Art

The Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework (2019) states art "students will develop artistic literacy through active participation in the arts, expressing creative ideas with skill, confidence, and artistic intent. Through practices related to creating, presenting or performing, responding, and connecting, students will understand the role of the arts in their individual lives and interests. While recognizing the intrinsic values of the arts, students will also discover the meaningful connections between arts and other disciplines, and how the arts contribute to their communities and cultures around the world. As art students respond to great artists and works of art, they develop the ability to analyze artworks in terms of their own formal qualities, historic styles, social context, and artistic intent. The practice of responding to works of art builds perceptive acuity and aesthetic sensitivity. A rigorous progression of learning and engagement with the arts throughout K-12 education is the foundation for a rich, lifelong relationship with the arts.

Director – Michelle Poirier, Staff – Hanna August, Megan Kenealy

email: michellepoirier@abingtonps.org

Business

Regardless of your career plans, the Business Department offers courses that will help you fulfill many of your professional and personal goals. In response to National Business Educator Association initiatives, our goal is to provide students with curricula that reflect the application of course content to realistic business situations and engage students in learning situations that promote both academic and career success. Exploration of career possibilities is an integral component in all courses. Business courses develop the critical thinking skills, human relation skills, and positive attitudes needed for career satisfaction and advancement in our complex and constantly changing workplace.

Staff – Cara Howell

email: carahowell@abingtonps.org      

English

English courses are designed to give students the opportunity to develop the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in a literature-based, integrated language arts program. Our goal is to support students on their way to more effective language use and greater appreciation of the literary expression of others. Students will learn to use language to gain information, discover meaning, understand logical relationships, and make judgments through critical listening, reading and viewing; speak, write, and solve problems creatively; and communicate emotions, ideas, opinions, values, experiences, and information. All students read the written work of others as models of communication; they communicate their understanding of texts in writing through journals, reader’s logs, note-taking, essays, exams, creative writing and research papers.

Department Head - Elizabeth Gonsalves, PhD, Staff - Matthew Cutter, Kim McHugh, Mark Regalbuto, Erin Slayton, Megan Tomlin

email: elizabethgonsalves@abingtonps.org

World Languages

The World Language Department offers a five-year sequence in Spanish. Language proficiency, or the ability to use language for purposeful communication, is the major goal of all world language courses. Conversation and culture are integrated in all teaching and learning situations in the world language class. In order to conform to the recommendations of the World Language Curriculum Frameworks, students are encouraged to continue their study of Spanish through senior year. The world language curriculum meets school-wide expectations by providing students with opportunities to communicate effectively through speaking and writing, to demonstrate high level thinking skills and to work toward mastery of content.

Director – Kristina Wilson, Staff - Martha Fry, Patricia Grabowski, Kate Ward

email: kristinawilson@abingtonps.org

Guidance

The AHS Guidance Department supports all students in the development of a positive assessment of self.  We assist with the academic and personal transition from middle to high school and promote a realistic plan of action for future college and career readiness. In general, services can be divided into four areas:

Education, Vocational, Personal and Psychological

Counselors meet with all students in groups and individually throughout the year.  Students and parents can also access counselors on an as needed basis.  A school psychologist is on staff at the high school to support students' learning and mental health.  A consultation model is the primary avenue for the provision of counseling services, with the involvement of parents and outside service providers strongly encouraged.

Director - Christina Park (G-M), email: christinapark@abingtonps.org

Staff- Sarah McGinness (A-F) email: sarahmcginness@abingtonps.org, Jessica Coscia (N-Z) email: jessicacoscia@abingtonps.org

Administrative Assistant - Anne Marie Padilla email: annemariepadilla@abingtonps.org

Library & Media

The Abington Middle / High School Library supports students and faculty by providing a collection of materials, both print and electronic to implement and enrich curriculum and to help ensure students are effective finders, users, and ethical producers of information. The library also strives to promote reading for pleasure. The library supports the Technology Department by being the contact point for laptop troubleshooting and repair.

Librarian - Tricia London, Library Tutor - Sheila Manzi

View Abington Middle/ High School Library

email: patricialondon@abingtonps.org

Math And Computer Science

"As science and technology have come to influence all aspects of life, from health and environment to financial affairs and national defense, mathematics has come to be of vital importance to the educational agenda of our nation." Recognizing that mathematics is the foundation of science and technology, and that mathematical literacy is essential in this technological age, the math department at Abington High requires that each student successfully complete four years of mathematics. Our math courses help promote the vision of the graduate by creating opportunities for students to increase their skills in critical thinking and to become engaged participants.

