October 22, 2021

Good afternoon-

Today we wrapped up our in-school Homecoming Week activities with our first pep rally in almost two years. It was fun to bring the school together to hear about the accomplishments of our clubs, activities, and sports teams and to have some fun competition. We are so grateful for the opportunity to come together to celebrate our community!

The Homecoming Dance will take place tomorrow (Saturday, October 23rd) from 6pm to 9pm outdoors in the faculty parking lot and in the outdoor classroom area.  It is predicted to be about 45 degrees. Students should dress for the weather. 

• Drop-Off / Parking: The road around the school will be closed off.  Cars will still be able to enter and leave the school, but not go around the building.  Students can be dropped off by the main entrance to the school.  Students driving to the dance and parking will enter the school, turn left in front of the main entrance, and then turn right into the student parking lot.  (This is not the usual direction of that road.)  Students must then walk around to the front of the school to enter the dance.
• All students must arrive by 7pm.  No one will be admitted after this time.
• Students may not leave prior to 8:30pm without parent permission. We will be calling you if your student wants to leave the dance early. 
• Tickets cost $10 at the door.  Tickets must be paid for in cash or by check (made out to "AHS Student Activities" and please include your student's name in the "memo" section.)
• Guests from other schools will not be allowed this year.
• In addition to a DJ there will be a photo booth, baked goods, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider.  There will also be pizza available for purchase ($2/slice.)
• Students do not need a mask while outdoors but must bring a mask go indoors to use the restroom.  The library will also be open as a place to warm-up and students will need to wear a mask in there. This space is limited and students will not be able to be inside for extended periods of time. 

Homecoming week is sponsored by the Student Council.  Any questions?  Contact the Student Council at STUCO.ashland@ashland.k12.ma.us

Picture retake day is Monday, October 25. 

AHS Safety plans: I have received a few questions regarding the message about the stay in place. Since it has been a year and a half since we have had to do some of these protocols I thought I would share a few slides from a previous safety presentation.

I have attached a few slides here to help explain the difference between a stay in place and a lockdown. School safety slides

We are in the process of holding class meetings during X-block to review several items with students. The term ends in two weeks so we are reminding students to check grades and make sure they are seeing their teachers for extra help if needed. Teachers are noticing students are struggling with work completion and deadlines. They are here to help any student who is having difficulty meeting timelines.

We also let students know that snacks no longer available at break time. Given that it is an hour before lunch the cafeteria staff has been unable to prepare for lunch when stopping to hand out snacks. Students are still welcome to get breakfast and/or a snack before school starts and save it for break time.

Just a reminder the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey will be administered on Tuesday, October 26. We will have a modified schedule and students will have approximately 1 hour to complete the survey. 

Local flyers:

Pepper's Ghost 10-23-21 (grades 6-12)

Robin Glasser Illustrator 10-26-21

Native Americans of New England

PTO Make Your Own Pizza