Warren School Weekly Update

This was a very quick week with four days of school and an early release for staff training today. On Monday, we had an amazing presentation on cooperation from Mrs. Clark’s kindergarten class, Ms. Grace’s first grade class, and Mrs. Bauer’s second grade class. They all did an excellent job teaching us different ways to cooperate with one another. Also photographed were our second grade role models. Once again, our role models did an outstanding job sitting with first grade and kindergarten classrooms, showing the younger students what great audience members look like and sound like during an assembly.

There is no school on Friday in observance of Good Friday. Wishing peace to those observing Good Friday and a joyful Easter to all who are celebrating. Additionally, Passover began on Wednesday evening, Chag Sameach to our families observing this important holiday. We hope all who are celebrating this season have a wonderful time with family and loved ones.

Have a great long weekend,

Pete

Please use this link to learn more about how your child can submit artwork!

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!

March 19, 2026

Dear Families,

Each spring, the Mindess staff works thoughtfully and collaboratively to determine class placements for the upcoming academic year. Our goal is to create balanced, heterogeneous classrooms where students can learn and grow within a supportive community led by a teacher who understands and responds to their individual learning styles. This is a complex process that takes many factors into consideration.

If there is information you believe would be helpful for us to consider, please complete this form. Please note that information shared directly with teachers will not be included in the placement process; only information submitted through this form will be reviewed.

While we value and appreciate parent input, there are many factors that influence class placement decisions, and we may not be able to honor all requests.

Requests for specific teachers or for particular students to be placed together will not be considered.

Please note that Mrs. Knox, Ms. Bouvier and Mrs. Hall will be moving to grade 5 next school year. As a result, there is a possibility that your child could be assigned the same teacher they had previously. If you would prefer that your child not be placed with the same teacher again, please indicate this on the form.

This form must be completed by April 8, as we will begin the placement process on Thursday, April 9. Information submitted will be shared with our counseling staff and Special Education staff when appropriate.

Class placements will be developed this spring and may be adjusted over the summer as additional students enroll. Families will receive a letter in August with the name of their child’s teacher and homeroom number.

Sincerely,

Kate Altman

Principal, Mindess School

Thank you again to all of our incredible Warren families for your generosity in donating and creating such amazing raffle baskets to support our students!

We’d also like to give a special thank you to our wonderful Warren teachers. When they learned that our grant applications were not funded, they immediately asked, “How can we help?” Their response was truly inspiring.

This year, they generously donated their time by offering “Teacher Experiences” for students to win. Some of the creative ideas included an after-school kickball game with teachers, breakfast with your teacher, a teacher coming to cheer you on at your game, slime time, and so much more!

These experiences were a huge hit with our students, and we are so grateful for the continued support from our entire Warren community. Thank you for helping make this such a success for the Ashland PTO!

Spring Picture Day is coming up on Friday, April 10. I will be placing flyers in your mailboxes soon.

Please note that only students who pre-order Spring photos will be photographed on Picture Day. All orders must be placed before Friday, April 10.

Families can place their order at mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID: EVTHT8P6J.

The Linclusion 5K is a local event focused on building a more inclusive community for individuals with disabilities. It’s a really special day centered around belonging, connection, and fun for all families whether they run, walk, or just come to enjoy the festivities. It is coming up on Sunday, April 12th at the Rec Center. Linclusion was founded by a local Ashland family to help create more inclusive opportunities and experiences for kids of all abilities in our community.

This is more than just a race, you don’t have to run to join in the fun! Come hang out and enjoy a great day with cotton candy, face painting, Wally the Red Sox Mascot, bounce houses, a DJ, Silent auction, raffles, and more. It’s a wonderful way to bring families together while supporting an amazing cause. Plus an awesome after party at Clover Road.

We’d love to see you there!

Scan the QR code below for more info!

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

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!

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

Check out what our Nutrition Services department is serving up for Warren students in April ! 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.

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

• April 2: Early Release at 1:15 for staff professional development, lunch will be served.
• Students and staff are invited to wear blue or red in support of Autism Awareness Day
• April 3: No School in observance of Good Friday
• April 20: Patriots Day and Marathon Monday
• April 20-24: No School April school vacation
• April 30: Whole School Assembly wear blue for Ashland Pride
• 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 25: No School in observance of Memorial Day

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.