Check out the article by Ashland.news highlighting our new summer lunch program. Free meals are now available for all children ages 1-18 at Walker and Bellview elementary schools, Monday through Thursday until August 8th. The piece explores how recent eligibility changes made this possible after years of ineligibility. Please click to read more about this exciting initiative and its impact on our community. https://ashland.news/no-free-lunch-actually-if-youre-up-to-18-years-old-you-can-get-one-this-summer-in-ashland/
3 months ago, Web Admin
Free summer meals will be served at Walker Elementary School and Bellview Elementary School June 17th - August 8th , Monday through Thursday 11am to 12:30 pm . All children age 1-18 will eat free regardless of enrollment.
4 months ago, Web Admin
Graphic for Oregon Summer Meals program. The background shows a blue sky with white clouds and hanging illustrations of food items such as a watermelon slice, apple, carrot, and sandwich. Two children, a girl with curly hair in a yellow shirt and blue jeans, and a boy with straight hair in a striped shirt and jeans, are joyfully reaching towards the hanging items. Text reads: 'Oregon Summer Meals. When the school year ends, free summer meals for all kids and teens begin! To find a free meal site near you call 211 or text the word "FOOD" to 304-304 or visit summerfoodoregon.org.
On May 13, 2024, Ashland High School proudly unveiled a plaque at the Mountain Avenue Theater in honor of Richard L. Hay, a beloved figure in the theater community. Presented by Betsy Bishop, the ceremony was attended by around 30 community members, including OSF members, actors, theater professionals, students, alumni, and school staff. The AHS community expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Hay's generous donations of time, expertise, and funding for numerous school theater productions, significantly enriching our local arts scene. Richard L. Hay, who has been a cornerstone of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival since 1950, has an impressive legacy as a theater and scenic designer. With over 245 productions and four theater designs to his name, his influence reaches far beyond Ashland. His remarkable work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Oregon Governor’s Arts Award and the Hollywood Drama-Logue Critics Award. We are incredibly thankful for Mr. Hay’s dedication and contributions to our school and the wider theater community. His generosity and passion for the arts have left an indelible mark on all of us, and this plaque serves as a lasting tribute to his outstanding legacy.
4 months ago, Web Admin
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A Big Shoutout to Three Remarkable Leaders! We couldn't be prouder of Christina Lehman, Rebecca Bjornson, and Stace Cheshire, who represented Ashland School District with brilliance at the Women’s Leadership Conference held at Ashland Hills last Friday! Christina Lehman, our stellar Director of Nutrition Services, Rebecca Bjornson, the dynamic Bond Administrator, and Stace Cheshire, the driving force behind our Transportation Department, soaked in invaluable insights and forged connections with inspiring women leaders from across the Rogue Valley. Their dedication to growth and empowerment is truly inspiring! Let's give them a round of applause for their outstanding leadership and commitment to making a difference in our community. #Leadership #Empowerment #AshlandPride https://womensleadership.co/conferences/
5 months ago, Web Admin
people
🎉 Today we celebrate School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌💐 To all our wonderful bus drivers in the Ashland School District: Thank you for ensuring our students travel safely every day. Your dedication and care make a world of difference in our community. We appreciate your early mornings, patient guidance, and the smiles you share with every child who steps onto your bus. Join us in showing gratitude to our heroes on wheels. Drop a comment below to thank a bus driver who has made an impact or share your favorite memory of school bus rides! #AshlandSchools #ThankYouBusDrivers #SchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay
5 months ago, Web Admin
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A Big Grizzly Nation “Thank You” to Our Local First Responders! AHS had a successful lockdown drill to practice a campus-wide emergency response today. Our grizzlies and staff did a great job! We are incredibly grateful to our APD, SOU, AFD first responders, and the City Emergency Response Director for their invaluable support, expertise, and professionalism. By working closely with these community partners, we get feedback on our drill performance and learn how to respond effectively to campus emergencies. Our partners gain greater familiarity with our school and we celebrate together as a community that cares about kids and safety!
