AMS Newsletter
March 13, 2026
· March 17 – All Students Bring in Laptop Chargers to School
· March 18 – Grades Close
· March 18 – 20 Dance Tickets Will Be Sold @ Lunch – Tickets are $5.00
· March 19 – Yearbook Photo Deadline
· March 20 – Spring Fling AMS Dance – 5 & 6 Grade 6:00pm – 7:15pm and 7 & 8 – 7:45pm – 9:00pm
· March 27 – Spring Photo – Pre-order On-line Only
· March 27 – Report Cards Available on Aspen
MARCH 17th - ALL STUDENTS BRING IN LAPTOP CHARGERS
Students are reminded to bring both their laptop and laptop charger to school on Tuesday, March 17. Having a fully functional, charged laptop is essential for MCAS testing, and a charger is a critical part of ensuring your device is ready to perform. During extended homeroom, laptop chargers will be inventoried to confirm that an adequate supply is available. Please make it a priority to have your charger with you on this date, as it plays a vital role in your testing readiness.
Spring Picture Day – Friday March 27, 2026
Online ordering only INTER-STATE.COM/ORDER CODE 0439YNB
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. Report card grades will now close on March 18, and report cards will be available on Aspen to families on the afternoon of March 27th .
Abington High School
Course Selection Process for Current 8th Graders
Abington High School Course Selection Process for Current 8th Graders
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
April 1st or April 2nd: All 8th grade students will meet 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.
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 in mid-April.
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.
AMS Music Department News-
Music Selections for 2026-2027 Current Grade 6:
Next week the sixth-grade students will complete a survey to select their top choices for Music class next year.
Performing Ensembles
Band
Instrumental Music (Band) builds upon the skills acquired in grades 5 and 6. Students will tackle more complex and grade-appropriate musical pieces in a group setting. It is strongly recommended that all current instrumentalists continue with this track.
Chorus
Vocal Music (Chorus) is for students who have a passion for, or wish to explore, singing. The Chorus performs a diverse repertoire of musical styles in a group setting, featuring multiple vocal parts.
As Chorus and Band are performance-oriented classes, attendance at two scheduled concerts is expected.
Non-Performing
General Music
Some students may discover that classroom music is a better fit for their interests. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of various musical topics through projects, listening activities, and class discussions.
We encourage discussions at home regarding this choice, as changes cannot be made during the school year.
While we will strive to accommodate preferences, it's important to note that they may not always be granted due to program changes or scheduling constraints. Regardless of their choice, all students will receive a letter grade and evaluations for effort, participation, and conduct.
Please email Mr. Leonelli at: timleonelli@abingtonps.org should you have any questions.
AMS 5V5 AFTER SCHOOL BASKETBALL
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
This is just a reminder that our AMS 5v5 March Madness Basketball Tournament will be held on
Thursday, March 19th after school for grades 7-8 from 2:30 until 4:00 in the Middle School Gym.
Pick-up times will vary depending on how far your students’ teams advance in the tournament.
Additionally, Grades 5-6 will play in their own tournament on day, March 23rd from 2:30 until 4:00 in the High School Gym.
Pick-up times will vary depending on how far your students’ teams advance in the tournament.
For a student to play, they MUST fill out a form to register. If they do not fill out a form, they will not be able to play. This is a student only activity. There will be no spectators allowed at either basketball tournament.
Plymouth County Comfort Dog Program
Invitation to Provide Feedback:
Officer Morgan and her comfort dog, Harlow, have provided supportive services to students in our school since 2024 and are members of the Plymouth County Comfort Dog Program. To better understand the effectiveness of their services, we invite parents to participate in a virtual focus group. This group will be held by researchers from Bridgewater Sate University and take approximately 60-90 minutes of your time. If you’d like to share your thoughts on Plymouth County Comfort Dogs Program services, such as those provided by Officer Morgan and Harlow, please contact:
Leslie J. Sattler, PH.D., @ lsattler@bridgew.edu or the principal at your child’s school
8th GRADERS WE NEED YOUR PICTURES!!!
FROM PRESCHOOL - PRESENT
PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO:
BY 3/19/26
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)
NEXT PAYMET DUE - 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 26, 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
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
AMS 8th Grade Semi Formal Planning Committee Meeting
Monday, March 23, 2026
7:00pm – AMS Café
Help with Fundraising, Decorating, Coordinating the Vendors, and so much more! Hope to see you there!!
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”
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 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:
Hello! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Sarah LaPointe, and I am very excited to be taking over the school nurse’s office this year. If you have any questions or need anything, please feel free to reach out to me at sarahlapointe@abingtonps.org or 781-982-2170 ext. 4320.
We are currently seeing an increase in seasonal viral illnesses among students, including common colds, gastrointestinal viruses, and flu-like symptoms. While most of these illnesses are mild, they can spread quickly in a school setting.
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 MANDATED HEALTH SCREENINGS
School mandated screenings will take place starting in January through the end of the school year. If parents would like to opt out, they can send an email no later than January 1 to sarahlapointe@abingtonps.org.
The following screenings will be completed:
· Grade 5 vision, postural
· Grade 6 vision, hearing, postural
· Grade 7 height, weight, postural
· Grade 8 postural
· 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.
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-
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).