Good afternoon-
It was wonderful to have our students back in the building, ready to learn and reconnect. The past two days were spent getting to know their classmates, learning about our values and expectations, and having some fun!
The annual all-school scavenger hunt had student's working in teams across grades to learn about all kinds of things about Ashland, our staff, and our building-wide expectations. The planned chaos really gets students moving around the building and working as a team member.
Today, we had our first Convocation celebration as a whole school since 2019. This event, recognizing the senior class as the leaders of the school, is meant to be fun, spirited, and welcoming.
As a Convocation tradition, the seniors run into the gym, throwing streamers in the air and into the crowd. We have done a great deal of work over the past 10+ years to ensure this tradition and all our traditions are safe and enjoyable for all students. This year, unfortunately, several members of the class threw them in a forceful, targeted, and reckless way at the freshmen. This is not how we do things at AHS, and I made that message clear to the entire student body once the seniors were seated.
What was supposed to be a fun and lively celebration was ruined for many because of the dangerous behavior of a few. I take full responsibility for not being explicit enough with the senior class beforehand on what they could do during the rally but never expected some of the behaviors we saw today. I hope moving forward students will be conscious of safe and appropriate ways to enjoy school rallies.
The senior class president, Andrew D, did deliver a great message on the responsibility they hold as leaders of the school and their need to be conscious of how they will be remembered once they have graduated. The seniors also enjoyed a class bbq and the annual visit from Ashland Fire for a class picture. Next week we will hold class meetings each day to spend some more focused time reviewing school expectations. Seniors will also order their caps and gowns on Tuesday! This cost is covered by the school.
So far arrival and dismissal seem to be going fairly well. Parents should drop off in the back of the school and bus riders are dropped in the front.
There is no school tomorrow or Monday. Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!!
Attached is the APS Chromebook Repair Costs for this school year.
If a student has a broken Chromebook, a Service Request Form on the APS website must be completed. Loaner Chromebook will only be available to those students whose device is out for repair. Repairs are usually pretty quick depending on damage.
The Student Council's first meeting is Wednesday, September 7th at 7:40 in the auditorium. It is mandatory for all elected class officers but all are welcome to attend to learn how to be an open enrollment member. Any questions, see Mr. Wiczer (jwiczer@ashland.k12.ma.us) or Ms. Thomson (ethomson@ashland.k12.ma.us). Please use this link to view our website and learn more about STUCO: https://sites.google.com/ashland.k12.ma.us/stucoashland/home
Students: Want to go to New York City to see a Broadway show? Join Mrs. Nemeth and Mr. Mosh on Saturday October 29. We will see the 2021 Tony Award winner for Best Musical - Moulin Rouge! AND we'll get some time to sightsee in Times Square!
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