August Newsletter

Welcome Back, Cougar Families.

It’s that exciting time of year again, and the start of another school year is just around the corner! Our staff is eagerly preparing to welcome students back into the building, and we’re looking forward to another outstanding year at Ada-Borup-West High School.

It has been another busy and productive summer. Brent and his crew have once again done an outstanding job preparing our building for the year ahead. Their hard work ensures our students and staff will return to a clean, safe, and welcoming learning environment. Behind the scenes, our teachers have also been hard at work planning engaging lessons and meaningful learning experiences to help every student succeed from the very first day.

This year brings a few exciting changes. For the first time, students will begin the school year with two days of classes before Labor Day, starting on Wednesday, September 2. We’re excited for the opportunity to ease into the school year, establish routines, and build positive momentum before the long weekend.

We’re also thrilled to welcome three new staff members to our high school team this year! Each brings unique experiences and talents that will strengthen our school community. Be sure to keep reading the newsletter to learn more about them and help us give them a warm Cougar welcome.

As you read through this newsletter, I’ve done my best to keep it informative while highlighting the most important information for the start of the year. If you have questions at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact our office or any member of our staff.

Before school begins, I encourage each family to complete a few important tasks:

• Verify your contact information in Synergy, including your address, email, and phone numbers.
• Review your student's 2026-27 class schedule once schedules are released on August 10th. As always, minor adjustments may occur to balance class sizes. Students with scheduling questions or conflicts should contact the high school office as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we will make the 2026-27 school year one filled with growth, opportunity, and memorable experiences for every Cougar. We can't wait to welcome everyone back on September 2!

Thank you all for your continued support. Roll Cougs!

Josh Carlson

ABW HS Principal

- Pens & Pencils

- Notebook for each class (3 subject notebooks are encouraged)

- 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will be provided a green science notebook

- 5 Colored folders will be provided to 6-8 grades

- TI-30 or higher calculator*

- *TI-30XS Multiview is recommended for 6th/7th grade

- Ear buds/headphones with built in microphone

- Tennis shoes & a change of clothes for Phy Ed

- 6th and 7th will need a Composition Notebook

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, I wanted to reach out with a quick update. Bus route information will be available soon and will be released in August. If you moved into the district over the summer, please contact your child's school with your current address and updated information as soon as possible. This will ensure your student is added to the appropriate bus route and help avoid any confusion during the first days of school. For any bus route questions, feel free to email or call shawnr@ada.k12.mn.us office # 784 5311

Activities registration can be found on the Ada-Borup-West website or use the link https://www.gobound.com/mn/schools/adaborupwest A current physical is needed on file before any student is allowed to participate in athletic activities. Most students complete their physical prior to their 7th and 10th grade school years. Participating in extra-curricular activities greatly helps with the development of our youth by strengthening their mind, improving organizational and time management skills, broadening their social circle, and learning the importance of teamwork. A complete list of activities can be found on the school website or contact Activities Director Kenley Wahlin kenleyw@ada.k12.mn.us.

Fall Activities Meeting: Aug 17th 7PM (Auditorium)- Individual Teams will break off

6th Grade Orientation: Aug 17th 6PM (Auditorium)

5th/6th Grade Youth Football Meeting: Aug 17th 7PM (HS Gym)-registration forms available in person

• Paper schedules will not be printed for all students. We request that students review their schedules prior to the start of school. Individual schedules can be printed upon request.
• Make sure you are up to date on all school events by signing up to receive the daily bulletin. Contact Sandy in the main office to set that up.
• Parent/guardians are expected to inform the office and the teachers of all vacations at least one week prior to the event. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments and work with teachers to identify due dates.
• Students are required to meet with the school nursing staff to determine if they need to be sent home due to illness. Parents should encourage their student to check in with the nurse if they are not feeling well.
• All students arriving after the first bell (8:18AM) must check in to the main office in the new addition. Notes are required within 3 days of the absence in order to excuse the absence. Contact Anne Larson annel@ada.k12.mn.us for all attendance updates.
• 9-12 grade students are allowed to use cellphones between classes and during lunch, but not during class. 6-8 grade students are not allowed cell phone use during the school day. This policy includes smart watches. Additional Handbook updates will be provided after board approval in August.

• Class schedules will continue to be updated throughout the summer. If you see an issue or wish to make a change, contact HS Counselor Allie Lien alliel@ada.k12.mn.us to discuss those changes.
• The website link to our Bussing GPS System will be available at a later date.

Please use the link to prepare for potential E Learning at ABW. https://5il.co/ibf0

Each content area will hold office hours on a Google Meet for any/all students to connect live. Students will always be encouraged to reach out via email when they have questions about E Learning assignment and not wait until the office hours to get resolution.

HS Office Hours

10:00English & Special Education

10:30CTE

11:00Science

11:30Social Studies

12:30Math

1:00PE

1:30Band/Choir

The Ada-Borup-West Booster Club partners with the ABW School to support needs in the classroom and in extra-curriculars. If you have not yet become a member, please consider joining this group. Use the following link to view the sign up or pick one up outside the commons.https://5il.co/30k01

Check out the Booster Club online https://shop.game-one.com/minnesota/ada

Aug 3-7: Missoula Musical

Aug 11: Staff Development Committee Meeting 9AM

Aug 17: School Board Meeting 7AM

Aug 17: Fall Sports Meeting 7PM- Auditorium

Aug 17: 6th Grade Orientation 6PM- Auditorium

Aug 17: Fall Sports Begin: Cross Country 7-12, Football 9-12, Volleyball 9-12

Aug 24: Fall Sports Begin: Junior High Teams

Aug 25: Fall Sports Picture Day

Aug 26-27: Back To School Workshops

Aug 31-Sept 1: Back To School Workshops

Sept 2: First Day Of School 2026-27

Sept 4: No School

Sept 7: Labor Day-No School

Email: joshc@ada.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.ada.k12.mn.us
Location: Ada-Borup High School, 604 West Thorpe Avenue, Ada, MN, USA
Phone: 218-784-5300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ada-Borup-West-Public-Schools-553897911355480