November 2020

November 7th, 2020

Students Return to Campus Monday

 

As Dr. James Hickey, Head of School, noted in his letter to the community on Thursday, Austin Prep has concluded remote teaching and learning and will resume classes on campus on Monday, November 9th, using a hybrid model through Friday, December 18, 2020, which is the start of Christmas break. Download a copy of the hybrid cohort schedule through the holiday break here.

As a reminder, as we approach the holiday season, we know Austin Prep families may be traveling to visit extended family and friends. To that end, Austin Prep has developed a health and safety plan for holiday travel. We ask that you review the policy and comply with its guidelines. For the policy to be as effective as it can be, the Austin Prep community needs to be unwavering in our commitment to the common good and exemplify our core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. There is an uncompromising expectation that we continue to honor Austin Prep’s Covenant and the holiday travel policy. This is a time when all of us – students, staff, and parents – need to be champions of integrity.

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Winter Dress Code Also Returns Monday

 

When students return to campus on Monday, November 9th, Austin Prep will transition to winter dress. Winter dress will remain the required dress for both the second and third quarter. For your convenience, included is a link to the Student-Parent Handbook that outlines the dress code requirements for both Middle and Upper School students. Those requirements can be found beginning on page 11.

In addition to the transition from warm weather dress to winter dress, please refer to pages 10-12 of the Student-Parent Handbook related to general appearance and dress code. #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day).

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Austin Prep Presents Launches November 10th

 

Austin Prep is pleased to announce the launch of Austin Prep Presents, a virtual speaker series designed to provide a platform for distinguished Austin Prep alumni to connect with fellow alumni and current Austin Prep students, parents, faculty and staff, while reflecting on Austin Prep experiences that helped shape their lives. Panelists will have the opportunity to discuss current trends and their contributions in their field, and expand on the career path that led to their current role. The series of talks – which begins this month and will run through June – will focus on areas ranging from media relations, finance, arts, and more, and will be open to the entire school community.

The series debuts November 10^th with “College Athletics During a Pandemic” and will feature Jim Knowlton ’78, the current Director of Athletics at the University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Knowlton will cover several areas of interest including but not limited to the impact the pandemic has had on the short-term future of college athletics, NCAA recruiting and impact on high school juniors, and the financial impact on colleges.

Mr. Knowlton, who has established himself as a dynamic leader and accomplished administrator through service in intercollegiate athletics and the U.S. Army, is in his third year as Director of Athletics at Cal. Prior to that, Mr. Knowlton served as the Director of Athletics at the United States Air Force Academy and at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), in addition to holding administrative and teaching roles at the United States Military Academy West Point.

Outside of intercollegiate athletics, Mr. Knowlton held leadership positions for more than two decades in the U.S. Army, including as head of a battalion of 750 men and women while stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado, before deploying to Iraq.  He retired from the Army in 2008 as a colonel with 26 years of service.

Mr. Knowlton received his bachelor's degree in engineering in 1982 from West Point, where he was a four-year letter-winner and captain of the varsity ice hockey team. Mr. Knowlton received a master's degree in civil engineering from Cornell University.

Throughout his career, Mr. Knowlton has focused on and successfully fostered programs that place a premium on leadership and character development among student-athletes, coaches and staff. He has demonstrated an unfailing commitment to high achievement, both in academics and athletics, has a proven track record as a fundraiser, and has shown a consistent ability to take on complex challenges and develop strategic solutions to meet them.

The November 10^th webinar will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations and moderated by Jonathan Pollard ’97, Assistant Head for Enrollment and Athletics at Austin Prep. Mr. Pollard also currently serves as Austin Prep’s Head Baseball Coach and was the school’s Director of Athletics from 2014-2019. You can register for the webinar here.

The next Austin Prep Presents event will take place November 24^th and feature Joe Sciacca ’75, Former Editor-in-Chief at the Boston Herald and current Enterprise Editor for 7 News WHDH-TV in Boston, who will discuss “Crisis Communications: Navigating the Media During Tumultuous Times.” The full schedule of Austin Prep Presents speakers will be made available on our website.

