Warren School Weekly Update

April 17, 2026
We had quite a few running events this week, and it was wonderful to see so many of our students and families participating.
The week kicked off with the Linclusion 5K Fun Run on Sunday at Ashland State Park. This was a great family event, with many of our students participating in the kids’ race followed by the 5K run/walk through the park. I have included a photo of some of the staff participants from Warren and Mindess.
On Wednesday, the weather cooperated once again for our Jog-a-thon! Thank you to our PTO and the many volunteers who came out to cheer on students and help track laps. Students had a fantastic time running with their grade-level peers on the back field. It was impressive to see how many laps they completed, and more importantly, the enthusiasm and perseverance they demonstrated. A few pictures from the event are included below.
Congratulations to our amazing group of English Language Learners who were recognized for the Exemplary Effort Award on the Flashlight Mid-Year Benchmark. We are very proud of their hard work, persistence, and dedication to their learning. The group is pictured below.
On Monday during our vacation, our students will have the opportunity to witness an incredible athletic event, the Boston Marathon. We are very fortunate to have such a world-class event pass right through our community. It provides a unique chance for our children and families to see both elite runners and individuals running to support meaningful causes. There are valuable lessons to take from both groups, the discipline and preparation of professional athletes, and the determination and resilience shown by those completing this challenging course. This day also coincides with Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts holiday that commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolution. It serves as a meaningful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of those who helped shape our nation.
After vacation, we will welcome students back on Monday, April 27 with a Comfy Clothes Spirit Day to help support a smooth and comfortable transition back to school routines.
After vacation, many of our students will represent Ashland on Tuesday, April 28 at the Special Olympics in Medway. I am excited to cheer on our amazing athletes and celebrate their efforts and accomplishments.
A reminder that the opportunity to provide input for your child’s placement for next year at Warren School will close on Tuesday, April 28. While it is not required, families are welcome to share any information they feel would be helpful as we begin the thoughtful class placement process.
Have a great April vacation week,
Pete
Warren School Art Show
Please use this link to learn more about how your child can submit artwork!
Square 1 Art
Parents! Don’t miss out!
Turn your child’s artwork into something special and support our schools at the same time!
Order by April 19!
MetroWest Food Collaborative
Dear Families,
I want to share a helpful resource: our local partners at the MetroWest Food Collaborative have created an easy-to-use website where food pantries, community meal sites, farmers markets and more are listed for our region. You’ll find flyers and calendars in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and you can search by town to see what’s available. MWFC
Please check it out if you or your family ever need additional support: metrowestfoodcollaborative.org/find-food
Ashland High School Event
The Class of 2029 is hosting an Apex fundraiser on May 1st from 5:00–10:00 PM, and everyone's invited! This fun-filled night is open to all grades, friends, and family. For just $20, participants receive a package that includes one round of laser tag, bumper cars, mini golf, and an arcade card. 25% of all proceeds will go toward making the freshmen’s high school experience as fun and memorable as possible. Be sure to check out the attached flyer for more details and come out to support the Class of 2029 while enjoying a great night of entertainment and fun!
Growing Strong, Thoughtful Readers This Spring 🌱
What’s Happening in Class
This month, students are learning that good readers don’t just read the words—they think while they read.
Across all grade levels, children are practicing how to stop and ask themselves:
Does this make sense?
What might happen next?
Why did that happen?
“Stop and think strategy”
Readers are learning to pause while reading and check their understanding. These small thinking moments help students better understand and enjoy what they read.
They might:
Reread when something doesn’t make sense
Make a prediction about what will happen next
Talk about what a character is thinking or feeling
Try This Tonight: While your child is reading, pause and ask: What are you thinking right now?” Encourage them to share their ideas—even if they’re not sure yet!
Warm regards,
Kathy Ferrecchia
kferrecchia@ashland.k12.ma.us
Thank you for making Literacy Night a huge success!
Warren School's Social Emotional Learning Update:
Hello Families,
This month we are learning about CONFIDENCE.
