September 2021

September 4th, 2021

The 2021-2022 Academic Year Begins 

“Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34) adopted as School's theme for the academic year

The 2021-2022 Austin Prep academic year is underway! Students arrived Wednesday, September 1st for the first day of classes, welcomed by faculty and staff, and reunited with classmates as we kicked off the next year of our Austin Prep journey together.  On the first day students followed a modified schedule to allow for time to navigate all seven blocks of the daily schedule, enjoy lunch, meet with advisors, and connect with friends outside.

As is the case with every academic year, Austin Prep adopted a theme to help community members advance our mission and live our faith. For the 2021-2022 academic year, Austin Prep’s theme will be Christ’s commandment from the Gospel of St. John: “Love one another as I have loved you.” Through that theme, we will focus our conversations, initiatives, activities, class lessons, advisory meetings, and liturgical celebrations on the Augustinian ethos of caritas – love.   

To view photos from the first day of class, click here.

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Two Day Orientation Program Precedes Day One of Classes 

 

Prior to the start of classes, students were on campus for orientation activities on Monday, August 30th and Tuesday, August 31st.  Classes received welcomes from Dr. James Hickey, Head of School; Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School; Mr. Colin Kiley, Interim Dean of Students, and others.  While on campus, students met with advisors and received instructions in regards to various details of campus life, including dining hall procedures and other safety related measures.  

To view photos from Middle School Orientation, click here. To view photos from the Class of 2025 Orientation, click here.

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New Members of Student Life Team

 

Instrumental in the planning of orientation and other back to school activities was Austin Prep's Office of Student Life, which includes three new members this year. Leading the way is Mr. Colin Kiley, Interim Dean of Students, who assumed the role early this summer.  A member of the Austin Prep faculty since 2020, Mr. Kiley coaches volleyball and basketball, serves on the Admissions Review Committee, and has been involved in developing the Middle School health and wellness curriculum.  Joining Mr. Kiley are Mr. AJ Benning and Ms, Alicia Varraso, also both existing members of Austin Prep's faculty.  Mr. Benning will serve as Assistant Dean of Students working primarily with the Upper School, while Ms. Varraso will fill the role of Assistant Dean of Students for the Middle School. The trio will be joined by Mr. Pat Costello, Coordinator of Student Activities in the Office of Student Life, and we look forward to their leadership and the guidance they will provide our students.

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School Pictures Take Place Wednesday, September 8

 

With the postponement of Thursday's Convocation Mass, we have to wait until next week for the 2021-2022 debut of chapel attire. That said, we can't wait to see all our students in chapel attire for school pictures day, which will take place Wednesday, September 8th. For details of what chapel attire consists of, please refer to the Austin Prep Dress Code policy here. 

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Convocation Mass Postponed

 

As noted, with the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida passing through New England early Thursday morning, we were forced to postpone Convocation Mass. One of our most cherished annual traditions at Austin Prep, Convocation Mass marks the official start of the academic year. This year's Convocation Mass will be particularly memorable as we look forward to welcoming His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, to campus for our Convocation Celebration. Cardinal Seán will be commissioning the Daughters of Mary as they begin their time as members of the School community, and we are grateful that Cardinal Seán has agreed to find a date in the near future to celebrate with us. We will make the Austin Prep community aware of that date as soon as it is confirmed.

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Parents Association Meeting September 13th

The Signature Event Returns December 4th!

College Counseling Office Offers Virtual Programming September 14th

 

 

The Office of College Counseling is excited to offer a virtual evening program for seniors and their families this fall. They will host a Senior Family Information/Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. During this presentation, seniors and their families will have the opportunity to meet new members of the Office of College Counseling and learn more about what to expect this fall for the college counseling process. 

Information about the financial aid process will be presented by Matt Carpenter, Founder and Managing Partner of College Funding Services. Matt and members of his team have helped thousands of families find creative and affordable strategies for paying for college. They have also provided education to families on how to negotiate with colleges once the students have been accepted. Come and learn the ins and outs of the financial aid process, and how to best prepare yourself financially for the next step.

A link to access the Senior Family Information/Financial Aid Night Webinar will be forthcoming.

If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of College Counseling. We look forward to you joining us for the webinar!

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Save the Date for Virtual Back to School Night September 22

Let's Keep Austin Prep Safe!