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Convocation Mass | The Third Time is the Charm

 

After a few starts and stops, our journey towards Convocation Mass continues. The rescheduled Convocation Mass will now take place Tuesday, November 17th at 9:30 a.m. Due to social distancing guidelines, only Seniors in both Cohort A and B, and Cohort A 6th graders, will be in attendance in Meelia Hall. Those students attending the mass should be in chapel dress. All other students and community members will be able to view the Convocation Mass through a livestream, which will be available next week. In the past, parents have been able to attend the Convocation Mass, but restrictions placed on gatherings will not make that possible this year. The event will conclude with the raising of the Class of 2021 banner, which will remain in Meelia Hall until being lowered during Baccalaureate Mass in May. More information will be forthcoming regarding access to the livestream.

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Next Virtual Mass will be on Thanksgiving Day

 

Thank you to all those in our school community who joined us last Sunday for our All Saints' Day Mass. Join Father Patrick, School Chaplain, for our next virtual mass, which will be offered on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26th. A link to view the mass will be sent in advance of the mass.

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Flu Shots Required by December 31st

 

As a reminder, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts now requires the influenza vaccine for all students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. All students must receive the vaccine before December 31st, 2020. If a student is unable to receive the vaccine, there are medical and religious exemptions allowable in the state of Massachusetts. If your child falls into one of these categories, please contact the Health Office. Once your child obtains his or her vaccination, please forward the appropriate documentation to the Health Office. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or need information about vaccine exemptions, please do not hesitate to contact the Health Office at (781) 944-4900, ext. 816 or 716.

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Halloween Contest Winners Announced

 

Student Government is grateful to all those who participated in the community contests planned during Halloween week. The winners of each contest are listed below, and photos of the winning entries, can be found here. Congratulations to all the winners!

M&Ms in the Jar Contest

Actual amount of M&Ms in the container was 2029.  

Winning entry: Cam Jaena '26 who guessed 2033

 

Top Three Door Decorations

1st Place: Mary Hueston '21

2nd Place: Bryanna King '27

3rd Place: Ryleigh Vadala '27

 

Top Three Painted Pumpkins

1st Place: Maddie Wakelin '24

2nd Place: Bryanna King '27

3rd Place: Anna Dahlman '25

 

Top Three Carved Pumpkins

1st Place: Ryleigh Vadala '27

2nd Place: Mrs. Nicole Putney P'26

3rd Place: Madeline Hickey '22

 

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Gratitude from the Parents Association

 

This week, all faculty and staff received in their school mailbox a sweet treat on behalf of the Austin Prep Parents Association. Each box included a seasonally themed sugar cookie and a note that said:

"With gratitude for all that you do for our children! - The Parents Association 

Thank you to all our faculty and staff for your hard work, and thank you to the Parents Association for the kind gesture!

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November is Native American Heritage Month

 

Austin Prep continues to celebrate diverse cultures, and looks forward to Native American Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from November 1st - 30th. Throughout the Month we will be highlighting either individuals or tribes who have made a dramatic impact within Native American History. Austin Prep is committed to supporting and embracing Native Americans Tribes and people, but importantly preserving their sacred heritage, culture and beliefs for future generations. 

For more information, contact Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, and be on the lookout for more information around campus, here in the Cougar Courier and on social media.

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Happy Birthday, St. Augustine

 

Next Friday, November 13th marks St. Augustine's 1,666th birthday. The Patron of Austin Prep, St. Augustine is one of the most consequential and well-known saints in the history of the Church, and his teachings help sustain our Journey in pursuit of Truth.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

- St. Augustine

 

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Happy Veterans Day

 

As a reminder, Austin Prep will be closed Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. The Austin Prep community is grateful to all those who have served our Country.

