Mindess School Weekly Update
October 16, 2026
Happy Friday, Mindess Families!
We had another wonderful week at Mindess! As we head into the second half of October, there are several exciting things happening in our school community. From celebrating kindness and inclusion to welcoming new student leaders, there is a lot to look forward to!
Wear Orange for Unity Day – Wednesday, October 21st!
Today, we held our first all-school assembly of the year, where students learned about Unity Day and the importance of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. It was wonderful to bring our entire school community together to reinforce these important values!
On Wednesday, October 21st, Mindess will celebrate Unity Day! We encourage all students and staff to wear orange as a visible symbol of our commitment to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Together, we can send a powerful message that everyone belongs and that kindness matters!
Be sure to check out a photo from today's assembly in our Highlights section below!
Mindess Student Council Update
Today was the deadline for our fifth graders to submit their Student Council applications! We are thrilled to see so many students showing an interest in leadership and making a positive difference in our school community. Class representatives will be announced next Friday, October 23rd! We look forward to celebrating our new student leaders and hearing the wonderful ideas they bring to Mindess!
October Kids Night Out – Volunteers Needed!
Our October Kids Night Out (KNO) is right around the corner, and we need your help! KNO is always a fun and exciting evening for our students, and these events would not be possible without the support of our wonderful volunteers. Whether you can help for part of the evening or the entire event, your time and support make a difference!
Click here to sign up to volunteer for October KNO!
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership in making Mindess such a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow. Have a fantastic weekend!
Kate Altman
Principal
Our first KNO is Next Month!
Kids can wear costumes. Please no masks or weapons.
Detailed information about KNO can be found in the PDF's below:
A Message from the School Nurse
3rd Grade: vision, hearing
4th Grade: vision, BMI
5th Grade: vision, postural (postural to be completed in Spring 2027)
While vision and hearing screenings are required by state law, parents may choose to opt their child out of BMI screenings. If you'd like to opt out of BMI, please fill out this form to make the nurses aware of your decision to opt out.
Please see the letters below for more information on BMI screenings (grade 4 only):
BMI letter - English
BMI letter - Spanish
BMI letter - Portuguese
If you have any questions, please reach out to our nurses at mes_nurses@ashland.k12.ma.us.
Important Reminders/Updates
October
Wednesday, October 21
Unity Day - Wear Orange (everyone, staff and students)
Tuesday, October 27 - Conferences - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal
Wednesday, October 28 - Conferences - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal
Thursday, October 29 - Conferences - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal
Friday, October 30
Spooky Run
KNO - 6pm
November
Wednesday, November 4Picture Day
Tuesday, November 10 - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal
Wednesday, November 11 - No School - Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 25 - Early Release - 10:40 Dismissal
Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
MCAS Dates 2026-2027
Highlights from the Week!
Our First All-School Assembly!
This week, our Mindess STARS came together for our first all-school assembly to learn about Unity Day and the importance of kindness, inclusion, and standing up against bullying. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what makes our school community so special!
Don't forget to wear ORANGE on Wednesday, October 21, as we come together to celebrate Unity Day and show that we are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion!
Lunch Menu
Community Bulletin Board
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.
Design and Architecture: A Makerspace Program
Prepare to build! Utilizing equipment and provided materials, participants will learn the general fundamentals of architecture. Following the direction of their mentors, participants will exercise the necessary skills of stability, creativity, and collaboration. Throughout the program, the creative freedom and critical thinking of the participants will be brought to action! Sign up today for design & architecture!
- Dates: (Every Wednesday) September 30th; October 7th, 14th, and 21st
- Time: 2:50 - 3:50 pm
- Seats: 20
- Participants will be bussed from the Mindess School to AHS
- Participants must be picked up at 3:50 pm at AHS (no late bus available)
- $60 fee
