Ashton Announcements

May 10, 2012

A message regarding the new grading system that is implemented starting next school year (2012/2013):
 
The district is changing to a new grading system starting next year.  This new system is a standards-based grading system that uses numbers from 1 through 4 to report a student's progress toward the state standards, known as Common Core Standards. The following Q & A information has been provided by the district to help parents understand the changes for next year:
 
Q: What is Standards-Based Grading?
A: Standards-Based Grading is a system of reporting grades focused on what students know and are able to do.
 
Q: What is the purpose of Standards-Based Grading?
A: There are three main components to the teaching and learning process – curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Schools now teach to standards (Common Core Standards) as a matter of practice. The instruction in the classroom is grounded in standards. The purpose of Standards-Based Grading is to align the assessment of student learning with standards-based instruction and curricula. 
 
Q: What is the goal of Standards-Based Grading?
A: The goal of Standards-Based Grading is to utilize a grading system that accurately reflects a student’s level of proficiency around a particular content area. Learner quality areas such as effort and participation are reported out separately in order to not skew the true measure of what the students knows and is able to do. In addition, grading differences between teachers are minimized.
 
Q: How does Standards-Based Grading work?
A: Standards-Based Grading assesses a student’s body of work for a particular marking period. Looking at all evidence (homework, quizzes, projects, and tests…), a performance level is determined (ABCF…4321) which best represents that students demonstration of learning guided by standards, rubrics, and exemplars. Teachers use their professional judgment to interpret the data - mean (average), the median (middle value in list of numbers), and student growth over time are all valid as a process to arrive at the final grade. The question to be answered is… What evidence is most representative of the level of student mastery?
 
Q:  What do colleges think? How will their GPA be factored?
A: A GPA will still be calculated with Standards-Based Grading. Colleges will still have GPA information as part of the application process. With regard to grades, colleges do report that grading scales vary wildly from school district to school district, so a “B” in one school is often not equal to a “B” in another school. The strength of the overall program, how the student has challenged his/herself in that program, and how the school describes its program in the school profile are very important.
 
Q: How does this differ from traditional letter grades?
A: Standards-Based Grading reports the degree to which a student has mastered a particular content. All measures of student learning are sources of evidence – from homework to final classroom assessments. Traditional grading, i.e. (100-0) scale, reports a score that has content knowledge and other factors mixed into the grade. This in effect skews the real measure of what a student knows about the content.  Subjective factors like attendance, effort and behavior are often included in a grade under many current grading systems. These areas are important, but in Standards-Based Grading, they are reported out in a separate Learner Quality section of the report card. Hence a student is held accountable for both academic proficiency as well as learner qualities.
 

Q: What is next in the process?

A:

  • The new K-5 Standards-Based Report cards will be implemented in the fall of 2012. Along with the report card, the newly developed common writing rubrics for K-5 and accompanying student exemplar papers will be published for students, teachers, and parents. 
  • Middle School Standards-Based Report cards will be implemented in the fall of 2012.
  • At the High School Level, the 2012-2013 school year will see a transition toward Standards-Based Grading with a scale of A,B,C ,F. Year-long work at the HS will move in the direction of going to a 4-3-2-1- system for 2013-2014.
  • Teacher professional development on the new report cards and writing rubrics will  be put in place.
  • Parent information sessions on  Standards-Based Grading will be held throughout the 2012-2013 school year
  • The District will conduct an ongoing analysis of the move toward Standards-Based Grading. 
 
Parents are invited to attend a presentation from national presenter and researcher, Dr. Guskey on May 23rd from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Cumberland High School Auditorium.  If you are interested in attending, please call Laurie Jenks for tickets at 658-1600, ext 7.  Tickets are free for parents.  

May 9, 2012

General Announcements:

  • This week is teacher appreciation week.  Thank you to all of our parents and students that have contributed to make this week special. A note can go a long way to express your appreciation for our teachers and staff.    
  • Please come to support your children during our first Gallery Night.  This event is scheduled for May 17th at 5:30-7:30pm.  Student work will be displayed throughout the entire school including art work, music performances and projects, classroom projects, etc.  Teachers will not be in attendance so that you can dedicate this evening to admiring the student work being displayed.
  • There is a “meet and greet” event planned for any new student coming to Ashton School from other schools in Cumberland for the 2012-2013 school year.  This event is planned for May 16th at 4:30 to 5:30.  Letters with more information were mailed yesterday to each family from our Superintendent’s office.  

 

PTO Announcements:
  • ALL CHILDREN”S ENRICHMENT forms are due Friday, May 11. We are offering 3 classes – yoga, sewing and Mad Science. Click here for a signup sheet or call Carmen Castellanos at 480-6889.
  • ELECTION TIME!! The PTO will be holding elections for all offices at our next meeting (June 5th). Nomination forms are being mailed home this week.  If you are interested in serving on the PTO board for next year, please return the nomination form or contact Nidia Karbonik at 333-0554 or nidia [dot] karbonik [at] cumberlandschools [dot] org (subject: From%20School%20Website)  The PTO is electing the following positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Corresponding Secretary.   
  • REMINDER: We will no longer offer Zumba on Wed. nights. Yoga will be offered for the last time of the year next Wed., May 16 at 6:30.
  • FEEDBACK-The PTO is interested in your feedback about which fundraisers and events you enjoyed this year and would like to see back again.  Each summer the PTO Executive Board meets to try to plan out the events and fundraisers for the following year.  Please click here to complete the survey.

