Cougar Courier
The Cougar Courier is the official news source for Austin Prep, sharing stories that capture the energy and achievements of our students and community. From campus events and service opportunities to athletics and the arts, it offers a window into the vibrant life of the school throughout the year.
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November 8, 2025
As a Reminder...Monday is the Archbishop Holiday
The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston announces Monday as a day off from school.
It was just over a week ago when representatives from the Reading Police and Fire Departments, as well as first responder parents from the Austin Prep community, attended Austin Prep’s 9th Annual Blue Mass for First Responders. The Mass is held annually in gratitude for all those who put their lives on the line for others. You can view photos from the day here and a video highlight here.
The Mass was celebrated by The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston. It is no secret that a visit from the Archbishop typically also results in a day off for students and staff. That was again the case with this visit, and after consulting with Dr. Hickey, in honor of all those who have served, Austin Prep students were gifted Monday, November 10 as a day off from school. Enjoy the now long Veterans Day Holiday weekend! Thank you, Archbishop Henning!
Celebrate St. Augustine's Birthday and our Day of Giving on November 13
This Thursday, November 13 — and in honor of St. Augustine’s 1,671st birthday — we will be celebrating with our Annual Day of Giving. Each year, Giving Day supports the Austin Prep Fund. The Austin Prep Fund is the primary way for alumni, parents, and friends to support the school and directly impact a student's current Austin Prep experience. Annual support through the Austin Prep Fund empowers the School to annually invest in modern classroom technology, improve campus facilities, provide tuition assistance, develop enriching student programming and co-curricular activities, and enables teaching innovation through multi-dimensional faculty professional development opportunities. You can make your gift now here.
Meet our Champions of Giving
For Jessica and Patrick Driscoll '97, giving is an expression of gratitude, faith, and purpose.
Generosity is more than philanthropy – it is a legacy of faith, community, and hope for the next generation. Champions of Giving shines a spotlight on the donors of Austin Prep, celebrating the individuals and families whose contributions have strengthened the school, enriched student experiences, and ensured that the values of truth, unity, and love continue to thrive.
This series shares their stories: who they are, why they were inspired to give, and how their generosity has made a lasting difference. From new facilities to scholarships, from leadership to community service, each Champion of Giving demonstrates the power of supporting Austin Prep. As you explore their journeys, we invite you to be inspired by their impact and consider how you, too, can shape the future of our students.
For Jessica and Patrick Driscoll '97, giving is an expression of gratitude, faith, and purpose. Learn how their fathers inspired them to give to Austin Prep and their decision to support the Austin Prep Boys Hockey Locker Room. Learn how you can support Austin Prep.
The Restless Journey Podcast with Jonathan Pollard '97
We are excited to present the next episode of The Restless Journey Podcast! Austin Prep's official podcast provides a closer look at the people, programs, and initiatives that exemplify our core values, and we look forward to periodically welcoming members of the Austin Prep community to share their insights on a wide range of topics, reflecting on who we are today and where we are heading tomorrow.
Austin Prep's Senior Director of Communications, Tyler Fleming, is joined by Jonathan Pollard '97, Associate Head of School, who in advance of Austin Prep's Day of Giving on November 13 discusses his new role in Development and the importance of inspired philanthropy at Austin Prep. The episode can be found on YouTube by clicking the video above.
You can also find the podcast on all these major podcast streaming platforms: Podbean, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.
Christmas Online Store Extended Through November 12
Get a head start on your holiday shopping with our Christmas Online Shop, featuring Austin Prep apparel and branded items! The store has been reopened now through November 12. We're excited to offer premium brands including TravisMathew, Carhartt, and Lululemon. Many items come in multiple styles and colors, and select items can be personalized. Important reminder: Only polo shirts and 1/4 zip pullovers may be worn as part of the school uniform. All other items may be worn outside of school hours. All orders will be shipped directly to your home and are expected to arrive by mid-December. You can shop here!
Winter Afterschool Snow Sports Program Registration Now Open
We are excited to announce our Winter Afterschool Snow Sports Program, running from January through February. Open to all students in grades 6–12, whether you’re just starting out or already shredding the slopes, this program is perfect for all skill levels.
Students will enjoy six after-school excursions to the scenic Wachusett Mountain Ski area, led by our experienced educators. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Click here to register.
Program Dates:
Wednesday's January 7– February 11, 2026
Registration:
Open through Friday, November 21
Students will enjoy six after-school excursions to the scenic Wachusett Mountain Ski area, led by our experienced educators. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Click here to register.
Program Dates:
Wednesday's January 7– February 11, 2026
Registration:
Open through Friday, November 21
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Ushearnda Stroud, Interim Assistant Director of Admissions.
Fall Play Explores Corners of the "Dark Web"
The Austin Prep Drama Club presented The Internet Is Distract - OH LOOK A KITTEN! by Ian McWethy this past Wednesday and Thursday.
Here is a description of the show:
Micah only has twenty minutes to finish her paper on The Great Gatsby. She just needs to check a few facts on the internet first. Unfortunately, the web is a nefariously wacky place where boxing cats, Facebook lurkers, and pig-throwing games threaten to take over Micah's schoolwork, or worse. Will she finish her paper and escape with her life before the school bell rings? This is a high-octane comedy that explores the rabbit hole of distraction we all go down everytime we go online.
TikTok, Instagram, Google...no one is safe!!!
Austin Prep Celebrates French Week
Why study French? Check out this display outside the Chapel of St. Augustine to learn more.
The American Association of American Teachers of French is sponsoring the 23rd annual National French Week, November 4-10. This celebration of all things French is an opportunity to promote French culture and heritage as well as demonstrate all the reasons to learn French. This week at Austin Prep, school announcements included prayers in French, the dining hall featured flags of Francophone countries, the library had a display with books in French, and more!
Middle School Faculty Present at National Conference
Mr. Williamson and Ms. Cavanagh lead a group discussion at the AMLE Conference in Indianapolis.
Head of Middle School Michael McLaughlin, Math Faculty Ian Williamson, and Science Faculty Carly Cavanagh and Aprille Hibbard represented Austin Prep and presented at the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE) conference in Indianapolis this past week. We are so proud when our faculty members present on the national stage. Professional development opportunities such as this are made possible in part due to support of the Austin Prep Fund. Make your gift this Thursday on Giving Day!
Precalculus Students Complete Unit Circle Project
Students in Mrs. Alison Pliskaner and Mr. Jason Sun’s College Prep Precalculus classes recently brought trigonometry to life through a creative Themed Unit Circle Project. Working in small groups, they designed original 2D or 3D models of the Unit Circle, each tied to a unique story or theme — from treasure maps and the changing seasons to pizza “pi” parlors, cosmic explorations, and movie-inspired designs like Tangled and Inside Out. To make math memorable, each group filmed an engaging video demonstrating how to find and remember sine, cosine, and tangent values across all four quadrants, often incorporating humor, storytelling, or character roles. Finally, students created their own themed quizzes using trigonometric identities, crafting problems that connected to their story — such as navigating a treasure map using even and odd identitiesor showing how a full record rotation results in the same sine and cosine values. The result was a dynamic mix of math, creativity, and collaboration that highlighted just how fun and imaginative learning trigonometry can be.
Uniform Swap Reminders
We appreciate all the families who continue the Austin Prep tradition of the uniform swap, as the generous spirit among parents helps build community. This is a reminder that the Austin Prep Parent Ambassadors Facebook Page is the best place to organize uniform swaps, but we ask that any exchanges take place privately, and not via drop-offs at the main office. Thank you for your cooperation!