Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

It has been a wonderful and busy week here at school. Today, we wrapped things up with the Mindess Hoedown! I created a video and included it in the highlights section below—fun was truly had by all, and it was great to see so much joy and energy throughout the event.

Earlier this week, we also conducted a fire drill on Wednesday as part of the three required drills each year. Our students did an excellent job exiting the building quickly and calmly, demonstrating their understanding of our safety procedures. We will have one more drill before the end of the school year.

Looking ahead, Autism Awareness Day will be observed on April 2nd. We invite all students and staff to wear red to help raise awareness and show support.

MCAS testing will begin next week. Our Grade 5 students will take the ELA assessment on Tuesday and Wednesday. We encourage all students to get a good night’s sleep and come to school ready to do their best.

Please also note that next Thursday will be an early release day for teacher professional development. Lunch will be served, and dismissal will be at 11:55 AM. There will be no school on Friday in observance of Good Friday.

For our Grade 2 families, we will be hosting an Incoming Grade 3 Information Night on May 21st from 6:00–7:00 PM in the Mindess Cafeteria. This will be a helpful opportunity to learn more about the transition to Grade 3. Mr. Regan will also be sharing this information directly with Grade 2 families.

If you have not already done so, please take a few moments to fill out the parent placement form linked below. We will use this information to help guide our placement process. As a reminder, we are not able to take specific requests for teachers or classmates, but your input is valuable in helping us make thoughtful decisions.

A couple of additional reminders: the Square 1 Art order deadline is April 19th—please be sure to review the attached flyer for details. Additionally, our nurses are currently in need of extra clothing for students who may require a change during the school day. More information can be found in the memo included below in the nurse section.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Kate Altman
Principal

April

Tuesday, March 31

• 5th Grade ELA MCAS

Wednesday, April 1

• 5th Grade ELA MCAS

Thursday, April 2

• ½ Day After Lunch 11:55am Dismissal - Professional Development

Friday, April 3 - NO School - Good Friday

Monday, April 6

• 4th Grade ELA MCAS

Tuesday, April 7

• 4th Grade ELA MCAS

Wednesday, April 8

• 3rd Grade ELA MCAS

Thursday, April 9

• Math Night - 6:30pm-7:30pm

Tuesday, April 14

• Site Council - 2:30pm

Friday, April 17

• Mindess Marathon

Monday, April 20 thru Friday, April 24 - NO SCHOOL - April Break

Tuesday, April 28

• 5 Town Special Olympics Event

A boot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ good time at the Mindess Hoedown—fun was had by all!

A note from our school nurses:

The Mindess nurses' office is in need of clothing! We need boys and girls pants and shorts in sizes 8 - 12. Pants and shorts can be gently used clothing that your child has outgrown, but still has some life left. We also need new boys underwear, in sizes that would fit 8 - 10 year olds.

Thank you!

During SEL in March, lessons will focus on the theme of Courage. Students explore how having the courage to do something new or overcome and obstacle can create resilience. Each class started the month with a Restorative Circle talking about hard things they have done and how they felt when they tried new things. March is also Women's History Month, so women in history that have shown courage are also highlighted during lessons.

In a world full of advice about “anxiety strategies” and coping mechanisms, we can sometimes overlook what children really need when they face tough situations: the knowledge that they are brave, strong, and capable of handling hard things. While breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques are useful, the most important gift we can give our children is the belief that they already have the strength within them to face life’s challenges. Here are some simple ways to foster bravery in your children and help them discover their inner strength.

1. Show Them What Bravery Looks Like

Children learn a lot just by watching the adults in their lives. If they see you being brave—whether it’s trying something new, handling a difficult situation, or admitting when you’re afraid—they’ll understand that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless. It means moving forward in the face of fear. Share with your child moments when you’ve had to be brave and what helped you through it. This shows them that they, too, can be strong when it matters most.

2. Encourage Small Risks

Bravery often starts with small steps. Encourage your child to try new things—like talking to a new friend, joining a team, or learning a new skill. It’s not about pushing them into overwhelming situations but letting them know it’s okay to try, even if it’s uncomfortable. These small risks build their confidence over time, showing them that they can handle challenges and grow stronger with each one they take on.

3. Remind Them They Are Already Strong

More than anything, children need to hear that they are capable. In moments of doubt, remind your child that they are brave and resilient. Let them know they can handle whatever comes their way, even if it feels hard right now. This builds an internal sense of strength that stays with them long after a difficult moment passes. Sometimes, the simple words, “I know you can do this—you’ve handled hard things before,” are enough to help a child push through their fears.

4. Let Them Solve Problems

Being brave isn’t just about facing fears—it’s about believing you can figure things out, even when the outcome is uncertain. Help your child develop problem-solving skills by walking them through challenges step by step. Break down tasks, discuss possible solutions, and let them come up with ideas. By doing this, you’re helping them understand that they’re not powerless, and that they can always find a way through.

5. Praise the Effort, Not Just the Outcome

Sometimes, we get caught up in celebrating only the wins. But bravery is often about trying, even when success isn’t guaranteed. Make sure to praise your child’s effort, their willingness to take risks, and their courage to step into difficult situations—regardless of the outcome. Acknowledging their bravery, even in small actions, builds their self-confidence and reinforces that the process of trying is what matters most.

