A short week

Good afternoon and happy Friday-

It seems the week just "started" and here we are at Friday again.  I hope that you all enjoyed the five days together as a family.  I am excited for the many fun events happening around Ashland this weekend.  Please check out the message below regarding parking at the high school Saturday night.  We will have a full house with A Capella Night and the football game.  We were thrilled to learn today that we can make use of the parking spaces within the fencing in the student parking lot.  Please consider car pooling or walking if you are close if you are headed to AHS Saturday night.  

Please be sure to check out the Parent Flyers for other event around town this weekend.  

A message from Mr. Grimes:

Tomorrow night, Saturday, October 15 at 7:00pm, Ashland football will be hosting Millis High School in a battle for the top of the TVL Small Division on the William Cunis Field and Track in Ashland!  Due to limited parking at Ashland High School because of the solar project, we will be providing a shuttle bus from Ashland Middle School on 87 W. Union St, Ashland to the high school.  The Shuttle bus will start at 6:30pm and continuously shuttle fans between the high school and middle school throughout the game.  Please note that there is no parking on East Union St.  If you do park on East Union St or within the adjacent neighborhoods you do run the risk of being ticketed by Ashland PD.  If you require further information please reach out to myself, Mr. Grimes, in the athletic department.  Thank you and go Clockers!

MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey

Ashland High School students in all grades are once again scheduled to participate in the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey regarding their attitudes and behaviors with regard to a variety of health issues.  We will be administering this survey to students on November 1st, 2016.

The survey is both anonymous and voluntary. The results of this survey provide valuable data for the school and local community to use when setting priorities for addressing the health needs of students and to improve upon the health education programs and prevention services provided for them.

For more detailed information about the test, sample viewing, and opting-out please click here: MWAHS Opt-out

As a partner and supporter of Decisions of Every Turn Coalition, PTO, ASHPAC, and the Friends of APL I am very excited for our upcoming day with Dr. Ken Ginsburg.  Resiliency is a critical skill for all of our children, one of the most important skills they can have for a successful life.  Our 9th & 10th grade students will hear Dr. Ginsburg speak in the morning and he will address our staff in the afternoon.  I wish that all of our students could hear his message but time and space is prohibitive.  I hope that many of our 11th and 12th grade students will consider attending his evening presentation.  We are thrilled to have him with us for the day!

Please Try to Attend: On Wednesday, October 19^th at 7pm in the Ashland High School Auditorium, Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D., M.S. Ed, Ph.D. will present a program titled “Resilience in Action: Raising Children and Adolescents Who Are Prepared to Thrive” to the Ashland community. Dr. Ginsburg is a nationally recognized resilience expert (http://www.fosteringresilience.com); his program will address resilience and how his 7Cs Model of Resilience gives parents practical strategies to foster resilience and raise children that are prepared to thrive. This program is being hosted by Ashland’s Decisions at Every Turn Coalition, The Friends of the Ashland Public Library, Ashland K-12 PTO, and ASHPAC.

Tickets are now on sale for the AHSTS production of The Arabian Nights. The production runs Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th at 7PM, Sunday, November 6th at 2PM. Patrons may buy tickets in advance online at ahsts.com. AHSTS offers discounted tickets purchased online. All seating is reserved. For more information or tickets, visit ahsts.com.

ASHPAC news: 
Basic Rights Workshop-
The Federation for Children with Special Needs with Kathy Bach
Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 at 7:00 PM
Ashland Middle School Activity Room
This workshop provides a basic understanding of the complex special education laws and procedures. 

Ashland Raises Happy, Healthy Kids

Tips for helping your children develop a healthy relationship with food

1. Promote a healthy relationship with food.
1. Make nutritious food options readily available at home.
2. Be a good role model - eat a balanced variety and amount of nutritious foods and drinks, eat breakfast and do not skip meals.
3. Teach children about nutrition and that there are no “bad” foods, everything is ok in moderation and/or on special occasions.
4. Do not talk about dieting or losing weight in front of your children.
2. Prioritize family meals.
3. Don’t use food as a reward.
4. Teach your children to eat when they are hungry - avoid telling your children to eat everything on their plate and avoid strict rules around food.

