AMS Newsletter

October 29th Thursday – South Shore Vo-Tech Interested 8th Grade Student Field Trip

November 2nd Monday – Picture Re-Take Day

November 3rd Tuesday – No School – Teacher In-Service Day

November 4th Wednesday – Mickman Wreath Order Return To The

AMS Office No Later Than Wednesday, November 4, 2026

November 5th Thursday – Parent/Teacher Conferences 5pm-7pm

November 6th Friday – Early Release Day – Breakfast and Brunch Will Be Served

November 6th Friday – Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:05pm-2:00pm

November 7th Saturday – South Shore Vo-Tech Open Houseb10:00am – 1:00pm

November 11th Wednesday – No School – Veterans Day

Halloween Safety 

Halloween is just around the corner, and we know many of our students are excited to celebrate! As families make plans for trick-or-treating, parties, and other festivities, we ask that everyone keep safety in mind. Next week our SRO team will address students to remind them of a few specific safety recommendations.

Please note that students should not wear Halloween costumes to school. We want the school day to stay focused on learning and keeping costumes at home helps ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Community News, Events & Announcements

Abington Public Schools has created a web page to share community news, events and announcements. You can access that page through the APS webpage here: Community News, Events, and Announcements | Abington Public Schools

Student I.D. Cards

Students received their Student ID cards this week. Please keep them in a safe, accessible place so they can easily be located when needed to scan in for late arrivals or early dismissals. Lost ID cards cannot be replaced until the following school year, so please remind your students to keep their card in a safe place!  If your student did not receive one, they were absent, late or dismissed for picture day – Picture Re-Take Day is November 2, 2026.

ABINGTON MIDDLES SCHOOL PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, November 5th from 5:00–7:00 PM and Friday, November 6th from 12:05–2:35 PM. This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers and discuss your child’s progress!

Please use the following link to schedule your conference:

Click here to book your conference

Important Reminder: Friday, November 6th is a early dismissal for ONLY AMS students, with dismissal at 11:10 AM. Breakfast and Bruch will be served.

CLUBS HAD A SUCCESSFUL FIRST WEEK!

PROMPT PICK UP 3:25pm in front of the Abington Middle School

Monday October 19th- Minecraft Club

Wednesday October 21st – Chess Club & STEAM

Thursday October 22nd– Homework & Fun Club, Language Buddies and Newspaper Club

AMS DRAMA CLUB SIGN UPS IN NOVEMBER!

We are excited to announce that Abington Middle School Drama Club registration for students in Grades 5–8 will begin in November!

Our first meeting and audition preparation will take place on November 30, with auditions scheduled for December 2 and 9 and callbacks on December 14 and 16. Rehearsals for lead roles will begin in January, with ensemble rehearsals beginning in March. Rehearsals will generally take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:35–3:35 PM, although not every student will be needed at every rehearsal.

Tech Week will take place April 26–29 (2:35–5:35 PM), with performances on Friday, April 30 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 1 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. We look forward to another exciting season of theatre at AMS!

IMPORTANT DATES

PRODUCT PRICES

ONLINE ORDERING

Website: GiftitForward.com

Fundraising code: ABINGTMA001

Student name: Enter the Grade 8 student’s name so the student receives credit for the purchase.

SCAN TO SHOP ONLINE

ONLINE PURCHASE DETAILS

·         Online purchases include an area for a personalized message.

·         Each wreath and door spray ordered online includes an EZ Hanger.

·         Online purchases include an LED Light Set and decorative gift-box packaging.

·         FedEx delivery is available within 48 states.

·         A tree is planted in honor of the gift recipient.

·         The AMS nonprofit fundraiser earns 15% for each item purchased online when the fundraising code is used.

PAYMENT & STUDENT CREDIT

Checks payable to: AMS PTO

In-person/paper fundraiser credit: Students earn approximately $8 toward the Washington, DC trip for each wreath, centerpiece, or tree sold.

Online fundraiser credit: The online flyer states that AMS earns 15% per item when the fundraising code is used. It does not specify the individual student credit amount.

Please refer to the original flyers for product images and the online QR code.

Thank you for supporting the Grade 8 Washington, DC trip!  

October 1, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to announce our upcoming 8th grade trip to Washington DC. This educational journey will provide students with a firsthand look at our nation's capital and its rich history. This will be our third year traveling to Washington DC with students, and I am happy to report that these trips have been fun-filled, educational experiences for both students and the adult chaperones who volunteer their time so graciously. Below you will find the trip details as well as registration links.

Trip Details:

Dates: Thursday, June 10 to Saturday, June 12, 2027

Transportation: 56 Passenger Luxury Motorcoach

Accommodations: LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Manassas VA

Cost: $969/PP Quad Occupancy

Itinerary Highlights:

Day 1: Travel to DC, visit Udvar-Hazy Center Air & Space Museum

Day 2: Visit Smithsonian Museums, Tour the US Capitol

Day 3: Visit the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, Lunch Cruise on the Potomac

What's Included:                                                                                                        

All transportation

Hotel accommodations (2 nights)           

All meals

Entrance fees to attractions

Evening security at the hotel

Registration Process

• Visit https://bit.ly/4yvmMnu  

• If on a computer, Select “Student Package – Quad Occupancy” (underneath the price)

• If on a mobile device select “Book Now” and choose the student rate

• Follow all registration steps

We believe this trip will be an invaluable experience for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me at the school office.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. MacCurtain, Principal

South Shore Vocational Technical High School Open House:

An Open House will be held at South Shore Vocational Technical High School on Saturday, November 7th from 10:00 am -1:00 pm.  Open House registration details can be found on their website. https://southshore.tech/   

Want to join the YEARBOOK CLUB?