Department Head - Margaret Doherty, Staff - Lauren Bates, Mackenzie DiNapoli, Catherine Ferris, Phil Foley, Kristen Gerhart, Olivia Leonardo, Bridget Wakelin

email: margaretdoherty@abingtonps.org

Music

At Abington, our music program is about more than just learning to play an instrument—it’s about preparing students for success in life. Through Band, Choir, and other performing arts, students build essential skills like discipline, teamwork, and time management—qualities that are not only valued in college admissions but also critical for thriving as adults.

Participation in music boosts creativity, enhances cognitive abilities, and provides an emotional outlet, all while helping students develop a strong work ethic and passion for collaboration. Being part of a musical ensemble connects students with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering both personal growth and lasting friendships.

Abington’s Award-Winning Ensembles

• The “Champions” Marching Band: This celebrated ensemble performs at football games, town events, and competitions across New England. It’s open to students who play woodwinds, brass, percussion, or participate in our color guard. The season kicks off in September, with practices on Monday and Wednesday evenings, football games on Fridays, and competitions on Saturdays.

• Concert Band & Concert Choir: These daily classes explore music from different cultures and genres, ranging from Broadway to jazz and contemporary hits. Students who are part of the Concert Band or Concert Choir are encouraged to join the Marching Band for a fuller musical experience.

• Jazz Band: Meeting once a week after school, this ensemble dives into jazz, rock, hip hop, and even teaches students improvisation, expanding their musical horizons.

For any questions, feel free to reach out to our music department staff:

• Mr. Tim Leonelli – Director of Music, Marching Band Director, and Concert Band Director

• Ms. Rebecca Harrison – Concert Choir Director

• Ms. Annika Sjostedt – Music Teacher

Science

In support of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), the four-year high school science program provides a hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience in the four basic areas of science: physical science, life science, earth and space science, and technology/engineering.

In addition, our students must meet the College and Career Readiness standards in science which entails the ability to research and write about specific topics. Students are required to elect three years of science and are encouraged to choose from a variety of elective courses. Students are encouraged to consult with science teachers regarding specific details of any science course or level offered.

Department Head - Nicole Corbett, Staff - Orianne Greene, Presley Mahanna, John McGinness, Marissa Morganelli, Ross Weber

email: nicolecorbett@abingtonps.org

Social Studies

“Knowledge of history is the precondition of political intelligence. Without history, a society shares no common memory of where it has been, of what its core values are, of what decisions of the past account for present circumstances. Without history, one cannot undertake any sensible inquiry into the political, social, or moral issues in society. And without historical knowledge and the inquiry it supports, one cannot move to the informed, discriminating citizenship essential to effective participation in the democratic process.” (National Standards for History, 1996) The Social Studies curriculum is designed to reflect the sentiment of the National Standards as well as the standards of the Massachusetts History and Social Science Frameworks. Our goal is to prepare students for active citizenship through the study of history, civics, economics, geography and social science.

Department Head - Jason Scott, Staff - Nick DiPrizio, Brian Lanner, Amy Maddalena, Stephen Moore, Catherine Parsons

email: jasonscott@abingtonps.org

Special Needs

Based on the individual needs of the students in these prevocational special education programs, a range of unleveled five-credit courses (e.g., reading, mathematics, life skills, including Green Wave Café and job exploration, etc.) may be offered in any school year taught by the staff assigned to this program.

Team Chairperson and 504 Coordinator - Victoria McSweeney

email: victoriamcsweeney@abingtonps.org, phone: 781-982-2160 ext. 4427

Staff - Carrie Balasco, Caroline Boffoli, Shannon Desmond, Christopher Grijalva, Cathy Keohane, Sarah Sylvester, Kaitlyn Willette
Paras and Tutors - Jessica Brooker, William Caseley, Joseph McDonald, Sonia Nunes, Alexis Pineda, Judith Buckley

ESL - Beth Quinn

Speech and Language - Heidi Soderberg

School Psychologist - Kathleen Posk, Student Support Services...

School Nurse - Donna Conso

Wellness

The Health Education courses are designed to provide students with health-related knowledge and skills that can lead to positive attitudes and behaviors related to their well-being. The courses focus on emerging health concepts and issues, as well as current research on effective health practices and the motivation to change unhealthy behaviors. Physical Education courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in a wide variety of physical activities throughout their lives and to help students to understand the relationship between physical activity and health.

Director – Karin Daisy, Staff - Frank Cormos, Matt Henriksen, Adam Talbot

email: karindaisy@abingtonps.org

Web page - Wellness - Abington Public Schools