September Newsletter

Hello ABW Families,

We are so excited to welcome our students back for the first day of school on Wednesday, September 2nd! Our teachers and staff are ready to go, and we can’t wait to see the halls and classrooms filled with students once again.

As we begin the 2026–27 school year, we encourage all students in grades 6–12 to come to school with their class schedule printed or written down to help make the first day go as smoothly as possible. Locker numbers will be posted throughout the hallways for students to find when they arrive.

Students will have the first five days of school to make any necessary schedule changes. Grade-level meetings will also take place during the first two days of school to reinforce important information, communicate any changes, and help prepare students for a successful school year.

September is a busy month, so be sure to check out the monthly ABW High School Newsletter for important upcoming dates and information. The newsletter will be emailed to families and shared on the district website each month.

This year, the ABW High School is placing a renewed focus on combating tardiness and helping students build strong habits for success. Our updated handbook outlines clear expectations regarding arriving to class on time, and throughout the school year, we will offer incentives and recognition drawings to celebrate students who consistently make it to all of their classes on time. We look forward to recognizing and rewarding the positive choices and commitment of our students!

We are looking forward to another great year of learning, growth, and success together. If you have any remaining questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Kris Sterton can assist families in need of school supplies support. We can’t wait to see everyone back at ABW!

Thank you all for your continued support. Roll Cougs!

Josh Carlson

ABW HS Principal

The following are a list of the handbook changes for the 2026-27 School Year. Each will be discussed during the Grade Level Meetings on September 2nd and 3rd. Parents are encouraged to discuss expectations with their students to help acclimate to the school. Handbook

- Student controlled electronic vehicles are prohibited from the use on the ABW campus.

-TARDINESS: Students who are late from one class to another through no fault of their own must obtain a pass from the teacher in the previous class. Otherwise, the office will issue the pass, and the tardy will be considered unexcused unless an acceptable explanation is presented. The following consequences will apply each semester:

-Cell Phone: ALL teachers are required to use the cell phone caddy for all 9-12th, 6-8th are not allowed to have their phones on their person during the day

1. 1st Offense-Confiscate and return end of day (Bring to wire basket)

2. 2nd Offense- Turned in to Anne- 5 school days of turned in to start the end and picked up at the end of the day

3. 3rd Offense- Loss of phone for 10 school days (Anne), parent contract required.

-Smart Glasses are prohibited from use within the ABW school.

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, I wanted to reach out with a quick update. 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. If you need the bus GPS link, please contact Shawn directly.

2026-27 Bus Route Pickup/Drop Off Times: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SG-qpOf4LkS8CZAeZ1vUSwk1IfJ-UX91Iblx2rmfUtc/edit?usp=sharing

• 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.

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

Sept 2: First Day Of School 2026-27

Sept 2 & 3: Grade Level Meetings (auditorium during morning classes)

Sept 4: No School

Sept 7: Labor Day-No School

Sept 15: ASVAB

Sept 16: Bike/Pedestrian Safety Training (6-8th Health/PE classes)

Sept 21: Hearing and Vision Screenings (7th and 10th Grades)

Sept 24: Jostens Class Ring/Cap & Gown Meetings (10th & 12th Grades)

Sept 28-Oct 2: Homecoming Week- events & dress up days will be shared at a later time

Sept 29: School Picture Day

Oct 2: Quarter 1 Midterm

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