November 14th, 2020

Elbeery '21 Signs with the University of Richmond

 

This past week was a notable week for our college bound student-athletes, as Austin Prep hosted its first signing event of the year. On Thursday, Jacob Elbeery '21 signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his baseball career at the University of Richmond. Jacob was joined by family, friends, teammates and members of the Austin Prep staff as he committed to play for the Spiders, who compete at the NCAA Division I level and within the Atlantic 10 conference. Congratulations to Jacob and best of luck as you continue your athletic career!

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Convocation Details

 

One of our most cherished annual traditions at Austin Prep is Convocation Mass. Like many things this year, we have had to reimagine the way that we do things on campus, while continuing to align with our mission and the values we hold dear. Despite a few schedule changes this fall, we are excited that Convocation Mass will take place next Tuesday, November 17th at 9:30 a.m. in Richard J. Meelia Hall. Chapel attire is required of all students on Tuesday. Additional important details can be found below:

All seniors, regardless of cohort, unless you are remote only, should be on campus Tuesday for the mass. Seniors should be on campus for the start of the school day. After mass, seniors will remain on campus and attend classes for the day. 

Cohort A sixth graders will also attend the mass. The remaining Cohort A students will view the mass with their classroom teacher on campus. Cohort B students and remote learners are expected to view the mass via livestream and will receive an email with instructions on how to access a livestream of the mass on Monday.

In the past, parents have been able to attend the Convocation Mass, but restrictions placed on gatherings will not make that possible this year. However, parents can view the livestream by accessing a link on our website on Tuesday morning.

As is also tradition, the mass will conclude with the raising of the Class of 2021 banner by the Senior Class officers, which will remain raised in Meelia Hall until being lowered during Baccalaureate Mass in May.

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Austin Prep Presents Debuts with Retired Army Colonel, NCAA Division I Athletic Director

 

Austin Prep Presents,  a virtual speaker series designed to provide a platform for distinguished Austin Prep alumni to connect with fellow alumni, current Austin Prep students, parents, faculty, and staff, while reflecting on Austin Prep experiences that helped shape their lives, debuted Tuesday night with Jim Knowlton '78, the current Director of Athletics at the University of California, Berkeley. A Retired Army Colonel, Knowlton served as the Director of Athletics at RPI and he U.S. Air Force Academy before arriving at Cal. Knowlton is currently just one of 65 Power 5 Conference (Pac-12, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, ACC) Athletic Directors in the country.

Click Here to View the Webinar

The webinar focused on challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has created for leaders in the field of intercollegiate athletics. Knowlton also discussed, among other things, leadership traits learned at both Austin Prep and in the military, and how those traits have benefitted him in his career development.

Perhaps of most interest to current Austin Prep families, Knowlton addressed the recruiting process for high school student-athletes.

"I certainly feel bad for current high school juniors and seniors not being able to visit schools. So much about selecting a college is about the visit and seeing how you fit in. Our coaches have become incredibly creative using the resources we have – more videos, virtual tours, more photos and graphics – to give students a feel for Cal. To our amazement, our football program has had the best recruiting year they've ever had. My advice to juniors and seniors is to be diligent in your research and be proactive to reach out to get to know coaches, departments and academic programs the best that you can. Schools are offering their own virtual tours for all students. Visit campus websites to get a feel for the school," Knowlton said.

"But most importantly, take care of business in the classroom," Knowlton added. "It opens or closes doors."

Austin Prep Presents will continue on November 24th at 7:00 p.m. with Joe Sciacca ’75, who serves as Enterprise Editor for 7News WHDH TV, and formerly worked as the Editor in Chief at the Boston Herald. Joe's presentation, entitled "Crisis Communications: Navigating the Media During Tumultuous Times," will address being a good news consumer, credibility of the media during a crisis, and how to work with the press no matter what industry you work in. Registration information will be made available to the community in advance of the webinar.

 

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Austin Prep Sponsors Thanksgiving Basket Initiative

 

This Thanksgiving, Austin Prep has partnered with Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Saint Mary was founded by the Augustinian Friars over 150 years ago, and the connections between that Parish and our school are roots that run deep  to our founding in 1961. 

