Week of 4/4/16

Good afternoon and happy Friday!  

I absolutely can not believe that today was the last day of Term 3. The year is moving so quickly. The iStudent/iParent window will open with Term 3 grades next Friday, April 15 at 2pm...just as we are heading off for April vacation.  

We have a busy week coming up so everyone will be ready for the break. I hope to see many of you at Student Council's Annual BINGO night on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30pm. They have amazing prizes ready for you to win!  
Our Chorus department will present their Vocal Solo Night on Thursday, April 14 at 7:00pm. They will have a variety of performances with a Disney theme!

We are still in great need of families willing to share your homes with a Chinese student for the week of May 1-8. Students will shadow your child during the school day and participate in your family activities after school. We will also set up some activities after school for the students to participate in.

Mental Health “Red Flags” Parents Should be Alert For

Most people, especially children and teens, cannot identify when they are suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. Below are some signs to look out for and, if worrisome, should be discussed with your child’s doctor or therapist. Remember, parents know their children best, don’t ignore symptoms, and follow your “gut” feeling.

• Excessive sleeping (beyond usual teenage fatigue), which could indicate depression or substance abuse. Or difficulty falling asleep or insomnia.
• Loss of self-esteem or an increase in negative comments about themselves.
• Loss of interest in favorite activities, or pulling away from friends and family.
• Unexpected and dramatic decline in academic performance.
• Sudden change in eating habits (loss of appetite or eating more than usual), and/or rapid weight loss or gain.  
• Personality shifts and changes, such as aggressiveness and excess anger, that are sharply out of character.

The Ashland Cultural Council will be holding auditions to select high school kids to perform at our annual grantee reception in May. Auditions are on Tuesday April 12th at 6.30pm at the Ashland Public Library.Those who are interested in auditioning can email vtilak.acc@gmail.com with their name, email address, cell phone number, musical genre and what they will be performing.  See the parent flyer's section for more information!

Have a wonderful weekend and let's keep our fingers crossed for no more snow.