I have been struggling with what words to say to you today as we conclude this school year 2019-2020. Two hundred and ninety-two days ago, we eagerly welcomed students into the AMS to begin the school year. As a school community, we had no idea what we were in for. Since students first entered through the front doors in late August, we have experienced both unimaginable loss as well as the first global pandemic in one hundred years.

Yet somehow, despite all that we have been through together, my memories from this year are filled with good.  The smiles of our students and the celebrations of their accomplishments and the dedication of our staff come first to mind.  Despite our trials and struggles, great teaching and learning has taken place, holiday ornaments have been made, funds have been raised and virtual theme days have filled our Facebook page. Staff and students have worked together to make the best of a surreal situation that none of us could have pictured at the beginning of the school year. Today our eighth graders will be honored with both a parade and a yearbook, complete with a virtual student speech. Teachers and students alike have risen to the challenge of online learning.

The strength and resiliency of this community has been on display all year. So now, on June 15^th I can only thank you. Thank you to our students and staff for being so resilient, and thank you to you, the AMS community. It is the strength of relationships that lifts us. So, thank you for lifting our kids, for lifting yourselves, and for lifting us. Stronger together. One Town, One Family.

Congratulations to Grade 8 students Halle McDonnell, Lily McGann and Justin Tracia. These three dedicated students teamed up to build a virtual Abington Middle School in Minecraft. Word of this was shared with NBC News Boston and they are doing a story on this impressive accomplishment! Halle, Lily, Justin and the amazing Mr. Campbell were interviewed recently, and we believe the story will air on our NBC 10 Boston’s evening news on Monday, June 15, 2020. Be sure to watch!