April 12, 2019- Happy April Vacation!

Good afternoon and happy vacation week!

Report cards/grades are now available in iStudent and iParent.  As a reminder you can find a printable copy of the report card in Your Date in iParent tab My Documents.

I will be traveling with the group of students heading to Europe for the break.  Check out the blog of their adventures on the AHS website.

This afternoon I shared the schedule for Senior Exam week with the Class of 2019.   Besides your exams they will participate in other activities that are mandatory for all students.  We are so excited to bring Financial Literacy instruction, which will culminate with the Reality Fair (see below) and the Signs of Suicide (SOS) Senior Booster to the students.

The schedule for senior week (May 28-31), which includes mandatory rehearsal time as well as lots of fun, will be shared with the students, and parents, after break.  We will also hold a class meeting with the seniors to explain the activities and expectations for the end of the year some time in early May.

The Peer Leadership Club is looking for applicants for next year (upcoming juniors or seniors). Interested students should fill out the application. Ask Ms. St. Coeur, Mr. Smith, or Mr. Mackay if you have any questions. Students who are interested should stop by a Friday meeting to see what’s like to be a Peer Leader at AHS! Ask Mr. Smith when the next meeting is happening.

Reality Fair - May 24th, 2019

The planning is well underway for AHS's first "Reality Fair", designed to teach the graduating seniors about financial literacy.  This past week in their English classes, students chose a possible career, and on the day of the fair will get a "paycheck" and a credit score, and will need to navigate various booths to find house, purchase a car, obtain insurance, etc.  We are still looking for a few parent volunteers to help staff the booths (which are being organized by local professionals in real estate, insurance, finance, transportation, etc.)  If you would be willing to help out, we'd appreciate the help!  For more information and to volunteer, please go to: https://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/reality-fair

Check out the Parent Flyers  to see what is going on around the schools and town!

Please take a moment to check out this important Decisions At Every Turn newsletter with information on the dangers of vaping.

Are you a student interested in Cyber Security, Advanced Cyber Security, Information Systems Technology & Management, Web Design, Web Developer, Technology Support, and/or Information Technology?  MassBay Community College and their STEM Starter Academy is offering a FREE Scripting course to AHS students next fall.  The course is a requirement for all of the above majors and you can complete these majors at MassBay!

The goal of the program is to reach under-represented, first-generation, and/or low-income students. This is a great opportunity to get you to experience a college class while still in high school.  Earn credit while exploring a potential career path.  MassBay will provide academic support and we will provide technology needs.  We are working on transportation for students that may need it.  We are encouraging current sophomores and juniors to apply but MassBay is flexible.  If you are interested let me know!   

Let me know if you have any questions. 

I am attaching the flyer about the class as well as some information about other great FREE summer programs that are available.

MBCC CompSci Scripting Course

STEM Starter Academy Summer Program 2019

STEM Summer Academy Sampler 2019

April 5, 2019

Good afternoon-

It's hard to believe but as of today we are three quarters of the way through the school year.  Grades closed today and report cards will available next Friday, April 12 after 3pm. As a reminder, April 12 is an early release day for students.  They are dismissed at 12:35pm from AHS.  Teachers will be in professional development for the afternoon.

Information for parents of the Class of 2021:
Starting on Monday, April 29 the Signs of Suicide program will be administered in all Wellness II (sophomore) classes throughout the course of the week.  A separate email will go out to all families of student in the Class of 2021. Students will see a short video on recognizing the signs of depression then complete a short screening tool.  This is the 3rd year Ashland High School will use this evidence-based program when teaching this unit.
I encourage all parents to go to the Mindwise Innovations (formerly Screening for Mental Health) website at:  Mindwise.org
and to go to SOSsignsofsuicide.org
The log-in username is : ashlandhs-par
The password is : ashland1

I encourage you to view the videos your students will see as well as other helpful tools to help discuss mental health with your child.  If you do not wish to have your child participate in the screening please send an email to me at kstcoeur@ashland.k12.ma.us.

