AMS Newsletter
May 8, 2026
· May 7 – AMS Third Term Progress Reports Will Be Available On
ASPEN
· May 11 (Monday) – Grade 5 & 8 Science Session 1
· May 12 (Tuesday) – Grade 5 & 8 Science Session 2
· May 14 (Thursday) – AMS Production of Alice & Wonderland @ 7PM
· May 16 (Saturday) – AMS Production of Alice & Wonderland @ 2PM & 6PM
· May 19 - (Tuesday) – AMS Spring Band Concert @ 7pm
· May 20 – (Wednesday) – Grade 8 Civics Session 1
· May 21 – (Thursday) – Grade 8 Civics Session 2
Dear AMS Families,
The third trimester academic progress report for your child has been published to your Aspen account.
Since Aspen requires you to navigate to several screens to view current averages and assignment scores for all of your child's classes, we thought it would be helpful to publish all of that information in a single PDF report. Ultimately, the report is simply a summary of all the grade data that is currently available in Aspen. On the report you will see all assignments for each class that your child is enrolled in. Please keep in mind that the most recent assignments may still be in the process of being graded and you may see a score of “Ungraded” and will be updated as soon as grading is complete. If you have a question about a particular assignment or grade, you should reach out to that teacher directly.
You can check on your child’s progress at any time by logging into either their student account or your family portal. You can log into the Aspen portal by visiting https://ma-abington.myfollett.com/aspen-login/ . Enter your login ID and password and then find the report on your home page under the Published Reports heading. Click on the PDF to view, save, and print the report.
Please keep in mind that term grades are not final until the end of the term when the report cards are published.
It's important to know that nothing replaces direct communication with your child and your child's teacher, as this is the best way for you to know your child's academic standing.
Sincerely,
Matthew MacCurtain
After School Club - ENDING DATES-
DRAMA – ENDS 5/16
Monday
Grs. 5 & 6 Lego Club – Mrs. Jacobs – HAS ENDED
Grs. 7& 8 Minecraft Club – Mrs. Graham – Ending 5/18
Wednesdays
Grs. 5 through 8 Chess Club – Mr. Perkins – Ending 5/27
Grs. 5 & 6 Minecraft Club – Mrs. Johnson HAS ENDED 4/29
Grs. 5 & 6 STEAM Club – Mrs. Ryan – ENDING 4/29
Thursdays-
Grs. 5 & 6 Taylor Swift Club – Ms. Byrne - HAS ENDED
Grs. 5 & 6 Homework & Fun Club – Mrs. Duquette ENDS 4/30
Grs. 7 & 8 Newspaper Club – Ms. Regan - Ending 5/12
AMS Band and Chorus Spring Concerts
It’s here! Our evening concerts to celebrate our students’ work! Please arrange schedules to attend and reach out to your teachers if there are any questions. They will provide additional information as the dates get closer.
7/8 and AHS Band Concert – Tuesday, May 19th – 7PM Concert Start, Students Report at 6:30PM
Their in-school practice is on Tuesday, May 19th during Advisory and Period 1 - All students involved need to bring their instrument and music on this day.
Grade 5/6 Band Concert – Wednesday, June 3rd – 7PM Concert Start, Students Report at 6:30PM
Their in-school practice is on Wednesday, June 3rd – All students need to bring their instrument and music on this day.
AMS DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS “Alice In Wonderland JR”
Drama Cast/Crew Reminders
T-Shirt Order Forms and Ad Donations for Businesses/Family Shout Outs LAST CALL Due Monday, May 11th
Tech Rehearsals/Show Report Times – Students must eat before arriving
Monday, May 11th – 2:22pm-3:35pm (NO CREW)
Monday, May 11th - 5:45pm-8:45pm (CREW CAN ATTEND)
Tuesday, May 12th - 5:45pm-8:45pm (CREW CAN ATTEND)
Wednesday, May 13th – 2:22pm-3:35pm (NO CREW)
Wednesday, May 13th - 5:45pm-8:45pm (CREW CAN ATTEND)
Thursday, May 14th – Students arrive at 5:30pm for the 7pm Show
Saturday, May 16th – Students arrive at 12:30pm and can stay until after the 2nd show about 8pm
Cast should refer to the One-Sheet that has all the information – please reach out to Ms. LeFort with any questions.
Crew wears all black (or darkest colors)
Ticket Sales Are Open!
Purchase tickets here: https://cur8.com/40943/project/136861
Show Dates:
Thursday, May 14th at 7pm
Friday, May 15th – In-School Performance for Grades 4 and 5 (not open to the public)
Saturday, May 16th at 2PM and again at 6PM
Important Details:Online ticket sales close 1 hour before each show.
Online purchases are a premium option, allowing you to:
Select your preferred seats
Secure Orchestra seating (closest to the stage)
Box Office Option:
Tickets will also be available at the auditorium starting 1 hour before showtime
Cash only
General seating (no seat selection)
Limited availability — first come, first served
Please Note: The Abington Middle School Drama Club is transitioning to online ticketing over the next few productions. We appreciate your patience and support as we expand options for families to enjoy student performances!
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
Science MCAS Testing
· 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
8th Grade Semi Ticket Sales
Parents - To volunteer to sell tickets, sign up Here
8th Grade Semi Tickets will be on sale at AMS Lunch
Tuesday, MAY 12th
Dance is Friday MAY 15th 7pm – 9:30pm @ Frolio School Gymnasium
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
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
YEARBOOK CREW
Next Meetings will be on May 12th - 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
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.
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.
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)
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).