 Science Session 2
Civics MCAS Testing
· May 20 – Wednesday – Grade 8 Civics Session 1
· May 21 – Thursday – Grade 8 Civics Session 2
LAST CHANCE!!!
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!!
Use Order Code: 0330JQ to order your Yearbook Online. Must order by Tuesday May 5, 2026
8th Grade Semi Ticket Sales
SAVE THE DATE - Class of 2030 Semi Formal – Friday May 15, 2026 – Frolio School Gymnasium
“Hollywood Nights”
Student Safety - Riding Bicycle, Scooter and Skateboard:
As the weather gets warmer more students will begin to walk or ride their bikes home from school, we ask that they remember to follow all traffic laws and stay off private property. These rules help keep you safe and maintain good relationships with our community.
Students who ride bicycles or scooters to school are encouraged to wear safety helmets. Students who ride bicycles or scooters to school must abide by the following rules. Failure to do so may result in the loss of the privilege of riding a bicycle or scooter to school. Upon arriving at school, students will park their equipment in the appropriate area designated by a bicycle rack. At the closing of school, students who have ridden a bicycle or scooter to school will be dismissed when the walking students are called for dismissal
Important reminders:
Please walk your Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards on the sidewalks and in the parking lots during high traffic times.
Walk your Bikes, Scooters, and Skateboards at crosswalks.
Do not ride bikes on the track at Reilly Field. The track is for runners only. Bicycles can damage the surface of the track, which is used recreationally by townspeople and by our own APS sports teams.
If you need to pass through Reilly Field, stay outside of the track fencing. Use the designated pathways around the perimeter.
Follow all traffic signals and crosswalk rules when traveling to and from school.
Respect private property by staying on public sidewalks and paths.
Thank you for being responsible members of our school community and helping to keep everyone safe!
ABINGTON INK
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
CLICK HERE TO READ ABINGTON INK VOLUME 4
8th Grade Washington DC Trip Updates
How to Make a Washington DC Trip Payment:
Passengers (parents/students) can log in at any time to make a payment with the email address used to register for the trip.
Sign in to wetravel.com and pay your balance there. Click on "My Trips". Then click on "Manage Booking"
Then click on "Make a payment" on the right or left side of the screen.
A pop-up appears where you can pay your next or all the remaining installments.
Select a saved payment method or enter a new one and click "Confirm Payment"
If you have forgotten your password, you can click on the reset password button.
Payment Schedule
1st payment, due Nov 15th ($250.00)
2nd payment, due Jan 15th ($250.00)
3rd payment, due Mar 15th ($250.00)
FINAL PAYMENT DUE, Apr 15th ($195.00) – If you have a credit from the Mickman Wreath Sales that will be reflected in your last payment.
Please click on the link if you would like additional information on the trip - https://5il.co/3qy9k
If NO PAYMENT HAS BEEN PAID; but your student has registered and DOES NOT want to attend the Washington DC trip please email colleenblanchard@abingtonps.org .
AMS Drama Club Update
AMS Drama Club Schedule Reminder
Parents and Guardians – please check the AMS Drama Club “Rooms” often for the schedule for your student(s). Mr. Leonelli will have the schedule posted by the end of the day on Friday for the following week and will send a reminder on Sunday evening. Please reach out if you have any issues with accessing this app to Mr. Leonelli at timleonelli@abingtonps.org
Students, families, and guardians involved in the AMS Drama Club are encouraged to check the Abington App Rooms or Thrillshare regularly for the latest updates and announcements.
Each Friday, Mr. Leonelli will post a “Week-at-a-Glance” that includes all important information for the upcoming week — rehearsal schedules, reminders, and event details!
Thank you for staying connected and helping our Drama Club run smoothly!
YEARBOOK CREW:
Next Meetings will be on April 30th - Meetings are 2:30 to 3:25 PROMPT PICK UP PLEASE!
