November 2025

 

 

This year's Parent Ambassadors Parent Social event takes place Saturday, November 15 at Austin Prep. This fun and festive themed event brings parents together to enjoy a night out while raising critical support for the Annual Fund. It’s a celebration of community with a meaningful impact and one you won’t want to miss! Early Bird pricing for the event has been extended to November 1.

In 2015, the Parents Association was created with a dual mission: to build a strong sense of community among parents and to support the school’s development efforts through hospitality, appreciation, and volunteer events. This year, to better reflect that mission and spirit of collaboration, we’re reintroducing ourselves with a fresh new name: the Austin Prep Parent Ambassadors.

Our goal is simple but powerful—to create opportunities for parents to connect with one another, while also contributing to the vibrant life and mission of Austin Prep. Whether you’re new to the school or have been part of the community for years, there’s a place for you to get involved, make new friendships, and support our shared purpose. We can't wait to celebrate with you at our event!

 

 

The Austin Prep Drama Club looks forward to presenting The Internet Is Distract - OH LOOK A KITTEN! by Ian McWethy. The show takes place Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 pm in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall. Buy tickets here: Tickets On Sale.

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!!!

 

 

We are looking forward to the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday, November 7. As you know, grades are available in the portal at all times for your reference, and official report cards with comments will be posted next week. If you are interested in scheduling a conference with any of your child's teachers, please be on the lookout for an email this Sunday with instructions to sign up for a conference.

For your planning purposes, Parent-Teacher Conferences are five minutes each and will be held on:

Friday, November 7th: 

Please note there are scheduled breaks in the day for the faculty as they will be meeting parents consecutively, so please plan accordingly and do not schedule yourself with back-to-back conferences as you will need time to get from room to room in the building during our in-person hours.

Registration for these appointments will be available in the Parent Portal on Monday, November 3, at 4:00 p.m.

 

Cheer Competition (November 2)

Fall Play (November 5 and 6)

 

Save the Date! Celebrate St. Augustine's Birthday and our Day of Giving on November 13

 

Save the date! On 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. 

Austin Prep is grateful for the generosity and leadership of Barbara Marchetti P’17, trustee and proud past parent, whose belief in our mission continues to shape the Austin Prep experience for generations to come.

Join Barbara and our community of supporters on Austin Prep’s Day of Giving, November 13, as we come together in veritas, unitas, and caritas to keep Austin Prep at the forefront of educational excellence.

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We hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween last night. As is tradition, on the eve of Halloween, students in Ms. Marla Pascucci-Byrne's Middle School Dance Class, in collaboration with the Office of Communications, proudly presented Austin Prep's annual interpretation of "Thriller." Enjoy the full performance by clicking the above link!

 

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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 more than half a century, Richard Meelia '67 has been a steadfast champion of Austin Prep guided by a lifelong commitment to helping students and a deep compassion for those on the margins. Learn more about why Rich supports Austin Prep, and learn how you can support Austin Prep.

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This week, Austin Prep launched an ambitious year-long, cross-departmental research initiative investigating marine microplastic pollution. Twenty Upper School Marine Science students traveled to Devereux Beach in Marblehead to collect 32 sand samples from locations experiencing different current patterns, following national standards for marine sample collection and recording precise GPS coordinates at each site.

The very next day, students were joined remotely by Dr. Lisa Rodrigues, a prominent microplastics researcher from Villanova University, a fellow Augustinian school, who shared professional insights into research methodologies and the ecological implications of microplastic pollution.

 

This innovative project engages over 160 students across three disciplines. Following sample collection, Marine Science students will perform preliminary processing of the samples. Chemistry students will then analyze the samples to identify the distribution of different microplastic classifications. Finally, Algebra 2 students will analyze the microplastic distribution data to draw meaningful conclusions and create visual representations of pollution patterns along the coastline.

This interdisciplinary initiative provides our students with hands-on experience in STEM disciplines and demonstrates how different fields collaborate to address real-world environmental challenges.

 

 

Fr. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A., Augustinian Vocations Director, and Jim Burke, a member of the Third Order of St. Augustine, visited the junior and senior Theology classes to share insights on Augustinian spirituality and how it can be lived out in every vocation and stage of life.

Drawing from the rich tradition of the Rule of Saint Augustine, Fr. Jeremy and Mr. Burke invited students to reflect on central aspects of Augustinian life: how to pray with authenticity and openness to God, how to cultivate genuine friendships that strengthen one’s community, and what it truly means to love God.

Their message encouraged students to see faith not as a distant ideal, but as a lived experience rooted in unitas (unity), veritas (truth), and caritas (love)—the core values that guide the Augustinian way of life.

