Thursday, June 22, 2017

Last day of school

Good afternoon & happy last day of school!

It is so hard to believe the 2016-2017 school year has come to an end. It was both a wonderful & challenging year and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work in such an amazing community.  I hope you all have a restful summer and we look forward to seeing you in August!  The school times schedule shared by Superintendent Adams is available here.

Term 4 and Final grades are now open in iStudent and  iParent.  GPA & decile rank will be available in the next few days once we check for accuracy.  Members of the Classes of 2018 and 2019 will now have access to that information.  

Guidance counselors are available until June 28.  Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Summer hours for the building are 8am-2:45pm.  It's always best to call or email first to make sure someone is here if you need assistance.

I will be out of the building enjoying some professional development and family time for the month of July.  We will get back in the swing of things in early August.  Schedules will be mailed to 9th grade students and available on iStudent for all others sometime after the first week of August.  Stay tuned for a date!



Peer Leader program:
The mission of the Peer Leadership-Freshman Advisory program is to help students with the transition from middle school to high school.  The goal of the program is to establish a foundation for success in meeting the school-wide academic, social, and civic expectations set forth in AHS’s mission statement.  Junior & senior leaders will work with 9th grade students to introduce them to the core values and culture of AHS and in doing so encourage positive decision making.  Students will give up one study hall or wellness class a cycle to join a 9th grade wellness class and lead transition activities. Peer leaders will also support the entire school community in Positive Behavior Support Team initiatives. Current Peer Leaders do not need to reapply. Interested students should complete a application and return it to Ms. St. Coeur ASAP via email.



The National Honor Society is looking for recent grads to donate their blue gowns.  We especially need the smaller sizes (heights below 5'9").  There is a box in the main office where they may be dropped off over the summer.


Foundation for MetroWest is now recruiting high school students for its fall Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) programs in Natick and Sudbury, and we would love to have Ashland High students participate. 

YIP (informational flyer attached) is a free leadership program now in its 20th year of teaching local youth about the needs and assets of our community; students do not have to have any experience with community service or be from either Natick or Sudbury to join. Over the course of 17 sessions, participants will work as a team to award $10,000 in grants to youth-serving nonprofits.

·         YIP Natick will meet Thursdays from 7-8:30pm starting Sept. 14
·         YIP Sudbury will meet Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm starting Sept. 19
·         The deadline to apply is August 25

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Week of 6/12/17

Good morning-

Final exams started yesterday at AHS, the year is officially winding down.  The schedule is attached here and can be found on the AHS website. As a reminder, students only need to be present for their final exams but the school is open for regular school hours.  Students must attend their exams during the scheduled time unless they have an excused absence.  The cafeteria will be open, selling sandwiches and salads each day of exams.  June 22nd is a make-up exam day and students do not need to report.  This is the teachers last day and they will leave at 10:30am.  

We were very happy to welcome the Class of 2021 last Wednesday night and look forward to seeing them again at New Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 23rd at 4pm.  This is a fun, interactive afternoon where students explore the building, learn about our values and expectations, and meet the Peer Leaders. 

All schedules for the 2017-2018 school year will be available the week of August 7, 2017 on iParent. Hard copies of schedules will be mailed to the Class of 2021. 


Check out pictures from the junior prom from our photographer Grynn & Barrett. The website link is the best way to share it: https://www.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=10038161


The Class of 2019 is having a fundraiser at Dairy Queen in Ashland on Tuesday, June 20th. Stop by anytime between 4 - 8 pm and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the Class of 2019! We appreciate your support! 



Peer Leader program:
The mission of the Peer Leadership-Freshman Advisory program is to help students with the transition from middle school to high school.  The goal of the program is to establish a foundation for success in meeting the school-wide academic, social, and civic expectations set forth in AHS’s mission statement.  Junior & senior leaders will work with 9th grade students to introduce them to the core values and culture of AHS and in doing so encourage positive decision making.  Students will give up one study hall or wellness class a cycle to join a 9th grade wellness class and lead transition activities. Peer leaders will also support the entire school community in Positive Behavior Support Team initiatives. Current Peer Leaders do not need to reapply. Interested students should complete a application and return it to Ms. St. Coeur by June 22, 2017.