As a reminder, we all must do our part to keep ourselves and the rest of the Austin Prep community safe, healthy, and on campus together. Austin Prep continues to abide by many health related standards and procedures instituted last year to ensure that our community stays safe. We all share responsibility in the well-being of our school community. 

To that end, with the help of some Austin Prep students, last year we produced a series of videos to help reinforce some of the ways you can do your part in "Keeping Austin Prep Safe." Please watch the video below to learn more about proper hand washing techniques. 

Finally, it is important to remain vigilant in our wearing of masks while indoors at school. Masks are required for everyone while indoors (classrooms, hallways, common areas, etc.). This requirement includes indoor athletic events, as well as when utilizing all transportation provided by Austin Prep. Masks may be removed in the dining hall while eating lunch, but must remain on at all other times while in the dining hall. Also, don't forget, masks need to cover both your nose and mouth!

Keeping Austin Prep Safe: Hand Hygiene

 

Connect with us on Social Media

@AustinPrep

 

@AustinPrep

@AP_MiddleSchool

@AustinPrepAD

 

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austinprepmiddleschool

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School Closed for Labor Day

As a reminder, Austin Prep will be closed Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day. When students return on Tuesday, September 7th, it will be Day 2 in the rotation. Extend summer one last weekend and enjoy the holiday!

September 11th, 2021

Austin Prep Community Honors 20th Anniversary of September 11th

 

Friday morning, Austin Prep students, faculty, and staff took time to reflect, pray and observe a moment of silence to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the attacks and loss of life on September 11th, 2001. On an occasion such as this, the Austin Prep community would ordinarily come together as a community to learn, to remember, and to pray. In this instance, students stood with classmates in their individual classrooms while Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, Mr. Colin Kiley, Interim Dean of Students, Dr. William Driscoll, Assistant Head and Head of Upper School, and Mrs. Claudia Colannino, Registrar, offered reflections and read prayers at the exact time of each of the attacks: 8:46 a.m., North Tower; 9:03 a.m., South Tower; 9:37 a.m., Pentagon; 10:03 a.m., Shanksville, PA.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

 

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Parents Association Meeting Monday Night

The Signature Event Returns December 4th!

College Counseling Office Offers Virtual Programming Tuesday

 

 

The Office of College Counseling is excited to offer a virtual evening program for seniors and their families. They will host a Senior Family Information/Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, September 14th at 6:00 p.m. During this presentation, seniors and their families will have the opportunity to meet new members of the Office of College Counseling and learn more about what to expect this fall for the college counseling process. 

Information about the financial aid process will be presented by Matt Carpenter, Founder and Managing Partner of College Funding Services. Matt and members of his team have helped thousands of families find creative and affordable strategies for paying for college. They have also provided education to families on how to negotiate with colleges once the students have been accepted. Come and learn the ins and outs of the financial aid process, and how to best prepare yourself financially for the next step.

A link to access the Senior Family Information/Financial Aid Night Webinar will be sent to senior families separately.

If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of College Counseling. We look forward to you joining us for the webinar!

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Hispanic Heritage Month Begins September 15th

Austin Prep looks forward to celebrating diverse cultures, starting with Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th. During this time, we will recognize the contributions, achievements and influence of Hispanic Americans on the history and culture of the United States. This month is significant as it includes the date of independence for many Hispanic countries.

As a community we are committed to providing Latinx identifying individuals the opportunity to reflect on their cultural roots and help other students who are unfamiliar with the culture to learn more about what Latinx individuals have contributed to our society. 

Throughout the month we will provide students with opportunities to embrace and celebrate Hispanic culture. In the coming weeks, students will be able to indulge in different Spanish cuisine at lunch in the dining hall. Meals will include dishes from various Hispanic countries including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Cuba. Additionally, each week we will highlight individuals who have made an impact within the Hispanic Community.

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.

Learn More About Student Clubs on September 17th

Austin Prep looks forward to hosting our annual Club Fair on Friday, September 17th in Meelia Hall. Clubs provide students with a chance to meet new friends, develop individual talents, and enjoy time with other members of our Austin Prep community. Participation in student-led clubs enhances the overall Austin Prep experience. By offering diverse clubs, students can always find an opportunity to fit their interests. At next week's Club Fair, students will have a chance to speak with Club Moderators and existing members in a fun environment. Students can ask questions and learn more about all the Clubs that are being offered this year. After the fair, students will have time to work with their advisors to begin selecting the clubs they would like to participate in this year.

