National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9.
Please join AMS in celebrating and appreciating our Behavior Health Specialist, Child Development Specialist, Student Advocate and Interns this week (and all weeks!). Our counseling team works hard to support all our students with the development of social-emotional, problem-solving and sound decision-making skills. They provide critical guidance and support of the structures and practices that support our children’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you team!!!
Michaela Skye: Behavior Health Specialist Intern (one day/week)
Michaela just joined ASD as a BHS intern at both Helman and AMS at the beginning of January. She meets with students to provide mental health support, characterized by active listening, maintaining unconditional positive regard, and collaborating with them to develop essential skills and emotional processes. She shares that “working with students and offering support while witnessing their growth in their mental health journey is a rewarding aspect of my position. I am also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the exceptional staff at the Ashland School District”.
Beyond the school setting, you'll often find Michaela teaching or performing music on most days of the week, or spending quality time with my family and pets.
National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9.
Please join AMS in celebrating and appreciating our Behavior Health Specialist, Child Development Specialist, Student Advocate and Interns this week (and all weeks!). Our counseling team works hard to support all our students with the development of social-emotional, problem-solving and sound decision-making skills. They provide critical guidance and support of the structures and practices that support our children’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you team!!!
Brooke Emberle: Social Work Intern (two days/week)
Brooke joined AMS in January. She grew up in Idaho, lived on the east coast for a number of years and now has returned to the PNW to complete graduate school in Social Work. Brook will be working with students individually to support problem-solving and general coping skills and will run a few groups for students needing support with consistent attendance. Brook is also looking forward to learning more about the Peer Leader Sources of Strength program and supporting 6th-8th grade students as they develop, plan and implement school-wide campaigns.
Beyond the school setting, Brook enjoys spending time with friends and in nature, doing yoga and snowboarding (when there is enough snow).
National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9.
Please join AMS in celebrating and appreciating our Behavior Health Specialist, Child Development Specialist, Student Advocate and Interns this week (and all weeks!). Our counseling team works hard to support all our students with the development of social-emotional, problem-solving and sound decision-making skills. They provide critical guidance and support of the structures and practices that support our children’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you team!!!
Lance Matthewson: CDS/Child Development Specialist (4 days/week)
This is Lance’s second year as a Child Development Specialist at AMS. He has worked with children and adolescents as a classroom teacher, play therapist and social worker for the past 15 years.
His work focuses on helping students “safely” learn to recognize, regulate, and respond to overwhelming feelings. Lance uses interactive techniques including social-emotional learning, mindfulness, movement-based learning, group work and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Outside of school, Lance loves to move in nature, travel and explore different cultures, dance and spend quality time in the company of friends and family.
National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9.
Please join AMS in celebrating and appreciating our Behavior Health Specialist, Child Development Specialist, Student Advocate and Interns this week (and all weeks!). Our counseling team works hard to support all our students with the development of social-emotional, problem-solving and sound decision-making skills. They provide critical guidance and support of the structures and practices that support our children’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you team!!!
Julie Bleicker: Behavior Health Specialist
Julie has worked at AMS for two and half years. She moved from the Bay Area a few years ago where she worked at the high school level for a dozen years. She brings an extensive knowledge and passion for work with students with learning differences, is a strong advocate for student support needs and enjoys working as part of a team.
Julie can generally be found in her office or counseling area, or walking the track with students who benefit from movement and fresh air. Recently she has begun work with 6th-8th grade Sources of Strength Peer Leaders, supporting a school-wide campaign to recognize and celebrate connections to strength and positivity.
On the home front, Julie loves spending time with her husband, boys (when they are around), and dog. Her favorite pastimes are running, reading, and cooking.
🏈🥫 Touchdown for Charity! 🥫🏈
Hey Ashland Middle School community! Are you ready for some friendly competition for a great cause? It’s time for our 1st Annual Souper Bowl of Caring! 🍜🏆
Here’s the play-by-play:
From February 5th to 9th, bring in your non-perishable food donations to support local families in need.