6 months ago, Web Admin
Photo of a group meeting in a classroom setting. There are fourteen individuals seated around a U-shaped table configuration. Some are wearing uniforms suggesting they are law enforcement officers or emergency personnel. They are engaged in a discussion, with notebooks, pens, and smartphones visible on the table. The background shows a whiteboard and an American flag.
Image of a meeting in progress with sixteen individuals seated around a rectangular table. The participants, a mix of men and women in casual and work attire, including high-visibility vests, appear focused on the discussion. In the foreground, safety harnesses and ropes are placed on the table, while the background features stacked boxes and an American flag to the right.
PREVIEW NEW ONLINE CURRICULUM FOR SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) HERE: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/page/sel-curriculum-adoption The State of Oregon has launched its Transformative SEL Framework and Standards, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering holistic development in students and educators alike. This comprehensive approach centers around the belief that learning is inherently a social and emotional process, deeply intertwined with the development of healthy identities, empathy, supportive relationships, and responsible decision-making. To align with the state framework, Ashland is preparing to adopt new K-12 curriculum tools. These will be online tools designed to be used in age-appropriate ways at each grade level from Kindergarten through high school graduation. Visit the site in the next 30 days to preview the online tools, read more about top choice WAYFINDER, and register your comments.
6 months ago, Web Admin
Join Oregon's Early Literacy Success Initiative! 📚✨ In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed a bill to support the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in young children, both at home and in the community. The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is partnering with Oregon's Kitchen Table to gather input from families and community groups. We want to hear about: • Activities that help children develop literacy skills • Important topics for community groups • Interests and barriers in early literacy • Hopes for children's literacy development Your feedback will help create a framework and toolkit for community groups to support families. Share your thoughts in this survey by April 10th: https://tinyurl.com/okt-earlyliteracy For more information: https://www.oregonskitchentable.org/news/early-literacy-communities-and-home
6 months ago, Web Admin
OKT Combo image
🎒 Embark on the Educational Journey: Ashland Schools Kindergarten Registration Now Open for Fall 2024! 🌈 Ashland Public Schools is excited to announce the opening of kindergarten registration for the upcoming school year! We're dedicated to providing an engaging, comprehensive, and inclusive educational foundation for every child. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join Our Kindergarten Orientation Webinar Save the Date! 📅 Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:00 PM Dive into what makes our kindergarten program a nurturing and formative experience. This webinar is your opportunity to ask questions, and prepare for this significant milestone in your child's life. See link below or scan QR code in image for zoom link. 📌 Click the link to register your kindergartner today and for more information about our orientation session: ashland.k12.or.us/kinder We're eager to welcome you and your kindergartner to the Ashland Schools family, where every student's potential is cherished and nurtured. 🌟
6 months ago, Web Admin
kinder orientation webinar
Congratulations to AMS/TRAILS on their ribbon cutting yesterday, Wednesday, March 20th celebrating the completion of its new solar array at the fields for AMS/TRAILS Outdoor School, 158 Walker Avenue. The School District is pleased to share that the new ground-mounted solar array on the campus's southeast corner is operational. It is a substantial accomplishment for the district to honor the commitment to align its 2018 bond with the City of Ashland’s Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). The new structure boasts 288 individual panels that have already produced up to 168 kWh during peak production. The ground-mounted array and location were selected carefully to minimize impact and use district space with minimal use. The Ashland School district is investigating additional solar sites to create other solar generation, lessening their carbon footprint and further aligning with the overarching City’s CEAP plan. Thank you to our Ashland community for your commitment to supporting our schools and our regional partners, True South Solar, HMK Co., and Adroit Construction, for your work! The solar field will provide power to the district’s TRAILS Outdoor School.
