AMS UPDATE

Good Afternoon,

We have completed six days of the school year, and this week’s four-day schedule was definitely an adjustment after summer vacation! Students are beginning to settle into the rhythm of their daily routines and class expectations. As we near the completion of our first full cycle of the schedule, you may notice an increase in both in-class assignments and homework. Early on, I encouraged teachers to dedicate time to building positive classroom culture and relationships with students, and that investment is already paying off in the atmosphere around the school.

To help families stay connected, I will open parent iPass access to the Progress Report tab next Friday, September 12. This will allow you to begin monitoring your child’s academic progress as we move further into the term.

On Tuesday, we held class meetings with all three grades, which went very well. We reviewed expectations, shared important reminders, and explained the changes to our i-Ready diagnostic testing. We also discussed with students that i-Ready is an adaptive test, meaning that the questions adjust depending on how students answer them. Some questions will feel too easy, some will be just right, and others will be too hard, and that’s expected. Every student will see questions they cannot answer yet because they have not learned that material. We emphasized that this is okay, and encouraged students to simply do their best, choose an answer, and move on. The biggest message we stressed, and one that we would appreciate your support in reinforcing at home, is the importance of taking their time and putting forth their best effort.

As both a principal and a parent, I know it can sometimes be a challenge to get more than a one-word answer about how school is going. Instead of the usual “How was your day?” you might try questions like:
What’s one thing you learned today that surprised you?
Which class do you feel most comfortable in right now, and why?
Did anyone make you laugh today?
What’s something new you’re still getting used to?

These types of questions can open the door for more meaningful conversations and give you a better window into your child’s experience at school.

Safety Drills

We had our first fire drill today, and students and staff did an excellent job following our emergency expectations. Teachers have also reviewed our other emergency procedures, including ALICE protocols, with students. Any ALICE drills that take place during the year will be announced ahead of time so that students and families are prepared.

Transportation & Bells

We are continuing to work closely with the transportation department on bus arrival times. I have been tracking arrival times each morning, and overall there has been improvement. All buses, with the exception of Bus 3, have been arriving before the school day begins. I know this situation is stressful and frustrating for students and families, and I assure you I am actively addressing it.

Adding to the challenge, our bells are currently ringing two minutes early, which makes it appear as though buses are late even when they are on time. I have submitted a request for the clocks and bells to be reset, and I am hopeful that this adjustment will be made over the weekend.

Emergency Forms

Emergency forms went home last Wednesday. Please have students return them to their advisory teacher as soon as possible so we can update our system with the most current contact information.

i-Ready Diagnostic Testing

This year we are making an important shift in how we administer our i-Ready diagnostic tests in ELA and Math. In the past, students tested across multiple blocks, starting and stopping several times. To provide a more focused and consistent experience, we will hold school-wide testing days. Students will test for three consecutive blocks, with as much time as they need to complete the assessment. Most students will finish within this window, and those who need extra time will be given it.

Why does this matter? The i-Ready diagnostic gives us critical information about each student’s strengths and areas of need. We use this data to make curriculum adjustments, place supports where they are needed most, and guide teachers in tailoring instruction. Much like MCAS, we ask for your support by ensuring students are in school on testing days, rested, and ready to do their best.

ELA Testing: September 10
Math Testing: September 17

Open House
We are excited to welcome families to our upcoming Open House events!

• 6th Grade: Wednesday, September 17th, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

• 7th & 8th Grade: Thursday, September 18th, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Each evening will begin with a brief presentation for parents/guardians in the large gym, followed by an opportunity to walk through your child’s Term 1 A Day schedule. Teachers will provide an overview of their class and expectations. This is a chance to learn more about the curriculum and what students will experience this year.

To ensure all families receive information about courses offered across the year, our Wellness and Unified Arts teachers will divide their presentations between the two nights. This way, regardless of the term your child is scheduled for these classes, you’ll be able to hear about the curriculum and opportunities they will have.

Please note that Open House is not intended for individual conferences about your child. If you would like to discuss your child’s progress or specific concerns, please contact teachers directly to schedule a time to connect. If you plan to attend and need an interpreter, please complete this form.

We also ask that students do not attend this event.

Other Important Dates

Parent iPass Access Opens: September 12
6th Grade Open House: September 17
7th and 8th Grade Open House: September 18
School Picture Day (all grades): September 19

Thank you,

Erin Lachapelle

AMS Principal

Schedule for Next Week:

• Monday, September 8th- G Day
• Tuesday, September 9th- A Day
• Wednesday, September 10th- B Day
• Thursday, September 11th- C Day
• Friday, September 12th- D Day

Upcoming Important Dates:

• Wednesday, September 10th-ELA i-Ready Diagnostic Testing

• Wednesday, September 17th-Math i-Ready Diagnostic Testing

• Wednesday, September 17th – 6th Grade Open House

• Thursday, September 18th – 7th & 8th Grade Open House

• Friday, September 19th – School Picture Day

• Tuesday, September 23rd-No School (Rosh Hashanah)

• Thursday, October 2nd-No School (Yom Kippur)

I will update this as I receive information from club advisors:

Art Club

Art Club will have its first informational meeting on Tuesday, September 16 in room 139. Any interested students should attend. Students will receive contracts and will be split into groups for future meetings. We will meet on Tuesdays (each group every other week) and Art Club is a time to work on class projects, free art, or the weekly activity choices. Sometimes we will work on group projects for the community. Any questions, reach out to Ms. Micucci rmicucci@ashland.k12.ma.us

Best Buddies

The Best Buddies After School Club is a fun, welcoming, and inclusive space where students of all abilities come together to build meaningful friendships, promote inclusion, and celebrate diversity. Our club pairs students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in one-to-one friendships with their peers, helping to break down social barriers and create a stronger, more compassionate school community.

