It’s been an odd summer to say the least.
The temperatures have been sweltering, but we’ve seen only one official heat wave. Unlike past summers that have seen extended droughts, we’ve experienced more than 40 rainy days since June – including some significant gullywashers and a tornado just 2 miles from the town line.
But Abington News hopes you got in all your summer fun — because school starts this week for grades 1-12!
Students will attend classes Wednesday and Thursday before taking a long Labor Day weekend. Classes then resume on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Teachers came back Monday to start professional development training.
Abington schools are getting ready to welcome approximately 2,100 students, or about 30 more than last year, according to Schools Superintendent Peter Schafer. (The number will fluctuate as students shift districts and registrations are finalized.) The school population is still down from its recent high of 2,457 students in 2004-05, but up from the 2017 low of 1,916 students. It’s also the first day of school for 18 new teachers and 15 new support staff.
“We’re excited to get back into the mission and the work that we do,” Schafer said. “I get a change when staff comes back, and then get another charge when opening the doors for the little ones.”
Aug. 30, 2023 also represents the last First Day of School for Schafer, who will retire at the end of the school year. Assistant Superintendent Felicia Moschella will then step into the big seat.
Schafer said his roles and responsibilities won’t change much in the coming year – that Moschella has been involved in enough aspects of the district that she’s prepared for the larger role.
CENTRAL STREET BRIDGE UPDATE
This marks 19 weeks since the Central Street bridge closed, cutting off traffic along one of the town’s main east/west cut-throughs. And it appears it’s going to be closed at least a week longer. DPW Director John Stone said the project’s paving subcontractor is backed up due to all the rainy days this summer. In addition, the guardrail supplier is also running behind schedule.
“The paving is slated for the middle of next week, weather permitting. So we are shooting for opening the bridge around September 8 if the guardrails arrive,” Stone said. “The 42 days of rain and the guard rail supply chain issues have impeded the schedule but we are still very close.”
OLD TOWN NEWS
Yes, we stick to Abington news, but sometimes we mention things that happened in the Old Town. For example:
Peaceful Meadows goes up for auction Tuesday. The auction features the store and ice cream stand, two houses across the road, and about 40 acres of agricultural land, according to J J Manning Auctioneers. The property has some interest from developers, as well as Hornstra’s Farm, says the Whitman-Hanson Express.
And congrats to Rockland’s Megan Khang, who won her first LPGA tournament this weekend. She shot a -9 to win the CPKC Women’s Open in a playoff. Khang is currently the 27th ranked player on the tour.
GREEN WAVE ATHLETICS
Compiled by Charlotte and Sadie Hernandez
BOYS/GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY
No Meets
GOLF
No Matches
FOOTBALL
Varsity
Tuesday, 4 p.m., vs. Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School
Junior Varsity
No Games
Freshman
Tuesday, 4 p.m., vs. Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School
Friday, 9 a.m., vs. Hingham High School
BOYS SOCCER
Varsity
Monday, 3:30 p.m., vs. Cardinal Spellman
Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., vs. Apponequet Regional High School
Friday, 10 a.m., @ Brighton High School
Junior Varsity
No Games
GIRLS SOCCER
Varsity
Monday, 4 p.m., @ Cardinal Spellman
Wednesday, 4 p.m., Home Jamboree
Friday, 9 a.m., vs Blue Hills Regional Tech School
Junior Varsity
Monday, 4 p.m., @ Cardinal Spellman
VOLLEYBALL
Varsity
Thursday, 4:45 p.m., vs. Scituate
Junior Varsity
Thursday, 3:30 p.m., vs Scituate
Freshman
Thursday, 3:30 p.m., vs Scituate
(FOR THE MOST UPDATED GAMES AND SCORES, PLEASE CHECK ARBITER LIVE SPORTS)
MEETING SCHEDULE
TUESDAY
Community Preservation Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes board reorganization, and a discussion about FY25 projects
WEDNESDAY
Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a discussion about 0 Summer Street.
Historical Commission, 6:30 p.m., Town Library. Agenda includes discussions about the Island Grove Bridge repairs, adding the Center and North Schools to the town’s list of historic places, and a townwide historical survey.
School Committee, 6:30 p.m., M/HS Library. Agenda includes an update from the athletic director, updates on school programs and the school calendar, a report on summer 2023 facility projects, and a report from the superintendent.