AG Middle School & AG High School
Home of the Bluejays!
From the Desk of Mrs. Vicki Washburn- Middle School Counselor
Embracing The Change: Middle School 101 for Families
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year at Ashland-Greenwood Middle School. We are looking forward to meeting all the new students, as well as seeing familiar faces in our halls once again!
Whether you’ve been at AGMS for two years already or you are just beginning sixth grade, middle school brings new challenges every year. One of the best places to get information about how middle school students may change during these years and ways to support them can be found at middleschool.org, a website associated with The Association for Middle Level Education. Ashland-Greenwood Middle School adheres to the models set forth by AMLE and believes that they are excellent advocates for middle school students.
All sixth-grade families will receive a pamphlet at Back-to-School Night entitled “Embracing the Change; Middle School 101 for Families.” Topics covered in this pamphlet include puberty, crushes and relationships, creating consistency and routines, guiding digital life, social supports and managing mental health. There are a few extra pamphlets for those seventh- and eighth-grade families who may want one, or the information is also available at the website.
At AGMS we love all things middle school! If we can help you in any way as you move into the new year, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will see you soon!
Welcome Back, Bluejays: My Favorite Time of Year in My Favorite Place!
Can you feel it? I think our students call it a vibe. There is an unmistakable energy that comes with the start of a new school year. A fresh calendar brings fresh possibilities, renewed energy, and the chance to build on the traditions that make being an Ashland-Greenwood Bluejay so special, and I’m so here for it!
This is my favorite time, because it’s our time. This is my favorite place, because it’s our place.
This is Our Time. First and foremost, it is time to be back. It is time to set new goals, step out of comfort zones, and make lasting memories. High school flies by quickly, and this is your student's time to shine, whether that means mastering a difficult subject, taking the lead in a student organization, pushing personal limits in athletics, or discovering a brand-new passion. We want every Bluejay to make the absolute most of the time they have here.
This is Our Place. Equally important is recognizing what this place represents. Ashland-Greenwood High School is designed to be a vibrant hub for focused education, active participation in clubs and sports, and meaningful socialization with peers. Above all, we want this to be a safe place: a supportive community where students can feel secure, connected, and empowered to grow into their best selves.
Fostering the Environment Our Students Deserve. To protect the integrity of this Place and make the most of our Time together, we are making a couple of important structural adjustments this year.
As shared in our summer letter to families, our School Board unanimously passed an updated cell phone policy for the High School. While cell phones themselves are fine tools, social media and constant digital connectivity have increasingly proven to be obstacles to learning, active participation, and genuine peer interaction. Research continues to show that heavy screen time negatively impacts student mental and emotional well-being, and contributes to heightened anxiety, poor sleep, and feelings of isolation.
To ensure our school remains a healthy space focused on learning and real-world connection, our policy will now mirror the successful approach used at our Middle School:
Phones Away All Day: Cell phones must be powered down and stored out of sight from the first bell to the last bell.
Backpacks in Lockers: Backpacks will no longer be allowed in classrooms. Students will keep their phones powered off inside their backpacks in their assigned lockers throughout the school day. Students will be allowed to carry that which will easily fit under their chairs: their laptop bags, an organizer (we used to call them Trapper Keepers in the 1980’s), a pencil pouch, clutch, or purse, etc.
We know every transition takes a little time to get used to. As mentioned over the summer, parents who need to reach their child during the day can still connect via email (which students access on their school laptops) or by calling the main office directly.
By keeping social media out of the classroom and lunchroom, we are protecting our instructional time and opening up space for real face-to-face conversations, stronger friendships, and deeper engagement in the classroom.
I am incredibly excited for everything the upcoming year holds. Thank you for your partnership, your support, and your dedication to making Ashland-Greenwood High School the best place to learn and grow.
Let’s make this year count. It’s Time. Welcome back, Bluejays!
Mr. Couch
