Friday, September 20, 2019

September 20, 2019

Good afternoon -

This week we were proud to present our National Merit Scholarship Commended students with their certificate for this achievement. They are among 34,000 students out of the 1.5 million that took the 2018 PSAT who are being recognized with the academic achievement. We are proud of their accomplishment!

e-hallpass
This week we began the process of piloting a new hall pass system.  This system, called e-hallpass, is one of several systems we looked at last spring and over the summer as part of our goal of implementing an X-block into our schedule.  (The purpose of the X-block, which we plan to pilot in January, will be to provide increased opportunities for enrichment and intervention.  More to come on that later.....)
The current pilot, which we plan to roll out to the whole school in early October, allows for students to create passes digitally, which they now do with paper/pencil, while also allowing teachers to request appointments or send students to other locations in the building (teacher to teacher). We are looking to make this change for the purpose of safety and accountability.  In the event of an emergency, we could have real-time information on where students have said they are going. It does not track the students actual movement however as the device does not travel with the student. The options for devices used include both AHS devices (Chromebooks and iPads) as well as student devices. Most teachers are looking at using a classroom device. The functionality of these options is what a small handful of teachers are currently looking at over the next couple of weeks. Students are in no way mandated to use the system. Students seem to be concerned that we are monitoring the data on pass usage. That is true, but we already monitor it.  It is a work in progress, we have much to learn, and we are taking all questions, thoughts, and concerns into consideration as we look at the best options for scheduling appointments and monitoring student movement and safety around the building.

Community service reminder:
A reminder that students should make a copy (most just take a picture) of all their community service forms.

Mr. Adams forgot to attach these flyers to his newsletter, please see the flyers attached from the Ashland PTO.
PTO membership
PTO Schedule 2019-2020

For your planning purposes....
September
9/23       Picture Day for all students 
9/26       AHS Back to School/Parents Night                                      6:00-8:00 pm 
This message went out the Class of 2020 today-

Monday is picture day for the entire school. Seniors are required to have your picture taken to be used for your ID card.  This year our expectation is that you take a regular picture.  For safety reasons we can no longer allow students to wear anything on your heads or faces.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
October
10/2          Financial Aid Night for Seniors & Parents                        7:00 – 8:00 pm
10/15-19  Spirit Week
18             Homecoming Barbecue                                                     5:00 – 7:00 pm
19             Homecoming Dance                                                          7:00 – 9:30 pm
24             NHS Induction                                                                   7:00 – 8:30 pm

Have a wonderful weekend!  

Priority deadline to apply is November 15; rolling admissions follow.

The Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program is an experiential leadership development program designed to empower and educate local youth to become our community’s next generation of philanthropists – those who give their time, talent, and treasure for the common good. As participants of YIP, students learn about needs in our community, visit local nonprofits, and grant up to $10,000 to nonprofits benefiting youth.

This free, 17-week program is for high school students who live or learn in MetroWest. YIP will meet on Tuesday evenings, from 7:00 to 8:30pm, at Grange Hall in Sudbury. The program begins on January 14 and runs through May 26. (Full Schedule) For more information about YIP and to apply, visit yipmetrowest.org.

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