Students and faculty will be sponsoring twenty-five families this year by assembling dried goods and other non-perishable items to accompany a turkey for each family’s Thanksgiving Feast. Students signed up for an item to contribute to their Advisory group’s family. Students should share their item(s) with their Advisors by Friday, November 20th when the baskets will be assembled and prepared for delivery. 

This important initiative reflects the decision of the Austin Prep Chapters of the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society to focus on the topic of food insecurity this year through their readings, discussions, and service work. 

For any further questions about the Thanksgiving Basket Initiative, please contact Mr. Patrick Costello, Coordinator of Student Activities at patrick.costello@austinprep.org.

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7 Days of Thanksgiving

 

Are you grateful for a Student, Faculty, or Staff Member from our Austin Prep community? If so, use this link or click the button below and tell us for whom you are grateful and the reason why. We will recognize some of these individuals each school day over the next two weeks as part of our Seven Days of Thanksgiving.

Who Are You Thankful For?

Want to recognize more than one person? You absolutely can. Submit a separate form for each community member you'd like to see recognized.  Thanks for taking the time to show appreciation for some special people within our Austin Prep community.

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Thanksgiving Kahoot

 

All Students, Faculty, and Staff are invited to participate in our Thanksgiving Kahoot Challenge. This fun activity will be held on the below dates during all four lunch blocks in our Dining Hall.

Tuesday, November 17th  (Cohort A on Campus)

Thursday, November 19th. (Cohort B on Campus)

 

Have your iPad or cell phone available during lunch on these days so you can compete for prizes.

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Sage Dining to Serve Featured Desserts in Coming Weeks

 

Sage Dining is looking forward to serving featured desserts in the coming weeks to help the community get into the holiday spirit. Along with a traditional turkey dinner being served to both cohorts next week, Sage Dining will be offering pumpkin pie and apple pie for dessert.

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Sage Dining will be serving a traditional Native American Corn Pudding for dessert to both cohorts the week of November 23rd.

When students return back to school on the week of November 30th, the special dessert of the week will be our famous giant chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich.

We all know how much the community loves a good sundae bar, so the week of December 7th we will be offering our version of a "grab and go" build your own sundae for dessert. Enjoy!

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'Tis The Season - Online Apparel Store Open Now

 

Start your Christmas shopping for Austin Prep apparel and branded items with our Online Store for Christmas - open now to parents, students, faculty and staff. Click here to browse through the store.

As you browse the store, take note of the options to either customize some of the apparel with a sports team name or organization, or to purchase items with just the Austin Prep brand. Please remember, only the polo shirts, 1/4 zip and 1/2 zip pullovers are allowed to be worn in school. School approved apparel is identified on the site.

All orders will be shipped directly to your home, and should arrive in early December. The store is open now and will close at midnight on Monday, November 16th.

More online stores will be open throughout the year, but don't miss this current opportunity by clicking the button below. Happy shopping!

Christmas Apparel Store

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Veterans Day Celebrated During Advisory

 

This week, the Austin Prep community celebrated Veterans Day collectively during advisory period. Faculty and students watched a video tribute produced by members of Austin Prep's Student Government. The tribute can be viewed here. On Veterans Day and on every day we are grateful to our veterans for their service and bravery.

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Prigmore '21 Project Unveiled

 

As first introduced in the September 26th edition of the Cougar Courier, Liam Prigmore '21, Austin Prep's School-Wide Student Government Secretary and Eagle Scout Candidate, was conducting charitable work in support of a memorial honoring fallen soldiers from the Town of Wilmington. On Veterans Day, Liam had the opportunity to unveil his Eagle Scout Project on the Wilmington Town Common during a Veterans Day ceremony. Also present at the ceremony was former Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans' Services Francisco Urena (far right in the above photo), who spoke at Austin Prep last Spring during our day of service. Read more about Liam's efforts here.

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Middle School Math Contest

 

Austin Prep's Middle School Algebra I and II students once again participated in American Mathematics Contest 8 (AMC 8) on Tuesday, November 10th. The test was administered synchronously with students both in the classroom and participating from home. 