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Save the Date for Virtual Back to School Night September 22nd

Convocation Rescheduled for October 1st

One of our most cherished annual traditions at Austin Prep, Convocation Mass marks the official start of the academic year. While a bit delayed as a result of the remnants of Hurricane Ida, this year's Convocation Mass has been rescheduled for Friday, October 1st at 12:45 p.m. We look forward to welcoming His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, to campus for our Convocation Celebration. Cardinal Seán will be commissioning the Daughters of Mary as they begin their time as members of the School community. Cardinal Seán last visited Austin Prep for the dedication of Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall in September, 2016.

Families will once again be invited to Convocation, and we will be in touch soon with more information.

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Student-Athletes Receive Blessing and St. Augustine Medals

 

On Wednesday, September 8th we started the day with a beautiful ceremony in the Chapel of St. Augustine recognizing our fall sub-varsity student-athletes as they received a blessing and St. Augustine medals from Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain. Students were also treated to a wonderful hymn from Sr. Paskazia Nakitende and Sr. Mary Namutebi, Theology Faculty.

A mass and breakfast for fall varsity sport student-athletes and their families will take place tomorrow, Sunday, September 12th. We look forward to all our student-athletes coming together as a community of faith as we advance into the fall season. Good luck!

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Hyland '25 Partners with Saucony on Shoe Design

Cubby Cares Mentors Prepare for School Year

 

Mentors in the Cubby Cares Mentoring Program participated in team building exercises on Friday, September 3rd in preparation for the school year. The program began last year and is intended to help build supportive and cohesive relationships between Upper School and Middle School students. The innovative mentoring program, with Upper School Green Key Ambassadors serving as mentors for new Middle School students, was developed during the 2020-2021 academic year and was particularly important during last year's hybrid learning format. Middle schoolers have opportunities to seek out advice from their Upper School peers and simply build friendships with their mentors. 

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Visit Austin Prep at the Reading Street Faire Sunday

 

The 13th Annual Reading Street Faire is Sunday, September 12th in downtown Reading, and Austin Prep will be there.

The fair is from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. and Austin Prep’s station is located on Upper Haven Street. Students will be on hand greeting members of the community - be sure to stop by and say hello!

 

Austin Prep is a community partner of the Reading Rotary Club, which is hosting the fair. Our very own Mr. Mike Collins, Head Girls Tennis Coach, is a Past President of the Reading Rotary Club!

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Open House is Coming Soon

The Office of Admissions is hosting an Open House on Sunday, October 24th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for future students interested in grades 6 - 11.

We are looking for Parent Volunteers to staff our registration tables and to help welcome prospective families. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Steve Silverthorn, Director of Admissions.

Open House visitors will have the opportunity to meet Middle and Upper School faculty, school leaders, coaches, and take tours of our campus with Green Key Student Ambassadors.

Some of our best referrals come from current Austin Prep parents. We would be most grateful if you spread the word to those in your community about the Open House event and your own Austin Prep experience. 

September 18th, 2021

Fall Sports Kick Off Season with Mass and Breakfast

 

Our Fall Varsity Sports seasonal Mass and breakfast took place last Sunday. Varsity student-athletes and coaches joined in the celebration of the Eucharist from the Chapel of St. Augustine, asking for God's blessing for a safe and healthy Fall 2021 season. After the Mass, teams and families enjoyed a community breakfast in the Dining Hall. Best wishes to our Fall sports teams this season.

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Virtual Back to School Night September 22nd

Community Flu Clinic on September 22

In our ongoing effort to keep our community safe and healthy, and to provide a necessary convenience, we are pleased to be able to offer you a Flu Vaccination Clinic on campus next week. On September 22nd, from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Osco Drug Pharmacy will provide a Flu Vaccination Clinic for the entire Austin Prep community. The clinic will take place in the Gathering Room. Students may attend the clinic without a parent present, but must have a signed consent form and a copy of their health insurance card. Please see the attached consent form as well as the link to sign up online. Walk ins will be accepted with the proper documentation.  

