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A-B Schools Closed Tomorrow: Due to unsafe road and sidewalk conditions, all Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools will be closed tomorrow, January 27. 12-month employees should report to work as soon as you are able. Thank you and please stay safe.

5 hours ago

Paul P. Gates Elementary School

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Posted Date: 01/09/26 (04:03 PM)
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Principal’s Message

I hope everyone had a restful winter break and a happy holiday.  It has been great welcoming students back to school and we are adjusting quickly back into our daily routines in the classrooms.  

As you all know, on Monday the students experienced an unexpected event where we followed our ALICE protocols.  I know this was already mentioned, but I just want to reinforce that our students and staff were absolutely amazing and did exactly what we have practiced.  This truly reinforces the need for us to practice all types of emergencies.  Boardwalk administration has been working closely with central office, Police and Fire to learn from this event and make any necessary adjustments to our emergency protocols.  Once again, kudos to the staff and students for doing a great job.

In addition, although MCAS is not until the spring, we like to share the schedule in advance so families are aware when scheduling appointments during the school day or potential vacations.  Students in 3rd-6th grade, please avoid being absent on testing days as much as possible, unless ill.  Below is the schedule:




As a reminder, I will be hosting a virtual checkin regarding AB Forward on Tuesday, January 13th from 7:45-8:15am. There will be no presentation, just an opportunity to ask clarifying questions before the school committee vote on January 22nd. 
Please join using the link below:
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 · 7:45 – 8:15am
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/syp-jorg-wbe
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 402-868-0064‬ PIN: ‪262 181 172‬#

Finally, we have an all school meeting on Jaunary 14th were we will be sharing our understanding of our core value of respect.  In addition, 2nd grade will be presenting to the school.  All are invited to attend and we hope to see you there. 😊

Have a great weekend!
Allison

School News
A La Carte Cafeteria Items
Starting today we will no longer be selling ice cream in the cafeteria during lunch.  This is being implemented across all elementary schools.  The following items will still be available A La Carte.

Save the Date: Gates Cultural Showcase on Friday, February 6th

The Gates Annual Cultural Showcase will be on Friday, February 6th at 5:30 pm! The form to apply for performance spots will open on Sunday, December 21st at 5 pm. Stay tuned for all sign-ups coming before the break!



AB Forward Update & Cartwheel Webinar

The final vote on elementary school reorganization is scheduled for January 22 at the school committee meeting. You may continue to submit comments to the school committee until that date. All feedback is reviewed by every committee member and the central administration.

Below are resources that families and caregivers may find helpful when having conversations with your child:


Please go to the AB Forward Website for a more information about the process. 

Cartwheel Webinar:   Helping Kids Handle Big Feelings & Build Confidence, January 14, 7-8pm

A new year can bring new routines, new expectations, and new challenges for kids.

Join Carthwheel and Alex Hirshberg, Psy.D., for a free, live webinar on helping kids build confidence and handle tough emotions as they head back to school.

🗓 January 14| 7–8 pm ET
👉 Save your spot here
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Upcoming Events
1/13/26 Virtual Check-in with Allison Warren, 7:45-8:15 am, Video call link
1/14/26 All School Assembly, 2nd grade presents
1/15/25 PTO Meeting, 7PM
1/19/26 No School, MLK Day
1/22/26 Final AB Reorganization School Committee Vote
1/28/26 Visiting Author, Oge Mora, Grades K-2
2/6/26 Gates Cultural Showcase, 5:30-7:30 pm
2/11/26 All School Meeting, 6th Grade presents
2/16-2/20/26 - No School, February Break

Up Coming All School Meeting Presentations, 10:05-10:50

1/14/26 2nd Grade Presentation
2/11/26 6th Grade Presentation
3/11/26 Kindergarten & 3rd Grade Presentations
4/8/26 1st Grade Presentation
5/13/26 4th Grade Presentation

Helpful Links
School Menu
2025-2026 Academic Calendar
AB Elementary Family Resources
AB Resource Center 
AB Transportation
Gates PTO
AB Forward