week of 5/1/17

Good afternoon and happy Sunday!

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine before more rain heads our way.

After seeing many pictures this weekend of family and friends from other communities I am looking forward to the AHS prom this Friday, May 12.  This year the prom is being held at Lombardo's in Randolph.  The actual Prom is 7-11pm and all attendees are expected to stay at the event for the evening.  Any prom-goers's wishing to leave early will need parent permission to do so.  We always announce the AHS Court towards the end of the evening and the Court is chosen by the chaperones based on who looks like they are having the most fun!  

The Grand March will start at 5:30pm at AHS in the gym.  This is always a wonderful community event and all are welcome to attend to see the students off for a great evening.  It is fun to see how nicely they clean up and their newly learned dance skills. 

May 12 is an Early Release Day for all students.  We dismiss at 11:40am.  Prom attendees are expected to be in school for the day.  

I invite all students and parents, especially those attending Prom or getting ready to graduate to join us for our annual Summer Send-Off on Tuesday, May 9 in the AHS auditorium at 7pm (note adjusted time from last week). 

We will have some great raffle prizes for all that attend!!!!

-Free prom ticket

-Free senior week ticket

-Free parking for the 2017-2018 school year

-VIP graduation seating

-VIP graduation parking

- and more!!!!

The evening will feature John Morello, actor and headlining comedian most known for creating the critically acclaimed one-man show "Dirt", will be performing for us at 7 pm on May 9th in the AHS auditorium. Dirt is a one-man show that explores the challenges and decisions that young people face every day. Dirt gets to the heart of issues related to drugs, bullying, and self esteem in a manner that resonates with audiences in a real and meaningful way.  Through the portrayal of relatable and memorable characters, John Morello gives voice to those who sometimes feel as though they are not heard and reassurance to those who sometimes feel as though they are not understood. John does not preach, teach, or lecture; instead, he takes students on a journey that challenges them to think about the choices they make and how those choices impact their own lives and the lives of those around them. Prior to John's performance DA Marian Ryan and Ashland Chief of Police Craig Davis will speak about social host liability and other concerns related to prom and graduation season.  

Advanced Placement exams started last week and will continue through this week.  A reminder that students are expected to be in school for the entire day on test days.   

Monday also kicks off the last two full weeks of classes for the Class of 2017.  Exams are scheduled for the week of May 22.  The Senior Week exam schedule is attached here.  

On Friday, May 26 all members of the Class of 2017 will participate in our annual Community Service Day. They will start the day at AHS with a presentation from the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Program at 8am.  From there students will spread out around town to give back to the community!

​​The Apke family of Ashland are going to Africa on a humanitarian trip to help build a school in Malawi in June. They are collecting​ ​school supplies to ​take with them. D​onation box​es will be​ in ​the school lobby​ at Ashland High School, Ashland Middle School and the Mindess School on ​Tuesday May 9 and remain for two weeks.  Click here for the list of items needed!

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

Ashland Raises Healthy & Happy Kids:

Six Subtle Signs of Depression You Should Not Ignore

Some people with depression may experience very severe symptoms, and seek help. Others may have such subtle symptoms they don’t think depression is the problem.  Like the classic signs of depression — persistent low mood and loss of pleasure — these more subtle symptoms can also affect how well a person is feeling and functioning.

1. Changes in sleep can indicate depression. For depressed people, sleep is not restorative. People may also experience psychomotor agitation which can cause restlessness and an inability to get comfortable.
2. A muddled mind. Or a slowness of thinking, forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions can be signs of depression.
3. Worrying too much and thinking too much. This is called “rumination”. People who ruminate get caught in a loop of replaying negative situations or looking at neutral situations in a negative way, or over-analyzing things. Rumination can increase the chances of becoming depressed and make depression last longer.
4. Weight changes can be a warning sign of depression. Some people may start to eat too much. Others may lose interest in food. These changes in eating patterns may be accompanied by fatigue and a loss of pleasure.
5. Not being as engaged or expressive. Social withdrawal and isolation are hallmark symptoms of depression. But another symptom to look out for is a “flat” or “blunted” affect, basically a decrease in emotional expression.
6. Physical pain. Depression does hurt and may be the cause of many unexplained physical problems, including headaches, digestive issues, and back pain, among others.

If you are worried about these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, please talk with your doctor or seek help from a mental health professional.