Friday, September 16, 2016

Week of 9/12/16

Good afternoon-

I hope you (and your children) all successfully made it through the first full week of school.  I was lucky enough to have a small break from AHS Thursday morning to spend some time with all of the community members who are a part of Decisions at Every Turn.  It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on we have done over the past several years and to plan for what the future holds.  Our students are so lucky to be a part of a community where every sector/group/constituency cares so much for their health and well-being.


If you have not already done so, please visit the website 
https://ipass.imgsoftware.com/school/ashland/pamregister.html and sign-up for iParent. 
Accounts for new students have been created and students received information on how to log-in at class meetings last week.  If your child is having trouble logging in have them stop by the front office for assistance.  


As a reminder, the AHS School Improvement Council is looking for two parent reps to join our group for a two year term.  If you are interested in running for a spot or would like more information on School Improvement Council please send me an email.  The School Committee policy on School Councils can be found here.  Elections will be held on Back to School Night, September 29 from 6-8pm.


Just wanted to send out a friendly reminder regarding parking for tonight's football game vs. Norton.  About half of the main parking lot is still under construction. There will be a limited number of spots for Coaches, Players, Officials, and Spectators at the high school.  
  • Only officials, coaches, and handicap parking will be allowed in the back lot closest to the school.
  • There are several other lots located near the entrance of the school and in the front of the school which can be utilized.
  • I recommend if you plan on attending the game Friday to carpool with others.
  • There is no off street parking on E. Union St.  If you park along the street you will run the risk of being ticketed by the police.
  • If you are dropping off a player/student after 5:30 please pull into the back lot to do so to keep the traffic pattern moving.
Once again we will be monitoring the parking situation on Friday night, having a conversation with school administrators and police, and making changes accordingly.  Please be patient as we continue to work on the parking situation.  Again...I will keep everyone posted.  Thanks for your patience.
Mr. Grimes


Ashland High School Student Council's Homecoming week starts on Sunday! We want the whole Ashland Community to join us for two family-friendly events.

On Sunday, September 18th, we are running a pancake breakfast from 9am to 11am in the high school cafeteria.  All you can eat pancakes, sausage, juice/coffee/hot chocolate for just $5 per person.  

On Friday, September 23rd, prior to the football game we are running a barbecue in the small parking lot outside the stadium at the high school from 5pm - 7pm.  Join us for a burger (veggie burgers available) and chips for $5 per person.  Afterwards, stick around for the Homecoming Football game, against Medway.
  
For more information on these events, check out our website at: https://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/homecoming or email Josh Wiczer, Student Council Advisor, at jwiczer@ashland.k12.ma.us

Monday, September 19th Decisions at Every Turn will host a community discussion on marijuana & vaping at Ashland High School.  Because of building projects at the high school, there may be a crane blocking a part of the road coming into the high school.  To avoid driving around the crane, visitors are encouraged to park in front of the high school or in the lot immediately on the right when entering.  All guests can enter the high school using the front door and you will be directed to the auditorium.  

Please check out the flyer about this event and many others in the Parent's Flyer section!  

It's not too early to buy a yearbook!
After our largest yearbook sale ever, last year, we are looking to increase sales once again. With a great staff on hand, the yearbook is sure to look great and represent the best of AHS. From freshmen to seniors, everyone loves the yearbook, and will cherish the keepsake for years to come. To purchase the Ashland High School 2017 Yearbook at the steady price of $85, visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter our school code 13046.

Robotics Club Fundraisers & Volunteer opportunities
The Robotics Club is going through its third consecutive growth spurt! We now have close to 30 members who want to learn and be part of a growing field of interest. Our fall fundraisers include 
  • Ashland Day used Lego sales (donations of used Legos always welcome)
  • $5 Raffle tickets to the best home game on the Patriots schedule (vs. Seahawks)
  • And our 2nd Annual Robot Rodeo coming on November 19th!
How can you help? Support us through these many fundraisers, and/or you can also volunteer your talents and become a mentor (contact Chad, cmcgowan@ashland.k12.ma.us, for details)

Please join the Ashland PTO, AHS Student Council, and AHS Make-a-Wish club in our first annual Color Splash Run!
When: Sunday, October 16th at 10am
Where: Stone Park, Ashland
Cost: $25 for the 2 mile road race around Stone Park
         $15 for the kids' race on the grass inside Stone Park

Pre-registration by 10/1/16 includes a white race t-shirt, which will be covered in a rainbow of colors when you have finished the race! Race day registration is available starting at 9am that morning, but participants who want race t-shirts must be purchased that day, while supplies last.


Proceeds will benefit the Ashland PTO (which provides enrichment opportunities for all APS students) and the Make-a-Wish club (which is working to grant a child's wish for the second year in a row).

Come with your family and join in for some good but not so clean fun. :)


Ashland Raises Happy & Healthy Kids  (click the link to see past columns)
School, sports, and after-school activities have begun. To help get through the busy days, many of us are probably doing things for our children that they can do for themselves. Let’s give our kids the chance to practice and acquire life skills. Once they master them, it will make YOUR life easier. Below is a good rule of thumb for teaching children (and adults!) new things:
First you do it for them,
Then you do it with them,
Then you watch them do it,
Then you let them do it on their own.

This list of things your kids should be able to do on their own is a great place to start.
Ages 2-3: Small chores and basic grooming - Put toys away, put clothes in the hamper, clear plate after meals, assist in setting the table
Ages 4-5: Know important names and numbers and simple chores - Know their name, address and phone number and 911, clear the table after meals, dust, feed pets, brush teeth, comb hair, wash face, choose his/her own clothes
Age 6-7: Basic cooking techniques - Mix, stir and cut with a dull knife, make a sandwich, help put groceries away, wash dishes, make bed, use basic household cleaners
Age 8-9: Take pride in personal belongings - Care for toys/belongings, fold clothes, use a broom and dustpan, read a recipe and prepare a simple meal, help create a grocery list, weed and water flower beds/plants, take out the trash
Age 10-13: Gain independence - Make a purchase at a store, change sheets on bed, use the washing machine and dryer, iron clothes, mow the lawn, plan and prepare a meal with several ingredients, look after younger relatives or neighbors
Age 14-18: More advanced skills - Read and understand medicine labels and dosages, get gas and change a car tire, prepare and cook meals, apply and interview for a job

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