Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

As we wrap up another busy and exciting week at Mindess, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for all of their continued hard work and support during this very busy time of year.

Today, our fifth grade band students and our fourth and fifth grade chorus students put on wonderful performances for the entire school. We are so proud of the confidence, dedication, and talent our students demonstrated during today’s concerts. A huge thank you to our music teachers for all of their work preparing students for these performances. Be sure to check out photos from the performances in the Highlights section of this newsletter!

This week, students in Ms. Balukonis’ fourth grade science class had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on cow eye dissection as part of their science studies. Students were highly engaged and excited to explore and learn more about how the eye works through this authentic learning experience.

As a reminder, MCAS make-up testing days for grades 3–5 Math and STE will take place next Wednesday, 5/20 and Thursday, 5/21. Please help ensure students arrive at school on time, well rested, and ready to do their best.

We also want families to be aware that June 1 will serve as at least one of our i-Ready make-up testing days.

Next week, we are excited to welcome families of our incoming third grade students to Mindess for an informational session. The meeting will take place on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and will provide families with an opportunity to learn more about Mindess, ask questions, and prepare for the transition to grade 3. We look forward to meeting our newest Mindess families!

Attention fifth grade families: if you have not yet submitted photos for the end-of-year celebration slideshow, please be sure to use the link below to submit your photos. We look forward to celebrating our fifth graders and creating special memories for them as they prepare for middle school.

Lastly, please note an important schedule change: the 4th and 5th grade band concert has been moved from June 2 to June 4. Please make note of this change on your calendars.

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Kate Altman
Principal

Incoming 6th Grade Parent Information Night

Ashland Middle School will be hosting a Parent Information Night for families of incoming 6th graders on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM in the AMS Theater.

During this session, I will review the 6th-grade course schedule, discuss the transition to middle school, and provide an overview of what families can expect in the year ahead. There will also be time for questions.

For those who are unable to attend, I will be sure to share the slide presentation following the meeting.

Additionally, we will host a 6th-grade orientation in August prior to the start of the school year for both students and parents. At that time, students will receive their schedules and have the opportunity to walk through their day and locate their classrooms. Much of the same information will be reviewed, and there will be another opportunity to ask questions.

Erin Lachapelle

AMS Principal

Click here to submit photos of your 5th grader for the end of year celebration!

Now is the exciting time of year when students can decide if they’d like to participate in the band program during the 2026-2027 school year! Here is the link to sign up:

https://forms.gle/HfycAyi6tJyrzxBh9

This year-long program is offered to both 4th and 5th graders interested in playing an instrument and performing in a musical ensemble. Students in band receive instrument lessons during the school day that will provide detailed instruction for beginners.

If your student already participated in band during 4th grade and would like to continue in 5th grade, you will still need to fill out the sign-up form. I encourage those students to continue playing the same instrument next year, but if they would like to change instruments please note that in the google form. David French Music will provide further information about your current instrument rentals or returns.

The attached flyer has more detailed information about Mindess band and the required materials, but do not hesitate to contact Ms. Valentin by email (svalentin@ashland.k12.ma.us) if you have any questions. The last day to sign up for band will be Thursday, June 18th; please fill out the google form before that day.

We are looking forward to a new and exciting year in the band room!

Per Massachusetts General Law, and Ashland School Committee policy, Ashland Public Schools provides free transportation to Ashland students in Grades K-6 who reside more than two (2.0) miles from school. Students in Grades K-6 who live two or fewer miles from school and all students in Grades 7-12 may pay an annual transportation fee if they want to take the bus to and from school. Due to limited transportation options, all paid seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be assigned to a bus once their full and complete application has been received. Once bus capacity has been reached, a waitlist will be created. Late registrations will be placed on a waitlist and offered a seat if one becomes available during the school year.

Early Registration

Received before June 1st, 2026

$290 per student or $580 (maximum family cap) for 2 or more students in the same family. Registration is required for each student. Submit payments to Ashland Public Schools at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the School Department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation.

Regular Registration

Received after June 1st, 2026

Registrations received after the due date may be processed on September 1st, 2026. $360 per student or $720 (maximum family cap) for 2 or more students from the same family. Registration is required for each student. Submit payments to Ashland Public Schools at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the School Department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation.

