AMS Newsletter
AMS Newsletter
February 27, 2026
· March 9 – PTO AMS Café @ 7pm
· March 11 – Early Release Breakfast & Brunch Will Be Served
· March 18- Grades Close
· March 19 – Yearbook Photo Deadline
· March 27 – Report Cards Available on Aspen
Trimester 2 Report Card Update:
Due to 5 Snow Days on January 26 & 27, February 23, 24 & 25 the close of the current report card term has been adjusted again. Report card grades will now close on March 18, and report cards will be available on Aspen to families on March 27.
8th GRADERS WE NEED YOUR PICTURES!!!
FROM PRESCHOOL - PRESENT
PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO:
BY 3/19/26
Grade 5&6 iReady Reports Are Available In Aspen
i-Ready Diagnostic Family Report Information
An i-Ready Diagnostic family report for both Reading and Math will be posted in the Aspen Parent Portal as PDF files after each testing window (fall, winter, spring). Click here for information about the reports. The newest reports have just been posted. Below are directions for accessing your student’s reports:
1. Visit the Abington Public Schools website: www.abingtonps.org
2. Select ‘Aspen Staff and Parent Portal’ under ‘Technology Resources’ at the top of the page or click here.
3. Use your Parent Portal credentials to log-in
4. Make sure the ‘Pages’ tab is selected at the top left of the screen after you are logged in.
5. Find the Reading and Math i-Ready PDF files in the Published Reports section on the bottom right of the screen.
6. Consider downloading and saving or printing a copy of your child’s reports.
Questions about your child’s results may be directed to their classroom teacher. Questions about i-Ready testing in general may be directed to the school administration.
Snow/School Closures or Delays
School closures and delays are announced via an automated phone call and text to whatever primary number has been provided by families to the schools in our Aspen Parent Portal. Changes to family contact information may be made in the Aspen Parent Portal (Click here for directions). The announcement of a school delay or cancelation will also be widely published on our website and major local media outlets.
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 Danielle Gaylor at daniellegaylor@abingtonps.org and click here for more information.
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 March 12, 2026 - 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
SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION
We are excited to share that current grade 8 students will have the opportunity to participate in:
Abington High School Boys Lacrosse (JV)
Track & Field (Varsity) this Spring.
Interested students should register online here.
If you have specific questions, please contact the
Abington High School Athletic Director Peter Serino peterserino@abingtonps.org
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-
Grades 5 and 6 Band Update!
We’re making music, and it’s not too late for Grade 5 and 6 students to join Band this year!
If your student would like to start an instrument, you can contact Goulet at 781-829-2282 (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM) to set up a rental.
If you’d like help directly, email timleonelli@abingtonps.org.
Please be sure students bring their instruments and music folder 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 your 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).