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First Middle and Upper School Community Meetings of the Year

 

 

 

The week on campus was highlighted by the first community meetings of the academic year. On Monday, Middle School students gathered and played a fun game of trivia to help members of the Middle School community get to know Ms. Ashley Garcia, the new Middle School Heath and Wellness Counselor. On Tuesday, Upper School students met as a Division and discussed a plethora of topics with Mr. Colin Kiley, Interim Dean of Students; Mr. AJ Benning, Assistant Dean of Students; Mr. Patrick Costello, Coordinator of Student Activities; and Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion. Also highlighting the week were Student Government election speeches for the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

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Hispanic Heritage Month Begins with National Flags and Authentic Cuisine

 

Austin Prep looks forward to celebrating diverse cultures, starting with Hispanic Heritage Month, which began Wednesday and runs through October 15th. During this time, we will recognize the contributions, achievements and influence of Hispanic Americans on the history and culture of the United States. This month is significant as it includes the date of independence for many Hispanic countries.

At Tuesday's Upper School Community Meeting, Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, gave students an outline of the upcoming month of celebration. Wednesday began with a history of Hispanic Heritage Month being read during morning announcements, flags of Hispanic countries being prominently displayed in the Dining Hall, and Cuban cuisine being served during lunch.

For more information, contact Mr. Morales, and be on the lookout for more information around campus, here in the Cougar Courier and on social media.

Sixth Grade Builds Community with Mini Golf and Ice Cream

 

Members of the Class of 2028 spent Tuesday afternoon getting to know one another as they played miniature golf and enjoyed ice cream sundaes at Richardson's Farm. Students were placed in foursomes to play their 18 holes of golf and were prompted to dialogue with each other with conversation starters provided by faculty members at different holes on the course. An ice cream treat capped off the afternoon - Death by Chocolate and the Green Monster were student favorites. This class activity was planned by the Office of Student Life as part of a series of programs designed to build community among students. You can view photos from the day here.

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Club Fair Introduces Students to Extracurricular Opportunities

Austin Prep hosted its annual Club Fair on Friday in Meelia Hall, where students had the opportunity to speak with Club Moderators and existing members in a fun environment. Students could ask questions and learn more about all the clubs that are being offered this year. Next week, students will have time to work with their advisors to begin selecting the clubs they would like to participate in this year.

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College Counseling Webinar

 

The Office of College Counseling is grateful to all those who tuned in to the Senior Family Information and Financial Aid Night on Tuesday. During this presentation, seniors and their families had the opportunity to meet new members of the Office of College Counseling and learn more about what to expect this fall for the college counseling process. 

Information about the financial aid process was presented by Matt Carpenter, Founder and Managing Partner of College Funding Services. Matt and members of his team have helped thousands of families find creative and affordable strategies for paying for college. They have also provided education to families on how to negotiate with colleges once the students have been accepted. 

To watch the webinar, click here.

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Mr. McLaughlin and Mrs. Blais Team Up on Podcast

 

Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, and Mrs. Leeann Blais, English Faculty, were guests on this week's episode of "The Teacher As" podcast. The duo has teamed up to zero in on generating a top ten list of tech tricks and tools for Student Collaboration. You can listen to their episode here. "The Teacher As" podcast highlights innovative practices and uncommon parallels in education. The goal of this weekly podcast is to help educators explore passions and learn from others in education and beyond. Mr. McLaughlin was a guest on the podcast earlier this summer and highlighted the importance of student engagement. Click here to listen to that episode.

 

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Thanks for Visiting us at the Reading Street Faire

 

The 13th Annual Reading Street Faire, hosted by the Reading Rotary Club, was last Sunday, September 12th in downtown Reading. Thank you to all those who stopped by to say hello!

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Community Spotlight: Ms. Jennifer Gaudette

 

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: Salem, NH

Education/Degrees: B.A. in English with a minor in Secondary Education from Stonehill College; M.Ed. in Moderate Disabilities (5-12) from Merrimack College

Years at Austin Prep: First Year

Years working in Education: 3

Department/Area of Subject: English

Describe a teacher who inspired you growing up: There are too many to give full credit to here! Several wonderful educators who left a positive impact on me were Mr. Kelley, my middle school chorus teacher; Ms. Moynihan, my high school English teacher; Mr. Pastore, my high school geometry teacher; and Stonehill College professors Sarah Gracombe and Tracey Thorpe. Each of these individuals left a lasting imprint on me for unique reasons. Mr. Kelley was simply hilarious. He had this quirky charm that just resonated with the quirkiness of middle school students, and even at a young age, I was impressed by how much effort he was able to pull out of his students. It was a clear testament to the powerful relationships he built with us. Ms. Moynihan and Mr. Pastore were teachers who were both obviously enthusiastic about their content, but understood their roles as deeper than the content. These were the teachers who in every word, every action, showed you they cared about YOU. Not just you as a student, but you as an individual. It also must be mentioned that Mr. Pastore gave the best life lessons. And finally, Prof. Gracombe and Prof. Thorpe were absolutely innovative! Their creativity and empowering push for students to achieve in a similar manner were both breathtaking and refreshing in my perspective as a student. I hope to take from every one of my role models in my own career.