 

 

 

On Thursday, seniors participated in a meaningful retreat at Merrimack College, facilitated by the Campus Ministry Office in collaboration with Fr. Andrew Beauregard, FPC, of the Franciscans of the Poor of Christ, and members of the faculty. Centered on the theme “Called to Be Game-Changers: Saints with a Purpose,” the retreat invited students to reflect on Austin Prep’s core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas, encouraging them to strengthen their faith, build deeper connections with their peers, and embrace their call to live as disciples of Christ. Throughout the day, retreat leaders designed and facilitated small group activities that enabled students to engage in thoughtful dialogue, personal reflection, and spiritual growth, making the experience both impactful and transformative.

 

 

 

We were delighted to welcome Dr. Crystal Kuykendall back to Austin Prep on Wednesday, October 28. Dr. Kuykendall, who served as the 2020 St. Augustine Lecturer, has become a treasured friend to our school community through her many visits to campus. During this visit, she delivered an inspiring talk to students and faculty centered on the school-wide theme, "In the One, We Are One", a motto adopted from Pope Leo XIII that resonated deeply with Dr. Kuykendall as a native Chicagoan. She encouraged Austin Prep students to be of service to their communities and to promote kindness in all they do, values that align beautifully with the Augustinian mission of inspiring hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve. 

Dr. Kuykendall also spent time with the sophomore academic class, "Speeches," engaging in a powerful question-and-answer session about her approach to public speaking and communicating key ideas effectively. With her extensive background in education, including roles as former Executive Director of the National Alliance of Black School Educators and professorships at Seton Hall University and Montclair State University, Dr. Kuykendall continues to inspire students with her powerful storytelling, warm personality, and profound wisdom about building stronger, more compassionate communities.

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Alison Pliskaner's Algebra I Honors students got into the Halloween spirit by creating Countdown to Halloween Calendars—each one built using their own multi-step equations and inequalities, including absolute value equations and inequalities whose solutions covered all 31 days of October.

Students showcased their creativity through digital and hand-crafted calendars filled with Halloween trivia and riddles, hidden spooky messages, and fun prizes. It was a perfect blend of algebra and Halloween magic! 

 

 

As we enter November, we are called to remember our faithful departed, particularly our cherished loved ones. Our faith reassures us that the bonds of love we have cultivated do not cease with death.

In St. Augustine's autobiography, The Confessions, he recounts the profound grief he and his brother experienced during the final moments of their mother St. Monica’s life. Amid their sorrowful discussions regarding her funeral arrangements, she imparted a poignant instruction: “Bury this body anywhere and take no trouble over it. I ask you only this: that you remember me, wherever you may be, at the Altar of the Lord.”

November commences with the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, culminating in the celebration of Christ the King of the Universe, who has dominion over all things, including death and life. This season presents a fitting opportunity for us to honor all those we have loved throughout our lives – our family members, friends, and benefactors. In doing so, we emulate the request made by St. Monica to St. Augustine and his brother: to remember them at the Altar of the Lord. We also do so to remember that “in the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by His death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity (General Introduction, Order of Christian Funerals).” Death no longer has power over us.

We invite you to submit the names of your deceased loved ones by clicking here. These names will be placed at the foot of the altar in the Chapel of St. Augustine on the Austin Prep campus, ensuring they are remembered in our Masses, prayers, and sacrifices. This act serves as an expression of our faith and our gratitude for your presence within the Austin Prep community. 

May God in His mercy bless you and your family and gather to Himself the souls of all our faithful departed.

 

 

 

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.

 

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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!

 

 

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

 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Ushearnda Stroud, Interim Assistant Director of Admissions.

 

 

 

 

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!!!

You can view photos from the performance here.

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

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.

 

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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! 

 

 

 

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

 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Ushearnda Stroud, Interim Assistant Director of Admissions.

 

 

 

The Priority Application deadline for the 2026–27 academic year is December 15. At Austin Prep, one of our greatest blessings is our families who choose and invest in an Austin Prep education for their child. Our school has been at or near full capacity in recent years, in part thanks to referrals from current families, and we hope you’ll continue the tradition. If you know a family who might be interested in learning more about Austin Prep, please connect them with our Admissions Team at admissions@austinprep.org. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painter Rob Surette speaks with Austin Prep art students and faculty after his performance Thursday.

 

We were thrilled to welcome guest artist Rob Surette on Thursday for an inspiring performance that left a lasting impression on our students. Rob has inspired thousands of students throughout his career with his artwork and performances. Through his unique hero art presentation, Rob shared powerful messages about kindness, imagination, courage, and persistence. 

These values resonated deeply with our entire school community, encouraging students to carry these important principles forward throughout their time at Austin Prep and well beyond into the next chapter of their Journey. As a special highlight, Rob also created a stunning portrait of St. Augustine that will remain as a beautiful reminder of this memorable day.

We are grateful to Rob for generously sharing his time, talent, and wisdom with our students. His visit provided an uplifting and thought-provoking experience that our students will remember for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

On November 8 the Austin Prep Math Team participated in the annual Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT), one of the most prestigious high school math competitions in the world. Hosted by Harvard University students, this year’s tournament welcomed 125 registered teams, bringing together exceptionally talented math students from across the globe. The competition featured challenging problems that went well beyond the scope of the Massachusetts Math League (MML), providing students with an opportunity to test their skills at an elite level.