Through engaging activities, games, arts and crafts, and group outings, members of Best Buddies enjoy time together outside of the classroom while learning the values of acceptance, kindness, and leadership. We aim to foster a supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Whether you're looking to make new friends, be a leader in promoting inclusion, or simply be part of something that makes a positive impact—Best Buddies is the place for you! We will meet the first Tuesday of every month at 2:45. Any question please email Ms. Izen at dizen@ashland.k12.ma.us or stop by room 118.

Chess Club

Do you have what it takes to CHECKMATE your opponent? The AMS Chess Club is starting on Monday, September 22. We'll be meeting every Monday after school. Participation is free, and all players are welcome. We will have competitive tournaments throughout the year, but we're also helping beginners learn how to play. To join the club, just show up to our first meeting, and you will be invited to join our Google Classroom. Any questions, reach out to Mr. Van Wyhe rvanwyhe@ashland.k12.ma.us

Diversity Club

Diversity Club will have its first meeting on Thursday September 18 in room 139 and we will meet the third Thursdays of the month (with a few exceptions). Diversity Club is a safe space for conversations and support for LGBT+ issues and any other issues around DIVERSITY and anti-bullying in our school (race, religion, gender, and social issues). All conversations are age appropriate. (PG rating only!) ALLIES AND FRIENDS WELCOME! Any questions, reach out to Ms. Micucci rmicucci@ashland.k12.ma.us or Ms. Payne spayne@ashland.k12.ma.us

Drama Club

All students are welcome!!

Auditions, show title, and meeting dates will be announced after 9/15 around school and in advisory. PLEASE NOTE: Official kick off and audition meeting times will be released on Mon, 9/15.

Once it begins Drama Club typically meets 3-4 days a week from 245 - 430pm and closer to the show they meet until 6pm. This year's artistic season is centered around the theme of "Brave and Courageous Adventures" ; a key character strength that helps kids grow and succeed and found in many of our books here at AMS.

Show dates:

Thursday, Jan 22nd = Dress rehearsal

Friday, Jan 23rd = 7pm show

Saturday, Jan 24th = 2pm & 7 pm

If you have any questions please email Mr. Langmeyer elangmeyer@ashland.k12.ma.us

Yearbook

First meeting for Yearbook will be on September 18th! Any student interested in working on the yearbook is welcome to attend. Meetings will be bi-weekly on Thursdays in room 151. Please reach out to Ms. Collins for more information mcollins@ashland.k12.ma.us

I will provide an opportunity in every weekly update for parents and guardians to recognize the amazing work of our faculty and staff. If your student comes home and shares an incredible learning experience or stories about their teachers, please take a moment to fill out the google form linked here. This will allow me to recognize the faculty and staff members and share the positive experiences that students are having with the community.

"Shout out to our two amazing administrative assistants, Mrs. Watt & Mrs. Lester for holding down the fort! In the chaos of a new schedule, new students, and all the other day to day things, they still always have a smile on their face and are happy to help anyone who walks in. It's not an easy job, but they make it seamless and we couldn't function without all they do for all of us!"

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to a brand new school year! I hope you and your family had a relaxing summer filled with fun, rest, and time together. We’re so excited to have your children back in our cafeterias and I’m happy to welcome you on behalf of the entire Nutrition Services team here in Ashland.

Our goal is simple: to serve healthy, tasty meals that help every student feel their best and do their best in the classroom. We know that when kids are well-fed, they’re ready to focus, learn, and grow and we’re proud to be a part of that support system.

This year, we’re rolling out some new menu items we think your kids will love made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. We’re always working to make our meals more appealing and inclusive, with options that reflect different tastes and dietary needs. We hope your student finds a new favorite this year!

Thanks to continued support from Governor Healey and state legislators, Universal Free Meals are still available for every student. That means each child can enjoy one free breakfast and one free lunch every school day, no application required. We’re so grateful for this program it ensures all students have access to nourishing meals at no cost.

To help keep the lunch lines moving quickly, we will not be accepting cash at the register. If your student would like to purchase à la carte items, like snacks or second meals they will need to have funds in their account. You can prepay online at www.myschoolbucks.com, or send cash or a check in a sealed envelope (with your child’s name clearly written on it) to the cafeteria manager at the start of the school day. Since breakfast is free, this is the perfect time to drop off the envelope and enjoy a free meal!

If a student would like a second meal, they’ll first need to stop by the cashier to confirm there are funds in their account. Once the sale is processed, the cashier will give them a ticket to bring to the serving line to receive their second meal. Just a reminder the USDA does not cover second meals or snacks, so these are considered à la carte.

If your child brings lunch from home, please be sure to pack any needed utensils, napkins, and condiments like ketchup or salad dressing. Students are welcome to purchase a carton of milk for $0.50, as long as they have funds on their account.

If your child has a life-threatening food allergy, please contact both the school nurse and our Nutrition Services department before they begin receiving meals. This helps us take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. More information about our allergy policies is available at ashland.k12.ma.us/nutrition.

We’re also bringing back our Harvest of the Month program! Each month, we’ll feature a local fruit or vegetable in our meals to help students explore new flavors while supporting Massachusetts farms. It’s a fun and healthy way to connect kids to their food.

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your child’s health and success, one meal at a time.

Wishing you a wonderful, healthy school year ahead!

Warmly,
Regina Wilkinson
Director of Nutrition Services
Ashland Public Schools
rwilkinson@ashland.k12.ma.us
508-881-0165

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.