May 9, 2012

A message from Alan Shawn Feinstein for  all Ashton students:

Hello, my Jr. Scholars…  I have to go to California for a few days to visit my daughter Leila and my grandchildren Chaya and Sakai to speak at their school, I’ll bring your regards. And I’ll tell them all about the many wonderful good deeds you do, how many smiles you’ve brought to so many people in need – and the schools in Kenya and Honduras that are named for you, too.

I thought you’d like to know that the early returns from my national spring campaign to fight hunger have reached 38 million dollars!  And it all began with the canned food drives you great boys and girls put on every year – like your big brothers and sisters did when they were in school and became Feinstein Jr. Scholars.
 
Someday, when I’m gone, I hope Chaya and Sakai will carry on for me in California but here in Rhode Island, I’m counting on you to carry on for me – to keep helping the needy people in our state here and wherever else
you may go..
 
Remember, you and your teachers are very special to me.  You make the world a better place.
 
Until I see you again,
Your friend,
 
Alan Shawn Feinstein
 

May 2, 2012

General Announcements:

  • Our fourth grade students will be taking the Science NECAP testing next week on May 8 to May 10.  More information will be sent home this week to our 4th grade parents.
  • Yoga has been canceled for tonight.
  • Next week is Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.  There are many activities planned for the staff next week.  We encourage parents and students to get involved by letting our teachers/staff know how much they are appreciated.  A letter will be sent home this Friday with a paper apple or paper leave for students to write a "thank you" message to his/her teacher.
  • The mother son event is scheduled for this Friday at 7;00pm.
  • Please click here for a short online survey from our school PTO.  Your input is valued and will be greatly appreciated. 

April 26, 2012

Dear Parents,
 
  • On behalf of everyone at Ashton School, we want to thank our volunteers for all of the support that you have provided our school and our students this school year.  All volunteers are invited to attend the Annual Cumberland Volunteer Recognition Breakfast on Wednesday, May 16th at Fatima Church Hall from 9:30-11:00am.  Kindly respond by May 9th to Mary Anne Roll at 658-1600 x374 or Droll1 [at] verizon [dot] net (subject: From%20school%20website) . 
  • Ashton and Cumberland Hill Elementary Choruses will be presenting a joint choral performance on Thursday, April 26th at 6:30pm at Cumberland High School Auditorium.  Suggested donation: $2 Please join us for a night of singing featuring the choruses of Ashton Elementary School and Cumberland Hill Elementary School. Each chorus will perform their own selections, and will then join forces and sing as one. Thank you to Ms. Ducharme (Ashton Chorus) & Mr. Michael Konnerth (Cumberland Hill Chorus) for putting this performance together.  Hope to see you there!  
  • Please click here for a flyer regarding the intra-rec program (spring session) being offered to our fourth and fifth grade students at the Boys and Girls Club on Tuesdays starting May 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5th .  
  • Teacher appreciation week is May 7th to May 11th.  More information to follow.  
  • Fourth grade Science NECAP testing is scheduled to take place May 8, 9 and 10 in the morning between 9:00am to 11:00am.   
PTO News:
  • The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 1st at 6:30pm in our school library.  We will be discussing nominations to fill next year’s PTO Board member positions and the School Improvement Team will be doing a short presentation to report on the school state/school assessment scores.   
  • Yearbooks are still available for $14.00.  
  • Tickets for the sons’ choice event will go home next week.  The event is scheduled for May 4 at 7:00pm
  • Save the Date:  The fourth grade variety show is being planned for June 1st. 
  • Field day is scheduled for Thursday, June 14th
  • 5th grade graduation ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12th at 3:00 at Ashton School
  • The 5th grade dance has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 13th at 6:30pm at Cumberland High School.  
  • The bookfair is scheduled for May 16 to May 18.  
Have a great night!  
Respectfully, Nidia Karbonik

April 20, 2012

A message from Alan Shawn Feinstein regarding Southwick Zoo:
 
Dear Principal and Feinstein Program Coordinator:
 
If any of your children have our (older) 2011-2012 Jr. Scholar cards,
please note that the Southwick Zoo has informed us that they will no
longer honor those cards as of this month!  I have made up new 2012 cards
(without them) and I am distributing them to all our schools this month.
If I haven’t been to your school yet this month, I will be there
sometime this month or early May with these new cards.  Please let your
students and parents know of this change.
 
Best wishes,
Alan Shawn Feinstein

April 11, 2012

General Announcements:
  • Report cards will be sent home on Friday, April 13th, instead of Thursday, April 12th due to technical difficulties. 
  • April vacation is next week, April 16 to April 20.
  • Please click here for information regarding vacation drama camp.  
PTO Announcements:
  • "SONS” CHOICE: Plenty of tickets left!! These circus tickets are HALF PRICE!! We have 175 tickets available to us and we have plenty left. TOMORROW (Thurs., April 12) is the LAST DAY to purchase tickets. Sorry, but we can not accept any orders after Thurs.
  • (This event is for Ashton boys and a significant female of their choice – mom, aunt, grandma, etc.) Friday May 4 at 7 pm at RINGLING BROS. & BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS. Tickets are $22/adult and $15/child. 
  • Girls Day Out: Sunday, April 22 at 9:45 at CINEMA PUB. Join us for a movie and brunch. 
  • Ashton PTO can now accept credit card payments for PTO events. A small service fee will apply to credit card purchases. Please contact jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) to make arrangements to pay by credit card. You will need to come to the school to pay by credit card.
  • REMINDER: We will no longer offer Zumba on Wed. nights. Yoga will still be offered on Gym Nights – the 1st and 3rd Wed. of each month. There will be no Zumba tonight and no yoga next week due to vacation.
  • Attention 5th Grade Parents:  Please look for a notice coming home soon to all 5th graders in regards to the end of the school year celebration.  The 5th grade event committee is creating a picture CD of Ashton 5th graders through the years.  Please consider making this a Spring Break project and send on over your favorite digital pictures!!  We are asking that digital pictures be emailed to ashton [dot] classpics2012 [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) . Thank You!