Cast your vote for the ultimate champion by donating items to the team bin of your choice: The mighty 49ers or the fearless Chiefs! 🏈
Every can counts! The team with the most donations wins, but the real victory will be the support we provide to those who need it most.
Let’s huddle up for hunger and show how much we care. Together, we can tackle poverty and make a difference in our community. 🤝
📍 Drop your donations at the school entrance.
💡 Don’t forget to check expiration dates.
KQED, the Bay Area public station, featured student work from Samantha McMillan's Social Studies classes in their Youth Media Challenge. This website provides a platform and showcases middle and high school students who are making their voices heard by engaging deeply with the challenges facing our society and producing work for the larger community. Check out the website at
https://youthmedia.kqed.org/showcase?city=Ashland&district=Ashland%20School%20District%205&state=OR
Greetings, Ashland School District Community!
The Board of Directors would like to share a quick progress update in the search for the district’s next Superintendent.
The recruitment window for applications ended on December 28th, 2023. In the coming weeks, the Board will review applications and conduct preliminary interviews to determine semi-finalists. These semi-finalists will be invited to interview in-person with the board and the Community Interview Panel later this month.
If you haven’t applied for the Community Interview Panel, it’s not too late! This volunteer group of students, staff members, parents, and community members will have the opportunity to interview Superintendent finalists on January 23rd. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to apply, please visit ashland.k12.or.us/supsearch. The deadline to apply is noon on Monday, January 8th.
If you have questions, concerns, or input about the Superintendent Search process, the Board wants to know! You can connect with the entire School Board by emailing school.board@ashland.k12.or.us.
We hope that you’ll consider playing a role in this critical process for Ashland Public Schools.
Thank you!
Help make this holiday season merry and bright for some Ashland family! AMS is collecting new, packaged toys in the Main Office from December 4th-15th. Drop-off is in the Main Office.
We hope you can join our Ashland Middle School Bands and larger community this evening for a benefit concert in support of our Ukrainian students, families, and refugees. The concert starts at 7pm in the AMS Large Gym. Donations are welcome!
Please join us for session two of our substance use awareness nights, organized in collaboration with Ashland High School and community partners. This night will feature Kolpia.
Regardless of your attendance at night one, we welcome your participation in this informative session. These nights are designed to cultivate awareness and establish partnerships with both guardians and community organizations. We hope to facilitate ongoing discussions concerning substance use, awareness, and the various resources accessible within the school and the community.
AMS OPEN HOUSE
December 7th, 4:30 PM- 6:00 PM
Refreshments provided!
🎶✨ You're cordially invited to warm your hearts at "Minka's Sleigh Ride!" - a special evening of music dedicated to supporting our Ukrainian refugee friends. 🇺🇦
📅 Date: December 7th
🕖 Time: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Location: AMS Auditorium
Join us for a night filled with enchanting melodies, featuring the talents of our Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Cadet Band, ASD Choir, YSSO students, and the illustrious Alexander Tutonov. 🎺🥁🎹
From the resonating 'Ukrainian Bell Carol' to the exhilarating 'Minka’s Sleigh Ride' and the stirring 'Hej Sokoly', let’s celebrate the spirit of giving through music. 🎼
Let's come together in spirit and harmony for this noble cause. Your presence and contributions are the best support we can offer to those in need. Donations are warmly welcomed! 💙💛
🤝 "AMS cares for every student!" - let's show the world what our community stands for.
See you there!
"Let's innovate together! 🌟 Ashland School District seeks your feedback on our school calendar and schedule. We value the diverse needs of our families and invite students, staff, parents, and community members to take a brief 12-question survey. Your insights are crucial for our collaborative and comprehensive review process. Have your say and make a difference! ✏️ Survey closes 11/24/23 - click to participate: https://www.smore.com/jhnx8
🎵✨ Last Wednesday's Ashland Middle School Choir debut concert was a resounding triumph! The auditorium rang with the vibrant blend of our voices alongside the High School Choir, thanks to Ivan Olinghouse and Amy Merwin. It was a joyous celebration of music and community. 🎵🌟
Our sincerest thanks go to the families, friends, and the Ashland community for your enthusiastic support. Your presence and cheers are the true melody that inspires us.