6 months ago, Web Admin
A man in a patterned green shirt and jeans stands speaking into a microphone outdoors. Behind him, a solar panel array and trees can be seen under a clear blue sky. He gestures with his left hand. In the foreground, there is an audience seated on bleachers, their backs to the camera. To the left, there is a balloon sculpture featuring bright yellow balloons and a rainbow balloon on top.
The same group of children and the adult from the second image are now engaging with one another, smiling and talking. The background and balloon sculpture remain consistent. The adult and one child appear to be in conversation, while others look on. The atmosphere is casual and seems to be a sunny, clear day outdoors.
solar panels
🌞✂️🎉 Solar Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Ashland School District Join us in embracing renewable energy for a brighter future! We're thrilled to announce the grand opening of our very own Solar Array at the Ashland School District. 📅 Date: Wednesday, 3/20 🕙 Time: 10 AM 📍 Location: TRAILS field by the solar array This event is a milestone in our commitment to sustainability and education. Witness the unveiling of a new chapter as we cut the ribbon on this eco-friendly initiative. Highlights: Free and open to all community members A morning filled with inspiring green energy No need to RSVP - just bring your enthusiasm for clean energy! Have questions? Reach out to Rebecca.Bjornson@ashland.k12.or.us. 🌱 Let's nurture our environment together - one solar panel at a time. See you under the sun! #AshlandSolar #RenewableEnergy #CommunityEvent #Sustainability #AshlandSchoolDistrict
6 months ago, Web Admin
"A promotional flyer for the Ashland School District's solar ribbon cutting ceremony. The background is a photo of a solar array field under a clear blue sky. The top of the flyer features the Ashland School District logo and reads, 'You're invited! Solar Ribbon Cutting.' It invites people to the grand opening of the Ashland School District Solar Array. The event details include: 'Open to the public,' 'Wednesday 3/20 at 10 am at TRAILS on the field by the solar array,' and 'No RSVP Required.' A map inset shows a 'Park @TRAILS' location with a 'Walk Here' arrow pointing towards the event location. The flyer has a sun icon and is highlighted with yellow and teal colors. In the bottom right corner, it states 'Questions?' and provides the email 'Rebecca.Bjornson@ashland.k12.or.us' for contact."
📢 Ashland High School Celebrates OBOB Regional Champions! 📢 We are excited to share that our talented team, "Four Birds, One Scone," has emerged victorious at the OBOB Region 5 Championship! Congratulations to team members Finn, Rowan, James, Jack, Noah, and Niko on their remarkable achievement. Their journey of hard work and team spirit leads them next to the State Championships this April. Join us in cheering them on as they prepare to take on this new challenge with the same determination and passion that brought them this far. Stay connected for more updates and stories of their journey. Go, team!
6 months ago, Web Admin
📢 Ashland High School Celebrates OBOB Regional Champions! 📢 We are excited to share that our talented team, "Four Birds, One Scone," has emerged victorious at the OBOB Region 5 Championship! Congratulations to team members Finn, Rowan, James, Jack, Noah, and Niko on their remarkable achievement. Their journey of hard work and team spirit leads them next to the State Championships this April. Join us in cheering them on as they prepare to take on this new challenge with the same determination and passion that brought them this far. Stay connected for more updates and stories of their journey. Go, team!
On Sunday, March3, 2024, AHS was proud to host Senator Merkley’s Jackson County Town Hall. AHS Students Owen Taylor,Azalea Davis-Powell, and Ella Robinson asked the opening and closing questions of the Senator. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to host the town hall and for all of the participants. Many thanks to the AHS staff and leadership students that made it possible Owen Taylor, Azalea Davis-Powell, and Ella Robinson. For additional details, see: https://ashland.news/ashland-audience-questions-sen-merkley-on-wide-range-of-topics/
7 months ago, Web Admin
An indoor assembly with a dense crowd facing a man speaking into a microphone. He stands near a podium with a large 'A' on it. Banners displaying messages of pride and respect, as well as sponsor logos, are visible in the background. The audience appears attentive and engaged.