Do you have a motto you teach by? Or an expression you try to instill in your classroom? “What’s My Why?” is a motto that not only drives my teaching, but that I try to fall back on throughout my daily life. A saying that was passed on to me from one of my teachers, “What’s My Why?” is both a call for deeper reflection about the greater purpose of the work that we do and a promise to students for transparency so that their education takes on a whole new level of meaning.

What’s the most insightful thing a student has ever said to you? “Thank you for not giving up on me.” This came from a student who I had struggled to form a relationship with over the course of the entire school year. I hadn’t even known that I had made an impact on this student...just the simplest thank you can be the most eye-opening experience for someone else.

If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have? I love working with people, so I think I would have to be helping others in some way. Perhaps a school guidance counselor, or even a personal trainer? I have a lot of interests I would like to explore though, so I think working for a publishing company, becoming a nutritionist, or something in event planning would be fun career paths as well! I also think working outside as a park ranger would be very cool, but I was never naturally skilled with the sciences.

Accolades: Graduated Summa cum Laude from Stonehill College and earned a spot in the full-tuition Merrimack College Teaching Fellowship

Favorite Quote: “Education should aim at long-lasting learning that forever alters our grasp of the world, deepening it, widening it, generalizing it, sharpening it.”

– Donald Finkel, Teaching With Your Mouth Shut

Fun fact (about you or your past; something colleagues & students might not ordinarily know): My first high school job was working on Srybny Farms in Haverhill, MA. Everything on the farm had to be hand-picked, so I spent a lot of that summer picking tomatoes and green beans. To me, it was the coolest job ever at the time! I gained a lot of appreciation for where my food comes from.

Any other information you would like to share: Something I always wish for is more time in the day...there are so many things that I want to do, learn, and experience on a daily basis! Some of the things on my bucket list include: learning sign language, integrating mindfulness practices into my daily routine, taking a CrossFit class, becoming a better environmentalist and planting trees, and making a book list for next year!

In between all of that, I like to spend my free time with my friends and family, walking my black lab Brody, listening to music, staying active, and exploring the outdoors!

September 25th, 2021

Convocation Returns Friday, October 1st

 

One of our most cherished annual traditions at Austin Prep, Convocation Mass, marks the official start of the academic year. While a bit delayed as a result of the remnants of Hurricane Ida, this year's rescheduled Convocation Mass will take place on Friday, October 1st at 12:45 p.m. We look forward to welcoming His Eminence Seán Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, to campus for our Convocation Celebration. Cardinal Seán will be commissioning the Daughters of Mary as they begin their time as members of the School community. Cardinal Seán last visited Austin Prep for the dedication of Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall in September, 2016.  

The Mass will take place outdoors on Father Seymour Field. All students and staff will be in attendance for the Mass, and the event will be livestreamed for the wider School community. The livestream link will be available on our website and sent to families the day before the event. Chapel dress is required of all students that day.

Parents and Families are welcome to attend Convocation. To help us properly plan for the community gathering, it is extremely important that you fill out this Google Form to let us know you will be attending. Please respond by Monday, September 27th.

This will be a very memorable occasion for our students and a special day for all those within the Austin Prep community.

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College Testing Day is October 13th

 

Austin Prep will once again host its annual testing day on Wednesday, October 13th. All 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT and all 9th graders will take the PSAT 8/9.  Seniors who pre-registered for the test will take the SAT.  Any seniors who are not taking the SAT do not have to attend school and are encouraged to visit colleges or work on college related tasks.

A few notes regarding testing:

• Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. after morning prayer. Students should plan to arrive by 7:50 a.m. and report directly to their assigned rooms.  Room assignments will be shared with families a few days before the test.

• Students are expected to be in proper dress code for testing day, which includes wearing a mask.

• Students should bring number 2 pencils, a calculator, a snack, and water.

• Testing should conclude around 12:00 p.m. for most students and around 1:30 p.m. for students with extended time.  When the test is complete, students will be dismissed for the day.  Lunch will not be provided.

