Mindess School Weekly Update

Dear Mindess Families,

It was an eventful week at Mindess, and many great memories were made across our classrooms! One of the highlights for me this week was visiting art class with Ms. Glynn. Students were fully engaged in creative projects and having a wonderful time expressing themselves through their artwork. It was great to see their enthusiasm and imagination in action. Be sure to check out the photos in the highlights section of the newsletter to see some of the creativity happening in the art room!

I also had the opportunity to observe students during library class, where they were learning to operate robots using iPads. Students were highly engaged as they worked to control and program the robots, combining technology, problem solving, and collaboration. It was exciting to see students exploring these hands-on learning experiences. Be sure to check out the photos in the highlights section to see them in action!

As we look ahead, we have a few upcoming opportunities for our community to come together. Math Night is coming up soon and will be a fun evening filled with engaging, hands-on math activities for students and families. We hope many of you will be able to join us.

We will also be hosting an MCAS informational session for Grade 3 families and any new families to Mindess. This session will provide an overview of the MCAS assessment, what families can expect, and how we support students during the testing process.

Additionally, spring conferences are coming up soon, and we encourage all families to sign up for a conference with your child’s classroom teacher. These meetings are a great opportunity to discuss student progress, celebrate growth, and set goals for the remainder of the school year. Unified Arts teachers and Special Education teachers are also available for conferences, so please feel free to reach out to them directly if you would like to schedule time to connect.

We look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events!

Warm regards,
Kate Altman
Principal

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/btu-yhic-ygb

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 218-414-3286‬ PIN: ‪314 287 624‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/btu-yhic-ygb?pin=5883957465307

Please submit any questions you may have in advance of the Google Meet. Doing so will help us prepare for the presentation and ensure that your questions are thoughtfully addressed.

March

Friday, March 6

• Grades Close

Tuesday, March 10

• MCAS info session for new families @1:00pm

• Site Council - 2:30pm

Thursday, March 19

• Report Cards Go Home

Friday, March 20 - NO SCHOOL - Eid al Fitr

Tuesday, March 24 - Conferences

• ½ Day Before Lunch 10:40 Dismissal

Wednesday, March 25 - Conferences

• ½ Day Before Lunch 10:40 Dismissal

Thursday, March 26 - Conferences

• ½ Day Before Lunch 10:40 Dismissal

Friday, March 27

• Hoedown

Robotics in the Library: Students explored coding and problem-solving skills as they operated robots using iPads during library class. It was exciting to watch them collaborate and bring technology to life!

Creative Minds at Work: Students showed their creativity in art class as they worked on colorful projects, experimenting with materials and expressing their ideas through art. 🎨

A note from our school nurses:

Massachusetts state law mandates that all fourth grade students have a complete physical exam form on file in the school health office. A physical exam done after September 1, 2024 will meet this requirement. Please ensure that the nurses have an up-to-date exam form for your child. You can fax a copy of the form to 508-881-0189 or email it to mes_nurses@ashland.k12.ma.us.

Please call the health office at 508-532-8045 if you have any questions.

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.

Saturday, March 21

10:00 AM—4:00 PM

LibraryAshland Public Library66 Front St, Ashland, MA, 01721

Click here for more information.

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.