As we look to the future, save the date for our next concert:
Join the Ashland Middle School Choir and AMS Bands on December 7th as we come together for our Ukrainian Benefit Concert. More details will follow—your support in this event will help make a meaningful impact.
Ashland School District Board of Directors has launched a search for Ashland School District’s new Superintendent, who will join our district in July 2024. They are committed to finding the right leader for our unique and dynamic community. To lay the foundation for a meaningful search that reflects the needs and priorities of the Ashland community, the Board is seeking input through a Superintendent Search Survey for students, families, staff members, and community members.
To participate in the Superintendent Search Survey click the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SuptAshland
For additional information about the Superintendent search process, click the following link:
https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/school-board/page/superintendent-search
Middle School Students (grades 6-8) who attend Ashland Connect, AMS, TRAILS, or Willow Wind can all participate in middle school sports at Ashland Middle School. Some important information and dates for the remainder of the year include:
Sign up now for 7/8 Boys Basketball. The deadline to register is prior to October 23rd (first day of practice). Some practices will be held over the conference week.
Now is also the time to register for any AMS sport. Below are the season start dates for the following AMS sports:
Boys Basketball (October 23rd)
Wrestling & Girls Basketball (January 2nd)
Track & Field (March 4th)
We know that students that engage in clubs, school activities, and sports are more connected to their school community and peers. Encourage your student to register today!
Today we honor and celebrate the perseverance, rich diversity and contributions of all Indigenous peoples—from the first peoples of this place to those from across the globe who now call Oregon home.
We especially recognize our local tribes including the Takelma, Shasta, Modoc, Klamath, and Umpqua as well as the almost 160 students in our schools who identify as Native American and their families. We value the individual and cultural traditions and contributions that they bring that strengthens our ASD community.
Our meal payment and application processing system has changed. We are no longer using Titan. Your student accounts, including account balance, has all been rolled over to mealtime. If you had an account with Titan for online payments, it has been closed.
You will need to set up a new account for your students in the mealtime system.
You will be prompted to set up a username and password.
Your students will be identified with the same student body number they used for Titan and for Powerschool. That number is the same as long as they are students within the Ashland school district.
If you do not have that number, you can get it from the office at your school, or reach out to nutrition services directly at nutritionservice@ashland.k12.or.us
Once you have an account set up you will be able to add funds to your students account, or apply for free or reduced meal benefits.
Note, if you already had an account set up with Mealtime from 4 years ago, that account information is no longer valid and you need to set up a new account.
https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/asd/page/nutrition-services
On June 23rd, Karin and Kerri, the AMS Co-Athletic Directors at Ashland Middle School, had an amazing time hosting a Tee Box at the Annual Rogue Valley Summer Swing Golf Tournament. 🏌️♀️⛳️ Their hard work paid off as they raised funds for the Ashland Middle School Athletics Program! 🤝
The picturesque Stone Ridge golf course provided the perfect backdrop for this fantastic event. Karin and Kerri spent the day expressing their gratitude to all the golfers and sponsors who have been incredibly supportive of Athletics in the Rogue Valley. 🙌
A big thank you to everyone involved for making this event a huge success! We appreciate your continuous support for our athletes. 🏆
Water Polo Summer Opportunities
Summer Drop-In Classes: Beginning June 21, the Daniel Meyer Pool will offer water polo classes on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm for just $4. This is a wonderful opportunity to maintain your skills over the summer. All ages are welcome!
Regular Fall Season: Practice for the Ashland High School fall season (exclusive to high school students) will commence in August. Please frequently check our website for updates and to register for the fall season.
For more information, visit ashlandwaterpolo.org.