If you love ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, WRITING, or love using your COMPUTER SKILLS - then this is the club for you! This club is FREE and all students in grades 5 to 8 are welcome. Yearbook Club meets every other Thursday. If you have any questions, email Ms. Herron at amberherron@abingtonps.org
7th Grade Parents/Guardians needed to chaperone for the Class of 2030 8th grade semi-formal dance!
The dance is Friday, May 15th from 7:00pm-9:30pm at the Frolio. We will be looking for 15-20 volunteers to assist from 6:30-9:30 if possible. It is tradition to have grade 7 parents’ chaperone so that the 8th graders can have a fun night without worrying about their parents embarrassing them
Chaperones will be responsible for manning photo booths, food tables, exit doors, bathrooms, and just general oversight. Administration will also be there. Last year we rotated the bathroom shift every 30 minutes or so to be fair to all. We can handle those details much closer to 5/15.
The most important and time sensitive ask is to make sure you have an active CORI with APS. Even if you are CORI’d for another district or organization…you must also have one with Abington Public Schools. You can fill out the CORI with Central Office or obtain one from Mrs. Parks in the AMS office.
If you will be able to help us, please email kimrussell321@gmail.com
Substitute Paraprofessionals and Substitute Teachers Needed:
Abington Public Schools is accepting applications for the following positions district-wide:
Substitute Paraprofessionals and Substitute Teachers at all schools (PreK-12)
Please send your letter of interest to Nicole Leach at nicoleleach@abingtonps.org and click here for more information.
MCAS UPCOMING DATES:
Math & Science MCAS Testing
· May 4 (Monday) – Grade 5&6 Math Session 1
· May 5 (Tuesday) – Grade 5&6 Math Session 2
· May 6 (Wednesday) – Grade 7&8 Math Session 1
· May 7 (Thursday) – Grade 7&8 Math Session 2
· May 11 (Monday) – Grade 5&8 Science Session 1
· May 12 (Tuesday) – Grade 5&8 Science Session 2
Civics MCAS Testing
· May 20 – Wednesday – Grade 8 Civics Session 1
· May 21 – Thursday – Grade 8 Civics Session 2
NURSE’S MESSAGE:
As we continue through the school year at Abington Middle School, we kindly remind all families to ensure that their student’s physical exam and immunization records are up to date with the School Nurse’s Office. Keeping records current is important for your child’s health and helps us maintain a safe and healthy school environment for everyone.
If your student has had a recent physical or received updated immunizations, please submit documentation to the nurse’s office as soon as possible.
If your child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy, please provide the school nurse with the required emergency medication, a current allergy action plan, and a signed parental consent form.
· If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, please provide the necessary asthma medication, an updated asthma action plan, and a signed parental consent form.
· Additionally, please remember to submit a current physical examination form and an up-to-date immunization record for the school nurse’s files.
To help keep our school community healthy, please:
Keep your child home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or are feeling too unwell to participate in school activities.
Ensure your child is fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.
Encourage frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing drinks or utensils.
Consider consulting your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or you have concerns about your child’s health.
We appreciate your partnership in helping prevent the spread of illness. If you are unsure whether your child’s records are complete, please reach out to the me at sarahlapointe@abingtonps.org or 781-982-2170 x4302 if you have any questions.
Thank you for your continued support.
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEMBERS-
Abington Middle School needs a Community Representative to serve on our School Council. The primary function of the council is to advise and assist the principal in the development of the School Improvement Plan, Student Handbook and Program of Studies. In addition, the council discusses and advises about school-based programs, initiatives, and events. The council consists of two parent representatives, two staff representatives, a community representative and school administration. Council meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 4:00 in the Abington Middle School conference room. If you are interested in serving on the School Council or have questions, please contact Mrs. Blanchard at colleenblanchard@abingtonps.org.