For example, if your child attempts something challenging, like trying out for a team or giving a class presentation, praise them for putting themselves out there, regardless of the result. This shows them that bravery isn’t about winning; it’s about showing up.

6. Help Them Face Fears Gradually

Children have all sorts of fears, and that’s okay. Whether it’s fear of the dark, nervousness about public speaking, or worry about meeting new people, you can help them build courage by gradually facing these fears. Start small, and let them build up to more challenging situations over time. For instance, if your child is afraid of the dark, you could begin with a nightlight and gradually lower the brightness as they grow more comfortable.

Remember, it’s not about pushing them too fast—it’s about showing them they can face their fears in small, manageable steps.

7. Teach Them to Stand Up for Themselves and Others

Bravery isn’t just about personal fears; it’s also about standing up for others. Teach your child how to stand up for themselves and their friends when they see something unfair, like bullying. Role-play different scenarios to help them practice being courageous in social situations. Let them know that being brave sometimes means speaking up when something feels wrong, even if it’s hard.

8. Create a Safe Space for Honest Conversations

Bravery often starts with feeling safe. Let your child know they can talk to you about their worries without being judged. Create an open, supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing what’s bothering them. When kids know they have a trusted adult to talk to, they’re more likely to face their fears with confidence because they know they’re not alone.

Ask questions like, “What’s the hardest part for you?” or “How do you think we can work through this together?” to help them reflect on their feelings.

9. Teach Simple Calming Techniques

Sometimes, when children feel overwhelmed, they need tools to help manage their emotions. Teach them simple mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or visualization to calm their minds in stressful moments. This helps them stay grounded and gives them the confidence to face scary situations.

For example, before a big event like a test or performance, guide them through a breathing exercise—inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four. These small steps can make a big difference when they need to tap into their bravery.

10. Share Stories of Brave Role Models

Kids love stories, and they can be a great way to teach bravery. Whether it’s reading about historical figures, everyday heroes, or fictional characters, stories give kids examples of bravery in action. Talk about what made those characters brave, focusing on how they handled difficult moments and why their courage mattered.

Read books or tell stories about figures like Amelia Earhart or Rosa Parks, and discuss how their bravery wasn’t just about the big things—they made courageous decisions in everyday moments too.

The Power of Believing in Themselves

At the end of the day, what children need most is the belief that they can handle hard things. While strategies and techniques are helpful, the most important thing is nurturing their belief in their own strength and bravery. When children know they are capable of facing challenges, they become resilient, confident, and ready to take on whatever life throws at them.

Bravery isn’t about never being scared—it’s about knowing you can get through it, no matter what. By reinforcing their inner strength and giving them the tools to face tough moments, you’re helping them grow into brave, resilient individuals who believe in themselves.

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.

With Thanksgiving behind us and winter right around the corner... we've got Spring 2026 on our minds!

That's right, registration is now open for the 2026 Spring Baseball and Softball season.

Click on the link below to register and enter today!

Register Here

You can find all of the program descriptions on the AYBS site by visiting the links below:

Baseball Programs | Softball Programs

We've also included tentative program schedules (practice and game days) in the descriptions on our site but we've also included them below for quick reference.

2026 Schedule by Division

Baseball
Tiny Tots (Age 4) - There will be 1 session per week on Saturdays.
T-Ball (Ages 5-6) - There will be 1 practice a week on either Mondays or Wednesdays. There will be 1 game per week on Saturdays.
A (Ages 6-7) - There will be 1 practice a week on either Mondays or Wednesdays. There will be 1 game per week on Saturdays.
AA (Age 8) - There will be 1 practice a week on either Mondays or Wednesdays. There will be 1-2 games per week on Fridays and Saturdays.
AAA (Ages 9-10) - Games and practices will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Majors (Ages 11-12) - Games and practices will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Softball
K-Ball (Pre-K and K) - There will be 1 practice a week - day TBD. There will be 1 game per week on Saturdays.
AA (1st Grade) - There will be 1 practice a week - day TBD. There will be 1 game per week on Saturdays.
Minors (U8) - Games are on Mondays and Wednesdays. Practices are on Saturdays.
Majors (U10) - Games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Practices are on Saturdays or Sundays.
Seniors (U12 or U14/12) - Games could be on a Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays. All will depend on # of teams across the League. Practice 1x during the week possibly or weekends depending on game schedule.

We look forward to seeing you on the diamonds next spring and good luck with the raffle!

Note: Schedules may change depending on number of players and teams. However, we anticipate following the above format for the 2026 season.

Registration Raffle Drawing Details:
One entry per a household.
Having multiple players in AYBS programs will not increase your number of entries or chances to win.
You must have a player registered for an AYBS program by 11:59 PM EST on November 30, 2025 to be eligible for drawing.
Random drawing from all eligible entries will be held on or around December 2, 2025.
We will contact the winner directly to notify them.
No purchase necessary. Email president@aybsonline.org and include "Register Today" in the subject line for alternative form of entry.