Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

This week’s newsletter is filled with important information, along with several wonderful highlights from across our school community. In the highlights section, you will find photos and moments from our Grade 4 Idiom Parade, our students’ participation in the Special Olympics, and more exciting learning in our garden spaces. It has been a joy to see our students engaged, active, and celebrating their learning in so many different ways.

As we look ahead, next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Our PTO has put together a thoughtful way for families to show their appreciation by creating an Amazon wish list filled with snacks for our staff. You will find the link below in the newsletter and I have included it here as well. We are so grateful for your continued support in helping us celebrate our incredible educators.

We also have important information for our Grade 5 families. There is a message from Ms. LaChapelle, Middle School Principal, regarding an upcoming Grade 6 Information Night, which will take place on June 3rd at 6:00 PM at Ashland Middle School (AMS). This is a great opportunity to learn more about the transition to middle school.

Speaking of transitions, as we approach the end of the school year, we are excited to continue our step-up experiences. On June 1st, our current Grade 5 students will visit AMS, and our current Grade 2 students from Warren will visit Mindess. These visits are always a special part of helping students feel confident and excited about the year ahead. In addition, we will be celebrating our Grade 5 students with an end-of-year celebration on Wednesday, June 17th (rain date June 18th). Please see the flyer below for more details and RSVP information.

For families of students interested in band sign-ups for next year’s 4th and 5th graders are now open. If your child is interested in joining the Mindess Band, more information can be found below in this newsletter.

We are also looking forward to our Mindess Chorus Concert, which will take place on May 28th at 7:00 PM. This is always a wonderful evening that showcases our students’ hard work and musical talents, and we hope many of you will be able to join us.

Next week, we will begin Math MCAS testing, with our Grade 5 students kicking us off. We encourage all students to come to school well-rested and ready to do their best. A good night’s sleep and a positive start to the day can make a big difference, and we appreciate your support in helping your child feel confident and prepared.

I would also like to take a moment to share an important safety reminder. During dismissal, we ask that all families use the designated car pickup line. Picking students up from the parking lot and having them cross through active traffic creates a significant safety concern, especially with the volume of cars and staff movement at dismissal. We appreciate your partnership in helping us keep all students safe by using the car pickup line.

A few additional reminders:

• Tonight is our final KNO (Kids Night Out) of the year! If you have not yet paid, you may use the QR code below. If your child has not attended a KNO this year, please be sure a permission form has been completed. (Only one form is needed per year.)
• Square One Art has been extended through the weekend, giving families one final opportunity to purchase your child’s artwork for this school year.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. Wishing you all 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

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!

May

Friday, May 1

• KNO

Wednesday, May 6

• 5th Grade Math MCAS

Thursday, May 7

• Faculty Meeting - 2:10pm

Friday, May 8

• ½ Day After Lunch 11:55am Dismissal - Professional Development

Monday, May 11

• 4th Grade Math MCAS

Tuesday, May 12

• 4th Grade Math MCAS

• Site Council - 2:30pm

Wednesday, May 13

• 3rd Grade Math MCAS

Thursday, May 14

• 3rd Grade Math MCAS

Friday, May 15

• Band/Chorus Concert - 8:30-9:15am

Monday, May 18

• Grade 5 STE MCAS

Tuesday, May 19

• Grade 5 STE MCAS

Thursday, May 21

• Incoming Grade 3 Info Night/Mindess - 6-7pm

Friday, May 22

• Memorial Day Program - Details TBD

Monday, May 25 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 26

• Grade 5 Math iREADY

Wednesday, May 27

• Grade 3 Math iREADY

Thursday, May 28

• Grade 4 Math iREADY

• Chorus Concert - 7pm

Friday, May 29

• Science Symposium

June
Monday, June 1

• Step Up Day - 9am - 10:30am : Grade 5 visit AMS, Grade 2 visit Mindess

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

Friday, June 19

• No School

Wednesday, June 24 - Last Day of School

• Cup Stacking

• 5th grade clap out (parents invited)

Our 4th graders brought language to life at the Idiom Parade—turning common expressions into creative, clever, and colorful displays! From “raining cats and dogs” to “piece of cake,” students showcased their understanding of idioms in a fun and memorable way. We are so proud of their creativity and enthusiasm!

Our students are digging in and growing something special! Through hands-on gardening, they’re learning how to care for plants, work together, and appreciate the process of growth from seed to harvest. It’s been wonderful to watch their curiosity bloom right alongside their gardens!

We are so proud of our students who participated in the Special Olympics in Medway! Their determination, teamwork, and positive spirit were on full display throughout the day. It was truly inspiring to see them challenge themselves, celebrate one another, and represent our school with such pride.

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 perseverance. To introduce this theme, we read She Persisted and The Fantastic Elastic Brain, two stories that highlight the power of determination and how our brains grow when we challenge ourselves. Throughout the month, we will be exploring the concepts of fixed mindset and growth mindset, helping students understand that mistakes are part of learning and that effort helps us grow.

We kicked off the month with a restorative circle where students discussed times when they felt like giving up and the strategies they used to persevere during difficult moments. Students shared thoughtful ideas about staying positive, asking for help, taking breaks, and continuing to try even when something feels challenging. These conversations helped set the stage for a month focused on building resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset.

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.