Ashland School District - Inspiring learning for life...

Safe Routes To School Plan – We Want Your Input! Does your student walk, bike, or roll to school? With planning assistance from the Oregon Department of Transportation, the City of Ashland and Ashland School District are working on a Safe Routes to School Plan to improve conditions for students and families who walk and bike to school. We could use your help identifying challenges and opportunities for active transportation. How can I participate? 1) Join us for walk audits! April 10th: - 7:50 at Ashland Middle School - 2:30 p.m. at Ashland High School April 11th: - 7:30 a.m. at Helman Elementary School - 2:30 p.m. at Bellview Elementary School We will be observing students’ arrival and dismissal and documenting walking and biking conditions in the area of the school. 2) Attend a public meeting! Meet with us on April 11th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ashland Middle School library at 100 Walker Ave. to share your ideas and experiences. 3) Share feedback using our interactive online map! [Link to the online map: http://odotsrtsprojectid.com/ ] People who provide feedback on the map will be entered to win fun prizes. Questions? Contact Jacqueline Schad, Jacqueline.Schad@ashland.k12.or.us For detailed information, visit our Safe Routes to School Page https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/asd/page/safe-routes-to-schools-plan

This past Thursday, educators from across our district, including teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches, gathered for the final Math Studio Day of the year. Our dedicated cohort of 5th-grade teachers, coaches, and administrators have been working collaboratively throughout the year, continually learning and improving. The process has involved planning, observing the studio teacher implementing lessons, collecting data, analyzing evidence, setting goals, and refining plans. This intensive professional development experience has had a profound impact on our students. We're excited to see even more of our district's educators take part in this amazing opportunity soon! #mathstudio #proudtobeASD

BOARD NEWS  March 13.2023 At its March 13 regular meeting, the Ashland School Board took several actions. It formally approved Superintendent Bogdanove’s recommendation to adopt the enrollment zone boundaries for Walker, Helman, and Bellview elementary schools put forward by the Enrollment Re-Balancing Committee. This is the product of several months work by staff and volunteers. The new boundaries and related information can be found HERE: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/enrollment-balancing-review The Board unanimously approved a draft Integrated Application to the Oregon Department of Education’s Aligning for Student Success initiative. (https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/aligning-for-student-success) This combines the budget and priorities for several funding programs including the Student Investment Account, High School Success (Measure 98), Career and Technical Education, and the Early Indicator and Intervention data system.  These funded programs support the goals of the school district’s Pathways to Excellence strategic plan (https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/aligned-goals) The Integrated Application (https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/aligning-for-student-success) will be submitted to ODE for final review by March 31. The Board also heard a presentation from elementary, middle school and high school teachers about the work they have done reviewing and selecting recommended curricula on mathematics for each level. The two highest ranked programs were presented as the recommendations. These materials will be available for public review and input for the next several weeks before a final recommendation is made for approval by the Board at its May 8 meeting. Once adopted, the curriculum will be introduced in the 2023-2024 school year. 

ASD Elementary Parenting Series: Spring 2023 Building Capable, Confident and Resilient Children In-person, snacks and childcare provided RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/asd-elementary-parent-workshop-series-spring-2023-1730729 Parenting Tips and Tools: Building Household Harmony and Family Connection Wednesday, March 22, 6:00-7:30 pm Bellview Elementary School, Gym Understanding the basics of brain science and emotional self-regulation helps us guide and teach our children with more confidence and connection. During this time of post-pandemic adjustment, many of our children are experiencing increased levels of worry and upset. Understanding the basics of brain science and emotional self-regulation helps us guide and teach our children with more confidence and connection. During this presentation we will: • Learn about the basics of interpersonal neurobiology. • Take part in a "Mind-Up" lesson (similar to what our children experience at school) that addresses three parts of the brain that regulate emotion, learning and memory • Understand how using a 5-point scale can help children understand and regulate the size of challenging feelings • Learn more about basic routines and habits that help or children feel safer, more focused and learn better • Have the opportunity to make a "Calm Down" bottle, create a "Morning Routine" and gather resources. Our talented and dedicated elementary CDS (Child Development Specialist) team will be leading this workshop. They are Michelle Bolinger (Bellview), Amber Langer (TRAILS), Brooke Johnson-Thygeson (Walker), Kat Smith (Helman) and Britt Humphrey (Willow Wind).

