Friday, February 17, 2017

Week of 2/13/17

Good afternoon and happy February vacation!

Student access to course recommendations is now open in iStudent and will remain open through the end of vacation.  This is an extension of one week so that all students make sure to get their elective choices in and approve their recommendations.    

As a reminder, students should approve the core classes recommended by their teachers and choose up to 6 elective choices.  Refer to the Program of Studies for information on all courses which can be found on the AHS website. Students can enter elective choices into the box that lists each department or the blank elective boxes below the department list.  We ask students to rank the electives #1-6 in order of preference in the comment section.

If you are looking for information on how to support your students with the process please review the PowerPoint we shared with students.  It can also be found on the AHS website.  

The iParent window to approve courses will open on Monday, February 27 through Friday, March 10. The Parent Quick Start Guide for Student Course Recommendations, found here, will walk you through the process. We feel strongly that our teacher's have a good understanding of your students strengths and areas for growth and make great recommendations for course levels.  However, you as a family have the final decision on which courses your child takes.  We expect that you do all that you can to be informed when make these level decisions.  If you wish to override a course recommendation I have attached the Override Process here.  

Parent Conference Night is scheduled for March 2nd from 6-8pm.  The focus of this night will be for parents that wish to discuss overriding a teacher recommendation.  If you are considering an override please call Linda Chaney in the main office at 881-0177 to schedule an appointment.  As always, if you have a concern about your child's academics, parents are always encouraged to reach out to teachers to schedule a meeting at another convenient time.  

Parents who are not in need of an override but would like to conference with a teacher are welcome to call to schedule an appointment as well starting when we return from vacation. The faculty had asked for a focus for the evening this year but the intention is not to prevent other parents from meeting with teachers.  The AHS faculty greatly appreciates the thanks and support shown by so many Ashland parents.  Feel free to reach out to show that appreciation at any time!  

On Parent Conference Night, Thursday, March 2nd from 6-8 pm, the AHS Guidance Department will host "Naviance for Parents" in the Distance Learning Lab of the AHS library.  This will be conducted on a "drop-in" basis, and parents will be able to set up their own accounts and browse the outstanding features of this state-of-the art software.  Naviance helps AHS students with self awareness, career information and exploration, and college information and exploration.  No pre-registration is necessary, simply stop by and join us!




Today was the last day our Chinese visitors were with us at AHS.  It was a great three weeks and we learned so much from each other.




 Friendships were formed and it was fun to watch them exchanging number and making plans to stay in touch.









We wish them safe travels for the rest of their US adventure and hope to see some of them back at AHS next year!












Wanted:  Volunteer Shadow Students for Japanese Exchange Visitors
AHS is looking for interested student volunteers of any grade level to help Japanese exchange students tour the school and shadow classrooms throughout the day on Friday March 3rd, 2017.  This is an E Day.  If you or anyone you know is interested please contact Mr. Massalski in the main office no later than Wednesday March 1st, 2017 or e-mail at pmassalski@ashland.k12.ma.us


Tickets are now on sale for the AHSTS production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The production runs Friday, March 3rd and Saturday, March 4th at 7PMSunday, March 5th at 2PMPatrons may buy discounted tickets in advance online. All seating is reserved. For more information visit www.ahsts.com.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country. 

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is delightful den of comedic genius.


Please check out our Parent Flyers for information on what's happening around town.  Mark your calendars for the PTO sponsored Clocker Classic on March 9 and the School Safety Information Night on March 15.

Coming Soon a film sponsored by the PTO and Ashland Public Schools:  Screenagers tentatively set for March 29 - Mark Your Calendars http://www.screenagersmovie.com/


Our very own Eryn Flynn- grade 9- will be teaching a Teen Writing Workshop at Barnes & Noble on Saturday, February 25 at 5pm.   Check out this link for more information.
While at Eryn's workshop, come visit the Bethany Hill Place table to hear all about the good work they do locally! 10% of all proceeds on Saturday, February 25th will go towards increasing the literacy programs at Bethany Hill Place.  BHP is a living and learning community of neighbors that provides independent, affordable housing and educational opportunities within a climate of respect, inclusion, and acceptance.  BHP is located near the Framingham/Ashland line on Bethany Road in Framingham.  Get your Bethany Hill book fair coupon here.