Week of 10/3/16

Good afternoon and happy Friday.  

This is our first Family Reconnect Weekend of the year.  I hope you all are able to enjoy a lovely long weekend whether you stay close to home or are traveling and that you enjoy some time as a family.  

MCAS scores were mailed home this week if your child attended Ashland Public Schools last year. Please let us know if you do are expecting scores and do not receive them.  Once again we were thrilled with our results and proud of the success of our students.  Students attending charter or other public schools last year should receive the report from that school.  McAuliffe did notify us that they are sending the reports to us so we will main those once we receive them.  

We have a current Donors Choose grant that is due to expire in 13 days.  Please check out the link below and consider supporting the grant.

Donors Choose- Reading Fluency-Chromebook Initiative

Please be sure to check out Parent Flyers...there is a lot of good information this week!
Senior Yearbook Deadlines

All seniors are asked to submit a senior bio for the 2017 yearbook. While this is not a requirement, it is a tradition that most seniors like to take part in. The bio includes three brief parts: Memories, Goals, and a quote. All items should be emailed to clockeryearbook@gmail.com

Senior bio is due by October 14th

Other upcoming deadlines for seniors

Senior photo for the yearbook (if not done by Grynn & Barrett): Oct 28

Baby Photo: Nov 10

Senior w/ HS sibling(s): Nov 10

Purchase Yearbooks and Yearbook Ads

All high school students are encouraged to purchase a yearbook. The yearbook will reflect the year of fun and education at AHS for all students. The yearbook costs just $85 if purchased by the early-bird deadline.
After that, prices will jump to $120. 
Parents of seniors are encouraged to place an ad in the yearbook to honor your graduating student. All book sales and ad sales should be done through our websitewww.yearbookordercenter.com. Questions? Contact yearbook advisors Chad McGowan or Sue Reap.
Any student who would like a yearbook but has a financial hardship should see Ms. St Coeur or Ms. Shiels.  

Please Save The Date: On Wednesday, October 19^th at 7pm in the Ashland High School Auditorium, Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D., M.S. Ed, Ph.D. will present a program titled “Resilience in Action: Raising Children and Adolescents Who Are Prepared to Thrive” to the Ashland community. Dr. Ginsburg is a nationally recognized resilience expert; his program will address resilience and how his 7Cs Model of Resilience gives parents practical strategies to foster resilience and raise children that are prepared to thrive. This program is being hosted by Ashland’s Decisions at Every Turn Coalition, The Friends of the Ashland Public Library, Ashland K-12 PTO, and ASHPAC.

Ashland Raise Happy & Healthy Kids

When you ask your child "How was school today?", does he/she mumble "good" or "fine"? Below are some questions to ask that might get you more than a one-word answer.

1. What was the funniest thing that happened today?
2. What games did you play at recess?
3. Did anyone do anything super nice for you?
4. What was the nicest thing you did for someone else?
5. Who made you smile today?
6. Which one of your teachers would survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?
7. What new fact did you learn today?
8. Who brought the best food in their lunch today? What was it?
9. What challenged you today?
10. If school were a ride at the fair, which ride would it be? Why?
11. What would you rate your day on a scale of 1 to 10? Why?
12. If one of your classmates could be the teacher for the day who would you want it to be? Why?
13. If you had the chance to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you teach the class?
14. Did anyone push your buttons today?
15. Who do you want to make friends with but haven’t yet? Why not?
16. What is your teacher’s most important rule?
17. What is the most popular thing to do at recess?
18. Does your teacher remind you of anyone else you know? How?
19. Tell me something you learned about a friend today.
20. What is one thing you did today that was helpful?
21. When did you feel most proud of yourself today?
22. What rule was the hardest to follow today?
23. What is one thing you hope to learn before the school year is over?
24. Which person in your class is your exact opposite?
25. Which area of your school is the most fun?
26. Which playground skill do you plan to master this year?

Week of 9/26/16

Good afternoon-


I hope you had a wonderful week.  Just a a reminder we do not have school on Monday, October 3. Happy Rosh Hashanah to all of the Ashland High School families who celebrate. Next week we are closed October 10-12.  The weekend of October 8-10 is our first Family Reconnect Weekend.  



