February and Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate friendship and kindness! Encourage your child to share kind words, include others, and appreciate their friends. Small gestures—like a smile or a kind note—can make a big difference!

With chilly temperatures sticking around, please make sure your child is dressed warmly for school, including a coat, hat, and gloves. Staying bundled up helps keep everyone healthy and ready to learn!

Let’s spread warmth—both in kindness and in cozy winter gear! ❄️❤️

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be March 13th from 1:30-9:00. We look forward to collaborating with you about your child's strengths and areas for growth. We will again be using the online system for sign-ups. An email will be sent on Monday, February 17th at 4:00 with directions on registering for Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Feb 19: Young Authors Program - 1:00-2:00 @ Primary

Feb 20: No School for students and Staff In-service

Feb 21: No School for staff or students

Feb 24: Cookies and Canvas @ Intermediate @ 6:00

March 4: Fine Arts Festival 5:30-7:30 @ Primary

March 13: Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 17: Visiting Artist Mark Kistler Student Assembly (K-6)

March 28: 5th Grade DARE Graduation

May 6: 2nd & 3rd Grade Track & Field

May 8: Kindergarten & 1st Track & Field

May 12: 4th & 5th Grade Track & Field

The Ashland Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 17th. If your child typically walks to the library, please make alternate dismissal plans. Thank you!

A group of AG staff members that volunteered at Kids' Cupboard have organized a collection event for the elementary schools. Please see the flyer below with details.

We are currently beginning the enrollment process for the 2025-2026 school year. Any child turning five years of age on or before July 31, 2025 is eligible for entrance to kindergarten. We will be hosting a Kindergarten Round-up/Parent night in April. Please look for more information to come via mail.

When the AGPS District cancels school or has other important messages to share with families, a phone call will go out with the message. We are getting some reports of calls not going through or being labeled as spam. Please save the district number, 402-944-2128, in your phone to ensure you receive these important messages.

Thank you to our PTO for sponsoring this wonderful event!

Congratulations to our students listed below who were selected as their classroom winner for Young Authors. These students will attend the celebration on the 19th and we will announce three building winners.

Mrs. Hodges: Jonas Van Moorleghem

Mrs. Holz: Bodie Messerly

Miss Egenberger: Hazel Ferguson

Mrs. Mumm: Addie Pitkin

Mrs. Bremer: Jude Kerkman

Mrs. Murphy: Katie Welte

Mrs. Webster: Titus Tripp

Miss Hansen: Eleanor Clancy

Mrs. Lambert: Zailey Wood

Mrs. Brady: Lennyn Rech

Mrs. Cooper: Cary Johnson

Mrs. Rossell: Henley Scheer

Mrs. Gilbride: Wren Lawson

Mrs. Gude-Rung: Alyse Welte

Mrs. Ernesti: Ben Borst

Mrs. Drueke: Kylie Kopf

Mrs. Reestman: Cade Newcomb

Mr. Mencke: Jhett Squier

Miss Parrish: Nora Dutcher

Mrs. Kelley: Grant Newcomb

Miss Kerkman: Ella Moon

Miss Craven: Abby Resler

Mr. Campbell: Jillian Morford

Mr. Chudomelka: Elli Hernandez

The Ashland-Greenwood Schools Foundation is accepting nominations for outstanding alumni. Each year the foundation honors alumni for outstanding contributions they have made to society. They recognize both an alumnus and a young alumnus. To nominate someone, please complete the nomination form that is located on the district’s website located under the tab “Foundation.”

Each year the Alice Raikes family honors one teaching staff member with the Alice Raikes Distinguished Teaching Award. The award is announced at our annual Foundation spring dinner. The winner of the award receives a $1,250 cash prize and $1,250 to spend on their department or grade level. The Raikes family decides on who to honor based on nomination forms submitted by school staff, parents, community members and students.

