September 23, 2022

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 of the 1.5 million that took the 2021 PSAT who are being recognized with the academic achievement. We are proud of their accomplishment!

We had a great homecoming rally this afternoon and are looking forward to a fun afternoon/evening of athletics and the Student Council BBQ. 

Before Friday's Homecoming Football Game against Wayland, join the Student Council for a community-wide, family-friend "Tailgate Barbecue" in the small parking lot outside the stadium from 5pm - 7pm.  $5/person for a hamburger, veggie burger, or hotdog. 

The Homecoming dance is tomorrow, Saturday, September 24th from 7pm - 10pm.  Students must be in the doors by 8pm and can not leave before 9:30pm without parent permission. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10.

The Class of 2025 (sophomores) met with our Josten's representative on Wednesday and received information on how to order a class ring. Have your student check their email for information on online ordering. 

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, September 26.  Shana Tovah to all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah. 

September 16, 2022

Good afternoon-

Thanks to all of you who attended Back to School Night. It was wonderful to see so many of you meeting our teachers and hearing about the curriculum. 

Congratulations to our Semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit® Scholarship Program !

District Allergy Awareness Policy Parents or guardians must contact their child's school nurse and kitchen manager to alert them about their child's allergies. If the student plans to eat food prepared by Ashland Public Schools Nutrition Services, they need to contact the kitchen manager at their child's school to tell them when and what they plan to eat from the cafeteria. Parents must notify the kitchen managers before the meal service to ensure adequate time to check the ingredients on all the products used in preparing the meal the student plans to eat. The student must say their name and what their allergy is before the staff member serves them their meal to keep the student safe from eating something they are allergic to. Caregivers and students can review the district's guidelines for managing life-threatening allergies in the online policy manual.

Next week is Homecoming week! 

The homecoming dance is on Saturday, September 24th from 7pm - 10pm.  Tickets will be sold at all lunches next week for $8 (and will be sold at the door for $10.)  Students should bring cash or checks made out to "AHS Student Activities."   Any student who is planning on bringing a guest from another school must submit a "guest approval form" by Monday, September 19th.  All students planning on attending must arrive by 8pm

Before Friday's Homecoming Football Game against Wayland, join the Student Council for a community-wide, family-friend "Tailgate Barbecue" in the small parking lot outside the stadium from 5pm - 7pm.  $5/person for a hamburger, veggie burger, or hotdog.  

Every day of Homecoming week features a particular dress-up day!

Monday (9/19) - Pajama Day

Tuesday (9/20) - Twin Day

Wednesday (9/21) -  "Anything But a Backpack" Day

Thursday (9/22) - "Green Out" Day (as part of " Start with Hello Week  ", to recognize the Sandy Hook Promise.)

Friday (9/23) - Class Color Day (freshmen wear green, sophomores red, juniors blue, and seniors white.)

Ashland High School, alongside nearly 100 schools across Massachusetts has committed to launching an exciting new program called iDECIDE (Drug Education Curriculum: Intervention, Diversion, and Empowerment) that was developed in collaboration between Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Institute for Health and Recovery. iDECIDE aims to provide students experimenting with substances and/or who got caught using substances at school the knowledge, skills, and motivation necessary to make healthier decisions.

Please review the School-Wide Survey and Student Referral Opt-Out Letter here for more information.

September 9, 2022

Good afternoon-

It has been a great week watching students acclimate back to more typical learning and expectations. This week, the Dean and I spent time with each class, reviewing expectations for behavior and safety. We highlighted some important information from our Student Handbook as well as building safety expectations. 

Over the course of the next week we ask you to spend time reviewing the AHS Student Handbook and complete the 22-23 Ashland High School Sign Off/Permission Form.  This form must be completed for each student at AHS by Friday, September 16. Please remind your student to also return their Health Emergency Form to the front office as soon as possible as well. 

Arrival and dismissal has been going very well overall. The buses all arrived by 8:10am today, giving students plenty of time to get to class. 

A few reminders:

1. Please stop for students in the cross walk, this is state law. 

2. Do not pick up students on East Union. We have had a few reports of near accidents and it is not safe to have students in the road. 

