August Newsletter

It’s that exciting time of year again and the new school year is right around the corner! Our staff is eagerly preparing to welcome students back into our building, and we’re looking forward to another great year together.

It’s been a busy and productive summer. Brent’s crew has worked hard to keep our facilities in top shape. The various building projects are wrapping up. The gym floors have been sanded and will be ready just in time for the fall sports season, which kicks off on August 11th. Most importantly, our dedicated teachers have been planning rigorous, engaging lessons to ensure students receive a high-quality education from day one.

We’re also excited to introduce some new faces to our Cougar family this year! We welcome two new special education teachers, a new Business/Computers teacher, and a new face in the Media Center. Be sure to check out their introductions and photos below — and please join us in giving them a warm ISD 2910 welcome.

As you read through this newsletter, I’ve done my best to keep it informative yet brief. If you have any questions throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff by phone or email.

Before the school year begins, I kindly ask each family to complete two important tasks:

1. Verify your contact information in Synergy — including address, email, and phone numbers.

2. Review your student’s 2025-26 schedule — schedules will be available starting August 11th. Minor adjustments may continue throughout the month to ensure class balance. Students are strongly encouraged to connect with Mrs.Lien to revise or resolve all scheduling conflicts.

With your continued support, I’m confident we’ll launch into the school year strong and make it another successful one at Ada-Borup-West.

Thank you all for your continued support. Roll Cougs!

Josh Carlson

ABW HS Principal

2025-26 Supply List

**the picture below is a breakdown of folders/notebooks that are purchased by the school for JH students. 9th grade science students will be provided with a 3 ring binder for each student.

- Pens & Pencils

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

- 6th and 7th 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 (corded is recommended)

- Tennis shoes & a change of clothes for Phy Ed

Activities registration can be found on the Ada-Borup-West website or use the link https://adaborup-ar.rschooltoday.com/. 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. Below is the link to the Fall Activities Announcement/Flyer that will include dates/time for activity meetings.

• 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 Kelsey Grivno kelseyg@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, including in the hallway. 6-8 grade students are not allowed cell phone use during the school day. This policy includes smart watches.

• 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.

Yes, it is that time of year again to start thinking about school and bus routes. If your family has moved over please let the school know the new address. A few changes starting this year. Buses will no longer pick up kids in Georgetown and Shelly. Kids from this town will get on in Perley and the west side of Halstad. There will be more to come on the pick-up times and locations in the near future. We are in real need this year for some van drivers. It is not a big commitment, anywhere from one to two hours a day. Feel free to call or email me with any questions if you would like more information on driving a van. shawnr@ada.k12.mn.us call 218-784-5311.

Measles is a serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when someone breaths or coughs. Measles can spread easily, especially in schools, so it’s important to know how to prevent it and what to do if someone in your home gets sick.

The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect against measles. If your child has obtained an exemption for the MMR vaccine, they could be asked to remain home from school and other activities for 21 days or longer if they are exposed to measles.

If a family member gets measles, or your unvaccinated child is exposed, the school will guide you on how to quarantine (stay home and out of school) and access educational support like homebound instruction to keep everyone safe.

More information about the risks of measles disease and the safety and importance of MMR immunization can be found on MDH’s Measles Basics (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/measles/basics.html) website.

High School students will continue using their lunch codes this year. All students receive a free breakfast and lunch for the 2025-26 School Year. All students consuming a second breakfast will be charged the full adult rate of $3.00. Students consuming a second lunch entrée will be charged $2.00 per entrée and those taking a second lunch (ex. hot lunch & soup/sandwich) will be charged the full adult meal rate of $5.00. Students will need money in their lunch account to be eligible for seconds.

Applications for free and reduced lunches are available on the school website. Please take some time to complete and return the necessary form. Even if you do not plan to participate in the program, the school will benefit greatly if we raise our percentages as we are able to access additional funds and qualify for certain grants. Any student that qualifies will have all Chromebook and activity fees waived (excluding Clay Target). If you have any questions regarding this, please contact Sandy at the high school office. Thank you!

Please take the time to read and fill out the G Suite for Education permission form for Google services and apps. The form can be found on the High School webpage under quick links by selecting the technology folder. This must be signed by all new students at ABW. If you've submitted one prior, you are already covered.

Chromebooks: Students will once again be given use of Chromebooks in a 1 to 1 scenario. All students will be given a Chromebook carrying case and are required to use. The district has observed a dramatic decrease in damage to devices due to these protective cases. All students will be granted permission to bring Chromebooks home when all fees and all agreements are complete. If your student is new to the district, you’ll need to sign the Chromebook agreement prior to receiving a device. There will be a yearly $20 usage fee for all students grades 6-12. Chromebook fees will be waived for students that have registered and qualify for free/reduced lunch. Damage costs are outlined in the Chromebook handbook. Terms and conditions of use are also outlined in the handbook.The G Suite form can be found on the district website or by using the following link https://5il.co/1fo57

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://tinyurl.com/4ntnveve Team Code is cougars

All families that have used Community Ed in the previous year are strongly encouraged to fill out the following short survey. The responses will be used by the Community Ed Committee to evaluate our programs and strengthen the offerings for the upcoming year.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1khsXIL4QA7kdrTmh3dob2xgfZhfAmntHtsz3FagJEs662w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108992821884758828115

Aug 4-8: Missoula Musical

Aug 5: Hostile Event Training (Ada PD/NC Sheriff Dept) Begins 10AM

Aug 11: Varisty Fall Sports Begin

Aug 12: School Board Meeting

Aug 18: 6th Grade Orientation 5PM (Auditorium) & Junior High Fall Sports Begin

Aug 25-28: ABW Staff Workshops

Sept 1: Labor Day- No School

Sept 2: 1st Day of School

Sept 4-5: Grade Level Meetings ( During School Hours)

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