As of this afternoon I have received a couple of emails from students interested in joining the School Site Council. Please encourage your student to join if they have an interest in how school decisions are made.  The first Site Council meeting of the year is Wednesday, October 5 at 4pm in the main office conference room.  

Members of the Ashland Business Association will be at AHS for a meet & greet and to talk more about the Social Media Internship program on Wednesday, October 5 at 2:30pm in the main office.  We have an increased number of interested interns this year but still not enough to fill the interest from the businesses.  Anyone interested in using your social media skills to help a business improve their ability to reach the public should consider applying! Send an email to Ms. St. Coeur if you are interested.

Looking for community service and leadership opportunities, a week-long trip to Washington DC, and food? Join the Breaking the Barriers club! Please join us at our first meeting in Ms. Hogan's room (B115) in the English hallway on Wednesday, October 5 after school at 2pm! We hope to see you there!"

As always, please take a moment to review the information posted in the Parent Flyers.

Color Splash Run!

The Ashland PTO, AHS Student Council, and AHS Make-a-Wish Club are working together to organize our first (hopefully annual!) Color Splash Run!

When: Sunday, October 16th at 10am

Where: Stone Park, Ashland (77 Summer St.)

Cost: $25 for the 2 mile road race around Stone Park

         $15 for the kids' race on the grass inside Stone Park

Pre-registration by 10/1/16 includes a white race t-shirt, which will be covered in a rainbow of colors when you have finished the race! Race day registration is available starting at 9am that morning, but participants who want a race t-shirts must be purchased that day, while supplies last.

To register, go to https://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/color-splash-run.

Proceeds will benefit the Ashland PTO (which provides enrichment opportunities for all APS students) and the Make-a-Wish club (which is working to grant a child's wish for the second year in a row).

Please come join us and bring your families for some good but not so clean fun. :)

Ashland Raises Happy & Healthy Kids

Children often pick up on their parents’ stress, anxiety or happiness and it can affect their behavior and/or mood. Let’s make it a goal to keep ourselves happy! Below are a few tips:

1. Do what you do best as often as you can.
2. Make really good friends, and nurture those friendships.
3. Actively express your gratitude and thankfulness.
4. Actively pursue your goals.
5. Help other people as often as you can.
6. Make money, but also make memories.
7. Exercise for 20 minutes after you wake up.
8. Live the life YOU want to live, not the life others expect of you.

Homecoming Week!

Good afternoon and happy Friday!

We just finished a fun-filled Spirit Week with a Pep Rally to cheer on all of the fall activities and sports.  There was a lot of pride and spirit in the building this week!
I hope to see many of you at tonight's Homecoming BBQ and the volleyball/football games (field hockey is playing now so come on by! And the volleyball game is free).  The BBQ kicks off at 5pm in the back parking lot for $5pp. Just a reminder that parking continues to be tight so consider car pooling.  If we run out of parking a shuttle from AMS will be provided, starting at 6;30pm.  


 

Student Council has run a fantastic Spirit Week!  It ends tomorrow night with the annual Student Council sponsored Homecoming Dance, one of the biggest events of the year at AHS.  The dance is from 7-10pm and admission is $10 at the door.  Dress is semi-formal.  Any student who is bringing a guest must have completed a guest permission form and turned it in before Wednesday.  No guests will be allowed admittance unless the form has been completed.  All students must arrive by 8pm and any students who leave before 9pm can expect to have their parents called. Student safety is our biggest concern and we want to make sure you know your child's whereabouts.


The solar project is moving along nicely and student and staff parking has not been an issue.   All current student drivers should have their parking pass at this point or they could be ticketed.


We are looking forward to seeing parents at Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 29 from 6-8pm.  We will begin in the auditorium then parents will run through all seven class periods: A-G.  Each class will meet for 10 minutes.  We will provide copies of schedules but you can also access them through your iParent account. Please remember that this evening is a chance for teachers to share some information about their class and expectations.  They will not have time to speak about individual students.  If you have a question or concern about your child I encourage you to call or email the teacher. 

As a reminder we do not have school on Monday, October 3 or the following week, October 10-12 while many of our families celebrate important holidays.  The weekend of October 8-10 is our first Family Reconnect Weekend.  