3. When you drop off in the morning, pull all the way up so that several cars can drop passengers at once. Do not all your student to get out of the car from the right lane. 

4. If you are switching drivers or unloading equipment pull into the back parking lot so you do not halt the traffic flow. 

5. Drive all the way around the school when arriving early for the pick-up line. Once the line reaches the front entrance turn into the parking lot on the right so the front entrance is not blocked.

6. Please model respect of our staff who are helping to direct afternoon traffic by not beeping at them or arguing with them. 

Picture Day is Monday, September 12. All students must get their picture taken, even if they are not ordering photos. The picture is used for their school-issued ID. 

Back to School Night will be held next Thursday, September 15th from 7-9pm. This is an opportunity for you to meet your student's teachers and hear about their curriculum. Parents will walk through the schedule and have 10 minutes in each class.

The schedule is attached.

 

Elections for parent representatives to the AHS School Site Council will be held during Back to School Night. 

News from Student Council: 

The Homecoming Dance is coming up on Saturday, September 24th from 7pm - 10 pm.  Any student who is interested in bringing a guest from another school must pick up a guest-approval form from the main office and return it by Monday, September 19th. 

Tickets will be on sale during all three lunches during the week of Homecoming (September 19-23). Tickets will be $8 in advance and $10 at the door (cash or a check made out to AHS Student Activities.)

ABA Family Movie Night

ARC Fall Programs

September 1, 2022

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!

• Saturday October 29, 2022

• 6:45am to 9pm

• Fee: $339

• If you would like to go but need financial assistance, please talk to or email Mrs. Nemeth.

• Trailer: Moulin Rouge Broadway

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBKG2LtssZo  

• Due dates:

• 9/7/22: $125 is due to reserve your spot

• 9/26/22: the remainder of the balance is due

• Reserve your spot!

• We can take up to 50 students.  First come, first served!

• TO REGISTER ONLINE AND PAY BY CREDIT CARD - VISIT www.hemispheretravel.com; 

1. Click on the Register/Login button at the top of our home page. 

2. Click to register or make a payment for a tour.

3. Enter your login information if a previous traveler OR first time users click on the link to create an online account with Hemisphere for the First Time. 

4. Enter your Web Code - YOUR HEMISPHERE WEB CODE IS 22TA16093. 

5. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email. 

6. Confirmation email will provide a link for you to fill out the Permission for Medical Treatment form online.  

7. Log into your account by using your email and password to make future payments. 

 IF PAYING BY CHECK: All checks/money orders must indicate the participant’s name, school name and Your Tour Web Code, 22TA16093. Make payable to “HEMISPHERE” and MAIL TO: 1375 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 530, Schaumburg, IL 60173. The Tour Terms and Conditions Form and Medical Form must be mailed in with your payment.

Back to School!

Good evening -

It was wonderful to welcome teachers back today and we are ready to see our students on Wednesday. This newsletter has a lot of information so please take some time to review it as a family. 

2022-2023 Schedule: (blank schedule)
All AHS students, grades 9-12, are now able to view their schedules with teacher names and room numbers on iStudent and iParent. Any AHS student who does not recall how to access iStudent can email the main office to have their account reset at ahsmainoffice@ashland.k12.ma.us

Students will go to homeroom first thing Wednesday morning to receive a printed copy of the their schedule. Homeroom lists will be posted in the halls. 

Please note the x-block time period between periods 2 & 3. We are excited to continue this flexible schedule block where students can get what they need at AHS!

If you need a schedule change: Please email your counselor and stop by the office on Wednesday! Please remember changes based on teacher preference are not made and all students must follow the credit expectations posted in the Program of Studies.

Summer work 

Please review the page to see if any of your classes require summer preparation. All students must read at least one book from the choices listed by grade.

Senior Privilege policy

Senior privileges will NOT begin until after we have our first class meeting, however, students may submit the Senior Privilege Form completed by a parent/guardian to the main office as soon as it is completed. 

Chromebooks:

All students are expected to bring their Chromebooks each day. New students will have their Chromebooks waiting for them at school on when they arrive.