After School Club Schedule - PROMPT PICK-UP AT 3:25PM
Monday
Grs. 5 & 6 Lego Club – Mrs. Jacobs
Grs. 7& 8 Minecraft Club – Mrs. Graham
Wednesdays
Grs. 5 through 8 Chess Club – Mr. Perkins
Grs. 5 & 6 Minecraft Club – Mrs. Johnson
Grs. 5 & 6 STEAM Club – Mrs. Ryan
Thursdays-
Grs. 5 & 6 Taylor Swift Club – Ms. Byrne
Grs. 5 & 6 Homework & Fun Club – Mrs. Duquette
Grs. 7 & 8 Newspaper Club – Ms. Regan
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures Reminder
The safety of all students remains our top priority. To help ensure a smooth and secure arrival and dismissal process, we ask that all parents and guardians carefully review the procedures below.
Authorized Pickups
Only individuals listed on a student’s emergency contact or dismissal form may pick up that student. Please log in to the Aspen Parent Portal to verify that all contact information is accurate.
Questions regarding Parent Portal access may be directed to our Tech Services Department.
A photo ID is required for all pickups unless identity has been previously verified.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Abington Middle School hours are 7:50 a.m. – 2:22 p.m. Students should be seated in their homerooms by 7:50 a.m., ready to begin the day.
Morning Drop-Off: Parents dropping off students should use the Door 10 entrance (to the left of the building) and follow the designated drop-off procedures. Door 10 is open from 7:20–7:50 a.m. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. must enter through the main entrance and will be marked tardy.
Late Arrival: Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and sign in at the main office.
Afternoon Dismissal: Dismissal is at 2:22 p.m. Parents picking up students should use Door 10 pickup area and follow all traffic and safety guidelines.
Early Dismissals
If your child needs to leave school early, please send a written note or email to the main office before the start of the school day to colleenblanchard@abingtonps.org or annparks@abingtonps.org Students may only be dismissed to individuals listed on their emergency contact form, and a photo ID will be required. To minimize disruptions to instruction, early dismissals should occur before 2:00 p.m. whenever possible.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal process for all students.
NOTES FROM HOME
Parents must notify the school if your child is to be absent, tardy or dismissed. A written note must be submitted for each absence stating the date and reason for the absence. A note is also needed to dismiss your child from school or if your child will not be taking the bus home. Phone calls changing student dismissal plans can impact child safety. Thank you for cooperating with this important child safety issue.
AMS MUSIC NEWS
Please be sure students bring their instruments and music folders to every music class—including half days! We need YOUR help and partnership, so students do not fall behind!!!
Weekly Music Class Schedule:
Monday: Bynre, Hyman, Pease, Samsel
Tuesday: Cummins, Collins
Wednesday: Brisson, Grady, Lodge, Riley
Thursday: Boudreau, Whitman
Friday: Duquette, Minnehan, Regan
SAVE THE DATE - Band and Chorus Concert Dates
Families, start penciling these dates into your calendars - These are fun events for the entire family! Please note that for Grades 7 and 8, Concert Attendance is part of their overall grade!
Spring Concerts (May/June 2026)
Wed, May 6th – AHS & 7/8 Chorus Concert @ 7pm
Tues, May 19th – AHS & 7/8 Band Concert @ 7pm
Wed, June 3rd – 5/6 Band Concert @ 7pm
IMPORTANT BUS INFORMATION REQUEST
If you received a bus tag for your child, but do not plan for them to take the bus this year, please email transportation@abingtonps.org and let them know so that they can be removed from the bus roster. Please include your child's name and school (AMS) in your email. You can also contact 781-982-2170 and let the office know. Thank you.
DOOR 10 DROP OFF SAFETY PROCEDURES
When you drop off your students at Door 10 in the morning, please encourage your students to exit the vehicle onto the sidewalk side of the building for safety reasons.
FREE SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Breakfast & lunch remains free for all students. We are still asking that families submit Free and Reduced Lunch Applications for federal reimbursements and other financial considerations in the district.
STUDENTS SHOULD BRING EVERY DAY
Please have your student bring their charged laptop and a water bottle to school every day. (Plastic water bottles please - no glass bottles).