 

April 4, 2012

General Announcements:

  • Reading Week will take place from April 9th -April 13th this year.  Below is a list of activities that our school will be participating in.  Please encourage your child to participate in these activities and perhaps do a little extra reading this week!
    • DROP EVERYTHING AND READ: D.E.A.R. time is daily from 8:45-9:00. Please make every effort to honor this school-wide commitment to reading.  
    • GUEST READERS:  Our helpful PTO will organize this and get a schedule to the teachers.
    • PARTNER READING: Classes of different grade levels get together to read for 20-30 minutes.
    • UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA:  Each child will receive a bookmark from United Skates of America.  Once students have read and logged 5 books, they should return it to school for their teacher’s signature.
    • DRESS AS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER OR AUTHOR:  On Friday, April 13th children may come to school dressed as their favorite author or character.  Students are encouraged to fill out a form to share with the class.  (Click here for the form)
    • GUESS THE MYSTERY AUTHOR:  Each day a new clue will be announced on the intercom.  When students think they know who the mystery author is they send their forms to Mrs. Houle.  All correct entries will be entered into a raffle for a free book on Friday afternoon.  
  • Reminder- Good Friday is on April 6th.  Please remember that there is no school.
  • School Vacation is scheduled for April 16 to April 20th.
  • Third quarter report cards will be sent home with our students on Thursday, April 12th.  Please return the report card envelop to school on Friday, April 12th. 

 

 PTO Announcements:
  • A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make our Silent Auction a BIG success. We are still working on putting together the final figures, but it looks like we have raised close to $11,000 for the school!!
  • Girls Day Out: Sunday, April 22 at 9:45 at CINEMA PUB. Join us for a movie and brunch. Tickets are $11 each and are due to the school by April 11. 
  • SONS” CHOICE: (This event is for Ashton boys and a significant female of their choice – mom, aunt, grandma, etc.) Friday May 4 at 7 pm at RINGLING BROS. & BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS. Tickets are $22/adult and $15/child. This is HALF PRICE ADMISSION!!  We have 175 tickets available to us, so first priority will be given to Ashton students.  If you pay for another sibling to attend and we do not have room, we will refund the cost of that child’s ticket. 
  • Ashton PTO can now accept credit card payments for PTO events. A small service fee will apply to credit card purchases. Please contact jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) to make arrangements to pay by credit card. You will need to come to the school to pay by credit card.

March 23, 2012

General Announcements:

  • Thank you for all the donations made for the Pennies for Patients fundraiser.  We will soon have a total for how much we raised and we will be sharing this information with you. 
  • Click here for more information about Reading Week
  • Click here for more information about the Silent Auction. 
 
PTO Announcements:
  • LAST CHANCE to order Silent Auction and Raffle tickets: $20 through 3/23, $30 through 3/28, (you will have a FINAL chance to purchase tickets for $20 if you come to our CREATIVE PROJECT PREVIEW DAY—see below).  $40 at door.
  • If you ordered silent auction tickets before March 19, you should have received your tickets in red folder mail yesterday. If you have not received your tickets, please contact jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website)
  • Preview CREATIVE PROJECTS created by every child in the school on March 28 from 9am-7pm in Ashton Cafeteria
  • Bid on a house vacation home in Florida, a Block Island getaway or any one of our 100s of auction items.
  • One $10 raffle item – The SOLD OUT, brand new iPAD 3. You can win it, but you have to COME TO THE AUCTION!!
  • ALL HANDS ON DECK!! Final auction committee meeting: Tues., March 27 from 9am til we’re done. Please email jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website)  for meeting address. 
  • Move in to TWELVE ACRES Thurs., March 29 from 12-5 and Friday, March 30 all day!! WE NEED ALL THE HANDS WE CAN GET!! Contact jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website)  for more information.
  • Save the date:
    • Mother /Daughter event is April 22 at 10 am -- Movie and brunch at Cinema Pub. Tickets go on sale soon. 
    • Mother/Son event is Friday, May 5 at Ringling Bros. circus. Tickets go on sale soon.

March 14, 2012

General Announcements:

  • Ashton School is having a Spring Concert tomorrow, Thursday, March 15th.  Grades 1, 2 and 3 will perform at 9:00am and grades 4 & 5 will perform at 10:15am in our school cafeteria.  Parents are invited to attend. 
  • Ashton students have an opportunity to cash in their school “paws” that they have earned for following the school expectations to obtain a NO homework pass to use on Thursday, March 15th.  Students who select to obtain the no homework pass need to pay 5 paws and they will receive a red coupon to bring home letting you know that your child does not need to do homework that night. 
  • The Lucky Leprechaun contest is scheduled for this Friday, March 16th.  Students are encouraged to come to school wearing green and the class with the highest participation will earn 15 minutes of extra recess time.  Thanks to the Pawparazzi newspaper staff (fifth grade students) for planning this school-wide contest!
  • We will be collecting donations for Pennies for Patients until March 23rd. 
  • The third quarter is scheduled to end on April 5th.  Parents of students who are not performing well in school should be receiving a progress note from the classroom teacher prior to the end of the quarter.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s performance in school, please feel free to schedule an appointment to speak with your child’s teacher by calling 333-0554.  There is only one parent teacher conference scheduled for the year, but parents are encouraged to contact the school and request an appointment to meet with the classroom teacher at any time they have concerns. 
  • Please click here for information on a parent workshop sponsored by Cumberland Public Schools. 