Please join Diane Berry to learn more about how we can understand, support, and confidently guide our middle school students with ADHD. Kids with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) struggle with self-regulation, organization, and emotional management. When you add the challenges of puberty, rapid brain development, and tween angst —including hormones, lagging communication skills, and a heightened attention to peers — parents can experience some especially turbulent and yes, frustrating parenting adventures. At this workshop, we will cover: -Goals for your child -Definitions of ADHD -Understanding Executive Functions -Possible challenges during middle school years -Supports and Strategies -Materials and Resources -Exceptional qualities and talents This event will NOT be streamed via zoom. A power point presentation will be made available on our district website here: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/parent-seminars If you have questions about this event, please reach out to rebecca.gyarmathy@ashland.k12.or.us

Big shoutout to the Maintenance and Custodial department at the Ashland School District! These guys and gals keep our schools in tip-top shape, making sure we've got a safe and comfy place to learn. Maintenance Director Robby Moles treated his crew to a BBQ, and tonight he's treating the night custodians to GAPCO pizza, giving them a much-needed break and a chance to catch up and bond as a team. And the icing on the cake? Seeing all the thank you notes from students on display. It's clear that the Maintenance and Custodial department has a huge impact on our schools and the students who attend them. So, from all of us, a big thank you to the Maintenance and Custodial team for all their hard work and dedication. They rock! Let's show them some love with #MaintenanceMatters and #AppreciationWeek.

Due to the recent snow days in February, we will be using two of our make-up days. Please take note of the updated school calendar that shows a full day of classes on April 17th and June 14th, and a half day on June 15th (the last day of school) The link below will take you to the web page where the new calendar can be viewed and downloaded. https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/school-day-calendars

Spring Sports Parent Night has been rescheduled for Monday, March 13. Meeting will begin at 6:30 in the main gym.

Tech wizards, unite! It's Classified Employee Appreciation Week in Ashland School District and we want to give a special shoutout to the tech staff who keep our schools connected and running smoothly. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our technology infrastructure, working tirelessly to support students, teachers, and staff across the entire district. From troubleshooting computer issues to managing networks and servers, our tech staff is always on the front lines, making sure that everyone has the tools and resources they need to be successful. They are problem solvers, innovators, and true heroes in the tech world. So to our tech staff, thank you for your hard work and dedication. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are grateful to have you on our team. Keep on making a difference, one byte at a time! #ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #TechHeroes #AshlandSchoolDistrict

Attention all students, families, and community members! We want to take a moment to shine the spotlight on our amazing transportation department during this Classified Appreciation Week. Our bus drivers and support staff work tirelessly to ensure that our students are safely transported to and from school each day. We are especially proud of the recent training they participated in, receiving advanced student management training in Eugene. This training has equipped them with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle any situation that may arise during their routes. And during these recent snow storms, our transportation team has been working extra hard to navigate the roads and keep our students safe. We are grateful for their dedication and commitment to our students. Please join us in giving a big round of applause to our transportation department for their hard work and dedication to our school district. Thank you for all that you do! 🚌💙 #ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #TransportationHeroes #SafeRidesForStudents

It's Classified Appreciation Week and we're shining a spotlight on the amazing individuals who make up our Nutritional Services Department at Ashland School District! These dedicated employees work tirelessly to provide nutritious and delicious meals to our students every day. From meal prep to serving, they play a crucial role in the health and well-being of our students. Thank you to each and every one of our Nutritional Services staff for your hard work and commitment. You are truly heroes in our eyes! #ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #NutritionHeroes

It's Classified Employee Appreciation Week in Ashland School District and we want to take a moment to show our gratitude to the unsung heroes who play a vital role in the education of our students. Our classified employees are the backbone of our education system, working tirelessly to support students, educators, and the community in countless ways. From maintaining safe and clean buildings, to providing nutritious meals and safe transportation, they are there every step of the way, making sure our students have everything they need to succeed. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of talents and experiences to their work, and their true dedication to nurturing our students shines through every day. They are trusted members of our community, and we are grateful for all that they do. So let's give a big shoutout to all of our classified employees in Ashland School District during this Classified Employee Appreciation Week. You are making a difference in the lives of our students and in our community, and we couldn't do it without you! Stay tuned as we share posts from our sites highlighting more of these celebrations.