The Foundation for MetroWest will again be offering its Youth in Philanthropy program in Hopkinton, Sudbury, and Natick this coming fall. We have been very fortunate to have wonderful students from Ashland High School be a part of the YIP in the past and hope that this year will be no different! Families ad students can find the program flyer and blurb here.

Check out the Parent Flyers  to see what is going on around the schools and town!

March 29, 2019

Good afternoon and Happy Friday!

Grades close for Term 3 on Friday, April 5!  Students should be checking in with teachers if they feel iStudent is missing or inaccurate.  Report cards will be released on Friday, April 12 after 3pm.  

Ashland High School Student Council 11th Annual Bingo Night:

The Ashland High School Student Council would like to invite the entire Ashland community to our 11th annual Bingo night, held on Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:30pm in the high school cafeteria.  This family-friendly event is open to participants of all ages -- young children, senior citizens, and everyone in-between.  All prizes have been donated by local businesses and restaurants (and are listed online at: http://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/bingo).  $10 for a pack of 6 cards good for the entire night (or $20 for 12 cards, $30 for 18 cards, etc.)  Bring your own Bingo marker or bring $1 to buy one.  There will free coffee/water and baked goods and the Class of 2019 will be selling food from Chik-fil-a.  The evening will be MCd by high school teachers Ron Campbell and Randa Istfan.  

Check out our promo video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLaAl8oB784

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Josh Wiczer (Student Council advisor) at jwiczer@ashland.k12.ma.us

Two local organizations, Decisions at Every Turn and the Ashland Farmer’s Market, are each looking for an intern to help them with their website and social media pages.  If your student is interested they should forward their resume to me and I will share it with the organizations through the Ashland Business Association internship program.  The internship agreement page is shared here.

AHS/ABA Social Media Internship Agreement

Check out the Parent Flyers  to see what is going on around the schools and town as well as the opportunities below!

Students interested in learning Karate can take free classes after school at the high school.  We are offering a free trial the month of April, if you decide you would like to continue we will be offering Karate lessons at the high school twice a week, Mondays & Wednesdays from 2:50-3:50.  If you are interested please e-mail or call Jeannie Young, Ashland Community Ed. at 508-881-0143 or jyoung@ashland.k12.ma.us.  There are flyers in the Main Office & Guidance.

As students consider their summer plans, consider the Great Jewish Books Summer Program, which brings rising high school juniors and seniors to the Yiddish Book Center to read and discuss modern Jewish literature.

Great Jewish Books is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, full of social, cultural, and recreational opportunities (and no grades) for students who are eager to meet fellow booklovers, get a taste of college life, and discover the treasures of the Jewish canon. No specific background—no knowledge of languages or particular writers or Jewish religious or cultural heritage—is required. Every admitted student receives a scholarship for the full cost of tuition, room, board, books, and special events.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Space in the program is limited, so the sooner a student applies, the better. Two program sessions are offered this summer: July 21–26 and July 28–August 2. For details and the application, visit: yiddishbookcenter.org/great-jewish-books

We want every teenager who loves to read and has an interest in Jewish culture to know about this opportunity—will you help us spread the word?

March 22, 2019

Good evening-

Today we celebrated the 5-Town Special Olympics at Holliston High School.  It was fun to watch our athletes enjoy hockey skills and games with their peers from Holliston, Medfield, Medway, and Millis. It was even better to see their pride in their accomplishments.  The torch was passed to Ashland during the closing ceremony and we look forward to hosting next year!

Important news about MCAS:

Next week all members of the sophomore class will be taking MCAS. Students will test from Tuesday, March 26- Wednesday, March 27.  This is the first time students at AHS have taken the Next-Generation MCAS test.  Our 10th grade students have taken MCAS on the computer before, in grades 7 & 8, but it is the first time they will be administered at AHS.  Please make sure your student gets a good nights sleep, eats a good breakfast, and arrives to school on time. 