As always, please take a moment to review the information posted in the Parent Flyers.

If your child needs some math help, the Math Tutoring Center is open for business.

At the end of the math hallway, the MTC is open from 2-3pm Monday through Thursday.  Peer tutors from the National Honor Society receive community service hours for their work, so tutoring is free!

​Your child can work on homework, go over a returned exam, or complete their weekly cumulative review under the guidance of students in upper-level math courses.​

Color Splash Run!

The Ashland PTO, AHS Student Council, and AHS Make-a-Wish Club are working together to organize our first (hopefully annual!) Color Splash Run!

When: Sunday, October 16th at 10am

Where: Stone Park, Ashland (77 Summer St.)

Cost: $25 for the 2 mile road race around Stone Park

         $15 for the kids' race on the grass inside Stone Park

Pre-registration by 10/1/16 includes a white race t-shirt, which will be covered in a rainbow of colors when you have finished the race! Race day registration is available starting at 9am that morning, but participants who want a race t-shirts must be purchased that day, while supplies last.

To register, go to https://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/color-splash-run.

Proceeds will benefit the Ashland PTO (which provides enrichment opportunities for all APS students) and the Make-a-Wish club (which is working to grant a child's wish for the second year in a row).

Please come join us and bring your families for some good but not so clean fun. :)

TIPS FOR BEATING TEST ANXIETY

Now that we are a few weeks into the school year, students are probably taking tests and quizzes. Below are some tips for beating test anxiety:

1. Know the test format - Just knowing the test format can help kids feel more prepared and take away some of the shock when they are handed the test.
2. Reorganize the material when studying - Identify the main ideas of the topic, outline the big events and issues, and think about the themes that unite them.
3. Think about possible questions - Predicting and answering questions ahead of time helps kids gain more mastery over the material and feel more confident.
4. Don’t spend too much time on one question - Move on to the next question and go back to the difficult ones later.
5. Practice calming techniques - Deep breathing or holding worry balls can help kids during tests. Practice these techniques while studying.
6. Accept when you don’t know something - Sometimes the best way to manage anxiety is to accept that you don’t know the answer to the question and move on.

Week of 9/12/16

Good afternoon-

I hope you (and your children) all successfully made it through the first full week of school.  I was lucky enough to have a small break from AHS Thursday morning to spend some time with all of the community members who are a part of Decisions at Every Turn.  It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on we have done over the past several years and to plan for what the future holds.  Our students are so lucky to be a part of a community where every sector/group/constituency cares so much for their health and well-being.


If you have not already done so, please visit the website 
https://ipass.imgsoftware.com/school/ashland/pamregister.html and sign-up for iParent. 
Accounts for new students have been created and students received information on how to log-in at class meetings last week.  If your child is having trouble logging in have them stop by the front office for assistance.  


As a reminder, the AHS School Improvement Council is looking for two parent reps to join our group for a two year term.  If you are interested in running for a spot or would like more information on School Improvement Council please send me an email.  The School Committee policy on School Councils can be found here.  Elections will be held on Back to School Night, September 29 from 6-8pm.

Just wanted to send out a friendly reminder regarding parking for tonight's football game vs. Norton.  About half of the main parking lot is still under construction. There will be a limited number of spots for Coaches, Players, Officials, and Spectators at the high school.  

• Only officials, coaches, and handicap parking will be allowed in the back lot closest to the school.
• There are several other lots located near the entrance of the school and in the front of the school which can be utilized.
• I recommend if you plan on attending the game Friday to carpool with others.
• There is no off street parking on E. Union St.  If you park along the street you will run the risk of being ticketed by the police.
• If you are dropping off a player/student after 5:30 please pull into the back lot to do so to keep the traffic pattern moving.

Once again we will be monitoring the parking situation on Friday night, having a conversation with school administrators and police, and making changes accordingly.  Please be patient as we continue to work on the parking situation.  Again...I will keep everyone posted.  Thanks for your patience.

Mr. Grimes

Ashland High School Student Council's Homecoming week starts on Sunday! We want the whole Ashland Community to join us for two family-friendly events.