PTO Announcements:

Silent Auction

  • OOPS!! Did you forget to order your Silent Auction and Raffle tickets? Don’t worry. Twelve Acres has been gracious enough to extend the deadline for us!
  • Tickets can be purchased through Fri., March 23 for $20. Any ticket purchased after that date will cost $30.
  • Tickets for the auction will be on sale at the SPRING CONCERT tomorrow. First and 2nd and 3rd graders perform at 9:00 am. Fourth and 5th Grades perform at 10:15am. Anyone who buys their tickets tomorrow will be entered to win one of the fabulous prizes we will have displayed.
  • Don’t forget to order your yearbooks. They are $14.00 each. 
  • We are looking for someone to take over the yearbook for next year. Nela Farrell, our current editor, will be leaving the school due to redistricting. This position also coordinates picture day and re-take days. If anyone is interested or has any questions please contact Nela at 333-0083 or at  nela [dot] farrell [at] verizon [dot] net (subject: From%20the%20School%20Website) .

Sweetheart Dance

  • Tickets have gone home for the Sweetheart Dance. If you did not receive your tickets today, please contact Nicole Gaudreau at ngaudreau71 [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20the%20school%20website)  to make sure your daughter is on the list.
  • Please be sure to have the girls bring their tickets with them to the dance, it will make check-in faster and the girls will be entered into a raffle to win one of the balloon decorations at the end of the night.
  • Please be sure to bring your donated food/drink item if you have volunteered to bring an item!  Thank you!
  • Reminder - Dance is this Friday, March 16th from 6pm to 8:30pm. Refreshments will be served and free pictures will be taken.

Afterschool Programs

  • The spring session of ACE starts next week. Enrollment forms are due by this Friday (March 16th).
  • We are offering many great classes to choose from: Cheerleading, Cartooning, Sewing, Art, Global Celebration, Yoga, Scrapbooking and Dance.
  • If you need a scholarship form please call the school, so one can be sent home with your child. If you have any other questions you can contact Carmen Castellanos at carmenjpc [at] yahoo [dot] com (subject: From%20the%20School%20website)  or 480-6889.

 

March 11, 2012

The March PTO News letter is out! Click here for a copy. 

March 7, 2012

PTO announcements:

  • Friday, March 9 -- Join storyteller Len Cabral and all of your Ashton friends for READ ACROSS AMERICA FAMILY PAJAMA PARTY event starts at 6:30 and will be held in Ashton gym. Come in your PJs and bring a comfy blanket to sit on. Also remember that students can purchase Green Eggs and Ham for hot lunch that day to get in the spirit of the event.
  • Ashton Spring Concert is Thursday, March 15. First, 2nd, and 3rd grades perform at 9:00am. The performance will run for approximately 40 minutes in the cafeteria. Fourth and 5th grades perform at 10:15am. This portion will run for approximately 30 minutes in the cafeteria.
  • Are you excited about the SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE?
    • SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE TICKETS on sale now. Last day to purchase tickets is March 14th.
    • The auction committee will have a table set up at Read Across America. Buy your tickets that night and get entered into the raffle for the ST. PATRICK'S DAY BASKET we are giving away that night. It will include everything you need to make your St. Patty's Day a festive one AND includes a gift certificate for brunch for 2 at Twelve Acres!!
    • Raffle tickets for the St. Patrick's Day basket can also be purchased for $1 each or 6 for $5. One lucky winner will be drawn that night!
    • SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE MENU ANNOUNCED!!!!!!!!!
    • Join us at Twelve Acres for hor d'oeuvres, drinks and desserts.
    • MENU: Coconut Shrimp, Chicken Teriyaki, Veggie Stuffed Mushrooms, Beef Quesadillas, Clam Cakes, Scallops Wrapped in Bacon, Four Cheese Bruchetta, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Raspberry Brie Tartlets, Key Lime Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa, Cheese, Veggie and Artisan Bread table...
    • STILL HUNGRY? Sample desserts from Davenports, Panera, Crugnales, Colonial Bakery, Phantom Farms and many others!
    • WHAT TO BUY? Raffle tickets, raffle tickets, raffle tickets!! We will have many amazing baskets available worthy of your raffle tickets.
    • Bid on a three-night stay in a beautiful home minutes from Disney (www.disneyvacahome.com)
    • An overnight trip to Block Island including ferry tickets, a one-night stay and dinner
    • One of the beautiful creative projects your students made with their class AND MANY, MANY, MANY more GREAT ITEMS: Zoo passes, Davis Farmland tickets, Storyland tickets, restaurant gift certificates...
    • Our community was so generous in its support, there is bound to be something for everyone!
    • Extra invitations are available in the office, or send in your cash or check payable to ASA in an envelope labeled "Silent Auction." Tickets are $20 each.
    • Tickets are now on sale. Please send money for your tickets into school by Wed., March 14. We will also have a table set up at the read Across America event if you would like to purchase tickets then.

We look forward to seeing you at the school on Friday night. 

March 2, 2012

Dear Parents,

Please click here for an invitation to our annual Ashton Spring Concert on March 15th sponsored by our music teachers,  Mrs. Ducharme and Mrs. Koziol-Kenyon.  Please note that 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade present at 9:00am and 4th and 5th grade present at 10:15.  Both concerts will run for approximately 30 minutes in our school cafeteria. 

Please send a note to school via the red folder if you wish to receive a hard copy of the invitation. 

Sincerely, Nidia Karbonik

March 1, 2012

This is the Cumberland Public Schools informing you that there will be a ONE HOUR DELAY today, Thursday March 1, 2012.

In addition to this delay, the MORNING SESSION of KINDERGARTEN and the MORNING SESSION of PRESCHOOL have been canceled.