Here is some important information about the test. I encourage your to review this information and the DESE website for more information. 

About the next-generation grade 10 MCAS tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics

• The next-generation MCAS tests are an updated version of the old MCAS tests and are given on a computer instead of on paper (unless students have special needs that require a paper test). Students in grades 3 through 8 have been taking the next-generation tests since 2017.
• In spring 2019, students in grade 10 (the class of 2021) will be the first class to take the next-generation high school tests in ELA and mathematics.
• The next-generation tests have different score ranges and achievement levels than the old tests: the new scale is 440–560 points, and the new achievement levels are Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations, and Not Meeting Expectations.
• The minimum score needed to pass the next-generation MCAS will be set at a level equivalent to the passing score on the old MCAS for this year's sophomores and for students who are now freshmen (members of the classes of 2021 and 2022).

Ashland High School Student Council 11th Annual Bingo Night:

The Ashland High School Student Council would like to invite the entire Ashland community to our 11th annual Bingo night, held on Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:30pm in the high school cafeteria.  This family-friendly event is open to participants of all ages -- young children, senior citizens, and everyone in-between.  All prizes have been donated by local businesses and restaurants (and are listed online at: http://sites.google.com/site/stucoashland/bingo).  $10 for a pack of 6 cards good for the entire night (or $20 for 12 cards, $30 for 18 cards, etc.)  Bring your own Bingo marker or bring $1 to buy one.  There will free coffee/water and baked goods and the Class of 2019 will be selling food from Chik-fil-a.  The evening will be MCd by high school teachers Ron Campbell and Randa Istfan.  

Check out our promo video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLaAl8oB784

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Josh Wiczer (Student Council advisor) at jwiczer@ashland.k12.ma.us

Dear Parent/Guardian of Ashland Athlete:

Thank you for all of your continued support of the Ashland Athletic Program. Below you will find a link to a survey where we aim to receive parent feedback on the recently completed Winter Sports season. Please respond to the following statements below using the answer choices provided.   Take your time on this survey and chose the response that most clearly and honestly represents your feelings/experience. This completed form is CONFIDENTIAL and will not be shown to your child or the coaches.  It will only be viewed by the Athletic Director, Mr. Marks. Thank you for your time!

CLICK HERE FOR PARENT FEEDBACK SURVEY

Clocker Store online....Youth and adult sizes available!!!!

https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ashland-clockers?_k=403g1r


Ashland High School is looking for families to host an exchange student for the 2019-2020 school year.  Please consider opening your home to a student from China.  Host families can receive a referral bonus as well!


Check out the Parent Flyers  to see what is going on around the schools and town!

March 15, 2019

Good afternoon-

We just finished a fun and busy spring spirit week celebrating our winter and spring activities and sports at a pep rally.  Student council worked hard to create a fun event for the entire student body.

Yesterday we were lucky to host 37 students from the Tsuchiura Second Senior High School in Japan.  Our student hosts had a great day bringing their shadow students to class and teaching them about high school in America.  It was a great cultural exchange.  The Japanese students ended the day with a presentation on their culture, focusing on school, food, cultural events, and famous places in Japan.  They also taught our students a Japanese dance.  

Next week is PACE Week!  PACE stands for Positive Attitude Changes Everything.  Our Positive Behavior Supports(PBS) team has set up fun activities outside the library and cafeteria during break each day to better the student's week and set you on the path to positivity.  

It's that time of year again!  Please see the Bus Registration Notice for information for next year.

MetroWest College and Career Fair at Ashland High School - Saturday, March 16 See Link Below

https://sites.google.com/site/mwcollegefair/

Check out the Parent Flyers  to see what is going on around the schools and town! 

News from the AEFI:

Come support our schools at the 2019 AEFI Benefit on March 29th! This is our biggest fundraising event of the year and it is sure to sell out. ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO PURCHASE TICKETS! Go to www.ashlandeducation.org to buy yours today!