On Sunday, September 18th, we are running a pancake breakfast from 9am to 11am in the high school cafeteria.  All you can eat pancakes, sausage, juice/coffee/hot chocolate for just $5 per person.  

On Friday, September 23rd, prior to the football game we are running a barbecue in the small parking lot outside the stadium at the high school from 5pm - 7pm.  Join us for a burger (veggie burgers available) and chips for $5 per person.  Afterwards, stick around for the Homecoming Football game, against Medway.

  

For more information on these events, check out our website at: https://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/homecoming or email Josh Wiczer, Student Council Advisor, at jwiczer@ashland.k12.ma.us

Monday, September 19th Decisions at Every Turn will host a community discussion on marijuana & vaping at Ashland High School.  Because of building projects at the high school, there may be a crane blocking a part of the road coming into the high school.  To avoid driving around the crane, visitors are encouraged to park in front of the high school or in the lot immediately on the right when entering.  All guests can enter the high school using the front door and you will be directed to the auditorium.  

Please check out the flyer about this event and many others in the Parent's Flyer section!  

It's not too early to buy a yearbook!

After our largest yearbook sale ever, last year, we are looking to increase sales once again. With a great staff on hand, the yearbook is sure to look great and represent the best of AHS. From freshmen to seniors, everyone loves the yearbook, and will cherish the keepsake for years to come. To purchase the Ashland High School 2017 Yearbook at the steady price of $85, visit www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter our school code 13046.

Robotics Club Fundraisers & Volunteer opportunities

The Robotics Club is going through its third consecutive growth spurt! We now have close to 30 members who want to learn and be part of a growing field of interest. Our fall fundraisers include 

• Ashland Day used Lego sales (donations of used Legos always welcome)
• $5 Raffle tickets to the best home game on the Patriots schedule (vs. Seahawks)
• And our 2nd Annual Robot Rodeo coming on November 19th!

How can you help? Support us through these many fundraisers, and/or you can also volunteer your talents and become a mentor (contact Chad, cmcgowan@ashland.k12.ma.us, for details)

Please join the Ashland PTO, AHS Student Council, and AHS Make-a-Wish club in our first annual Color Splash Run!

When: Sunday, October 16th at 10am

Where: Stone Park, Ashland

Cost: $25 for the 2 mile road race around Stone Park

         $15 for the kids' race on the grass inside Stone Park

Pre-registration by 10/1/16 includes a white race t-shirt, which will be covered in a rainbow of colors when you have finished the race! Race day registration is available starting at 9am that morning, but participants who want race t-shirts must be purchased that day, while supplies last.

To register, go to https://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/color-splash-run.

Proceeds will benefit the Ashland PTO (which provides enrichment opportunities for all APS students) and the Make-a-Wish club (which is working to grant a child's wish for the second year in a row).

Come with your family and join in for some good but not so clean fun. :)

Ashland Raises Happy & Healthy Kids  (click the link to see past columns)

School, sports, and after-school activities have begun. To help get through the busy days, many of us are probably doing things for our children that they can do for themselves. Let’s give our kids the chance to practice and acquire life skills. Once they master them, it will make YOUR life easier. Below is a good rule of thumb for teaching children (and adults!) new things:

First you do it for them,

Then you do it with them,

Then you watch them do it,

Then you let them do it on their own.

This list of things your kids should be able to do on their own is a great place to start.

Ages 2-3: Small chores and basic grooming - Put toys away, put clothes in the hamper, clear plate after meals, assist in setting the table

Ages 4-5: Know important names and numbers and simple chores - Know their name, address and phone number and 911, clear the table after meals, dust, feed pets, brush teeth, comb hair, wash face, choose his/her own clothes

Age 6-7: Basic cooking techniques - Mix, stir and cut with a dull knife, make a sandwich, help put groceries away, wash dishes, make bed, use basic household cleaners

Age 8-9: Take pride in personal belongings - Care for toys/belongings, fold clothes, use a broom and dustpan, read a recipe and prepare a simple meal, help create a grocery list, weed and water flower beds/plants, take out the trash