This school delay is a safety measure due to road conditions as a result of the storm.

February 29, 2012

General Announcements:

  • Read Across America Family Pajama Party has been scheduled for Friday, March 9th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.  This event will be at the school and we are featuring storyteller  and author Len Cabral.  Registration forms were sent home on Monday, February 26th.  If you need a registration form, please send us a note via the red folder. 
  • Our Annual "Pennies for Patients" fundraiser starts next Monday, March 5th to March 23rd.  Please send cash donations to the school starting next week. 

 

PTO Announcements:

  • The Book fair's last day is tomorrow, Thursday March 1st. 
  • BOYS' NIGHT OUT tickets went home today in red folder mail. Please be sure to check your student's backpack and put the tickets in a safe place. The event is this Sunday (March 4).
  • PSSST! have you heard? We have some GREAT items to auction off at Aston School's silent auction! Check out this house, minutes from Disney: www.disneyvacahome.com. You can bid on a 3 night stay. We have zoo tickets, Storyland tickets, ski passes, lunch with the mayor, the superintendent, the principal, and many more. Bidders can also compete for beautiful creative projects completed by each class.  **Deadline to purchase tickets is March 14. Please contact Jodi Lamagna at jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) for tickets or to inform us of a donation. Help support our school!! Tix are $20 each. The event is at Twelve Acres in Smithfield.  ** DAN JAEHNIG from Channel 10 News will be our Master of Ceremonies for the Silent Auction.
  • The Yearbook Committee is looking for the following pictures from the 2010-2011 school year: Mother/Son, Boys Night Out, Fourth Grade Talent show, Spirit Week, Dr. Seuss night, and Girls' Night Out; and the following from this school year: After School Programs, first day of school.
  • Last day to send in a message for the yearbook is March 2. This deadline will NOT be extended. Last day to purchase a yearbook is March 23.
  • Last Day to purchase tickets for the "Sweetheart Dance" is Fri., March 2, the event is scheduled for Friday, March 16Th, 6:00-8:30pm.
  • Chestnut Hill Studios will be in on Thurs., March 8 to take pictures of students who were absent on Picture Day, new students, Dance, Band and Student Council students.

Have a great snowy night!

February 27, 2012

This is a reminder about two very important PTO events that are coming up fairly soon.  The winter bookfair will be taking place this week.  Students will be scheduled to attend the bookfair during the school day either on Wednesday, February 29th or Thursday, March 1st.  There is no preview day, therefore parents are encouraged to check the scholastic website www.scholastic.com/schoolbookfairs to view books and email your selections to Kimmedeiros [at] cox [dot] net (subject: From%20School%20Website) . or you may purchase books on line.  Please click here for more information.   Students will also bring home more information tomorrow with book selections. 

The Ashton Sweetheart Dance is scheduled for Friday, March 16th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. in the Ashton gymnasium. 

  • Tickets are $7.00 per person (with a family max price of $18.00)
  • Refreshments (fruit, veggies, chips & desserts) will be served. Please consider donating a food item...we are looking for gallon jugs of water, veggie trays,    fruit trays, chips, cookies, snack size desserts (please, no whole cakes!)
  • Please return form, with cash or check made payable to ASA, in an envelope marked "Sweetheart Dance" by Friday, March 2nd.
  • Free photos will be taken of the girls and their "Sweethearts"...watch for 5 x 7 photo to come home AFTER the event in your daughter's red folder
  • Please contact Nicole Gaudreau (ngaudreau71 [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) ) with any questions.

 Please click here for a copy of the dance registration form or send us a note  with your child and we will send you a copy of the registration form via the red folder.   

February 19, 2012

The next Cumberland School Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the Cumberland High School Auditorium, 2600 Mendon Road, Cumberland, R.I., at 7:00p.m. 

The meeting will be devoted to the full day kindergarten program and the redistricting proposal, click here for a detailed agenda.  

February 16, 2012

This is the Cumberland Public Schools contacting you with information about a water main break on Scott Road that occurred this morning near Ashton Elementary School.

Due to these circumstances school will be canceled at Ashton School for today.

Thank You

February 15, 2012

General Announcements:

  • NECAP scores for students in grades 3-5 will be sent home on Friday with our students.  Please look for the information in your child’s red folder.  Our NECAP scores are really good this year.  The NECAP scores reflect that our students continue to make great gains in Reading and Math.  Congratulations to our students and the teachers for their hard work.  Please see click here for a summary of our school scores and the scores from all the 5 elementary schools in Cumberland.  All of the schools in Cumberland are making progress and moving in the right direction. 
  • The Reading Teachers are sponsoring a Hats on Day on behalf of The Foundation for Children with Cancer (FCC).  For a minimum $1.00 contribution, children and teachers may wear a hat of their choice to school on Friday, February 17th. Students may turn the money in to their classroom teachers anytime during the week of February 13th. Thank you for your help!

 

PTO Announcements:

  • PSSST! have you heard? We have some GREAT items to auction off at Aston School's silent auction! Check out this house, minutes from Disney: www.disneyvacahome.com. You can bid on a 3 night stay. We have 2 family packs of tickets to Davis Farmland. Bidders can also compete for a private meeting and lunch for 10 Ashton children with Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee or Superintendent Philip Thornton. Have you purchased your tickets yet? Get them before Feb. 17 and be entered into an Early Bird drawing! Please contact Jodi Lamagna at jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) for tickets or to inform us of a donation. Help support our school!! Tix are $20 each. The event is at Twelve Acres in Smithfield.
  • DAN JAEHNIG from Channel 10 News will be our Master of Ceremonies for the Silent Auction.
  • Donations for the Silent Auction have been rolling in. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Please see the list below of SPECIFIC needs we still have for the Classroom Baskets. Any donation to any basket is greatly appreciated.
  • The Yearbook Committee is looking for pictures for the year book. If we do not get pictures soon, we will not have a yearbook this year.  Please click here for additional information.
  • Invitations to the BOYS NIGHT OUT are due Friday, Feb., 17. Please send in your reply by the 17th as we cannot extend this deadline! The boys will be attending a Providence Bruins game on March 4. Please return the forms with your ticket money no later than Feb. 17.
  • Please save the date! The "Sweetheart Dance" has been scheduled for Friday, March 16th.  More information will be sent home in the near future.

