AMS Weekly Update-August 28, 2024
AMS Update-September 13, 2024
Good Evening,
I am writing this newsletter after a very challenging week at AMS. I understand that receiving back-to-back emails about safety concerns is the last thing you want as parents and guardians. While I always strive to be transparent and forthcoming, we are bound to confidentiality as a district and cannot share specific details about incidents. As a parent, I know how unsettling these messages can be. It is never our intent to incite fear or increase anxiety by sending messages to our community. Still, we always want to ensure we communicate when there are incidents related to school safety. Although I cannot guarantee anyone’s safety, I can assure you that it is my top priority as Principal of AMS. I am grateful for our partnership with the Ashland Police Department and the ongoing support they have provided this week, as they do every day in our schools and community.
Chief Rossi and I met with all students in class meetings on Thursday, following the reports from earlier in the week. I hope your children shared details of the meeting with you, but in case they didn’t, here’s a summary of what we covered:
Safety is our number one priority.
We take any report of a safety concern seriously and investigate thoroughly in collaboration with the APD.
Our communications with families should be taken at face value and not interpreted to imply anything beyond what is stated.
Posting false information on social media generates unnecessary fear and anxiety.
School safety is not a joke.
According to the student handbook, students who make statements concerning school safety will be held accountable and may face potential prosecution.
Many students did the right thing this week by reporting concerns, sharing social media posts with the police and school administration, and talking to trusted adults. We want all students to feel safe and comfortable in the building; if they don’t, they need to inform an adult immediately.
No direct threat was made toward AMS or its students this week.
In my opening newsletter, I discussed the importance of a strong home-school relationship. Please take a moment to talk to your children about the seriousness of school safety and encourage them to speak up if they ever feel unsafe. If they report a concern to you, please contact the school immediately during school hours or the Ashland Police Department if it is outside school hours.
Another issue this week was how false narratives on social media can incite fear among students. It is important to remind students that when they post something online, it does not simply disappear—anyone can screenshot and reshare it. Most of the posts that circulated and caused panic among students and parents this week originated from Snapchat, and we are investigating their source. Please talk to your child about the ramifications of posting on social media.
Social media holds incredible power today, offering connections, communication, and self-expression opportunities. However, for middle school students, platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok can also present significant challenges. Features like disappearing messages and stories designed to encourage casual interaction can create a false sense of privacy, often leading to impulsive behavior and poor decision-making.
As we continue to navigate these challenges, we focus on maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students. I appreciate your ongoing partnership in making that a reality.
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Erin Lachapelle
AMS Principal
Important Information
Open House
We will hold our Open House this week on Wednesday for 6th-grade parents/guardians and Thursday for 7th- and 8th-grade parents/guardians. The evening will begin in the large gym with a brief presentation, after which parents/guardians will follow their student's "A" day schedule. Students will create a template of their schedule during homeroom on Monday, which you can pick up upon arrival at Open House.
Teachers and staff who work with multiple grade levels (World Language, Unified Arts, Wellness, and some Special Education staff) will only be present on one of the two evenings. Please note that Open House is an opportunity for teachers to present an overview of their curriculum and course expectations. It is not a time for discussing individual student needs. Additionally, students and siblings should not attend.
Picture Day
Picture Day is next Friday, September 20th. You should have received an email from our photographer, Lifetouch, with information about ordering pictures. Students also received an order form in homeroom today.
For more information or to place an order, visit mylifetouch.com and enter the code EVTFC7Q99.
Site Council
I am seeking parent volunteers to join the Ashland Middle School Site Council. The site council is a group of administrators, teachers, and parents meeting monthly to discuss school issues, handbook policies, and the school improvement plan. We will meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 4:30-5:30, with meetings set to begin in October. If you are interested in serving on the site council, please complete the Google form linked here. I want you to know that expressing interest in serving on the site council does not guarantee a voting position. I will follow up with those who express interest regarding the next steps.
Lost Bus Pass Fee
If a student loses their bus pass, there is a $5 fee to replace it. Please remind your student to keep track of their bus pass.
Chromebooks
Loaner Chromebooks are only available for students whose Chromebooks are being repaired by the IT department. We cannot provide loaner Chromebooks to students who have forgotten theirs at home. Students may use the phone in the main office to call home and request that their Chromebook be dropped off.
Biographical Forms and Health Office Forms:
Students received a printout of their current iPass information and an emergency health form, on the first day of school in homeroom. Please complete and return these forms to the school with your student as soon as possible.
West Union Street Sidewalk Project:
Over the next two months, construction along West Union Street will be done to install a new sidewalk from State Park Road to Indian Spring Road. The sidewalk will be along the eastbound lane (State Park side). Please keep in mind that this may cause additional delays during arrival and dismissal times.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Have a great weekend!
Erin Lachapelle
AMS Principal
A Message from Athletics
Volleyball Clinic
The AHS Varsity HS Team weekend volleyball skills clinic series is BACK starting on Saturday 9/14 (thru 10/26, off 10/12 for Family Reconnect Weekend) 10am-noon coached by the AHS coaches and varsity team members. Cost: $60 (6 weeks).
Grades 6 and up are invited to attend.
Other places to play:
https://www.cmassjuniors.org/massachusetts-youth-volleyball-training/#toggle-id-1
https://www.bostonareayouthvolleyball.com/youth
Sign-up by emailing player name, grade and phone # to:
Ashland High School Volleyball <volleyball@ashland.k12.ma.us>
Payment via Venmo (scan below) or mail check to:
Coach Raymond Labbe
35 Donna Lee Ln
Ashland MA 01721
Thanks,
Coach Labbe
AHS Varsity Volleyball
Weekly Schedule
Schedule for Next Week:
- Monday, September 16th-F Day
- Tuesday, September 17th-A Day
- Wednesday, September 18th-B Day
- Thursday, September 19th, C Day
- Friday, September 20th, D Day
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Wednesday, September 18th – 6th Grade Open House, 6–8 PM
- Thursday, September 19th – 7th & 8th Grade Open House, 6–8 PM
- Friday, September 20th – School Picture Day
- Monday, September 23rd – Access to Rankbook in iParent will open
- Thursday, October 3rd – No School (Rosh Hashanah)
- Monday, October 14th – No School (Indigenous Peoples' Day)
Faculty/Staff Recognition
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.
Here is an example that was provided by a parent last week:
"My son is so excited every day for World Cultures class thanks to Mrs. Wills! She is doing a great job getting the kids engaged and learning Spanish in a fun environment."
Commuity Bulletin Board
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.