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.
November 14th
Mental Health Matters
Please join Julie Bleicker and Lance Matthewson to learn more about the uptick in anxiety in the middle school population and how you can help.
The prevalence of anxiety has become the primary mental health issue for teens at AMS. Parents are asking for ways to best support the social/emotional needs of their kids. We will talk about healthy habits, proactive strategies and ways to effectively communicate with your kids as well as create a forum for dialogue and questions parents have about preteen mental health.
October is National Principal’s Month! Help us celebrate our amazing leaders in Ashland.
Rogue Valley Love Your Neighbor Day September 8, 2022 As we remember the lives, homes, and businesses lost to the Alemda and Obenchain Fires, we also remember how our community united in strength, generosity, and compassion. On September 8th, please do some good for someone else. Let’s fill our community with random acts of kindness and continue supporting each other with #roguevalleylove
What a first day of school! Our TRAILS PTC Picnic was a huge success! Seeing families on the lawn connecting with one another, kids running and playing, and shaved ice being devoured was simply wonderful. Another enormous thank you to our TRAILS PTC for all the planning and organization- and the shaved ice truck! We also want to acknowledge our entire school community for making the first day and picnic so special. #wegetkidsoutside #andfamiliestoo #TRAILSptc #firstdayofschool
We started the first day off right! Thanks to our amazing TRAILS PTC, there was fresh coffee and great connection at our Woo Hoo/Boo Hoo coffee. Families gathered while waiting for classrooms to open and then after school started at 8:20. Thank you, PTC! What a great way to kick off the year. #firstdayofschool #TRAILSptc
Please see this important message from our TRAILS Parent Teacher Collective:
"Your PTC wants to remind you that there's a meet and greet tomorrow morning, we'll be out in front saying hello at dropoff with coffee ☕️. And after school, starting at 12:30, join other families with your lunch and picnic blanket on the lawn above Lincoln. Every student will get a ticket for a snow cone from the Mahalo shaved ice truck.
See you tomorrow!
TRAILS PTC"
TRAILS’ 1st Annual (sort of) River Crossing at Touvelle State Park – Friday, September 2nd.
On Friday, September 2nd our school will, after a two year absence, be back at Touvelle State Park on the Rogue River to celebrate the beginning of the school year and our unique school community. Part of this special community-building day is our annual “river crossing” where older students will bond with younger students as they cross a shallow side channel of the Rogue River. It’s an event students and families often reflect upon as one of those things that makes our school special.
All students will need a well-fitted PFD to participate in this event. We are asking that students bring in a PFD that is in good working order and well-fitted by next Thursday, September 1st. Many families do not have a PFD for their child, so we’re asking that those families with extra PFDs send in loaners for this event. We’re looking for as many PFDs as possible, sized for kids between five and fourteen. Anyone willing to lend a PFD is encouraged to bring it to the PTC Picnic on the first day of school. We need all loaner PFD’s at school no later than Thursday. Please don’t forget to put your name on your loaner PFD so we can return it to you or your child after school on the 2nd!
Thank you so much for helping us bring back this special rite of passage to our school year!