To nominate someone, please complete the nomination form that is located on the district’s website under the foundation tab on the front page. When you complete the nomination form, please return it to the district office: 1842 Furnas St., Ashland, NE 68003, or email it to: jason.libal@agps.org. You may copy the nomination form if you desire to nominate multiple individuals.

This month, we would like to highlight the impact that regular attendance has on students' academic success and personal development. Consistent attendance fosters a routine that is crucial for effective learning, allowing students to fully engage with the curriculum and build a strong foundation of knowledge. It also cultivates important life skills such as responsibility, time management, and perseverance. By January, if a student has missed nine or more days they are considered chronically absent. Prioritizing attendance not only contributes to your child's academic achievements but also plays a pivotal role in shaping their overall well-being and future success. Thank you for your continued support in this shared commitment to their growth and success. If your child is struggling with wanting to come to school, please reach out to your school principal or counselor at anytime. We would like to work together to create a plan for success!

Ashland-Greenwood Public Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join us as substitute paraprofessionals. This flexible opportunity is perfect for parents who want to spend time in the school environment, support our students, and make a meaningful impact.

With a schedule that works around your availability, you'll help fill a vital need in our school community. Apply today and make a difference for AGPS students! Apply online: https://agps.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

The district celebrated our amazing staff in January. Thank you to our school board members for visiting all of our schools and passing our treats to our staff members!

4th grade has been working hard on developing one of our favorite projects. Students had to create their countries! 4th graders worked so hard and were able to present them in the last couple of weeks.

Congratulations to the students pictured below who completed the January Reading Rockstars activity.

Mrs. Kelley would like to congratulate all of her Jan. Reading Rock stars! Way to go!

Mrs. Kelley would like to congratulate her Young Author Winner for her classroom: Grant Newcomb! He wrote a very descriptive and entertaining story about a ship traveling through a storm.

In December, Ashland Rotary members gifted every third grader with a dictionary. We appreciate the connection with our community and giving back to our students!

4th graders had the opportunity to hear a presentation from the Highschool FFA students and were able to make plastic out of soybeans, as well as hear a presentation from the Nebraska Soybean Board.

Mrs. Gude-Rung's class met their Bluejay Way goal and earned an indoor snowball fight. The students loved throwing snowballs at school without getting in trouble.

Meal program staff will be available in the cafeteria to assist families in making deposits in your child's meal account as well. The cost for meals is:

• Student breakfast - $2.15
• Student lunch - $3.10

Do you know of a community event that would be something our Ashland Greenwood Elementary students would be able to participate in? Please contact us at 402-944-7083.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdehMgNbtjJ56Lp9zd-R7giqp4eeG0p8KUFZcC7DfU_VigVw/viewform

The Ashland Library will host free in-person tax preparation services provided by VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) this year. This valuable service is available to families and individuals who may need assistance with their taxes, and we appreciate your help in spreading the word to those who could benefit.

See the document linked HERE for more information.

A variety of resources are available for families and can be found below:

Resources for Food:

Food Pantry - American Lutheran Church - Jean Stewart - 402-789-2490 - By appointment

Ashland Mobile Food Pantry Every 4th Monday of the month from 3:00-4:00 at the American Lutheran Church

Kid's Cupboard: Children's Food Backpack Program - American Lutheran Church - 944-3535

Ashland Ministerial Association - Contact any area church for assistance.

• American Lutheran Church 944-3535
• First Christian Church 944-7070
• Methodist Church 944-7135
• Riverview Community Church 944-6134
• St. Mary's Catholic Church 944-3554
• Word of Hope Lutheran Church 402-521-0046

• Other churches may be found in the phone directory

Resources for Clothing:

The Closet at the American Lutheran Church provides free clothing. Contact Nicole Chudomelka at 944-3535 for more information.

Other Resources:

School Supply Backpack Program. Contact ashlandbackpackprogram@gmail.com or call Karen at 944-2794

Toys for Tots for the Holidays - Contact Jean Stewart - 402-789-2490