 

Silent Auction Update:

We have extended our deadline to make donations to the classroom baskets for the Silent Auction.  The new deadline is Monday, February 27, 2012. The chart below is a list of SPECIFIC items that we still need to complete the baskets.  Please don’t feel limited to your child’s classroom theme. You are welcome to bring in any items for any basket.  We are also in need of actual baskets. If you would like to donate one, please drop it off at the school.

If you would prefer to make a monetary donation for the baskets or classroom creative projects, please send your money or a check made out to ASA (Ashton School Association) in an envelope addressed to Nicole Gaudreau.  Be sure to list child’s name, teacher’s name and Ashton Silent Auction Classroom Donation on the envelope and check.

Basket

Items Still Needed For Baskets

Child's Craft

Paint, stickers, construction paper, project Kits, craft apron, coloring books, scissors, glitter

Child's Reading

Various children's books ​K-5th grade reading, cd books, Bookstore GC's, bookmarks, book light, small book tote bag, reading games

Sports/Outdoor Fun

Sport bag, sport team shirts, golf balls, golf club(s), golfing GC, golf bag, football, kickball, basketball, sport event tickets, tennis balls, tennis racket, plane, baseball glove, baseball bat, baseball, soccer ball, binoculars, books on sports, bowling GC, water bottle, Wii sport games

Fitness

books, weights, mats, small towels, videos, day passes to gym, socks, pedometer,  gym bag,  exercise ball, yoga mat

Cooking

Recipe cards, pans, spices, pot holders, trivets, kitchen towels, kid apron, adult apron, cooking store GC

Baking

Cookie trays, baking pans (cookie sheets, cake pan, loaf pan, cupcake pan, mini cupcake pan) cooling racks, frosting, cookie mixes, chocolate cake mixes, sprinkles, baking cookbooks, pudding mixes, flour, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder, powder sugar

Games

Kids games --card games, board games, DS games, Wii games, GC to Toy Store

Gardening

Gardening tools, various seeds, knee pads, flower pots,  Attleboro Farms GC

Rhode Island

Dels GC's, Pawsox items/tickets, Providence  Bruins items/tickets,  RI Zoo passes, Children's Museum providence, RI Monthly subscription, Providence  Journal subscription,  RI t-shirts

Movie

Movie theater candy, popcorn kernels, microwave popcorn, popcorn machine, various popcorn toppings, popcorn bowls, Movie Tickets, family movies/children’s DVD's, page 13 movies DVD's

Summer Fun

Pool items, sand toys, beach chair, outdoor items, sunglasses, beach towels, cooler, outdoor plastic cups, beach blanket, summer hats, water bottle

Grill

Grill cookbooks, apron, grill gloves, grill baskets, grill utensils, grilling spices, grill light, grill spray

Spa

Paraffin Spa, lotions, soaps, foot scrub, nail polish, nail polish remover, manicure/pedicure supplies, hair products, relaxing CD's, massage lotion

Italian

oil, pepper biscuits, Italian cookbooks, grated cheese, colander, Italian spices, jar of stuffed peppers, biscotti, GC to Italian restaurant or Venda Ravioli

School Supplies

Calendar, dictionary, scissors, book covers, calculator, book light, book bag

Breakfast

Waffle maker, griddle, muffin tins, muffin mixes, syrup holder, coffee, tea, cereal, oatmeal, GC to local breakfast places or coffee shops

Ice Cream

Syrups,  Waffle Bowls, toppings (nuts, mini marshmallows, Oreo cookies, gummy bears, etc). Local ice cream shop Gift Certificates
 

 Some great places to shop for classroom basket items are The Dollar Store, Job Lot, Christmas Tree Shop, Five Below, Walmart, Target, Homegoods, Ann & Hope, Marshalls or Burlington Coat Factory.  Thank you and if you have any additional questions you may contact Sonya Stenovitch at 401-475-0173 or smonti0520 [at] yahoo [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) .

February  9 , 2012

General Announcements:

  • We will be celebrating Dr. Suess’ Birthday on Friday, March 9th at Ashton School from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Please join us for a fun night.  More information will be sent home soon.  
  • School vacation is scheduled for February 20th to February 24th. :)
  • The Bookfair is scheduled to be at the school for the first week in March.  More information to follow.

 

PTO Announcements:

  • DAN JAEHNIG from Channel 10 News will be our Master of Ceremonies for the Silent Auction.  Please see the auction invitation attached.
  • Donations for the Silent Auction have been rolling in. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Please watch for a form this week with items we still need for the Classroom Baskets. Any donation to any basket is greatly appreciated.
  • Invitations to the auction are going home this week. Anyone who purchases their ticket before Feb. 17 will be entered into a raffle for a "mystery prize" worth at least $100. Please contact Jodi Lamagna at jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20Schoolwebsite) with any questions or to inform us of a donation.
  • The Yearbook Committee is looking for pictures for the year book. If we do not get pictures soon, we will not have a yearbook this year. Please click here for additional information.
  • Invitations to the BOYS NIGHT OUT are going home today. The boys will be attending a Providence Bruins game on March 4. Please return the forms with your ticket money no later than February 17th.
  • Please save the date! The "Sweetheart Dance" has been scheduled for Friday, March 16th.  More information will be sent home in the near future.

