AHS Principal's Newsletter
February 2, 2024
Dear AHS families,
February is upon us, and so is the second semester of our school year. January was certainly a long, cold month! I was able to enjoy the first big snowfall with my little ones, but I'm certainly looking forward to brighter, warmer days.
We are excited that the new year brought back assistant principal, Mrs. Alina Lingley, from her maternity leave. In addition to general student support, Mrs. Lingley is our go-to administrator for 504 Plans, MCAS, and scheduling. Feel free to reach out to welcome her back!
Although we're just starting semester two, we are already thinking ahead to planning for spring/senior events and next school year. Our scheduling process is already underway for the 24-25 school year. The Program of Studies is now live, and I'd encourage all students and families to review together so they can prepare for course selection. Registration will open in the Aspen student portal on 2/12 and over the next few weeks, guidance counselors will meet with students to review their choices. You can reach out to your child's counselor with any questions.
The midway point also means that quarter two report cards will be available to students/families early next week. Take a moment to give your child some encouragement where they're doing well! I'd also recommend reaching out to your child's teachers and counselor if you have questions or concerns.
I look forward to this second half of our school year. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
With gratitude,
Danielle
Staff Shout Outs
In November, I asked students, families, and community members to take a moment to share their gratitude with a staff member here at AHS. Recipients of these messages were so thankful, that I decided I'd leave this section in my newsletter each month. A quick note of thanks can be incredibly powerful, so I encourage you to take a moment to share. Click below to access the form!
Post Grad Party!
Last week our AC3 program hosted it's 2nd annual post graduate party. AC3 stands for Amesbury Community and Career Connections, which is a program for our young adults with disabilities ages 18-22 taught by Ms. Sarah Luz. Students in similar programs around the region gathered here at AHS for an afternoon of fun including sports, games, and of course, a photo booth! Check out the Daily News article.
Attention Senior Families
Senior year is here!
Throughout the year you can expect a section in this newsletter dedicated to senior updates. You should also check our Weekly Bulletin and social media channels for more information.
Save the Date: Mandatory Senior/Parent Meeting - April 24th at 7 pm starting in the auditorium. This meeting is the kick off to all senior activities and events.
Class dues are $120 and need to be paid as soon as possible. Class dues will pay for your yearbook and cap and gowns. Payments can be made by cash, check, or UNIPAY on the school website. If you are having any financial difficulties, please reach out to Mrs. Burrell or Mr. Bastien.
Class questions? Email advisors Mr. Bastien and/or Mrs. Burrell:
Yearbook questions? Email Ms. Leary.
Guidance News
February 5-9 is National School Counseling Week! A huge thank you to our counselors - Mrs. Lynch, Ms. Savvas, Ms. Saurman, and Mr. Sydow. Every day they make supporting out students their #1 priority, and we are so grateful to have them.
Course Registration
Course registration will open in Aspen on 2/12.
Senior PASS
Students started their individual Senior PASS plans this week that include college classes, work, and internships. Check out this City of Amesbury employee spotlight for former Senior PASS student Keegan Collins whose internship has turned into a career!
Junior Parent Night
Save the date for our virtual Junior Parent Night to begin preparation for college and career planning during senior year.
2/27 - 6 pm
Athletic Department Updates
Congrats to the boys' indoor track team who are the CAL Baker Division Champs!
Online registration for spring sports will open on 2/12.
PACT Parent/Caregiver Survey
Would you like to participate in a free support group in Amesbury?
The Partnership of Amesbury Community and Teens (PACT) would like to hear from Amesbury parents and caretakers of teens to see if there is an interest in a regular support group. The purpose of this group would be to create a supportive, trusting environment where parents/caregivers would be provided the opportunity to freely discuss challenges, get advice, just listen, and/or gain knowledge and parenting tips. These groups would be facilitated by local Social Worker Jessica Spater
Your feedback is important to the creation of these groups. Thank you!
Around AHS
Senior Research
Senior research presentations were under way in January - and students were dressed to impress!
Research Assistant
APD therapy dog, Whit, joined Madelyne Ghezzi for her senior research presentation.
Senior Support
Students had the opportunity to invite family and other important adults to their presentations to cheer them on.
Onward
Drew Scialdone signs his letter of intent to play baseball at UMaine.
Engineering
Mr. Galante's engineering students begin their next project!
Sing!
The winter music show case was a great success with performances by the Rhythmics, chorus, AMS melody club, guitar and piano students, and the rock band.
Test Kitchen
Our district dietician has been serving up some taste tests in the cafe!
Art on Display
Art students hang their work on the walls around AHS.
Rock on!
The AHS rock band put their spin on some classic cover songs.
Principal's Coffee
Have questions? Ideas? Looking to connect? Join me for coffee and conversation on Thursday, February 29th at 8:30 a.m. in the principal's office. RSVP to my administrative assistant, Mrs. Machado, by Tuesday 2/27.
What I'm Reading
Upcoming Events
February 5th - 5 - 7:30 pm
Comfort Food Night
AHS Cafe
$5 all you can eat (Gluten free options available!)
Proceeds go to the senior class of 2024
February 8th
PRT Day - Early release at 11:30
February 11th - 10am-12 pm
Build-A-Buddy
*Pre-registration required*
AHS Cafe
Proceeds support the class of 2026
February 13th - 5-7:30 pm
Mac 'N Tuesday
AHS Cafe
$5 all you can eat mac & cheese
Support the class of 2027
February 19-23 - VACATION WEEK - NO SCHOOL
February 27th - 6 pm
Junior Parent Night **Virtual**
Join the guidance team to kick start college & career planning
Amesbury High School
Email: danielle.ricci@amesburyma.org
Website: https://schools.amesburyma.gov/Domain/861
Location: 5 Highland Street, Amesbury, MA, USA
Phone: 978-388-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/amesburyhighschool