Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

First, a reminder that next Wednesday is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 10:40 a.m.

Also next Wednesday, our annual Turkey Trot will be taking place. This is a wonderful tradition that gets our students outside, active, and having fun together. Students are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support our schoolwide food drive, helping families in our community during the holiday season. We look forward to a great event and hope the weather cooperates for a beautiful morning of exercise and school spirit!

Next week is also School Spirit Week! Each day will feature a different theme. Please see the flyer below for the daily themes and encourage your child to participate and show their Mindess spirit!

If you are a parent concerned about how your financial situation may impact your children at the holidays, please reach out to Jennifer Pavia-Shiels, AHS School Adjustment Counselor, for a confidential conversation about holiday assistance. She can be reached at jpaviashiels@ashland.k12.ma.us or by phone at 508-532-8018. Please contact her by December 5, 2025. We will be utilizing the Helping Our Own fund to make a difference, and we will do our best to offset the challenges the holidays may bring.

If you are in a position to assist and would like to support the Helping Our Own fund, donations are gratefully accepted. Checks may be written to “Ashland Public Schools Helping Our Own Fund” and mailed to:

Ashland High School
65 East Union Street
Ashland, MA 01721
Attention: Jennifer Pavia-Shiels

Online donations can also be made by visiting the City Hall Systems payment page and selecting Helping Our Own from the dropdown menu. This fund is used year-round to support students whose families are facing financial challenges. In the past, it has helped provide holiday gifts, calculators, senior week tickets, prom dresses, and more.

I also want to share a valuable community resource. Our partners at the MetroWest Food Collaborative have created a website with up-to-date listings of food pantries, community meal programs, farmers markets, and other supports across the region. Materials are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and you can search by town to see what is available. If your family ever needs additional support, please visit:

metrowestfoodcollaborative.org/find-food

Thank you for your continued partnership and care for our school community.

Warmly,

Kate Altman

Principal

NOVEMBER

Monday, November 24

• School Spirit PJ Day: Everyone should wear PJ's!

Tuesday, November 25

• School Spirit Monochrome Day, students wear the same color (same color shoes, shirt, pants, socks, everything!)

Wednesday, November 26 - Early Release - Before Lunch 10:40

• Turkey Trot - Bring a non perishable item for food drive

• Wear Ashland/Alumni Day

• Grades Close

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - No School - THANKSGIVING BREAK

DECEMBER

Thursday, December 4

• 5th Grade Band Concert - 7pm to 8:00pm - AHS

Wednesday, December 10

• Rise Students visit AMS for movie

Friday, December 12

• Report cards go home

Tuesday, December 16

• 4th Grade Band Concert - 7pm to 8:00pm - AHS

Tuesday, December 23 - Early Release - After Lunch 11:55

Wednesday, December 24 - Friday, January 2 - WINTER BREAK

A huge thank you to Mrs. Donna Shaw! Mrs. Shaw, a former Ashland Public Schools teacher and dedicated community member, has generously volunteered her time in several classrooms this fall to support our young writers. She collected students’ stories and created Mindess’ first-ever “Student Chronicle.” We are incredibly grateful to have Mrs. Shaw sharing her time, talent, and passion with our students!

This month's SEL theme is Gratitude. Lessons will focus on appreciating the people, places, and things in our lives. Studies show that people who show gratitude live longer, have healthier hearts, and are happier.

In addition, we continue to develop Restorative Justice in our schools. One SEL lesson each month is dedicated to holding a Restorative Circle which helps build community, teaches students how to listen to each other, and support one another. Ask your child about the circles they have taken part in their classroom!

The holidays can be a difficult time for families. If your family needs any support this holiday season, please contact your child's school counselor:

Grade 3 - Amanda Walker awalker@ashland.k12.ma.us, 508-881-0166x3

Grade 4 - Melissa Mespelli mmespelli@ashland.k12.ma.us, 508-881-0166x4

Grade 5 - Meghan McGuire mmcguire@ashland.k12.ma.us, 508-881-0166x5

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.