Do you have a prom or formal dress in your closet that you know you will never wear again?  The Ashland High School Make-A-Wish Club will be hosting a Prom Dress Boutique Fundraiser on November 25, 2018 in the high school gymnasium.  Gowns will either be sold on consignment by their owner with a 20 percent portion going to Make-A-Wish or as a donation with all profit being given to Make-A-Wish.  We will be collecting dresses through November 18th as we prepare for the day.  You can either drop the dresses off to the main office at Ashland High School during school hours or reach out to hessoli@ashland.k12.ma.us to make other arrangements.  If you wish to sell your dress please provide your name, phone number and asking price with the item.  We will be seeking dresses from local area towns and welcome additional shoppers at the boutique day as well so spread the word!


Please be sure to check out all of the other important events happening around town in the Parent Flyers!


Attention current Ashland high school Juniors. Looking for several students that might be interested in a career in marketing. I have a startup project for a nonprofit organization that needs fresh, young idea’s. For students interested in the field of marketing, this will look great on their resume and help build early experience. These project managers will be given an idea and will be able to expand it however they like. Setting up website/social media, club logo, designs are just some of the tasks that they will be involved in the process. Students will receive community service credit hours along with a successful project that will enhance a college resume application. 
Contact Bob Nutting mpremiersoccer@aol.com (781)985-6628

contest
Video Contest for Teens
"13 Ways to Take Care of Ourselves and Each Other Video Contest"
A Suicide Prevention Project 
Enter by July 28, 2017 
First Place Prize is $1,000

Who Can Enter:http://files.constantcontact.com/d43eb850201/fe145427-c856-4e55-954a-f1810ffe2673.jpg
This contest is open to anyone who is enrolled in high school as of spring 2017, age 14 and older, and who lives in Massachusetts.Contest Goal:
Recently, the media has shown that one way teenagers might cope with emotional and social challenges is by suicide. We are countering that message by having the "13 Ways to Take Care of Ourselves and Each Other Video Contest." The overall goal of this contest is to have high school students demonstrate healthy ways that they can manage social and emotional challenges. We are very excited about getting teens involved in this contest as a way to promote the various healthy ways they cope with obstacles in their lives.

Please Help Make this Contest a Success:
We really need your help to to get the word out about this contest. Could you please pass information about this contest on to teens and encourage them to enter? The first place prize is $1,000. The contest description and Official Contest Rules are online at www.riversidetraumacenter.org/?p=1037. On that page there's a PDF of a flyer that you can pass around to teens or post.

If you have any questions, please send an email to tcenter@riversidecc.org. Thank you in advance for helping us promote healthy coping skills for teens.Employees or directors of Riverside Community Care or their immediate family or household are not eligible.

Ashland Raises Healthy & Happy Kids
Hopefully the summer will allow your family to slow down a little and enjoy one another. You might also want to spend some time this summer giving your children 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. Choose  two or three tasks for each of your children to practice and master this summer, and think of how much easier the next school year could be!

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 to wash windows and wipe down counter tops, order their own meals at restaurants. 

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 beds, 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, clean the bathrooms


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, paint a piece of furniture or a room in your house, make their own appointments

Friday, June 9, 2017

Week of 6/5/17


Good afternoon-

It was a relatively quiet week at AHS without the Class of 2017.  The rest of the student body is getting ready to wind down their year and final exams start next Friday, June 16.  The schedule is attached here and can be found on the AHS website. As a reminder, students only need to be present for their final exams but the school is open for regular school hours.  Students must attend their exams during the scheduled time unless they have an excused absence.  The cafeteria will be open, selling sandwiches and salads each day of exams.  June 22nd is a make-up exam day and students do not need to report.