The Friends of the Ashland Public Library needs help setting up our book sale on March 2nd and/or 3rd between 4 and 6 pm, selling cupcakes during the sale on Saturday, March 4th from 10 am until 2 pm (or until they're gone), and breaking down the book sale from 2-3 pm on Saturday, March 4th. We have forms at the library. Please send a message to president@friendsoftheapl.com if you can help.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Week of 2/6/17

Good afternoon-

I hope you have all dug out from yesterday and are preparing for the next set of storms to come our way.  

Planning for the 2017-2018 school year has begun and students in currently in grades 9-11 are choosing their courses for next year.  Student access to course recommendations is now open in iStudent and will remain open through the end of the coming week (February 17).  

Students should be approving the core classes recommended by their teachers and choosing up to 6 elective choices.  Refer to the Program of Studies for information on all courses which can be found on the AHS website. Students can enter elective choices into the box that lists each department or the blank elective boxes below the department list.  We ask students to rank the electives #1-6 in order of preference in the comment section.

If you are looking for information on how to support your students with the process please review the PowerPoint we shared with students.  It can also be found on the AHS website.  

The iParent window to approve courses will open on Monday, February 27 through Friday, March 10. The Parent Quick Start Guide for Student Course Recommendations, found here, will walk you through the process. We feel strongly that our teacher's have a good understanding of your students strengths and areas for growth and make great recommendations for course levels.  However, you as a family have the final decision on which courses your child takes.  We expect that you do all that you can to be informed when make these level decisions.  If you wish to override a course recommendation I have attached the Override Process here.  

Parent Conference Night is scheduled for March 2nd from 6-8pm.  The focus of this night will be for parents that wish to discuss overriding a teacher recommendation.  If you are considering an override please call Linda Chaney in the main office at 881-0177 to schedule an appointment.  As always, if you have a concern about your child's academics, parents are always encouraged to reach out to teachers to schedule a meeting at another convenient time. 

On Parent Conference Night, Thursday, March 2nd from 6-8 pm, the AHS Guidance Department will host "Naviance for Parents" in the Distance Learning Lab of the AHS library.  This will be conducted on a "drop-in" basis, and parents will be able to set up their own accounts and browse the outstanding features of this state-of-the art software.  Naviance helps AHS students with self awareness, career information and exploration, and college information and exploration.  No pre-registration is necessary, simply stop by and join us!






Here are few pictures from the week as we celebrated Start With Hello Week.  Start With Hello is an initiative through Sandy Hook Promise with the goal of ending social isolation in schools. We have a lot of work to do to make sure every student at AHS feels safe and welcome but I was proud of our many Peer Leaders and other students who took a risk and got involved.  As adults we were impressed with the students who created a GeoTag for AHS-the band at the bottom of the pictures, that automatically showed up!










Demonstration of a traditional dance


The whole group!
It was also another fun week with our Chinese exchange students learning from them about their culture.  On Monday they shared some information about China with a variety of AHS students from a couple of after school clubs.

How to use chopsticks!
On Tuesday, February 14 at 2pm a representative from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will be here to talk to the Chinese students about the American college application experience.  AHS students are welcome to join!  They will meet in the guidance suite.

Check out the Parent Flyers for information about other community events.

Ashland's Decisions at Every Turn Coalition has new parent and community resources available.  The DAET Winter Newsletter and previously archived issues can be downloaded at http://www.ashlanddecisions.org/quarterly-newsletter.html.  Two new "tip sheets" have been added to the Parenting for Prevention education series: Social-Emotional & Mental Health and Resilience, as well as our full library of tip sheets, are availalble at: http://www.ashlanddecisions.org/parent-tip-sheets.html.

Ashland Raises Healthy & Happy Kids:
Seven things middle school aged kids should be able to do on their own
Parents of younger children can start laying the groundwork for these things now.

  1. Get up, dressed, and washed on their own.
  2. Make their own breakfast.
  3. Make their own lunch.
  4. Do homework on their own.
  5. Do some cooking and cleaning.
  6. Choose their own electives and extra-curricular activities.
  7. Talk to teachers to get clarification on assignments, to ask for help, to ask questions about comments and grades received.  


Friday, February 3, 2017

Week of 1/30/17

Good evening!

It's been a busy week at AHS.  We have enjoyed our visiting Chinese students who are learning a lot about American school culture.  We kicked off Black History Month with daily quotes in our announcements and music by a variety of black artists at lunch.

