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February 24, 2019

Good afternoon-

I hope you had a wonderful, relaxing break.  We always need the downtime as we head into the long March stretch.

I anticipate this may be a difficult week for many students and staff.  Please let counselors know if you have concerns about any students.

The parent window for course recommendations will open Monday. February 25.  I have shared the override procedures, as well as the form here, and added them to the important information section of this newsletter.  The Override procedures were shared with families last Friday.  Please set up times to meet with any student and their parents that wish to override and have the conversation about why you feel your recommendation is best for the student.  If they family wishes to proceed with the override you should forward the Override Form directly to the school counselor. Do not give the form to the student or parents.

If you have not done so yet, please take a few moments complete the attached survey: Mid-term exam survey

This picture, along with a few others of doors propped open, were sent to me right before vacation.  They were taken during the school day.  Please do not prop doors open.  This is a security concern.  Thank you.


Courageous Conversations: Conversation vs. Confrontation- 
March 4 in the AHS cafeteria 7-9pm
On Monday, March 4 we will co-host another Courageous Conversation titled "Conversation vs. Confrontation".  Jamele Adams, Dean of Students from Brandeis University, will once again help to lead the conversation and AHS students have worked with him to develop the questions.  Jamele will be sharing three of his poems that will be the jumping off point for conversation. I would like to invite each of you to attend and support this important conversation, especially in light of the antisemitic event prior to break.  





Support your Special Olympic Athletes!
This year Ashland Public School Special Olympians will again participate in the Annual Five Town
Special Olympics Games Day held at Holliston High School! Athletes from Millis, Medfield, Medway,
Holliston and Ashland will participate in a hockey themed day of skills. This event, co-sponsored by
Special Olympics of Massachusetts and the five towns participating, is free for the student athletes
and includes the opening ceremony, 8 skill stations, the medals for each participant, and the closing
ceremony associated with an Olympic event.  Last year for those who were here, we had a
memorable day of parades, celebrities and good sportsmanship as student athletes supported by
student volunteers showed off their skills.
Special Olympics rely on the volunteers and donations to offer these and other athletic events for
students with disabilities. We are asking for donations to support the cost of running it.  On
Friday March 1st we invite all students and staff to donate $1.00 and in return wear the hat of your
choice to school. Wearing a hat will signal your support of Special Olympics and specifically our own
student athletes who will be participating. All money will be given directly to Special Olympics.

News from Decisions at Every Turn:
This week you will start to see information posted in all of the bathrooms around the
building. Decisions at Every Turn polled students on what they wanted to know about
vaping and developed answers to their questions. The answers were shared on cafeteria
tables earlier this year. Here are the flyers for your reading pleasure! Vaping has been an
ongoing concern but one of the most difficult to catch. Thank you for your vigilance in
helping to monitor. If you come across a group of students you think are vaping, walk
them all right to the office.


Food for Thought:
The Importance of Not Stepping In

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