• If your child takes the bus, a separate email will be sent regarding transportation needs.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Cynthia Pitta, Director of College Counseling.

 

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Autumn at Austin Returns October 16th

 

Come to Austin Prep on Saturday, October 16th and experience the bustle of campus life in the fall. Enjoy rooting for our home teams at athletic games; watch Senior student-athlete recognitions; and have lunch in the dining hall with your whole family!

Family Lunch, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

($10 per person includes sandwich, sides, beverage)
SAGE Dining will prepare a variety of gourmet sandwiches, homemade potato chips and salad, complete with vegetarian options.

Click here to Register

For a full list of athletic events on Saturday, October 16th, click here.

We look forward to welcoming back our Alumni to campus for Alumni Campus Tours and an Alumni Memorial Mass. Current Austin Prep families are welcome to be part of these activities. For a complete list of alumni programming click here.

KINDLY REGISTER BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 11TH 

Questions? Contact Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations & Giving.

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International Students, Together Again, Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

 

Tuesday marked the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, a traditional festival celebrated in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Vietnam, as well as by overseas Chinese and Vietnamese communities. It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. Our international students, back on campus together after a year away, celebrated in the traditional manner: enjoying mooncakes, a Chinese bakery delicacy, with friends.

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Middle School Field Day Unites Students

 

Central to our Augustinian identity is the charism of unitas, or community. This is something we truly cultivate and celebrate through programs within and beyond the classroom. The opportunity to engage with peers and participate in activities contributes to this feeling of community and the special spirit of Austin Prep. On Tuesday, the entire Middle School participated in a Field Day on campus. During this day, students took part in a full day of structured activities and team building opportunities led by members of the Middle School faculty.

We are grateful for the friendships formed during the initial weeks of the academic year. To view photos from Field Day, click here.

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School Offers Community Flu Clinic

 

In our ongoing effort to keep our community safe and healthy, Austin Prep offered a convenient Flu Vaccination Clinic on campus on Wednesday. The clinic, coordinated by Osco Drug Pharmacy, took place in the Gathering Room, and nearly 200 members of the school community got vaccinated. If you didn't stop by, don't forget to get your flu shot soon! 

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Virtual Back to School Night a Success

Sky's the Limit for Zizza'26 and New Horse, Biggie

 

Angelica Zizza '26 is a competitive equestrian - and her hard work took her to new heights this week in earning the title of National Champion at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) National Championship Show at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Angelica and her horse Biggie are the 2021 National Champions in Western Pleasure, with multiple Top 5 and Top 10  placings in Showmanship at Halter, Hunter Under Saddle, and Hunt Seat Equitation. Angelica and Biggie have only been a team since February of this year. The pair won a World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas in June in English Ideal as well as multiple circuit championships in New England. Angelica is the president of the Board of the New England Youth Paint Horse Club where she organizes volunteer and charitable activities throughout the year at each show. 

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Calculus Students Learn Using Bingo

 

Students in Ms. Alison Fish's AB Calculus class played Limit Bingo to help them review for their upcoming Unit test.  Problems were projected on a screen and students were required to find the limit within 2 minutes. Students who got the limit right, and had the answer on their Bingo sheet, were able to cross off the the square. Class winners were Jackie Brand '23, Jonathan Brand '23, and Nyree Kourkounian '23. Good luck on your test!

Head Softball Coach Sorrenti Steps Down

 

Mr. Frank Sorrenti, Head Varsity Softball Coach, recently decided to step down from the helm at Austin Prep and begin his retirement. Coach Sorrenti has been part of the Austin Prep community for 12 years, first as an assistant softball and hockey coach, and then for the past 10 seasons as he served as the varsity softball head coach. During his time, he amassed over 100 victories including three Catholic Central League Championships, four Division 3 Sectional appearances and three State Championship appearances, winning the 2019 Division 3 State Championship.

"I have always cherished the opportunity to represent Austin Prep and always put the reputation of the school and the best interests of student-athletes who played for me first and foremost," Sorrenti said, "I am very proud of the success we enjoyed as a team and program during my time as the program's leader and will take away memories that will last a lifetime." 

"Coach Sorrenti has been instrumental in bringing the Austin Prep softball program to new heights, most notably the Division 3 State Championship in 2019. His dedication and commitment to our students and our mission was always paramount. I wish him nothing but the best as he enters retirement," Head of School, Dr. James Hickey, said.

The search for his replacement will start immediately in preparation for the spring 2022 season.