February 1, 2012

General Announcements

  • Second Quarter has ended and report cards will be sent home with our students on Friday, February 3rd. 
  • February school vacation is coming up.  February vacation is planned for the week of February 20 to February 24.  
  • Please visit the Cumberland district website at www.cumberlandschools.org for an update on new initiatives in the district including full day Kindergarten and re-districting information.  There is a link on the district website to the Ashton School website under “Elementary Schools”.  Please visit our school website, http://www.cumberlandschools.org/content/Ashton, for information on upcoming events, afterschool clubs, recent announcements and more… 

 

PTO Announcements

  • Donations for the classroom baskets that will be raffled at the Silent Auction in March are due today. If you haven't sent in your donation yet, DON'T WORRY!!
  • We are having a Movie Night on Friday, Feb. 3rd at 6:30pm to benefit the Silent Auction. We will be showing a favorite Disney movie about two dogs from very different neighborhoods who fall in love. Put on your PJs, bring some water and a snack (dry snacks only -- pretzels, popcorn, chips, etc.-- gooey foods cannot be consumed in the gym). Please bring a donation for your child's/children's classroom basket, or any other donation you want to make for the auction. Classroom baskets are listed in the main office if you need a reminder as to what your child's class is collecting.  We can't wait to see you there!
  • Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Please reach out to your family and friends for donations as well.  We are also looking for any donations of time, goods or services from members of our community. Monetary donations to help us acquire items for the baskets are also accepted. Please make a check out to ASA if you are donating money. Please contact Jodi Lamagna at jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com with any questions or to inform us of a donation.
  • We are pleased to announce that the Silent Auction will be held at Twelve Acres in Smithfield. Mark your calendars and reserve the date, Friday, March 30 from 7-11 pm. You should have received a green brochure last week with more information about the auction. If you did not receive one, they are available in the office or click here for an online copy.
  • If you are interested in helping us to organize the auction, please contact Jodi Lamagna at jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: From%20School%20Website) . We will need help creating baskets from all of our donations and help wrapping them. We may need a volunteer or two to pick up a donation for us, etc. If you can give us a hand --no matter how big or small -- please let Jodi know.
  • The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tues., Feb. 7 at 6:30pm in the school library. Please note that our afternoon PTO meetings, for parents and teachers that are unable to make our evening meeting, have been moved to the 2nd Wednesday of each month to accommodate Ashton Adventures. The next afternoon meeting will be Wed., Feb. 8 at 3pm in the school library.
  • The Yearbook Committee is looking for pictures for the year book. Please click here for a document with additional information. 
  • Yoga class is scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, January 25th at 6:30pm in our school gymnasium.  There is a $5.00 fee and the public is invited to attend.  All proceeds are donated to the school for school supplies and teaching materials. 
  • If you are planning on attending Yoga tonight please feel free to stop by our Ashton Silent Auction table.  There you will find information about the Auction event and how you can help.  You can also bring in any items/monetary donations you may have for the Classroom Themed Baskets.
  • Please save the date! The "Boys Night Out" has been scheduled for Sunday, March 4th and the "Sweetheart Dance" has been scheduled for Friday, March 16th.  More information will be sent home in the near future.

January 25, 2012

Here is the weekly update about what is happening at Ashton School:

Congratulations to the Ashton Spelling Bee winners;

  • 4th grade- First place, Christopher Iwuc
  • 5th grade-First place, Caitlyn Longest
  • 4th grade- Second place, Maya Desnoyers
  • 5th grade- Second place, Thomas Paris
  • The district spelling bee will be held at North Cumberland Middle School on February 8th at 4:00pm

Second quarter report cards will be going home on Friday, February 3rd.

Please remember to update your contact information with the school for any changes in phone numbers or email. 

 

PTO Announcements:

  • Donations for the classroom baskets that will be raffled at the Silent Auction in March are due Wednesday, February 1st. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Please reach out to your family and friends for donations as well.  We are also looking for any donations of time, goods or services from members of our community. Monetary donations to help us acquire items for the baskets are also accepted. Please make a check out to ASA if you are donating money. Please contact Jodi Lamagna at jodilamagna [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: Donation%20for%20the%20classroom%20baskets) with any questions or to inform us of a donation.
  • We are pleased to announce that the Silent Auction will be held at Twelve Acres in Smithfield. Mark your calendars and reserve the date, Friday, March 30 from 7-11 pm. Please look for the green brochure coming home this week with more information about the auction.
  • We are holding a meeting on Jan. 31st for anyone interested in helping us with the Silent Auction. We will need help creating baskets from all of our donations and help wrapping them. We may need a volunteer or two to pick up a donation for us, etc. If you can give us a hand --no matter how big or small -- please join us on the 31st at 7:15pm in the Ashton library. Yummy refreshments will be served.
  • There will be a Movie Night on Friday, Feb. 3rd at 6:30pm to benefit the Silent Auction. We will be showing a favorite Disney movie about two dogs from very different neighborhoods who fall in love. Put on your PJs, bring some water and a snack (dry snacks only -- pretzels, popcorn, chips, etc.-- gooey foods cannot be consumed in the gym). Please bring a donation for your child's/children's classroom basket, or any other donation you want to make for the auction. Classroom baskets are listed in the main office if you need a reminder as to what your child's class is collecting.  We can't wait to see you there!
  • The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tues., Feb. 7 at 6:30pm in the school library. Please note that our afternoon PTO meetings, for parents and teachers that are unable to make our evening meeting, have been moved to the 2nd Wednesday of each month to accommodate Ashton Adventures. The next afternoon meeting will be Wed., Feb. 8 at 3pm in the school library.
  • The Yearbook Committee is looking for pictures for the year book. Please click here for a document with additional information. 
  • Zumba class is scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, January 25th at 6:30pm in our school gymnasium.  There is a $5.00 fee and the public is invited to attend.  All proceeds are donated to the school for school supplies and teaching materials. If you are planning on attending Zumba tonight please feel free to stop by our Ashton Silent Auction table.  There you will find information about the Auction event and how you can help.  You can also bring in any items/monetary donations you may have for the Classroom Themed Baskets.
  • Please save the date! The "Boys Night Out" has been scheduled for Sunday, March 4th and the "Sweetheart Dance" has been scheduled for Friday, March 16th.  More information will be sent home in the near future.