First day of classes - Wednesday, August 31, 2022.  Our start time is 8:20am.
The first bell will ring at 8:10am.  Students gather in the back lobby/cafeteria area until that time.  
The building will be open and the cafeteria will begin serving breakfast at 7:40am. 


All school activity and Class of 2023 convocation -Thursday, September 1. 

Students wear their class colors.
9th grade - green
10th grade - red
11th grade - blue
12th grade - white
Students should check their email as some classes have started ordering shirts.

Arrival & dismissal: 

Bus routes: The Ashland Public Schools Transportation Department has been working tirelessly over the past week to update bus routes and times due to the significant number of newly enrolled students and bus registrations.  This means some bus routes that were posted earlier in the week may have changed dramatically, including students being placed on different buses.  Please review the transportation link Transportation Page and related bus school bus schedules to confirm your child(ren)'s information is correct.  We will continue to review this information before school begins on Wednesday.

The times listed for each bus are approximate times. All times and routes are subject to change due to changing ridership numbers or adjustments to routes to accommodate rising needs. We recommend checking the bus schedule the night before and again on the morning of the first day of school.

Students who take the bus are dropped at the front of the school and are expected to proceed to the cafeteria area until the first bell rings. 

Drop-off's: Students who are dropped off should be dropped at the back of the building. Drivers are asked to pull forward to the end of the back sidewalk. 

Student drivers must submit the Parking Permit Application and submit payment to the main office no later than September 23. Students can request a payment plan if needed. Students who will receive their license during the school year are able to get a pass after the year starts and the cost is prorated each term.

All students who ride a bus should exit at the front of the building when the 2:45pm bell rings. The first wave of buses leave at 2:50pm. 

Parents are asked to pull around the building past the gymnasium for afternoon pick-up. 

Student drivers are reminded to follow the rules of the road and exit through the front two exits of the student parking lot. 

Nutrition news: the lunch schedule can be found here

One free breakfast and one free lunch will continue to be offered to each student each full school day!  This is funded through the USDA, to ensure all children are well fed and support all families through the pandemic.  

Students will be able to get a breakfast or purchase a snack through the x-block time period. Vending machines will once again be operable. Bottled water will again be available thru either the vending machines or the kitchen. Students must have money on their accounts to purchase water. 

Ashland High School does not have a school supply list.  Teachers will share with students what is needed for individual classes over the course of the first couple of days.  Students should plan to start the year with a notebook and writing utensils (pens & pencils).  Students are allowed to carry backpacks at AHS and all students are assigned a locker.  Students can rent a lock for their locker through the front office for $5 or bring their own lock and provide the office with the combination or copy of the key.

Health Office is Open

Dear parents/guardians,

The health office will be open for medication drop off on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, August 23rd from 10am to 2pm
Wednesday, August 24th from 10am to 2pm
Tuesday, August 30th from 10am to 2pm

The health office is located in the guidance hallway. Please check in at the main office when you arrive.

If you are bringing in medication on these dates, please bring the following:
Your child's medication labeled with a prescription label
Medication order from the physician's office for the 2022-2023 school year
Epipens or Auvi Q's should have an Allergy Action Plan from the physician's office
Inhalers should have the Asthma Action plan from the physician's office
Signed parental consent (bottom of the form attached)
Please call the health office at 508-532-8023 with any questions.

Thank you,
AHS Nurses

Erin Gaiero, RN
Katie Ihry, RN
Danielle Rivera, RN

Getting ready for 22-23!

Good morning-

Attached please find important information regarding the start of the 2022-2023 school year. 

Schedules will be mailed next week to all new students and released in iStudent/iParent on Friday, August 12. 

You can find this letter and other important information for all of APS at: http://ashland.k12.ma.us/BackToSchool

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

State of the District Survey Reopened

Your input is priceless as we plan for our district's future. We invite you to complete this online, anonymous survey by Aug. 26 to share your thoughts about the future of our schools. Use the drop-down menu to select from three languages: English, Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese. Visit ashland.k12.ma.us to learn more about the strategic planning process.