Week of 1/9/17

Good afternoon-

Today we began our daily announcements with a reminder of why we have this three day weekend: 
On Monday, as you enjoy your day, please don't forget why you have the day off.  We remember those brave citizens who defied the conventions of a racist culture to stand for their dignity as people, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who inspired them to do so without violence, and whose words still have meaning today: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Semester I classes have officially come to an end and we are ready to start exams on Tuesday.  
Here is the link to the Exam Schedule.

Grades will close next Friday and report cards will be available the following Friday, January 27 at 2pm.  

During mid-terms students only have to attend when they have an test (or other teacher requirement) scheduled but please note, the bus schedule runs on its normal times.  Sandwiches will be available for lunch in the cafeteria.  

Thanks to the PBIS team and teacher volunteers we will again have Stress Buster activities happening around school from 7:30-8:20am.  Here is the schedule:

The course selection process for the 2017-2018 school year will start on January 23rd with teachers making their recommendations.  If you have not signed up for an iParent account yet please do that now so you can approve teacher recommendations and student elective selections when it comes time.
The Program of Studies will be available on the AHS website next Wednesday for any students wishing to start exploring elective options. 

Here is the course recommendation timeline (for all students currently in Grade 9-11):
Teachers make recommendations- January 23-February 3
Students choose electives and approve teacher recommendations- February 6- February 17
Parents approve course selections- February 27- March 10
Parent/Teacher conferences- March 2 (all families wishing to override a course recommendation are encouraged to make an appointment for this evening)


We are very excited to welcome Ms. Christina Marshall to the History department on January 23/beginning 2nd semester.  Ms. Marshall is a certified history teacher who completed her field study hours with in the Fall of 2015.  She will be teaching a Modern American History as well as some electives.  This position is one of the positions restored by School Committee in October and we are grateful for their support of our need to decrease class size and offer more electives so that students are fully scheduled and have enriching opportunities.  Ms. Marshall will be a great addition to our faculty.


Chinese Exchange Program:  We are in need of a few 10th grade students willing to host Chinese students during the school day when they are here from January 28- February 17.  Interested students should email or see Ms. St. Coeur.  


Parents of seniors!  Graduation is coming, please check iParent to make sure your son/daughter's full name is spelled correctly.  Notify Linda Chaney at lchaney@ashland.k12.ma.us if you see anything misspelled or missing.


The Ashland High School Site Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 has been moved to the following week, January 25 at 4pm.  All are welcome to join us!

The Make A Wish Club presented at School Committee this week and shared their experience volunteering at Give Kids The World, a resort for children and families who are Wish recipients.  It was a moving and memorable trip and the students were excited to share this slide show as well as talk about the impact the trip had on their lives. Make a Wish Club trip presentation
(all pictures of Wish students are taken from the Give Kids the World website as volunteers are not permitted to photograph guests.)


News from StuCo:
During midterm exams, the Student Council will be providing snacks during the 15 minute break, both outside the library and upstairs at the top of the main stairwell.  
Tuesday they'll be handing out goldfish crackers, Wednesday they'll be handing out pretzels and apple juice, and Thursday they'll be handing out Smartfood popcorn and apple juice (while they last.)   
Students are invited to stop by either table and pick up a snack as they leave their first exam and get ready for their second.  

Enjoy the long weekend and time reconnecting with your family if you are able.

Please check out the Parent Flyers for information of what's going on around town.

Ashland Raises Healthy  & Happy Kids:

TIPS TO IMPROVE STUDY SKILLS

1. Block off time to study outside of class - Just like scheduling sports and activities, schedule study/homework time.
2. Use your peers - Work with classmates to better absorb material and learn to work together on projects.
3. Get organized - Use a planner/calendar.
4. Get enough sleep
5. Eliminate distractions  - Disconnect from social media when studying and put phones/computers/tablets away unless needed for studying.
6. Eat right and stay active
7. Stop Procrastinating