Kind regards,

Nidia Karbonik,

Principal

January 18, 2012

Good Afternoon,

This is a friendly reminder to our parents with students in grades K-5 to complete the online SurveyWorks survey sponsored by the Department of Education.  This is a short survey that will provide the school with feedback about our performance (climate, safety, teaching/learning and resources).  To take the survey online, please go to www.surveyworks.ride.ri.gov and click on "take a survey".  Please send us a note if you wish to have a hard copy of the survey.   

 

The second quarter ends on Friday, January 27th.  Report cards should be going home on Friday, February 3rd. 

 

PTO Announcements: 

  • The PTO is looking for donations for the classroom baskets that will be raffled at the Silent Auction in March.  Please reach out to your family and friends for donations as well.  Please send your donations to the school by February 1st.
  • The next PTO meeting is scheduled for January 24th at 3:00 in the school library for those parents and teachers that are unable to make our evening meetings.  The next evening PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th at 6:30pm in our school library.
  • The Yearbook Committee is looking for pictures for the year book.  Please click here for a document with additional information. 
  • Yoga class is scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, January 18th at 6:30pm in our school gymnasium.  There is a $5.00 fee and the public is invited to attend.  All proceeds are donated to the school for school supplies and teaching materials. 
  • Please save the date! The "Boys Night Out"  has been scheduled for Sunday, March 4th and the "Sweetheart Dance" has been scheduled for Friday, March 16th.  More information will be sent home in the near future. 

Kind regards,

Nidia Karbonik

January 10, 2012

Survey Works!

Students in Grades 4 & 5 will be able to participate in an online survey at school between 1/30/12 and 3/15/12. A letter was sent home on 1/6/12 on green paper with a parent opt-out form on the back which parents need to return to school by 1/20/12 only if they don't want their child to take the survey. As stated in that letter, a copy of the student survey is in the school office or parents can go to www.surveyworks.ride.ri.gov

Parents will be able to participate in an online survey between 1/5/12 and 2/16/12. A letter on salmon paper was sent home last week with the above mentioned letter. As stated in the letter, a paper version of the survey will be available to parents in the school office or parents can send in the bottom portion of that letter to request a paper copy/return enevelope to be sent home with their child. After it's completed, the envelope needs to be sent back to school no later than 2/16/12. If parents rather take the survey online, they can go to www.surveyworks.ride.ri.gov.

Administrators and teachers will also have an opportunity to take a survey online between 1/30/12 and 3/15/12 in which they will receive invitations in their mailboxes.

Thank you in advance for your help with this important project as your feedback is essential for student and school success. This is just another reminder to encourage full participation.

December 23, 2011

Does your child have enough video games? Give them the gift of ACE. The new session starts right after winter break, and there is plenty to choose from. Payments will not be processed until January 20th.  Scholarship applications are available in the office. Applications must be turned in with an enrollment form BY FRIDAY DEC 23rd. Click here for the menu of after school programs and the registration form.

December 23, 2011

Dear Parents;

On behalf of the staff at Ashton School, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year.  School will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd. Please remember to send your children dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Nidia Karbonik, Principal

December 7, 2011

Dear Parents,

There was a minor bus accident this morning involving bus 27 on Mendon Road and Angel Road. Students from that bus were transported to school on a different bus.  There were no reports of injuries and students arrived to school safely.  Students did arrive to school late but they were not marked tardy, including those students who arrived late with their parents as a result of the traffic delays. 
 
I also want to mention that we have a full container of lost and found clothing items.  Please ask your child to check the container for anything they might be missing.  Feel free to stop by the school if you wish to check for anything yourself.  Any left over items will be donated to a charity after Friday 12/9.
 
The school is also collecting donations for a community service project called "Santa for Soldiers".  This project was organized by Cumberland High School students.  Click here for a list of suggestions for items you can donate.  Please send your donations to the school by December 23rd.  
 
Sodexo is conducting a survey looking for feedback from parents that have students in Cumberland Elementary Schools. Sodexo wants to hear from parents on how they can improve the school food services for our children. The survey is open until the end of December. Click here to take the survey. The more feedback they get the better they can understand and meet the needs of our students. 
 
Please feel free to call the school at 333-0554, or the bus company at 334-3745 if you have any questions or concerns.  
 
Nidia Karbonik, Principal
 

November 28, 2011

The Office of Children, Youth & Learning (O.C.Y.L) published its winter and spring program schedule. Expand your child’s opportunities to learn and achieve with year-round education programs.  

July 1, 2011

Effective July 1, 2011, students may be expected to walk the following distances to their school or bus stop given that the walking route is deemed safe:

  • Kindergarten 1/4 mile
  • Grades 1 - 5 3/4 mile
  • Grades 6 - 8 1.5 miles
  • Grades 9 - 12 2 miles