We have defined CONFIDENCE as: believing in yourself and trusting that you can do something, even if it is hard.
Here are some things you can do to help your child develop confidence:
- Praise them for their effort instead of end results.
- Encourage them to try new things. Help them find their passion.
- Normalize mistakes. It is tempting to jump in and fix things for your children, but confidence comes when they solve problems on their own.
- Embrace imperfection, having flaws is part of being human!
- Encourage and model positive self talk. When starting a challenging task, have them say things like, “I’ve done hard things before!” or “This may be hard but I’m going to try my best.”
Books about confidence:
I Like Myself By Karen Beaumont
I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off A Little Self Esteem By Jamie Lee Curtis
Chrysanthemum By Kevin Henkes
Dear Girl By Amy Krouse
The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright
Warren School’s SEL Team
Warren School Counselors: Newsletters
Internet Safety Webinar
Members of the United States Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations Child Exploitation and Computer Forensics Group, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children will be bringing a virtual webinar Keeping Kids Safe & Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Adults. The presentation will bring awareness to the dangers children face online today and educate adults on how to keep them safe. The flyer is attached and details, including registration link is below. Please feel free to share with your community.
Keeping Kids Safe & Secure Online:
A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Adults
Thursday, May 7, 2026 │6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Registration required – Log in begins at 6:00 pm
Registration Details
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r3e7ec6dd39529e1d1509dc763f5668f8
Questions or difficulty registering?
Please contact Karen Legace at USAMA.PSCOutreach@usdoj.gov
This presentation is for adults who wish to learn how to keep kids safe online.
Content is inappropriate for young children.
Please be aware of who can see your screen and hear your audio!
Webex platform has a maximum capacity of 1000 attendees. If we have reached registration capacity, please email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usdoj.gov to be put on a waitlist for the next presentation.
April and May Lunch Menu
Check out what our Nutrition Services department is serving up for Warren students in April and May! Menu items are subject to change without notice, based on current supply chain issues or other factors. If dietary concerns are an issue, please contact us.
To view a translated version of the menu, please visit ashland.k12.ma.us/Nutrition.
Message from our Nutrition Director:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As April begins, we’re excited to share our monthly menu featuring the versatile and nutritious Massachusetts Harvest of the Month: Potatoes!
Potatoes are a beloved staple crop known for their versatility and health benefits. Grown locally here in Massachusetts, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. This month, we’re excited to serve a variety of delicious potato dishes, highlighting their versatility and flavor. The menu will include mashed sweet potatoes, crispy fries, roasted rainbow potatoes, and even creamy au gratin potatoes!
For more information on the benefits of potatoes and fun recipe ideas, please visit the Massachusetts Harvest of the Month page: Massachusetts Harvest of the Month - Potatoes.
We’re committed to providing fresh, locally sourced potatoes to our students, supporting local farms, and ensuring the highest nutritional quality in our meals. We also encourage you to try incorporating potatoes into your family meals to enjoy their many health benefits.
Thank you for your continued support and for entrusting us with your children’s nutrition and well-being. We look forward to a month filled with delicious and wholesome meals
Warm regards
Regina Wilkinson
Director of Nutrition Services
Ashland Public Schools
Email: rwilkinson@ashland.k12.ma.us Phone: 508-881-0165
Please check out the great offering at the Ashland Public Library!
Upcoming Events
- April 20: Patriots Day and Marathon Monday
- April 20-24: No School April school vacation
- April 27: Wear Comfy Clothes Day
- April 30: Whole School Assembly wear blue for Ashland Pride
- May 6: Grade 1 marionette program
- May 7: Kindergarten marionette program
- May 8: Early Release at 1:15 for staff professional development, lunch will be served.
- May 21: Grade 2 to 3 Parent Information session at Mindess 6-7 PM
- May 22: Mario the Maker Magician program
- May 25: No School in observance of Memorial Day
- May 27: Whole School Assembly wear blue for Ashland Pride
- May 28: Warren School at Dairy Queen night
Community 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.


