- Ashland Public Schools
- Frequently Asked Questions
Central Registration
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Student Registration FAQs
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If you have any additional questions that are not answered below, please contact the Central Registrar at (508) 532-4005 or registration@ashland.k12.ma.us.
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Can I wait until my child is six and then enroll them in school?
Parents or guardians can choose to defer their child’s start to the following year. Caregivers are required to have their children registered for school or homeschooling by the calendar year in which they turn six. If caregivers decide to delay school enrollment for their five-year-old, they should discuss the best placement for their child when they enter school at age six with Warren Elementary School staff.
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Do I need to complete the student registration process again if my child is moving from the Ashland Preschool to the Warren School?
If your student currently attends Ashland Preschool, you will be sent information about transferring to the Warren School. Registration will not need to be completed again. A form will be completed to share information and contact information for your child's screening appointment.
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Do you offer before and after-school care?
The Ashland Extended Day Program provides safe, high-quality and affordable before and after-school care programs for grade K–6 students. Cost is determined based on the programs and the number of days students attend. Financial assistance may be available. Visit the Ashland EDP website for more information.
Below are additional options for daycare. Please contact them directly for more information.
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How do I complete the electronic forms?
Please download and complete all forms that pertain to your student's specific situation. You can fill out forms using:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download here).
- Mozilla Firefox (how to fill out a form in the browser).
- the Preview app (instructions for Mac users).
Here are some video tutorials to help:
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How will you make sure my child will be safe —in the classroom and on the school grounds?
The safety of all children in our schools is of the utmost importance. The District is committed to creating safe, caring and orderly schools with environments for learning. We take emotional, social and psychological safety just as seriously as physical safety. Parents and caregivers can be assured that racial, ethnic and cultural differences as well as special educational needs will be respected. If you have questions or concerns about the safety or well-being of your child, you are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher or an administrator at the school for more information.
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If I live in another town, can I register my child(ren) in Ashland Public Schools?
Children must live in Ashland in order to attend Ashland Public Schools. Temporary residence in the Town of Ashland for the sole purpose of attending Ashland Public Schools will not be considered residency.
Before a student is registered for Ashland Public Schools and can begin school, their parent or legal guardian must provide proof of primary residence.
Parents/guardians may provide a Residency Affidavit to enroll their student(s). Students who meet McKinney-Vento eligibility guidelines may be enrolled.
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If my child is registered in kindergarten, can they attend less than full-time?
Kindergarten is a full-day program. The District recognizes the need to be flexible regarding the amount of time a caregiver wants their child to attend each day. We expect you will work together with school administrators and kindergarten teachers to determine what is best for your child.
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Is transportation provided for all students?
Per Massachusetts General Law and Ashland School Committee policy, Ashland Public Schools provides free transportation to Ashland students in grades K–6 who reside more than two (2.0) miles from school.
Students in grades K–6 who live two or fewer miles from school and all students in grades 7–12 may pay an annual transportation fee if they want to take the bus to and from school. Financial assistance may be available.
To learn more about transportation options, visit ashland.k12.ma.us/transportation.
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What documents are required to verify residency?
One document from each column below must be submitted.
Proof of Residency
Proof of Occupancy
Proof of Identification
One of the following required:
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Recent mortgage payment
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Property tax bill
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Fully signed and executed lease and/or rental agreement the names of the children listed on the document
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HUD lease or another public housing lease (Section 8)
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HUD settlement statement
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Notarized Residency Affidavit
One of the following required:
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Cable/satellite TV bill
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Electric bill
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Gas bill
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Water bill
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Home/renter’s insurance
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Excise tax bill
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Home phone bill (not cell)
* All bills must be dated within the past 45 days with the name and address clearly stated.
One valid photo identification from the following list is required:
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Driver’s License
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State ID card
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Passport
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Military ID
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Other government-issued photo ID
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What does a kindergarten screening entail?
Screenings are necessary and mandatory for all kindergarten students in public schools in the state of Massachusetts. During screenings, we will assess your child's current skills by evaluating their language skills, cognitive skills and fine and gross motor skills. Screenings provide valuable information for teachers and allow school staff to meet and welcome your child into the school.
You will schedule your screening time during your registration.
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What if I live in Ashland with a friend or relative?
The parent/guardian and owner/renter must complete the Residency Affidavit and both signatures must be notarized. A notary is available in our office and requires those signing the affidavit to be present. The person with whom you are living must submit proof of residency, proof of occupancy and photo identification.
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What if my family does not have a permanent residence?
The proof of residency policy does not apply to homeless students and families covered under the McKinney-Vento Act. If you are experiencing unique living arrangements, contact Student Services at (508)881-0155 or bhawkins@ashland.k12.ma.us.
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What is the cut-off date for kindergarten enrollment?
The process for enrolling children in kindergarten is ongoing. However, completing registration before summer is strongly recommended.