AMS Newsletter
April 3, 2026
· April 7 (Tuesday)- Grade 5&6 MCAS ELA Session 1
· April 8 (Wednesday)- Grade 5&6 MCAS ELA Session 2
· April 9 (Thursday) – Grade 7&8 MCAS ELA Session 1
· April 9 Hilliards’ Forms Due – Grade 8 DC Voluntary Fundraiser
· April 10 (Friday) – Grade 7&8 MCAS ELA Session 2
· April 13 – PTO AMS Café 7:00PM
· April 15 – Final 8th Grade Washington DC Trip Payment Due
· April 20 – 24 – Spring Break
· April 27 – Return from Spring Break
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our Spring testing season begins next week with ELA MCAS tests in grades 5-8. I want to share some information regarding the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests. Our students have been working hard all year, and this is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their learning.
ELA MCAS Testing Dates:
· April 7 (Tuesday)- Grade 5&6 ELA Session 1
· April 8 (Wednesday)- Grade 5&6 ELA Session 2
· April 9 (Thursday) – Grade 7&8 ELA Session 1
· April 10 (Friday) – Grade 7&8 ELA Session 2
Preparation: Please ensure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a healthy breakfast.
Attendance: It is important that students are in school on time. Testing begins at the start of the school day.
Laptops: Student laptops should be charged fully when they arrive to school and please remember to bring your charger to school.
Devices: Along with cell phones, smartwatches are not allowed during testing. Students should either leave them at home or plan on taking them off during testing times.
Our message to students is to take their time and do their best. While we place importance on testing, we recognize that our students work hard every day. This is an opportunity to show how much they have grown over the past year of school.
Matthew J. MacCurtain
Principal
Trimester 2 Report Cards – Were Issued Friday, March 27, 2026
Abington Middle School Trimester 2 Report Cards were made available on the Aspen Parent Portal on Friday, March 27, 2026 and until next week.
Here are a step-by-step directions for accessing Report Cards online are provided below. Those parents requiring a paper copy of the Report Cards should contact the school office to request one. The online Report Cards will be available for 2 weeks and are downloadable.
Step By Step Directions
To access your student’s Trimester 2 Report Cards:
Go to the Abington Public Schools website: www.abingtonps.org
Select Staff and Parent Portal Logon under Popular Links
If you use Family Portal enter your Family Portal Username and Password and Select your student.
If you do not use Family Portal, enter your student’s individual Username (Login ID) and *Password (These are the same username and password that your student uses daily to log into school computers on a daily basis)
Make sure the Pages tab is selected at the top of the screen
Find your Report Card in the Published Reports section on the bottom right of the screen.
Trimester 2 Report Cards represent an important update of your child's academic achievement. It is important to review this report together with your child. Please reach out directly to your child's teachers with any questions or concerns you may have.
ABINGTON INK
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
TO READ
ABINGTON INK VOLUME 4
Abington High School
Course Selection Process for Current 8th Graders
Abington High School Course Selection Process for Current 8th Graders
During Thursday, April 1st and Friday, April 2nd: All 8th grade students met individually with Abington High School Guidance Counselors during the school day to review their level placements and select their electives. After this meeting, students will receive a copy of their recommended level placements and elective selections to bring home for review. Students will also receive a letter from the AHS Guidance Director with information regarding the steps to request a change to elective choices or level placements.
Please contact Mrs. McDermod at carolinemcdermod@abingtonps.org if you have questions regarding the placement process.
During the Week of March 9th: Mrs. McDermod visited the 8th grade classes to review the Abington High School Course Selection Process. During this visit, students will review the 2026-27 Abington High School Program of Studies and the elective offerings for incoming grade 9 students.
Please see the links below for more information regarding the AHS Course Selection Process. We have provided you with the links of the AHS Course Selection Letter and Course Offerings that were offered to your 8th grade student this week.
AHS Course Selection Letter 2026.pdf
AHS Course Selection Letter 2026.pdf – Portuguese Translation
AHS Grade 9 Course Offerings 26-27.pdf
Grade 7&8 Math Course Placement-
Abington Middle School has two grade level mathematics courses in grades 7&8. Those are Math 7, Accelerated Math 7, Math 8 and Accelerated Math 8. The majority of students will be placed into the grade level math course, either Math 7 or Math 8.
In alignment with the Massachusetts Curriculum Standards, a group of students will be placed into Accelerated Math courses. Grade 7 placement into Accelerated Math is based on statewide assessments, a math common assessment in grade 6 and teacher recommendation.
Grade 6 parents/guardians will be notified of placement decisions via mail next week.
Grade 8 placement into Accelerated Math is based on statewide assessments, mathematics classroom achievement in grade 7 and teacher recommendation or can be initiated through parent/guardian request. Grade 7 families will only be notified if there is a recommendation for change of placement. This notification will take place closer to the end of the school year.
Hilliard’s Candy Bar Voluntary Fundraiser – 8th Grade DC Trip-
If you are interested in selling Hilliard’s Candy Bars Complete the Form and submit $50.00 cash to the office. There is a form attached to be uploaded and printed.
Project 351 Cradles to Crayons-
PROJECT 351 - is where all 351 cities and towns of MA come together in their communities to provide solutions to those less fortunate or don't have the help that is needed to survive.
Cradles to Crayons - is a Nonprofit organization that provides children to young adults clothing security:
Most Needed Items are:
Infants and Toddlers Clothing all new or gently used and cleaned children and young adult clothing accepted:
Newborn
0-3 months
4t-5t
Clothes can be dropped off from March 29th - April 10th
Beaver Brook Elementary School
Woodsdale School
Abington Middle School
Abington High School
To learn more email:
Lilah Nash
8th Grade AMS
Student Project 351 Ambassador
Plymouth County Comfort Dog Program
Officer Gladys Morgan and her comfort dog Harlow have provided supportive services to students in our school since 2023 and are members of the Plymouth County Comfort Dog Program. You are invited to participate in a survey about the Plymouth County Comfort Dogs Program.
The survey is being conducted by a research team from Bridgewater State University at the request of the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office. If you decide to participate in the study, your participation will involve sharing your opinions by answering survey items consisting of three question styles:
Multiple choice, those asking your level of agreement, and open response. This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Survey Link:
https://bridgew.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJPfCDG2UFORA2O or us the QR Code give above.
Leslie J. Sattler, PH.D., @ lsattler@bridgew.edu or the principal at your child’s school.
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 9th - 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
DON’T WAIT
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!!
Use Order Code: 0330JQ to order your Yearbook Online. Must order by Tuesday May 5, 2026
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
Use Order Code: 0330JQ to order your Yearbook Online. Must order by Tuesday May 5, 2026
SAVE THE DATE - Class of 2030 Semi Formal – Friday May 15, 2026 – Frolio School Gymnasium
“Hollywood Nights”
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:
ELA MCAS Testing
· April 7 (Tuesday)- Grade 5&6 ELA Session 1
· April 8 (Wednesday)- Grade 5&6 ELA Session 2
· April 9 (Thursday) – Grade 7&8 ELA Session 1
· April 10 (Friday) – Grade 7&8 ELA Session 2
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
IMPORTANT NURSE’S MESSAGE:
Reminder to Families – Health Records Update
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 these 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 you are unsure whether your child’s records are complete, feel free to reach out for assistance at sarahlapointe@abingtonps.org or 781-982-2170 ext. 4320.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support.
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. 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.
NURSE’S MESSAGE:
· 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.
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
Reminder: Traffic Safety and Respecting Property
As students 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. The following will be share with AMS students in homeroom next week.
Important reminders:
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!
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).