Peer Leader program:
The mission of the Peer Leadership-Freshman Advisory program is to help students with the transition from middle school to high school.  The goal of the program is to establish a foundation for success in meeting the school-wide academic, social, and civic expectations set forth in AHS’s mission statement.  Junior & senior leaders will work with 9th grade students to introduce them to the core values and culture of AHS and in doing so encourage positive decision making.  Students will give up one study hall or wellness class a cycle to join a 9th grade wellness class and lead transition activities. Peer leaders will also support the entire school community in Positive Behavior Support Team initiatives. Current Peer Leaders do not need to reapply. Interested students should complete a application and return it to Ms. St. Coeur by June 22, 2017.


Student Council News:
Congratulations to all of the winners of today's AHS Student Government Elections.
Any students interested in getting involved in the Student Council for the 2017-2018 school year should come to our first meeting on Wednesday, June 14th, at 2pm in the auditorium.  We will go through the process for joining and do some brainstorming work for next year.  Attendance is required for all elected class officers and Student Council representatives and all current "open enrollment" members of the group.



All High School Athletes who have not returned their uniforms must do so before Friday June 16th.  There is a bin outside of the Athletic Office where you are able to drop your uniform. All uniforms need to be placed in a bag with your name written somewhere in or on the bag.  Please DO NOT place uniforms in the bin which are not within a bag.  You might not get credit for returning said uniform and can be charged a replacement fee.  Thank you and remember the portal for Fall Sports Registration is now open.



Is your child interested in a career in writing or public service? Ashland High School's Breaking the Barriers club is hosting an event on Tuesday, June 13 from 6:30-8 pm in the AHS Auditorium called 'Inspire'! Technical writer and public service advocate, Cece Doucette will be speaking about her career and the road that led there. There will be open Q&A and also an opportunity for interested students to apply for internships and community service opportunities with Mrs. Doucette. Added bonuses are that you will be entered in a raffle for a $100 Amazon gift card just by attending and there will be free food! This is a community event so parents, students, and anyone else who would like to attend is welcome! Again, the event is on Tuesday, June 13 from 6:30-8 pm. Hope to see there!

Please be sure to check out all of the other important events happening around town in the Parent Flyers!


Some Surprising Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

We may think we know what anxiety looks like (shaking hands, shallow breaths) and what it sounds like (“I can’t do this. What if I can’t do it. What if?…What if?…), but what does anxiety feel like? Often, we focus so much on the racing thoughts and emotions that come with anxiety, we forget to recognize how physical anxiety can be. In fact, you can feel physical effects of anxiety without even realizing it’s anxiety that’s causing them.


  1. Gastrointestinal distress
  2. Feeling “antsy” - being unable to sit still
  3. Racing heart
  4. Nausea
  5. Back/neck pain from muscles being tense
  6. Shortness of breath
  7. Headaches
  8. Clenched jaw and/or teeth grinding
  9. Blurry vision
  10. Sweating
  11. Feeling lightheaded and dizzy
  12. Nightmares
  13. Nail biting/scalp picking
  14. Rashes
  15. Trouble sleeping

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Week of May 29

Good afternoon~

Yesterday was a beautiful day for the Class Day celebration for the Class of 2017. (click on link to see ceremnoy  The class once again walked the halls of all the other schools in the district and it is clearly becoming a favorite tradition. Here is an album of all of the fun!

Graduation for the Class of 2017 will be Sunday, June 4, 2017 at  1:00pm!

Seating includes both floor seating in folding chairs and bleacher seating and is open to all family and friends of graduating seniors.  There is no ticket limit.
  • Seating is unlimited but you may wish to arrive early to find a seat.  The doors open on Graduation Day at 11am.  Seats can not be reserved with signs.  Ask your child which side of the stage they are sitting on for best viewing.
  • Grynn & Barrett will be taking pictures as each student receives their diploma. For safety reasons please do not crowd the aisles near the front to take pictures.
  • Thank you to the many people who have informed us of the need for handicapped seating. Ushers will be available to direct you on graduation day. Handicapped parking will be available in the lot directly behind the school. We will have staff there to direct you as well.