All Students Welcome!

Interest Meeting November 4th 2:30-2:50pm

Mrs. Johnson

Room 2122

Promptly Pick up at 2:50pm

There is NO COST TO JOIN THIS CLUB!

School Picture Re-Take Day

Tuesday, November 2, 2026

Picture Re-Take Tuesday - November 2, 2026

1. Retakes are available to students who previously purchased a portrait package or were absent on the original picture day.  Retakes are not intended for students who only wish to retake their ID photo.

2. Students requesting a retake must bring their original portrait package from the first session. This helps the photographer understand what the student would like to improve and ensures the replacement package matches the original purchase.

3. Please notify students and parents in advance that they must return the original portrait package on retake day.

We appreciate your assistance in sharing this information with families and helping us ensure a successful retake day."

Tuesday, December 8th Grades 7-12 CHORUS ONLY Winter Concert – AMS & AHS

Thursday, December 10th Grade 7-12 BAND ONLY Winter Concert – AMS & AHS

Wednesday, December 16th Grade 5&6 BAND ONLY Winter Concert 

Very Important to Follow Drop-off and Pick-up Instructions: 

·      Location: Door 10 (next to the tennis courts)

·      Morning drop-off: Door 10 opens at 7:20 AM and closes at 7:50 AM

·      Breakfast: Available starting at 7:20 AM

·      Dismissal: 2:22 PM

·      Driving directions: Enter campus from Gliniewicz Way and proceed around the right side of the building past the athletic fields 

·      Walkers: Students who are walking to and from school will enter and exit through the main entrance at the front of the building.

• Students riding bicycles to school should walk their bikes once they are on school grounds. Students should not be riding bikes in the school lots or bus loop. 

AMS staff will be present at Door 10 and the main entrance during arrival and dismissal to assist. If you have questions about drop-off or pick-up procedures, please contact the main office at (781) 982-2170. 

Updating Student Information in Aspen

Families may begin updating student information via Aspen on Monday. Directions are available by clicking the following link: UPDATING_ASPEN  

Health & Medical Checklist

Helping Your Child Have a Safe & Successful School Year

As you prepare for the new school year, please take a few minutes to review the checklist below. Completing these steps before school begins helps ensure that your child’s health and medical needs can be safely and effectively supported throughout the school year.

BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

☐ Update Emergency Contacts 

Make sure the school has current emergency contact information, including updated phone numbers.

☐ Review Immunizations 

Confirm that your child’s immunizations are up to date and meet Massachusetts school requirements: Mass state requirements

☐ Request Updated Medical Orders 

If your child requires medication, treatments, or other health-related accommodations at school, please request updated orders from their healthcare provider.

☐ Notify the School of Health Changes 

Please let the school nurse know about any new or significant medical conditions, diagnoses, allergies, or changes in your child’s health.

HEALTH PLANS

Updated Medical Orders

Please obtain updated medical orders before the start of the school year from your child’s healthcare provider.

You may use the school’s provided forms or your healthcare provider’s own medication/medical order form, as appropriate.

Your child may need an Emergency Action Plan or other medical plan at school if they have:

☐ Allergies - allergy action plan.pdf 

☐ Asthma - asthma action plan.pdf 

☐ Seizures - seizure action plan.pdf 

☐ Diabetes – Please obtain updated orders from your child’s endocrinologist. 

☐ Other Medical Conditions

MEDICATIONS & SUPPLIES

☐ Parental Consent for Prescription Medications – parent/guardian consent for medication.pdf 

Complete the required parental consent forms for prescription medications.

☐ Original Pharmacy Containers 

All prescription medications must be provided in the original pharmacy-labeled container and clearly identify your child’s name, medication, dosage, and instructions.

☐ Check Expiration Dates 

Make sure all medications are current and have not expired. Please request refills from your pharmacy as needed.

☐ Over-the-Counter Medications – For students at Abington Middle School and Abington High School, complete the required parental consent for over-the-counter medications.

Middle School: Consent for Over-the-Counter medication- AMS 

High School: AHS Consent for OTC medications and treatment

COMMUNICATION & SUPPORT

Please provide the school nurse with all completed medical forms, parental consent forms, and required medications before the start of school.

You may:

• Bring paperwork and medications to Open House

• Arrange an appointment with your child’s school nurse

• Contact your school nurse with any questions or concerns

School Nurse Contacts - Abington Middle School 

Sarah LaPointe sarahlapointe@abingtonps.org

A Healthy Start to the School Year

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn!

Please complete all applicable items before the first day of school.

 Hydration Reminder 

Please remember to send your student(s) to school with plenty of water each day. Staying hydrated helps students remain healthy, focused, and ready to learn!

Refillable water bottles are a great option, as filtered water filling stations are conveniently located throughout Abington Middle School. Please note that water bottles are not available for students to purchase or receive at school, so bringing one from home each day is strongly encouraged.

Thank you for helping us keep our students hydrated and feeling their best this spring!

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!

Late 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 AMS 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.

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.

FREE SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Breakfast & lunch remains free for all students. We still ask that families submit Free and Reduced Lunch Applications for federal reimbursements and other financial considerations in the district.

As part of the National School Lunch Program, students are required to select a serving of fruit or vegetable with their school lunch. This is a federal nutrition requirement designed to ensure that students have access to a well-balanced, nutritious meal each day. Students do not have to eat the fruit or vegetable they select, but they do need to take it as part of their complete school lunch.

We appreciate your help in reminding students to make healthy choices and select a fruit or vegetable each day. Thank you for partnering with us to support the health, well-being, and success of our students!

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).