Under the guidance of Math Team coach Mr. Jason Sun, team members Celina Hwang '26, Danielle Zaza '26, Jaden Cruz '26, Mark Tokarev '28, and Connor Lynch '27 represented Austin Prep with determination and enthusiasm. They competed in four rounds—two individual rounds (General and Theme) and two team rounds (Team and Guts). In addition to the rigorous competition, students enjoyed an a cappella performance and the exciting Integration Bee Finals, a live contest showcasing advanced calculus problem-solving. The experience was both inspiring and rewarding, allowing our students to engage with peers who share a passion for mathematics on a global stage.

 

 

 

 

 

Students, faculty and staff gathered in support of Fope Ayo ‘26 on Monday as she announced her commitment to continue her basketball career at the University of Michigan. 

 

Ranked No. 45 by ESPN as a 6-5 center, Fope was the defensive player of the year in NEPSAC Class AA last season. In addition to her four-star ranking from ESPN, she is also a four-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports. With over 30 NCAA Division I scholarship offers, Fope ultimately chose Michigan over Stanford, South Carolina, and the University of Miami.

Christmas Traditions Approaching

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! We look forward to the return of Austin Prep's holiday traditions. More details will follow, but please save the date as preparations are underway for the following events:

Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 4th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The Tree Lighting will take place outside McLaughlin Hall. Treats and pictures with Santa to follow. Plan on attending the tree lighting? Please RSVP here.

Lessons and Carols

Friday, December 5th, 2025 during Community for students, faculty and staff.

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Augustine's in Andover for family members of performers.

 

The Nutcracker

Monday, December 15th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Performance will take place at the Collins Center in Andover.

 

We are grateful for all those who will help us make these events a reality, and hope you will join us for the shows.

 

The list of students who earned honors in the first quarter of Austin Prep's 2025-2026 academic year has been released. Congratulations to the students who earned this prestigious recognition in their pursuit of truth. #Veritas 

 

 

 

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.

David Quirk ‘84 is a leading New England builder whose work and generosity continue to shape the Austin Prep campus and its future, enhancing spaces where students learn, grow, compete, and thrive every day. Learn more about his work at Austin Prep and why he gives back to Austin Prep by visiting our Champions of Giving page.  Learn how you can support Austin Prep.

 

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The second year of the Austin Prep collaboration with Harvard Medical School's MEDScience program kicked off this month, now fully integrated into our upper school college prep physics curriculum. Facilitated by Mr. Francesco Donati, physics faculty, and Mrs. Amy Foley, Dean of STEM, students traveled to Harvard Medical School's emergency room simulation suites where they conducted mock patient diagnoses before diving into a skills laboratory to practice suturing, laparoscopic surgery, and robot-assisted surgery. Throughout the year, students will return to Harvard Medical School multiple times to tackle different patient cases and learn new medical techniques. Between visits, classtime at Austin Prep is completely hands-on—students learn traditional physics entirely through the lens of surgical robotics, using their model robots to perform precise operations while mastering Newtonian principles like drawing velocity vs. displacement diagrams of their robot's laparoscopic camera. The program will culminate in students presenting their innovative healthcare solutions to venture capitalists and biotech representatives at Harvard in the spring.

 

 

 

In recognition of Veterans Day, 8th-grade civics students created a Hall of Heroes, honoring family members, friends, and Medal of Honor recipients from Massachusetts who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Each student interviewed or researched the service history of someone close to them or a Medal of Honor recipient from Massachusetts.  These profiles highlight the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women who have protected and served our country.

The Hall of Heroes stands as a tribute to their service and a reminder of the sacrifices they have made. It is located on the first floor in the Middle School hallway. 

Happy Thanksgiving From Austin Prep

As a reminder, Thanksgiving Break begins Wednesday, November 26th and classes will resume Monday, December 1st. The Cougar Courier will return on Saturday, December 6th.

 

 

 

During this season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to each member of our school community—students, families, teachers, staff, and everyone who helps make our school a vibrant and supportive place for learning.

Saying “thank you” and expressing appreciation can truly brighten someone’s day. A simple acknowledgment of someone's service or kindness can lift their spirits and strengthen the bond between us. No one can thrive alone; we all rely on others, and it’s important to take the time to thank those who serve and support us in different ways.

Even Jesus’s life was filled with gratitude to His Father. At the breaking of the bread, He took the bread and gave thanks. If the Son of God took the time to express gratitude, how much more are we called to thank others for their service and care?

Over the next week, and as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, let’s make an effort to express our gratitude to those around us. Whether it’s a teacher, a classmate, or a member of our staff, a heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the specific ways in which others contribute to our shared success.

Above all, let us not forget to thank our Almighty God, our Creator and Provider, who blesses us with everything we have.

May this season of gratitude create lasting memories, and may we continue to support and appreciate each other throughout the year.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for all that you are to our Austin Prep community!