January 14, 2021

Good afternoon-

As we head into the long weekend I am hopeful we will have students in the building next week. Thank you to all of you who tested on Monday and are working hard to help stop the spread. Working together to bring down the numbers is what will get us back to school in the building. 

As a reminder, there is no school tomorrow for students. It is a professional day for staff. There is also no school on Monday due to the MLK Jr. holiday. 

I am including here reminders sent to students on January 3 (I will re-share them on Monday). Please remind your student of these expectations.

• Make sure you have your well-fitting masks ready to go as we head back to the building. We have some extras in the office if you need one. Students who do not wear their mask properly will be sent home. 
• Attendance is taken each day so we know who is physically in the building. If you are home for a day your cohort is in school you will be marked absent. There is no consequence for this however. We appreciate students who are staying home because they are not feeling well, have been in a large group, or have traveled.
• Wear a warm jacket and appropriate footwear to school! Many teachers will continue to take outdoor mask breaks. It's a great way to stretch your legs and chat with classmates and/or your teacher. 
• Bring your Chromebook every day. If you have an issue with your Chromebook please fill out the request for assistance form on the website and we have loaners available in the main office. Let us know how we can help you. Our IT department works to make sure all of the technology that is accessible is safe for students.

If you are traveling out of state this weekend please remember the APS Travel Policy. 

Student/Family Travel Policy
 Please find attached links to the Ashland Public Schools - Student Travel Form.  Each link will bring you directly to the school where your child(ren) attends.  Attached is also a Return from Travel Certification of Compliance that must be filled out before travelers can enter schools. I have also included the School Committee Policy on COVID Travel again for your reference.

Ashland High School Student Travel Form

Travel Certification of Compliance
Student/Family Travel Policy

We have two weeks left of term 2 and teachers will begin the recommendation process for the 2021-2022 school year on Tuesday. Teachers will make recommendations through February 5. The window for students to approve teacher recommendations and choose their electives will open on February 1. 

I will send more information on the timeline and process in the next week or two. Please encourage your child to start thinking about courses for next year.

Have a wonderful long weekend!