Registration for Grades K-6 who reside more than two (2.0) miles from school

Register at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the School Department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation. Please select the option for “Qualify for free bus transportation (grades K-6 living over 2 miles from assigned school).”

Requesting A Fee Waiver (two step process)

A waiver of the bus fee is available to families based on the same guidelines used to determine eligibility for free and reduced lunch. Registration forms must still be received by June 1st, 2026 if you are applying for a bus fee waiver.

Step 1)

Please register for the bus fee waiver at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the school department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation, and select the box titled “Apply for a waiver of the bus fee.”

Step 2)

Please click on the following links to obtain the forms and follow the instructions provided: English Fee Waiver Application, Portuguese Fee Waiver Application, Spanish Fee Waiver Application.

Notification & Contact Information

Families who registered students for the bus by June 1 will be notified by July 30 on the status of their registration. Registrations received after June 1 may not be processed until September 1.

Call Transportation Coordinator, Tamara Saviatto, at (508) 532-4007 for more information.

May

• MCAS make-ups for both math and STE

• Step Up Day - 9am - 10:30am : Grade 5 visit AMS, Grade 2 visit Mindess
• iReady Make-ups for ALL students who missed their assigned day.

Tuesday, June 2

• Grade 5B Field Trip

• Rise Step Up Day - 10am - 11:30

Thursday, June 4

• SPED Parent Coffee for grade 2 parents (incoming third graders) - Upstairs Art Room - 9:30am-10am

Friday, June 5

• Grade 5A Field Trip

Tuesday, June 9

• 3rd Grade Enrichment Program - Upstairs Art Room
  Szumita, 8:55 - 9:55am Gazard, 10:10 - 11:10am McPherson, 12:10 - 1:10pm

• Site Council - 2:30pm

Wednesday, June 10

• AHS Choir Concert - GYM - 8:55-9:25am
  Grade 3 - 8:40. Grade 4 - 8:45. Grade 5 - 8:50

Friday, June 12

• Egg Drop, rain date Monday 6/15

Tuesday, June 16

• 4th Grade Field Trip

Wednesday, June 17

• 5th Grade Send Off - 6pm

• No School

Wednesday, June 24 - Last Day of School

• Cup Stacking

• 5th grade clap out (parents invited)

A note from our school nurses:

As we begin to inch closer to summer, we want to share an important reminder for families of current Grade 3 students. In accordance with state requirements, all students in Grade 4 must have a current physical examination on file with the school nurse in order to begin their 5th grade year (the 2027-2028 school year). If your child will be entering Grade 4 next year, please be sure to schedule their physical with your pediatrician and submit the updated documentation to the health office. Submitting forms early helps ensure a smooth and successful start in September—thank you for your attention to this important requirement!

Massachusetts had historically required school nurses to conduct postural (scoliosis) screenings in public schools in grades 5-9. However, proposed legislation is in progress that may eliminate this requirement, as these screenings are routinely completed during students’ annual physical exams with their healthcare providers.

In light of this pending legislation and to avoid duplication of care, postural screenings will not be conducted routinely for 5th graders in school this year.

If you would like your 5th grade child to receive a postural screening by the school nurse, we are happy to provide this screening upon request.

If you would like to request your child be screened for scoliosis, please fill out the form located here.

This month, our SEL focus is honesty. Students take a "field trip" to Lie Town where

people live on Bold Face Boulevard, White Lie Way, Can't Help It Court (compulsive lying), Added It To It Ave (exaggeration), Took Their Work Trail (plagiarism), or Left It Out Lane (half-truths). Students practice identifying the types of lies and the problems that occur when lies are told.

Classes will take part this month with a restorative circle where students talk about why it's important to tell the truth. They also explore why it is important to follow through on a promise or commitment.

Students also learn:

Before You Speak:

T - is is true?

H - is it helpful?

I - is it inspiring?

N - is it necessary?

K - is it kind?

These rules help students recognize when they talk about others if they are contributing to spreading a rumor.

Don’t forget to visit ashland.k12.ma.us/Flyers where we feature announcements and events offered by organizations, clubs and teams throughout our community that serve to enrich the lives of our students, families, faculty and staff.

Get ready to soar toward the second star to the right as our talented young Drama Club actors bring Neverland to life! Come fly with us for a magical, kid-friendly adventure filled with Pixie Dust, pirates, and the boy who never grew up. This show is great for students in grades K-12.