Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

We've had another great week here at Mindess! In addition to all the wonderful learning and collaboration happening in our classrooms, we were proud to welcome DESE (the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) to our school this week. Our district is participating in a review led by DESE, in collaboration with the American Institutes for Research (AIR). This review offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the current state of our schools—our systems, policies, and the ways we support students and families. We were excited to showcase the incredible work happening at Mindess and appreciate everyone who helped make the visit a positive experience.

Fifth Grade Handball Information

It’s handball season for our fifth graders, and we are thrilled to continue this Mindess tradition! Here’s what families need to know:

• The handball schedule will be updated weekly on the PE website.

• Students will play either Tuesday OR Wednesday, and their game day may vary each week.

• Each team is eliminated after two losses, which means all students will have a game this week.

• Students should only stay after school on afternoons when their team is scheduled to play.

• This is a student-only event.

• Please ensure your child is clear on their dismissal plan for their game day.

Dismissal Details

• Parent pick-up is at 3:30 PM in the parent pick-up loop. PE teachers will bring students outside—please remain in your vehicle.

• There is one late bus, which typically arrives around 4:00 PM, though drop-off times may vary based on ridership.

If you need to make changes to your child’s dismissal plan or have questions, please email our PE teachers:

• Mr. Powers: dpowers@ashland.k12.ma.us

• Ms. Nicholson: bnicholson@ashland.k12.ma.us

All handball schedules, brackets, and updates can be found on the PE website:

Upcoming Winter Solstice Celebration!

We are delighted to announce our school-wide Winter Solstice Celebration on Friday, December 19th. During their Community Learning time, students will create their own paper luminary as part of the festivities.

These student-made luminaries will be displayed along both the car drop-off line and the bus loop beginning the evening of December 19th. Families are warmly invited to drive through after dark on December 19th or 20th, weather depending. If it rains or snows, we will instead display the luminaries on December 22nd and 23rd. More information will be shared as we get closer!

What is the Winter Solstice?

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a moment when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the sun. Cultures around the world celebrate the solstice as a time of reflection, renewal, and the return of light. Our luminary display symbolizes hope, warmth, and the brightness our students bring to our community—even in the darkest part of the year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and enthusiasm. Wishing you all a warm and wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Kate Altman

Principal

DECEMBER

Wednesday, December 10

• Rise Students visit AMS for movie

Friday, December 12

• Report cards go home

Tuesday, December 16

• 4th Grade Band Concert - 7pm to 8:00pm - AHS

Friday, December 19 -

• Winter Solstice Celebration

Friday, December 19 and 20 (rain/snow date the 22nd and 23rd):

• Families are invited to drive through and view the luminaries

Tuesday, December 23 - Early Release - After Lunch 11:55

Wednesday, December 24 - Friday, January 2 - WINTER BREAK

Our Fifth Grade Handball Tournament is now in full swing, and the excitement in the gym is contagious! Students have been showing fantastic teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit as they compete each week. It’s been wonderful to see them supporting one another, cheering on their classmates, and embracing the fun and friendly competition that makes this Mindess tradition so special.

December's SEL Theme of the month is Responsibility. SEL lessons in the classroom focus on how to be responsible for your materials, yourself, your actions, and for righting a wrong. At this age students are learning how to take responsibility for their actions by understanding their role in conflicts and how to own up to mistakes. In Restorative Circle Conversations, students are learning how to make things "as right as possible". This is a great age for students to explore the cause and effect of their actions and consequences of their behaviors. This can be a positive consequence for expected behaviors or a negative consequence when they do something unexpected by those around them.

The holidays can be a difficult time for families. If your family needs any support this holiday season, please contact your child's school counselor:

Grade 3 - Amanda Walker awalker@ashland.k12.ma.us, 508-881-0166x3

Grade 4 - Melissa Mespelli mmespelli@ashland.k12.ma.us, 508-881-0166x4

Grade 5 - Meghan McGuire mmcguire@ashland.k12.ma.us, 508-881-0166x5

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.