Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

As we head into the final days of the school year, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for making this such a successful and memorable year. It has been a joy to watch our students learn, grow, and support one another throughout the year. We look forward to celebrating our final school days together next week.

There will be no school tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It is a day to reflect on our nation's history, honor the resilience and achievements of Black Americans, and celebrate freedom for all.

Wednesday, June 24, is the last day of school. Students will be dismissed at 10:40 a.m.

Last week, we piloted a new dismissal procedure with all bus students exiting through the front doors and all car pickup students exiting through the common area doors. The trial was very successful, helping to reduce congestion and improve the flow of dismissal. We will be continuing with this dismissal plan moving forward.

Grade 5 families are invited to attend our annual Clap Out on the last day of school. Parents and family members are encouraged to line the sidewalk as our fifth graders process through the school, exit the front doors, and make their way to the grassy area outside the common doors. If you would like to dismiss your 5th grader following the Clap Out, please complete the linked form. All Grade 5 teachers will have a copy of the dismissal list and will check off students as they leave with their families. If you plan on dismissing a sibling of a fifth grader, please email the main office at dmsmainoffice@ashland.k12.ma.us.

In the past, classroom placement letters have been mailed home during the first week of August. This summer, we will be transitioning to an electronic process. During the first week of August, families will receive an email containing the same classroom placement information that was previously mailed.

Teachers will also send a welcome letter with information about their classroom and any materials or supplies that may be needed for the upcoming school year.

Ashland Public Schools will also be transitioning to a new student information system, PowerSchool, for the 2026–2027 school year. Our goal is to provide families with a more user-friendly platform that offers improved access to student information and communication tools, particularly at the elementary level. Additional information regarding account setup and access will be shared later this summer.

Finally, attached to this newsletter is the DESE School Report Card for your reference. The report card provides families with information about our school's performance and progress and serves as one of the many tools we use to reflect on our work and identify areas for continued growth.

Have a wonderful weekend and a fantastic summer. Thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall!

Warmly,

Kate Altman
Principal

Now is the exciting time of year when students can decide if they’d like to participate in the band program during the 2026-2027 school year! Here is the link to sign up:

https://forms.gle/HfycAyi6tJyrzxBh9

This year-long program is offered to both 4th and 5th graders interested in playing an instrument and performing in a musical ensemble. Students in band receive instrument lessons during the school day that will provide detailed instruction for beginners.

If your student already participated in band during 4th grade and would like to continue in 5th grade, you will still need to fill out the sign-up form. I encourage those students to continue playing the same instrument next year, but if they would like to change instruments please note that in the google form. David French Music will provide further information about your current instrument rentals or returns.

The attached flyer has more detailed information about Mindess band and the required materials, but do not hesitate to contact Ms. Valentin by email (svalentin@ashland.k12.ma.us) if you have any questions. The last day to sign up for band will be Thursday, June 18th; please fill out the google form before that day.

We are looking forward to a new and exciting year in the band room!

Per Massachusetts General Law, and Ashland School Committee policy, Ashland Public Schools provides free transportation to Ashland students in Grades K-6 who reside more than two (2.0) miles from school. Students in Grades K-6 who live two or fewer miles from school and all students in Grades 7-12 may pay an annual transportation fee if they want to take the bus to and from school. Due to limited transportation options, all paid seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be assigned to a bus once their full and complete application has been received. Once bus capacity has been reached, a waitlist will be created. Late registrations will be placed on a waitlist and offered a seat if one becomes available during the school year.

Early Registration

Received before June 1st, 2026

$290 per student or $580 (maximum family cap) for 2 or more students in the same family. Registration is required for each student. Submit payments to Ashland Public Schools at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the School Department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation.

Regular Registration

Received after June 1st, 2026

Registrations received after the due date may be processed on September 1st, 2026. $360 per student or $720 (maximum family cap) for 2 or more students from the same family. Registration is required for each student. Submit payments to Ashland Public Schools at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the School Department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation.

Registration for Grades K-6 who reside more than two (2.0) miles from school

Register at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the School Department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation. Please select the option for “Qualify for free bus transportation (grades K-6 living over 2 miles from assigned school).”

Requesting A Fee Waiver (two step process)

A waiver of the bus fee is available to families based on the same guidelines used to determine eligibility for free and reduced lunch. Registration forms must still be received by June 1st, 2026 if you are applying for a bus fee waiver.

Step 1)

Please register for the bus fee waiver at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com, select the school department and the drop-down option for Bus Transportation, and select the box titled “Apply for a waiver of the bus fee.”

Step 2)

Please click on the following links to obtain the forms and follow the instructions provided: English Fee Waiver Application, Portuguese Fee Waiver Application, Spanish Fee Waiver Application.

Notification & Contact Information

Families who registered students for the bus by June 1 will be notified by July 30 on the status of their registration. Registrations received after June 1 may not be processed until September 1.

Call Transportation Coordinator, Tamara Saviatto, at (508) 532-4007 for more information.

June

Friday, June 19

• No School

Wednesday, June 24 - Last Day of School

• Cup Stacking

• 5th grade clap out (parents invited)

This month, our SEL focus is honesty. Students take a "field trip" to Lie Town where

people live on Bold Face Boulevard, White Lie Way, Can't Help It Court (compulsive lying), Added It To It Ave (exaggeration), Took Their Work Trail (plagiarism), or Left It Out Lane (half-truths). Students practice identifying the types of lies and the problems that occur when lies are told.

Classes will take part this month with a restorative circle where students talk about why it's important to tell the truth. They also explore why it is important to follow through on a promise or commitment.

Students also learn:

Before You Speak:

T - is is true?

H - is it helpful?

I - is it inspiring?

N - is it necessary?

K - is it kind?

These rules help students recognize when they talk about others if they are contributing to spreading a rumor.

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.

Click this link for more information and how to register.