Students who take the AMC 8 have the opportunity to develop creative quantitative thinking skills, which better prepares them to succeed in high school math classes. Furthermore, mathematics drives the innovations that shape our society and is useful in a broad range of careers, even those that are not traditionally mathematical, scientific or technological in nature. By offering these competitions, the Mathematical Association of America aims to challenge and inspire students to become lifelong learners of mathematics.

After the competition results are compiled, certificates will be presented to the student with the highest score in each school, to nationally high-scoring students, and to all who participated in the competition. But the real rewards come from challenging each student with mathematics that is new, different, and “outside the box.” Competition problems are more difficult than those encountered routinely in math courses, but they are designed to connect to middle school mathematics standards to ensure they are within the reach of students. The measure of success of the competition is not the number of problems solved, but is the level of engagement with mathematics that arises from the intellectual challenge of the problem-solving process.

Additional information may be found at the MAA website.

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Fall Sport Student-Athletes Celebrate Senior Days

 

 

 

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Parenting in a Pandemic Webinar Available Here

On Tuesday, October 20th, our School Counselors hosted Dr. Lance Linke for a webinar entitled "Parenting in the Pandemic."  For those who missed it, a recording of the webinar can be viewed by clicking the button below.

Parenting in a Pandemic Webinar

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Community Spotlight: Ms. Claire Crane

 

Note: Our vibrant campus comes to life as a result of the talented students and faculty who make up the Austin Prep community. We look forward to periodically highlighting those individuals here in the Cougar Courier.

 

Hometown: Staten Island, NY

Education/Degrees: BA in History and Linguistics from Middlebury College

Years at Austin Prep: 2

Years working in Education: 2

Department/Area of Subject: World Languages, Mandarin Chinese

Describe a teacher who inspired you growing up: While I’ve been lucky to have many wonderful teachers over the course of my academic career, my 8th and 9th grade math teacher, Pascal Maharjan, stands out to me the most. We were all convinced that Mr. Maharjan was a genius--he spoke four languages, he played every instrument, and was almost definitely a math prodigy (despite also being incredibly modest). Most importantly, however, he understood that the relationships with his students often mattered more than the material in the textbook. His students were always welcome in his office. My friends and I spent many afternoons there having intended to go for “extra help” and having wound up talking about whatever was going on in our lives. For someone like me who had always felt intimidated by math, his kind, welcoming, and patient nature made such a difference. Even when I struggled with the material, he always made me feel that, if I worked at it, I could figure it out.  

Do you have a motto you teach by? Or an expression you try to instill in your classroom? I always want my students to remember that making mistakes is part of learning a language. Laugh it off. Try it again. Your Mandarin will be better for it. 

What’s the most insightful thing a student has ever said to you? “We’re honestly all a lot more similar than we are different”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have? Almost everyone in my family is or has been a teacher at some point. When I was growing up, I would always say that I was going to branch out, but I don’t think that anyone was surprised when I went into teaching as well. I do love to cook (and eat) though, so if I weren’t a teacher, I would want to be a chef or food writer.

Accolades: I graduated Magna cum Laude from Middlebury College.

Favorite Quote: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to a man in his language, that goes to his heart.” - Nelson Mandela

Fun fact (about you or your past; something colleagues & students might not ordinarily know): I was a barista for 3 years. If you need some fancy latte art, you know who to call. 

Any other information you would like to share: I currently live in Cambridge with my 4 year-old beagle, Addie.

November 21st, 2020

Austin Prep Celebrates Convocation Mass

 

Despite occurring later in the year than usual, the Austin Prep community came together on Tuesday, November 17^th for the annual tradition of Convocation Mass, which marked the official start of Austin Prep’s 59^th academic year. The entire Senior Class of 2021 was joined by members of the sixth grade Class of 2027 and select School faculty and staff in Richard J. Meelia Hall for the Mass. Due to restrictions placed on gatherings, the Mass was livestreamed to the remaining Austin Prep students, either in classrooms on campus or learning remotely from home, as well as the parent community.  Click here to view photos from the Mass.