WACA-TV will live-stream the ceremony. Click this link to watch from home!


MCAS:
Members of the Class of 2019 will be taking the Science MCAS on Monday and Tuesday of next week. We wish them the best. I encourage them to get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast so they are at their best for testing.



All Fall Sports Meeting
Tuesday June 6th - 7pm at Ashland High School
...for any High School or Middle School Student-Athlete interested in a fall sport. Meet the coaches, get registration information, and important dates. Below is a list of available Fall Sports at the High School and Middle School. Please contact the athletic department with any questions.


Fall Sports
Varsity
Junior Varsity
Freshmen
Middle School
Football
x
x
x

Cheerleading
x



Cross Country, Boys & Girls
x


x- 6th, 7th, & 8th
Field Hockey
x
x

x- 7th & 8th
Golf (Co-ed)
x



Volleyball- Girls
x
x
x
x-7th & 8th
Soccer, Boys and Girls
x
x

x-7th & 8th



The Friends of the Ashland Public Library needs help setting up our book sale on June 8th and/or 9th between 4 and 6 pm, selling cupcakes during the sale on Saturday, June 10th from 10 am until 2 pm (or until they're gone), and breaking down the book sale from 2-3 pm on Saturday, March June 10th. We have forms at the library. Please send a message to president@friendsoftheapl.com if you can help.



Teen Film & Acting Workshop: teens ages 13 to 15 and will run from July 31 to August 4 from 9:30 to 3:30.  
Here is a link to the online promo: 




Please be sure to check out all of the other important events happening around town in the Parent Flyers!



Self-Care Ideas
Three weeks of school left! Below are some self-care tips to help you through the busy month of June (and any other stressful times in your life).
1. Call a friend or family member to “talk it out”/vent.  
2. Call in sick to work or take comp time if you can. Take a mental health day.
3. Say NO to extra obligations, chores, or anything that feels like too much right now.
4. Dial down your expectations of yourself at this time.
5. Tuck yourself into bed early with a good book.
6. Watch a comforting/silly/lighthearted TV show or movie.
7. Reread your favorite picture and chapter books with your children.
8. Breathe. Deeply. Slowly. Four counts in. Six counts out.
9. Try to sleep 7-9 hours per night.
10. Go outside and be in the sunshine.
11. Move your body gently in ways that feel good.
12. Take a long, hot bath, light a candle and pamper yourself.
13. Knit. Sculpt. Bake. Garden. Engage your hands.
14. Exhaust yourself physically – running, yoga, swimming, whatever helps you feel fatigued.
15. Write it out. Free form in a journal or a Google doc. Get it all out and vent.
16. Create a plan if you’re feeling overwhelmed. List out what you need to do next to tackle and address whatever you’re facing. Break it down into manageable and understandable pieces.
17. Clean up a corner of a room of your house. Sometimes tidying up can help calm our minds.
18. Ask yourself: What’s my next most immediate priority? Do that. Then ask the question again.
19. Take a tech break. Delete or deactivate social media if it feels too time consuming.
20. Spend a little money and treat yourself to some self-care and comfort.
21. Make art. Scribble with crayons. Splash some watercolors. Paint a rock. Whatever. Just create something.
22. Look at photos of people you love. Set them as the wallpaper of your phone or laptop.
23. Create and listen to a playlist of songs that make you happy.
24. Color in adult coloring books.
25. Take a walk in Ashland State Park or Hopkinton State Park.
26. Dance around wildly to your favorite, most cheesy songs from your high school years
27. Establish a routine and stick to it. Routines can bring so much comfort and grounding in times of life that feel chaotic.
28. Get up early and watch a sunrise while you sip tea or coffee.

29. Take your dog for a walk. Or borrow a friend’s dog and take them for a walk.