On Tuesday we held class meetings to explain the Course Selection process.  It's hard to believe but it's time to start thinking about the 2017-2018 school year.  Teachers have spent the last two weeks entering their recommendations for courses.  The iStudent Course Recommendation window will open on Monday.  For more directions on how to approve classes and choose electives please read the iStudent Quick Guide.

Next week is Start with Hello week sponsored by Sandy Hook Promise. Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. As a result, many further pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or choose to hurt themselves or others. Start With Hello teaches students, grades 2-12, the skills they need to reach out to and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school or youth organization.  We are looking forward to a fun week of activities geared at connecting kids.  

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors:  The AHS Class of 2018, 2019 and 2020 are participating in a fundraising competition now through this Tuesday, February 7th. Students in 9th, 10th and 11th grade are competing to sell the most Classic Cookie products (including cookie dough, pretzel dough, cheesecake, candles and more!). The class that sells the most products will receive an increased percentage of profit to help pay for class events like prom and senior week events! Additionally, there are $$ cash prizes for the top 5 sellers school wide. (The top seller in the school will get $100!) Plus every student who sells at least 2 items will be entered into a class raffle for $50 cash! Please encourage students to participate in the fundraiser and support students by purchasing an item from any member of your favorite class! 

There is a lot going on around AHS this weekend!

The Make-A-Wish club will be hosting their annual Jump for Joy event tomorrow, Saturday, February 4 from 10am-3pm  Bring your children, grandchildren, friend's children and all around favorite little bodies to enjoy the event to jump in a variety of bounce houses!

Family Trivia Night - Sat. February 4th @7pm (AHS Cafeteria) sponsored by the Ashland Music Association 
Annual Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Ashland Clocker Club:  Come out and support Ashland sports and the Clocker Club at their 8th Annual pancake breakfast and fundraiser on February 5th from 8-11am.  Great food and activities at a wonderful community event.  All our welcome!!  Purchase tickets online at www.clockerclub.org or at the door.

Coming Soon a film sponsored by the PTO and Ashland Public Schools:  Screenagers tentatively set for March 29 - Mark Your Calendars http://www.screenagersmovie.com/

Tickets are now on sale for the AHSTS production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The production runs Friday, March 3rd and Saturday, March 4th at 7PMSunday, March 5th at 2PMPatrons may buy discounted tickets in advance online. All seating is reserved. For more information visit www.ahsts.com.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country. 

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of words hoping to never hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is delightful den of comedic genius.

As always, check out the Parent Flyers!

Ashland Raises Healthy & Happy Kids:
Seven Ways to Reduce Sugar in your Family’s Diet
Many Americans eat well above the daily recommended amount (48 grams) of sugar on a daily basis. High added sugar intake has been linked to many health conditions which last into adulthood including  dental cavities, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Let’s not cut out birthday cake, ice cream on a hot summer day, or homemade chocolate chip cookies. Instead try to reduce sugar in the things you and your family eat daily.
Next time you go to the grocery store, take some extra time to READ LABELS. You might be surprised to see that there is added sugar in foods such as bread, condiments, salad dressing, and potato chips. On a nutrition label sugar may appear under many names. Some of the most common ones include cane sugar, evaporated cane juice, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, raw sugar and crystal solids. And, don't forget brown sugar, honey, maple syrup and brown rice syrup. Below are a few places to start cutting added sugar out of your family’s diet:
  1. Breakfast - Typically breakfasts in the US are loaded with sugar - pancakes, waffles, cereal, packaged oatmeal, muffins, flavored yogurt. Think “outside the box” with breakfast. Foods such as cheese, nuts, crackers, and fruit or even leftovers from dinner likely have a lot less sugar than the above breakfast foods.
  2. Sugary Drinks  - No one needs sweetened drinks. Period. These include juice (even those labeled 100% juice), soda, lemonade, sports drinks, and caramel macchiatos topped with whipped cream. Water and milk are all kids need (parents are allowed coffee!).
  3. Bread - Read labels. There are choices with no added sugar.
  4. Yogurt - Fruited yogurt is loaded with sugar. It should be considered a dessert or treat. Plain yogurt with fruit is a good substitute.
  5. Chips - The less ingredients in chips, the better. Look for chips with just potatoes, oil and salt.
  6. Granola bars - Many granola bars have as much sugar as candy bars. Look for granola bars with nuts, dark chocolate, and less added sugar.
  7. Peanut Butter - Most brand name peanut butters have sugar added. Look for ones made with only peanuts and salt.