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.

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