April is Sexual Assualt Awareness Month.  Framingham State is welcoming guests to this Survivor presentation.

March 8, 2019

Good afternoon-

Attached is our AHS DESE Report Card letter. This annual letter is designed to show how we are doing in a variety of areas.  Let me know if you have any questions.

I hope you have had a chance this week to look at your student's course recommendations for the 2019-2020 school year. I was made aware yesterday that the 11th and 12th grade window was not working correctly.  It has been fixed and you should now be able to add any courses if you need to (your student should have done this piece but if they did not please feel free to add in electives.)   The window for parent approval of course recommendations will remain open through the weekend until Sunday, March 10.  We ask that all parents look at their child's recommendations and check off your approval.  The Quickguide below walks you through the process.

iParent Course Recommendation Quickguide

We hope you will join us at Courageous Conversations: Conversation Vs. Confrontation on Monday, March 11 at Ashland High School from 7-9pm. This is a world cafe style evening of conversation which will include poetry performed by Jamele Adams, Dean of Students at Brandeis. 

We still have space left for blood donors on Monday, March 11 from 12-5pm in the gym.  We welcome parents to sign up starting at 2pm.  To sign up go the RedCrossBlood.org and type in the Sponsor Code – AshlandHigh65.  Parents who come during the school day should sign-in at the main office.

Spirit Week:

Next week (March 11th - 15th) is "Spirit Week", ending with a rally on Friday, March 15th highlighting the winter and spring sports along with everything that the clubs have been doing.

Monday, March 11th - Pajama Day

Tuesday, March 12th - Disney Day

Wednesday, March 13th - Hippie Day (wear your favorite tie-dye!)

Thursday, March 14th - TV/Movie Day (dress as your favorite TV/Movie character)

Friday, March 15th - Class Color Day (freshmen wear green, sophomores red, juniors blue, and seniors white)

It's that time of year again!  Please see the Bus Registration Notice for information for next year.

Kathy Silva and ASHPAC invite you to the ASHPAC Parent Coffee on Friday, March 15 at AHS from 9-10am. Come meet Kathy, other parents, along with Deena LaVallee, high school Coordinator and Kelley St. Coeur, Principal.

Check out the Parent Flyers  to see what is going on around the schools and town!

March 1, 2019

Good afternoon!

I hope you have had a chance this week to look at your student's course recommendations for the 2019-2020 school year. Please approve these recommendations as well as  their chosen electives at your earliest convenience.  The window for parent approval of course recommendations is open and will remain open until Friday, March 8.  We ask that all parents look at their child's recommendations and check off your approval.  The Quickguide below walks you through the process.

iParent Course Recommendation Quickguide

AHS Override Procedure
Teachers spend a considerable amount of time determining what’s best for students in their
subject for the next school year.  They evaluate students performance, test scores, higher
level thinking, math, reading, and writing aptitude, and a host of other variables. Parents
disagreeing with a core course recommendation and wishing a different course level
for their child must follow the attached procedures.

We hope you will join us at Courageous Conversations: Conversation Vs. Confrontation on Monday, March 4 at Ashland High School from 7-9pm. This is a world cafe style evening of conversation which will include poetry performed by Jamele Adams, Dean of Students at Brandeis. In light of the recent occurrence of antisemitism at AHS this is an opportunity to talk about how we handle words and symbols of hate and make sure that all members of the community feel safe and respected.

Ashland High School will once again host a blood drive on Monday, March 11 from 12-5pm in the gym.  We welcome parents to sign up starting at 3pm.  To sign up go the RedCrossBlood.org and type in the Sponsor Code – AshlandHigh65.  

Medfield High School's Student Council is hosting a Putting For Patients event.  The Ashland community has been in their thoughts because of the connection to the Jimmy Fund so they wanted to share the event and invite us all to join.  Please consider signing up if you can!