With banners representing all seven Austin Prep classes surrounding the stage, TJ Dysart ’21, School-Wide President, welcomed his fellow classmates. Dysart acknowledged that while recent months have been difficult, and settling into a routine to start the school year has been a challenge, our School community moves forward guided by our mission and values.

“Our mission isn’t measured in miles, meters, yards, or even six feet. Our mission is measured by the goodness in our hearts and contributions that we make in our communities,” Dysart said. “It’s important for us to not just speak about our mission, but to live it.”

Each academic year, Austin Prep adopts a theme to help advance the School’s mission. For the 2020-2021 academic year, Austin Prep’s theme comes from the words of Jesus from St. John’s Gospel: “I pray that they all may be one.” The theme resonated throughout the Convocation Mass, with Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, referencing the theme during his homily.

“We are one community that is made up of individuals, and in order to truly become united, in order to truly become one, each of us has to put our best effort towards that unity by what we do in our own lives,” Fr. Armano said. “That unity requires the effort of each of us, to focus on the bettering of ourselves, so that we can focus on building those around us up.”

Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D. noted that as another academic year begins, our nation is divided, but Austin Prep’s enduring mission helps support our pursuit of unity. “Think about that: It was the prayer of the son of God that we should all come together,” Dr. Hickey said, referring to this year’s school theme. “We can do that by honoring the command of Jesus, to treat others the way we would want to be treated.”

“As an Augustinian community committed to veritas, unitas, and caritas, we need to model behavior and acts of kindness and compassion that bring people together,” Dr. Hickey added.

During his remarks, Dr. Hickey acknowledged two Faculty members, Assistant Head and Head of Upper School Dr. William Driscoll, ’89 and Science Chair Dr. Maria Blewitt, who earned their doctoral degrees last spring but unfortunately could not participate in their respective commencement ceremonies due to the pandemic. To honor their achievement, Dr. Hickey invited Dr. Driscoll and Dr. Blewitt to wear their doctoral gowns to Convocation. In a touching moment, Dr. Hickey offered his gown to be worn by Dr. Blewitt, who could not secure hers in time for Convocation.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Senior Class of 2021, led by Senior Class Officers Kayla Russell ’21 and Arya Gupta ’21, continued with tradition and hoisted the class banner to the rafters of Meelia Hall, where it will remain until being lowered at Baccalaureate Mass in May, 2021.

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Lower Fields Ribbon Cutting and Blessing

 

After Convocation Mass, Austin Prep celebrated a special blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of our lower fields athletic complex. Following a welcome from Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D., the new tennis courts and baseball field were blessed by Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain. In attendance for the event were Austin Prep faculty and staff, and coaches and members of the baseball, field hockey, and tennis teams. Two separate ribbons cuttings took place - one for each facility - with Assistant Head for Enrollment and Athletics and Head Baseball Coach Jonathan Pollard '97 having the ribbon cutting honors on the baseball field. To view photos from the event, click here.

Also a part of the ceremony was a special blessing of a time capsule for the Class of 2020. After their May, 2020 graduation, members of the Class of 2020 submitted mementos which were collected by the school and will be buried at a to be determined location at the lower fields athletic complex.

Austin Prep broke ground on the lower fields athletic complex in October 2019.  In addition to use by Austin Prep athletics and the student community, the fields have also served host to a summer high school baseball league, various camps and external organizations.

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Reminder Regarding Holiday Travel Plans

 

As a reminder, as we approach the holiday season, we know Austin Prep families may be traveling to visit extended family and friends. To that end, Austin Prep has developed a health and safety plan for holiday travel. We ask that you review the policy and comply with its guidelines. For the policy to be as effective as it can be, the Austin Prep community needs to be unwavering in our commitment to the common good and exemplify our core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. There is an uncompromising expectation that we continue to honor Austin Prep’s Covenant and the holiday travel policy. This is a time when all of us – students, staff, and parents – need to be champions of integrity.

