Dear Mindess families,

Report cards are coming home today! Your child will have it in the materials they bring home. Do not forget to look.

We look forward to seeing parents either virtually or in person next week for conferences. If you do not have a conference scheduled yet, please reach out to your child's teacher to set one up. Next week we will have early releases at 10:40 a.m. (before lunch) on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Friday we have our Hoedown, and I am so excited to experience this great tradition.

Warmly,

Jenna

Parents and caregivers who have students participating in the Mindess KNO are asked to review the documents below. The information, which includes helpful tips to make the check in and check out process smoother, should be shared with your child prior to dropping them off.

For the 2023-2024 school year, Ashland EDP is accepting students on a waitlist basis only, as all programs are currently full. In order to be added to the waitlist or maintain their current spot on the waitlist, families need to complete the attached form and return it to EDP Director at tbodio@ashland.k12.ma.us.

As parents, you are your child’s most important and first teacher! The goal of conferences is for both the teacher and parent to talk and listen to have a better understanding of what your child needs to excel. The meeting should be a two-way conversation where, as the parent, you learn about your child’s progress in school and the teacher learns how your child functions at home. This is time for both to learn about skills, interests, needs, and hopes.

As a parent, you can prepare for this important meeting by reviewing your child’s schoolwork that comes home (including homework). Do not be afraid to bring a list of questions you have to ask your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher wants your child to be successful. During the conference, you will hear about areas of strength and areas of challenge. Ask how your child could improve and how you could support this growth. After the conference, share what you learned with your child. Share the strengths and challenges you heard about and how you can help your child at home. Also, ask your child for their own suggestions of how to improve. By taking this active role in conferences, your child will make greater progress. Remember a successful conference takes both the teacher and parent to talk and listen.

It's time to celebrate our young artists with the Square 1 Art fundraiser! This annual tradition allows you to purchase high-quality keepsakes featuring your student's own artwork to enjoy for years to come. Catalogs are being sent home with students with all the instructions you need to place your order. You can also search for your child's artwork online using the Square 1 Art: Art Search. All orders will be shipped directly to you and proceeds will benefit both the PTO and the Art Department. Please place your order by March 31.

March 24: KNO

March 28, 29, 30: Early Release Before Lunch for Parent-Teacher Conferences

April 7: No School in observance of Good Friday

April 7-9: Family Reconnect Weekend

MCAS Dates

3rd Grade:

April 12: ELA Session 1

April 13: ELA Session 2

May 15: Math Session 1

May 16: Math Session 2

4th Grade:

April 10: ELA Session 1

April 11: - ELA Session 2

May 10: Math Session 1

May 11: Math Session 2

5th Grade:

April 3: ELA Session 1

April 4: ELA Session 2

May 8: Math Session 1

May 9: Math Session 2

May 17: Science Session 1

May 18: Science Session 2

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.