TRAILS Outdoor School

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

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.

At TRAILS Outdoor School, we're incredibly proud of our creative teachers! 🍎 This #TeacherAppreciationWeek, we want to shine a spotlight on your dedication, your passion, and the inspirational ways you connect our students with nature. 🌲 The enthusiasm you brought to our Halloween celebration is just one example of the energy and creativity you bring to our school every day. Thank you for all that you do! As we continue to appreciate and honor you this week, know that your contributions to our community are immeasurable. You're not just teaching lessons, you're igniting a lifelong love for the outdoors in our students. 🌟 Thank you, TRAILS teachers! Keep on inspiring. 💚🏕️ #ThankATeacher #TeacherAppreciationWeek

🍎📚✏️ Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 📚✏️🍎 As we celebrate #TeacherAppreciationWeek, join us as we express our deepest gratitude to all the teachers who have dedicated their lives to shaping our minds and nurturing our hearts. Their passion, patience, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact in countless lives, inspiring generations of students to reach their full potential. We'd love to hear your stories in the comments below. Share an experience with a teacher who has impacted you or someone you know. Let's show our appreciation and remind them how much they mean to us. Feel free to tag your school and use the hashtag #TeacherAppreciationWeek to join the conversation.🏆💖 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher

Ashland School Board Innovation Committees Ashland Families, Students, and Community Members - The Ashland School Board recently voted to create a series of Innovation Committees focused on some key areas that are of great importance to the district's operations and strategic plan. These committees will gather information and present their ideas to the Ashland School Board. We are seeking those with skills, insights, and broad perspectives to help envision schools for the future for ALL Ashland children. At this time, the three committees we are moving forward with are: • Calendar and Schedule; • Re-imagining High School; and • Enrollment: Attracting New Children and Families to Ashland. Two meetings will be held this year and work will be scheduled to continue next fall. Committees will be comprised of a number of constituent groups including community members, family members, teachers, administrators, and students. If YOU are interested in learning more or serving on one of these committees, please take a moment to fill out this form to let us know by April 30, 2023. Click the link below for detailed information and to apply: https://www.smore.com/0e5j9-school-board-innovation-committees

📣 Join us for a Virtual Public Input Session on April 17th, 5:30 PM! Share your thoughts on the K-12 math curriculum adoption process in Ashland School District. Review info, ask questions & make your voice heard! Click to join: https://asdconnect-org.zoom.us/j/94828181269?pwd=SUJlaDJmK3FQUklLYTI0Q1lmN0owdz09 (Passcode: 276444) For more information on the Math Adoption Recommendations please visit our website: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/ashland-school-district-math-adoption-recommendations

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 & TRAILS Outdoor School - @ TRAILS Outdoor School (Entrance) 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

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

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

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

Happy School Counselor Appreciation Week!

Just a reminder that starting tomorrow, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 we move to our new schedule: M, T, Th, and F: 8:40-3:05. Drop-off: 8:05-8:35; Pick-up: 3:05. W: 8:40-1:50. Drop-off: 8:05-8:35; Pick-up: 1:50. We can't wait to get back to school!

Just a reminder that starting tomorrow, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 we move to our new schedule: M, T, Th, and F: 8:40-3:05. Drop-off: 8:05-8:35; Pick-up: 3:05. W: 8:40-1:50. Drop-off: 8:05-8:35; Pick-up: 1:50. We can't wait to get back to school!

With only three weeks before Winter Break, they are going to be a whirlwind! Be sure to read our latest newsletter to stay informed. https://www.smore.com/ngehc

You’re Invited! TRAILS Community Open House Tonight 5:30-7PM For all community stakeholders. Light refreshments provided.