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Austin Prep Presents Continues with Former Editor of the Boston Herald

 

Austin Prep Presents continues on Tuesday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m. with Joe Sciacca ’75, who is the Enterprise Editor, 7News WHDH TV, and former Editor in Chief at the Boston Herald. Joe's presentation will address being a good news consumer, credibility of the media during a crisis, and how to work with the press no matter what company or institution you work for. This will be a great webinar for anyone from CEOs to first responders. To register for the webinar, please click here.

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Virtual Mass on Thanksgiving Day

 

We invite all members of the Austin Prep community to join Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, on Thanksgiving Day Morning for Mass. The Mass will be celebrated virtually from the Chapel of Saint Augustine on the Austin Prep campus. The link to view the Mass will be distributed in advance of the Mass. These unusual times have provided opportunities we may have not previously considered. The Mass on Thanksgiving morning will allow us to gather as a community in praise and gratitude for the many blessings we have received individually and communally. We hope you will join us.

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Faculty and Staff Kick Off the Annual Fund Campaign Strong

 

Every year, as we approach the holiday season, we launch our fall Annual Fund appeal, asking those in the school community to remember Austin Prep in your year-end-giving plans. Annual Fund contributions enrich the quality of life for our students and their teachers, and enhances all student life including the arts and athletics, technology, teacher professional development, and family financial assistance. Such contributions maintain unique and distinctive learning opportunities for today's students and those who will journey with us for years to come.

Prior to launching the fall campaign for parents, past parents, grandparents, alumni and friends, we ask our Board of Trustees, faculty and staff to support the annual fund. That process, just recently completed, has yielded amazing results, and with their outstanding support, our campaign is off to a tremendous start. It means so much that our faculty and staff support our mission!

More information about the Annual Fund will be arriving in your home mailboxes in the coming days, but you can click here now to make a donation. Thank you in advance for your continued support of Austin Prep through the Annual Fund during the holiday season and beyond!

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Fall Sport Senior Days Continue

 

 

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Ninth Grade Descriptive Writing Contest

 

Students in the ninth grade had some festive fun during Halloween week. Students have been studying descriptive writing and were challenged to write the grossest description possible using figurative language, sensory details, and specific word choice. This year's winner is Mrs. Nicole Putney's P'26 student Marcel Joe '24. He was presented with this year's Gross Out Trophy by previous winner Ryan Ackerley '22.

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Vachon '21 Signs with Bentley University

 

Austin Prep hosted its second signing event of the year, as Gabrielle Vachon '21 signed her National Letter of Intent on Monday to continue her soccer career at Bentley University. Gabrielle was joined by family, friends, teammates and members of the Austin Prep staff as she committed to play for the Falcons, who compete at the NCAA Division II level and within the Northeast-10 conference. Congratulations Gabrielle and best of luck as you continue your athletic career!

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Simmons '24 Serves Community Through the Martin Richard Foundation

 

Michael Simmons '24 and his three younger siblings were recently awarded a $500 2020 Bridge Builder grant by the Martin Richard Foundation.  The Bridge Builder campaign calls on kids to bring their communities together in service.  

Michael and his siblings are collecting as many hygiene products as possible to put kits together to be donated to the Woburn Senior Center, Woburn Council of Social Concern and the Tanner Closet at Woburn High School.  They have started a wish list on Amazon to make donating safer amid the pandemic.

We continue to be amazed at the commitment that our students have in their service to others outside of the Austin Prep community. Good work, Michael!

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Middle School Blog Takes an Athletic Tour of Campus

 

In the latest edition of the Middle School Blog, Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, provides a look into the Middle School experience through the lens of our Middle School student-athletes. The courts and fields of play are yet another venue in which our students can accelerate their growth and flourish as independent learners. Click here to read the blog.

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Happy Thanksgiving From Austin Prep

 

During this special time of year, we are especially grateful that you are a part of the Austin Prep Community.

Warmest wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving.

As a reminder, Thanksgiving Break begins Wednesday, November 25th and classes will resume Monday, November 30th. The Cougar Courier will return on Saturday, December 5th.