Freshman FAQs

Where do I get my textbooks?
You have two choices in purchasing your books for the year.

1. Purchase new books online at Varsitybooks.com in August.
2. Purchase used books at the Second-hand Book Sale in June.

Can I car pool or take the train to school?
Archbishop Williams High School will have a morning shuttle from the Braintree MBTA station to the school. This van will accommodate Freshmen riding the Old Colony Railroad from Kingston, which arrives at 7:05 a.m. into Braintree. It will affect the students from Plymouth, Kingston, Halifax, Hanson, Whitman, Abington, South Weymouth and other neighboring South Shore towns. The van will pick up the students at 7:10 a.m. and will arrive at the school by 7:25 a.m. This van is available to freshmen only. If you are planning on using this railroad, please notify the school as to whether or not you will be using this shuttle service daily.  This service will be available during the first month of school.

If you would like to join or organize a car pool from your area, Archbishop Williams will be happy to add your name to a list and mail you a copy in June.  Please call the school with your name, your parents' names, address, and telephone number.

I've heard a lot about the great Athletic program at Archies.  How do I try out for a fall sport?
Please check the Athletic section on our website for details.

Do I need to get a physical before school starts?
Yes.  The Department of Public Health is mandated by Mass. General Law, Chapter 71, Section 71, Section 57 to require that every school age child be administered a separate and careful physical examination prior to entering a new school system. 

It is recommended that a health examination be conducted by your family physician. This will provide us with information and recommendations concerning you that may have a direct bearing upon your learning ability and progress.  This examination should be completed and sent to the school by August 1, accompanied by a record of your  immunizations.  Also, please have you parents contact your school of transfer and have all health records forwarded to us at the end of the school year.  No student will be admitted to the school without these public health requirements. 

It is essential that we be aware of the specific health needs, physical limitations and social or emotional concerns that influence your performance while attending Archbishop Williams. Please share with us any information that you feel will be beneficial to school personnel . All information will remain confidential. Letters should be addressed to the attention of the school nurse, Susan Cullen, R.N.

I've heard that there is a Summer Reading requirement.  What is it?
All Grade 9 students are required to read three books over the summer. You will be reading one book for your English class, one book for your theology class, and one book for your history class.  The books can be purchased at local bookstores:

Click this link for details on the Summer Reading Requirement: Summer Reading