Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

We have had another wonderful week at Mindess! As we head into the long weekend, I wanted to share a few important reminders and exciting events coming up.

No School Monday, October 12

As a reminder, there will be no school on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday!

International Walk to School Day!

This week Mindess celebrated International Walk to School Day! What a wonderful way to start our Wednesday morning! It was so exciting to see so many Mindess students and families participating in International Walk to School Day! The smiles, energy, and enthusiasm were contagious as our school community came together to celebrate the importance of staying active and enjoying time outdoors. A huge thank you to all of our families who participated and helped make this such a special morning!

Be sure to scroll down to our Highlights section to watch a video capturing some of the fun from this wonderful event!

Drop Everything and Play – Tuesday, October 13!

We have a special event planned for Tuesday! Ashland High School students will be visiting Mindess to volunteer and spend time with our students during a fun-filled Drop Everything and Play! Each high school student will be assigned to a classroom, where they will have an opportunity to connect with our students through games and play.

We encourage families to consider sending in a favorite board game or card game for their child to enjoy during this special time. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to build connections, practice teamwork, and simply enjoy playing together. We are so excited to welcome our high school students back to Mindess!

Mindess Band Information

Families of our student musicians can find important band information, the schedule for the year, band concert dates, updates, and resources on the Mindess Band Website. We encourage families to bookmark this page and check it regularly throughout the year.

Understanding Our School Safety Drills

The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. Below, you will find an informational document explaining the different types of safety drills we practice in Ashland Public Schools and why each one is important.

We recognize that families may have questions about these drills, and we hope this information provides a better understanding of how we prepare for emergencies. The document also includes important guidance on how families can help support our schools in the event of an actual emergency.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to review this information.

Conferences with Unified Arts Teachers

As parent-teacher conferences approach, please remember that our Unified Arts (UA) teachers are also available to meet with families! Conferences are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your child's progress and experiences across all areas of the school day.

If you would like to schedule a conference with your child's Art, Music, Band, Library, Computers, PE, or Wellness teacher, please reach out directly to arrange a time.

• Band: svalentin@ashland.k12.ma.us

• PE: bnicholson@ashland.k12.ma.us and/or DPowers@ashland.k12.ma.us

• Wellness: APlichta@ashland.k12.ma.us

• Music: alizamafontaine@ashland.k12.ma.us

• Library: llamphier@ashland.k12.ma.us

• Computers: cbreault@ashland.k12.ma.us

• Art: cglynn@ashland.k12.ma.us

October Kids Night Out – Volunteers Needed!

Our October Kids Night Out (KNO) is right around the corner, and we need your help to make it a success! KNO is always an exciting evening for our students, and these special events would not be possible without the generosity of our parent and community volunteers.

If you are available to lend a hand, we would love to have you join us! Every volunteer makes a difference.

Click here to sign up to volunteer for October KNO!

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of our Mindess community. Wishing everyone a wonderful, relaxing long weekend!

Warmly,
Kate

Kids can wear costumes. Please no masks or weapons.

October

Monday, October 12 - NO SCHOOL - Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Wednesday, October 21

• Unity Day - Wear Orange (everyone, staff and students)

Tuesday, October 27 - Conferences - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal

Wednesday, October 28 - Conferences - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal

Thursday, October 29 - Conferences - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal

Friday, October 30

• Spooky Run

• KNO - 6pm

November

What a wonderful way to start our Wednesday! It was amazing to see so many Mindess students and staff come together for our annual Walk to School Day! From smiling faces to energetic footsteps, our Mindess community showed that the best way to start the day is TOGETHER!

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.

Design and Architecture: A Makerspace Program

Prepare to build! Utilizing equipment and provided materials, participants will learn the general fundamentals of architecture. Following the direction of their mentors, participants will exercise the necessary skills of stability, creativity, and collaboration. Throughout the program, the creative freedom and critical thinking of the participants will be brought to action! Sign up today for design & architecture!

• Dates: (Every Wednesday) September 30th; October 7th, 14th, and 21st
• Time: 2:50 - 3:50 pm
• Seats: 20
• Participants will be bussed from the Mindess School to AHS
• Participants must be picked up at 3:50 pm at AHS (no late bus available)
• $60 fee