September 11, 2026
September 11, 2026
Good evening, ABS Families,
September 11: Today, we take a moment to remember September 11 and the lives forever changed that day. As a school community, we hold in our hearts those who lost their lives, along with their families and friends who continue to grieve. We also honor the bravery of firefighters, police officers, first responders, teachers, and countless individuals who exhibited remarkable courage and kindness in the face of adversity. We seek God's strength to remind us that, even in our darkest hours, people can come together to support one another. May we never forget those we honor today, and let their memories inspire us to embrace love, kindness, and peace in our lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Back to School Night: Thank you, parents, for attending Back to School Night. It was great to see many families for the two sessions, as well as the eighth-grade high school information session. We hope that you met with your child's teacher and learned about the curriculum, strategies, and classroom expectations. We look forward to a great year. We'll share more information about Parent-teacher conferences in October.
Blessings of the Backpacks: This morning, our school community gathered in the gymnasium for the Blessing of the Backpacks. Fr. Ako joined us to lead a heartfelt prayer for our students, asking for divine guidance and protection as they embark on a new academic year. Fr. Ako blessed our backpacks, students, and the hearts that would carry them. He encouraged us all to approach this school year with hope and curiosity, reminding us all of the importance of learning and personal growth. We pray that God fills our students' backpacks with knowledge, resilience, and all the tools they need to thrive this year.
First Day of School: Last week, our Associate Superintendent, Mrs. Heather Cucuzzella, visited ABS on the first day of school. She took the time to visit each classroom, offering her heartfelt wishes for a year filled with success. In the first-grade room, the students were eager to share words that began with the letter 'H'. Their excitement and active involvement really made her visit memorable.
Sr. Rita Michelle Proctor: We are thrilled to welcome back Sr. Rita Michelle Proctor. Appointed by Sr. Patricia McCarron, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Sr. Rita Michelle will take on the role of Director of Mission for the 2026-2027 school year. She will be serving at Archbishop Borders School, Mother Mary Lange Catholic School, and Cardinal Shehan Catholic School. Previously, Sr. Rita Michelle held the position of Principal within the Archdiocese of Baltimore before joining Archbishop Borders School as the Campus Minister, where she fostered strong relationships with our students. Recently, she completed her term as Superior General of the Oblate Sisters of Providence.
Welcome back, Sr. Rita Michelle!
Lantern Parade: Join Us for the Baltimore Great Halloween Lantern Día de Los Muertos Parade!
Archbishop Borders is marching as a school in this year's Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Día de Los Muertos Parade on Saturday, October 24th in Patterson Park — line-up starts at 6:30 pm. Our school's float theme: "Bobcats Light the Way"! Open to any student, PreK through 8th grade. Participation is optional!
WE NEED MILK JUGS! Please send your kids to school with empty, rinsed gallon milk jugs (opaque) through the end of September. We'll use them in Arts & Crafts Club (and possibly art class) to craft glowing lanterns for the parade. More details on the lineup and float plans are coming.
Questions?
Contact:Kristen Seal kristenkseal@gmail.com Ms. Danica Ramirez dramirez@abbschool.com
I am excited to invite you to the first-ever Let’s Grow Sports Half-Day Camp at ABS.
For many families, getting our children to school isn't the hard part; it's figuring out what to do when they get out at lunchtime. I want to help!
On Friday, October 2nd, I'm holding 25 spots for campers who need afternoon care for Let's Grow Sports Half-Day Camp.
- Time: 12:00-3:00 PM
- Cost: $37 per camper through 9/20
- After 9/20: $47
Campers will stay active, have fun, play sports, and continue building the skills that help them grow on and off the court.
Only 25 spots are available; sign up today!
You already know it’s time to grow.
Let’s Grow!
Coach Ryan McFarland
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is hosting a Movie Night. ABS families are welcome to attend. See the flyer for more details.
Reminders:
- Drop-off & Pick-up: Thank you for your continued patience. We ask that you drive safely in and out of the parking lot every day. The Highland doors are strictly for walkers. If you must use it, we ask that you park your car and walk your child safely to the door where our Safety Patrol team is waiting to help your child into the building. Please do not double-park on Highland Street. Thank you for your understanding.
- Family Income Survey: Please click the link to complete it if you haven't already. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-Nxlu7LUpBdScHzhfK9AiJ6Ekf9dAamzy--hk1Rq57FjjhQ/viewform
- School Uniform: Athletic shoes are not allowed with the school uniform. Gym shoes are black or white athletic shoes ONLY.
- Health Forms: Parents MUST log into School Admin to complete/update their child's emergency form no later than Monday, 9/7. Immunizations for NEW students and students entering Kindergarten and 7th grade (with documented proof of recent vaccine updates required to enter those grades) MUST be turned in to Nurse Grace no later than September 20.
- Attendance: Attending school each day, for the entire school day, has been shown to have long-term benefits for children. At Archbishop Borders School, we expect students to be present each day for the full day.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
2026-27 Leadership Team
President: Elizabeth Funsch (Bilingual English and Spanish)
Members: Tiera Chin (Bilingual English and Spanish), Liz Obara Piedramartel (Bilingual English and Spanish)
Email: pto@abbschool.com
Facebook: ABS Parent Teacher Organization
Get involved in the PTO!
If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to Elizabeth (Text or WhatsApp: 706-814-3351)
Helping with Lunch and Recess:
If you would like to sign up to help out during lunch or recess, please sign up using the link below. If you have not taken the VIRTUS please talk to Julia in the Office because you are ineligible to volunteer until you have done this training. Mondays and Fridays need the most help. PreK, 6th, 7th and 8th are not listed because the most help is needed for K-5th grades.
Three slots available daily: K, 1, 2 Recess (10:40 am - 11:20am); K, 1, 2 Lunch ( 11:00 am - 11:45am) and 3,4,5 Lunch/Recess (11:25 am -12:10 pm).
Sign up by clicking here:
ABS Parents Pray- Boxes needed
Thank you so much to Therese Cole who lead our first "ABS Parents Pray" of the year. We were a small, but mighty group this past Tuesday and, as we know, Jesus tells us that when there are two or three gathered in His name, He will be with us.
We need boxes!! Fourteen to be exact. We will be giving a box out to each classroom for them to create a "Prayers and Praises" box for intentions for us to pray for once a month. We hope this serves as a reminder to the students, staff, and parents that we can always offer up our worries, prayers and troubles to Jesus, as well as praise Him in thanksgiving for answered prayer.
If you have a box you can donate, please drop it off at the school office. If you have any questions, please email pto@abbschool.com--
FIRST General PTO Meeting of the School Year-- Thursday, September 17- In Person
The PTO holds a general meeting on the third Thursday of each month that is open to all ABS Families. The meetings generally last about a half hour and start promptly at 5:30 PM. The first and last meetings are in Person at the ABS Gym and all the other ones are virtual.
You should have received a meeting invite from the PTO email address inviting you to add all of the PTO monthly meetings to your personal calendars.
Join us on September 17 for the first general PTO meeting of the year.
Email: archbishopborders@abbschool.com
Website: www.abbschool.com
Location: 3500 Foster Avenue, Baltimore, MD, USA
Phone: 410-276-6534
Facebook: facebook.com/abbschoolmd
Instagram: @abbschoolmd
Archbishop Borders School is a dual-language Catholic community school that prepares its students to be dynamic members of society through an educational experience informed by diversity, faith and academic excellence.