Age 10-13: Gain independence - Make a purchase at a store, change sheets on bed, use the washing machine and dryer, iron clothes, mow the lawn, plan and prepare a meal with several ingredients, look after younger relatives or neighbors

Age 14-18: More advanced skills - Read and understand medicine labels and dosages, get gas and change a car tire, prepare and cook meals, apply and interview for a job

Week of 9/6/16

Good afternoon-

Today was on of my favorite days of the year at AHS.  This morning we spent two hours in an all school event learning about our core values and expectations while also having fun.  Students were divided into mixed grade teams and competed in Jeopardy, Family Feud, and Charades.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  

After the all school event we had Convocation where the seniors were given the key to the school.  This year's senior class did an amazing job celebrating their status as the leaders of the school while also creating a welcome environment for the new students.  I was proud of them and I know many of the faculty and staff expressed the same sentiment.  Check out some pictures on my Twitter page @kstcoeur

The AHS School Improvement Council is looking for two parent reps to join our group for a two year term.  If you are interested in running for a spot or would like more information on School Improvement Council please send me an email.  The School Committee policy on School Councils can be found here.  Elections will be held on Back to School Night, September 29 from 6-8pm.

The Ashland High School Student Council is getting ready for Homecoming week (September 18th - September 24th) and we want the whole Ashland Community to join us for two family-friendly events.

On Sunday, September 18th, we are running a pancake breakfast from 9am to 11am in the high school cafeteria.  All you can eat pancakes, sausage, juice/coffee/hot chocolate for just $5 per person.  

On Friday, September 23rd, prior to the football game we are running a barbecue in the small parking lot outside the stadium at the high school from 5pm - 7pm.  Join us for a burger (veggie burgers available) and chips for $5 per person.  Afterwards, stick around for the Homecoming Football game, against Medway.

  

For more information on these events, check out our website at: https://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/homecoming or email Josh Wiczer, Student Council Advisor, at jwiczer@ashland.k12.ma.us

Grynn and Barrett will be here to take pictures on Wednesday, September 14^th. Students should pick up picture forms in the office.

Legos at Ashland Day

This year marks the third year the Ashland Robotics Club will be selling and collecting used Legos at Ashland Day. Visit our booth and bring a few of dollars if you are interested in purchasing used Legos. The club members have worked hard to create kits just for you and your chidren. Prices for sets of Legos will range from $3 to $10. Donations of used Legos will also be gladly accepted at the table.

Can and Bottle Collection

This year, the Ashland Robotics Club will be at Ashland Day ready to collect your empty cans and bottles that can be turned in for deposit. There will be bins located throughout the park specifically for this purpose. Walk, eat, drink, and drop your recyclables in our bins. Want to drop off your own cans and bottles from home? We will gladly accept those as well. Please drop them to us at our booth and we will do the rest!

School buses:

The school bus drivers are requesting parent park cars a distance from the bus stop so they have enough room to safely turn the bus around when necessary.  Also, they want to remind parents that students should be waiting at the bus stop and be ready to board when the bus arrives.  The drivers should not be waiting for students to exit cars and walk to the bus.

Last year we started a new column, written by community members with backgrounds in the mental health field, to share ideas and strategies for raising happy, healthy kids.  The response was wonderful and we are pleased to share it with you again.  

Ashland Raises Healthy Happy Kids

We all want our children to be healthy and happy. This column will address a social-emotional health topic each week. We hope these will be a starting point for discussions and/or a reminder that kids can get stressed and need compassion and understanding. Let’s start with taking care of ourselves as the school year begins.  

1. Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism.
2. Take care of your body: Eat nutritious meals, exercise, and get enough sleep.
3. Surround yourself with good people.
4. Volunteer: Helping others, or volunteering for an organization you are passionate about, makes you feel good and is a good example for your children.
5. Learn how to deal with stress: Future columns will address coping skills for stress. Practice different things to see what helps you best - taking a walk, talking to a friend, yoga, journaling, playing with your pet.
6. Set realistic goals: Aim high with your goals, both professional and personal, but be realistic and do not over-schedule yourself.
7. Get help when you need it: Carpool with neighbors to kids’ activities, accept help when offered. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Please take some time to review the information found in our Parent Flyers section. There are a lot of great things happening around town!