Get On Board! The Ashland School Board has announced two vacancies to be filled in a special election on May 16, 2023. Positions #2 and #5 will be vacant. The 4-year terms will run July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. Learn more: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/school-board/page/candidate-resources

Coffee With The ASD School Board Monthly opportunity for the Ashland School District community to engage with the Ashland School Board at different local coffee shops and cafes. Once you’ve purchased a beverage (or not), 1 or 2 school board members will be seated and available for general conversation about the school district. When: Mar 16, 2023 9:00-10:30 AM Where: Case Coffee, 44 Lithia Way (downtown)

ADHD and the Middle School Years Please join Diane Berry to learn more about how we can understand, support, and confidently guide our middle school students with ADHD. From a young age, kids with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) struggle with self-regulation, organization, and emotional management. When you add the challenges of puberty, rapid brain development, and tween angst —including hormones, lagging communication skills, and a heightened attention to peers — parents can experience some especially turbulent and yes, frustrating parenting adventures. February 27th 6:00pm-7:30pm Ashland Middle School Library This event will NOT be streamed via zoom. A power point presentation will be made available on our district website here: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/parent-seminars If you have questions about this event, please reach out to rebecca.gyarmathy@ashland.k12.or.us

Please join us in celebrating our school counselors this week! National School Counseling Week 2023, “School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big,” is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and is this week! Ashland’s Child Development Specialists, Behavioral Health Specialists, and School Counselors have a tremendous impact in supporting our students as whole children, while also guiding them to achieve school success and plan for their life after school. This is such important work. The ASD counseling team is working together to move mountains for our kids! We are so fortunate to have the best of the best on our counseling team, and their work is vital to our student success. Please join me in thanking a school counselor for all they do to support our students and all of us! We will be highlighting our school counselors on their respective site pages. Check in throughout the week to get to know them!

Wednesday was National Signing Day for high school students signing their letters of acceptance to continue participating in sports at the next level. Our football coaches wanted to do something similar in order to work on increasing our numbers for next year. Twenty-two of the 23 eighth graders that played football at AMS were in attendance! Now the task will be to keep the fire burning until they can officially join the program in the summer.

Coffee With The ASD School Board Monthly opportunity for the Ashland School District community to engage with the Ashland School Board at different local coffee shops and cafes. Once you’ve purchased a beverage (or not), 1 or 2 school board members will be seated and available for general conversation about the school district. When: Feb 16, 2023 9:00-10:30 AM Where: Dobra Tea, 75 N Main St.

Grizzly Athletes in the News and in the Game Izzy Golden was selected by the OSAA as the Player of the Week for his incredible game play! Read the article below. Grizzly varsity boys basketball team beat Churchill last Friday, in Churchill! This is the first Conference home win over Churchill in five years! Boys are currently third in our league, and ranked 14 in the state. The Grizzly wrestling team has been making positive strides all season. The team finished third at the Rumble on the Rogue, with only twelve wrestlers competing. This past weekend, they competed in the Rogue Valley Championship at North Medford High School. We missed finishing in the top three by three points! The wrestling team will have their Senior Night this Wednesday. We have a three-team dual against Phoenix and Eagle Point. JV matches will start at 5:45, followed by Varsity matches around 7:00. We host St. Mary’s tonight in girls basketball. JV will play at 5:30, followed by Varsity at 7:00. Friday night, our boys and girls basketball teams travel to Thurston to begin the second round of Conference match-ups. https://www.mailtribune.com/prep-sports/2023/01/06/ashland-good-as-gold-en-in-win-over-thurston/ PHOTO BY: LARRY STAUTH JR

Coffee With The ASD School Board Monthly opportunity for the Ashland School District community to engage with the Ashland School Board at different local coffee shops and cafes. Once you’ve purchased a beverage (or not), 1 or 2 school board members will be seated and available for general conversation about the school district. When: January 19th 9:00-10:30 AM Where: Remix Coffee Bar, 1602 Ashland St