Next Week and Beyond
Welcome to March! We have a full five days of school next week. Please see the calendar below for the even/odd day schedule.
With the first large-scale MCAS test approaching in March, we wanted to clarify a few points in light of MA Ballot Question #2 passing in November. We encourage families, especially those who have grade 9th and 10th graders, to discuss these points with their students.
All grade 10 (ELA and math) and 9 (science) students are still required to take the test. This is mandatory. There is no opt out.
MCAS still provides opportunities for our students.
The state will still grant the MCAS-based Adams and Koplik scholarships.
Scores will help determine eligibility for honors and AP courses.
Scores will help determine honors diploma eligibility.
MCAS results will still count in the state’s accountability system. AHS will still be evaluated as a school on how our students do on MCAS.
MCAS data will be used to help determine academic interventions for students and guide curricular and instructional decisions so we can better educate our students.
We know students have been making great strides this year. Please encourage them to do their best. The ELA test is first up and begins on March 25.
Upcoming Chromebook Update
During school on March 5, students will be conducting an update on their school-issued Chromebooks. Documents or projects left in download files will be lost. Students should backup these files if they would like continued access to them.
Local Graduation Requirements and Competency Determination
There are two overarching requirements to receive a high school diploma: meet local graduation requirements and attain a competency determination. With the passing of Massachusetts Ballot Question #2, the competency determination requirement has changed and can be found below. Graduation requirements, also included below, have not changed as a result of Question #2.
COMPETENCY DETERMINATION
State law requires students to satisfy the requirements of the “competency determination” (CD) in order to graduate from high school. M.G.L. c. 69, s. 1D (i). A school committee shall award the high school diploma only to a student who has satisfied the Competency Determination requirement and who has met local graduation requirements.
Students who did not attain a competency determination (CD) through MCAS are eligible to achieve it by satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student’s district as showing mastery of the skills, competencies, and knowledge contained in the state academic standards and curriculum frameworks in the areas measured by the MCAS high school tests in 2023 as noted above (ELA, math, science).
Students can show they have satisfactorily completed coursework and earn a CD in these ways:
As a CD is based on a grade 10 standard, students may earn one by attaining a passing grade in the courses listed below, their equivalents, or courses that cover grade 10 standards:
For English Language Arts: English II
For Mathematics: Algebra I and Geometry
For Science: Biology, Chemistry, or Introductory Physics
Students may earn a CD by attaining a qualifying score on a district-approved locally determined measure (e.g. an assessment) that covers the required coursework.
AHS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must attain 170 credits to graduate from Attleboro High School and Attleboro Virtual Academy. See the table below:
Students must take 4 years of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Students must take 4 years of Health/Physical Education.
Students must take 2 years of the same World Language.
Students must take the equivalent of 1 year of Visual/Performing arts.
Credit minimums for graduation
24 credits needed in English, math, science, and social studies
8 credits needed in PE/Health
6 credits needed in visual/performing arts
12 credits needed in world language
Minimum credits necessary for graduation - 170 credits
Other requirements may be established by the school administration in relation to the particular program, otherwise the additional credits needed for a graduation may be selected from among elective courses. For the total number of credits required please see the high school program of studies or student handbook.
JED Foundation Information (first post shared on 2.14)
Attleboro High School is partnering with the JED Foundation to conduct an online survey about student well-being, challenges they may face, and their sources of support. Below is information about the survey as well as an opt-out option. If you choose to opt out your student, you must complete the form in the link provided here by February 28. Students are also provided the choice to opt out on the day of the survey. Jed Foundation Survey.
Student Drivers
This is a reminder to please drive cautiously on campus and when entering/leaving school grounds. We know that the start and end of the day is a busy time. It is important to be safe for yourself, each other, and our neighbors. Parking on campus is a privilege and driving carefully is a good opportunity to display our core values of respect and integrity.
Drama Festival
AHS is hosting the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival on Saturday, March 1st from 9:00 am until 5:15. Come enjoy some great entertainment!
The Blue Pride Bistro will be open March 5th, 6th, and 7th next week. We look forward to serving you!
Kindergarten Information Night
Do you know anyone with school age children ready for Kindergarten for next year? The Attleboro Public Schools is pleased to host Kindergarten Information Night on March 6, 2025, at 6PM. Learn more here: https://www.attleboroschools.com/o/apswc/article/2030011
Visit the APS Community Fliers page to view the most recent events, opportunities, and resources happening within the Attleboro Community.
The Attleboro Public Schools does not, in any education program or activity that it operates, discriminate or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race*, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, religion, disability, age, genetic-information, active military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related condition, homelessness, ancestry, ethnic background, national origin, immigration status, or any category protected by state or federal law. The Attleboro Public School District prohibits sex discrimination. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the District’s Civil Rights and/or Title IX Coordinators. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at https://www.attleboroschools.com. *race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, hair length and protective hairstyles.