A gymnasium with a crowd seated on bleachers. In the foreground, two individuals are shaking hands in front of an audience, near a podium adorned with a large letter 'A.' Banners with slogans such as "Be Proud! Be Respectful!" and various sponsor logos adorn the walls. An American flag and a flag of Oregon are on either side of the scene.
A man stands alone at a podium in a gymnasium speaking into a microphone. He is dressed in a plaid jacket and stands between an American flag and an Oregon state flag. The wall behind him features a large 'A' and banners encouraging pride and respect.
A gymnasium filled with an attentive audience looking towards a performer in the center. The performer, dressed in a costume resembling a hot dog, is speaking into a microphone. The background features sports banners, sponsor logos, and flags, including the American flag and the flag of Oregon.
Ashland School District Board of Directors Announces Dr. Joseph Hattrick as Incoming Superintendent Ashland, Ore – The Ashland School District Board of Directors have announced Dr. Joseph Hattrick as the next Superintendent of Schools for Ashland School District. The decision took place during a special board meeting held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Dr. Hattrick currently serves as Superintendent of Rainier School District in Rainier, Oregon where he has worked since 2020. He brings a rich background in education having served in the roles of teacher, social worker, principal, and superintendent in public, private, and online schools. In addition, Dr. Hattrick has served as adjunct professor for several colleges and universities as well as a child therapist. Dr. Hattrick holds his National Superintendent Certification through AASA and leads Oregon’s efforts in equity work as the president-elect of the COSA Equity Board. Dr. Hattrick attended Western Washington University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Human Services. He then earned his Master of Social Work and Public Administration Certificate from Eastern Washington University. Dr. Hattrick earned his Post-Masters Principal Certificate from Western Washington University in 2007 and his Doctorate of Organizational Leadership and K-12 Education from Grand Canyon University in 2019. In addition to his superintendent’s license, Joseph also holds an Oregon School Social Work License. The selection of Dr. Hattrick comes as a result of a nationwide search process conducted by the Ashland School District Board of Directors and Human Capital Enterprises since October 2023. Ashland School District Board Chair Rebecca Dyson shared, “We are thrilled to announce that following a nationwide search that brought us a wealth of extraordinary candidates, the Board has hired Dr. Joseph Hattrick as Superintendent of the Ashland School District! Dr. Hattrick comes to our district with wide ranging experience as well as deep roots in Oregon and we are very excited to introduce him to the Ashland community. We wish also to express our gratitude to all those who helped guide our search through responses to the Superintendent Survey, and especially to those who served on the community panel which interviewed the top candidates and helped inform our final selection. Welcome, Joseph!” “I am deeply humbled and honored to have been selected to join the Ashland School District as your next superintendent. I want to thank the Ashland School Board, staff, students, parents, and community for all of the hard work and trust placed into this process. A good fit is very important for the district and me; and after spending time in, and researching this wonderful community, I believe we have a mutual fit,” shared Joseph Hattrick. “I am sensitive to the current challenges facing the district and commit to leveraging my past experience addressing districts’ financial realities as we collaborate to improve those conditions while limiting the impact on our students. I look forward to being part of this community, joining the Ashland School District family, and calling Ashland home!” Dr. Hattrick will assume his role as Ashland School District Superintendent on July 1, 2024. For questions or more information, please contact Jacqueline Shad, executive assistant and board secretary, at superintendentsearch@ashland.k12.or.us.
7 months ago, Web Admin
Ashland School District Board of Directors Announces Dr. Joseph Hattrick as Incoming Superintendent Ashland, Ore – The Ashland School District Board of Directors have announced Dr. Joseph Hattrick as the next Superintendent of Schools for Ashland School District. The decision took place during a special board meeting held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Dr. Hattrick currently serves as Superintendent of Rainier School District in Rainier, Oregon where he has worked since 2020. He brings a rich background in education having served in the roles of teacher, social worker, principal, and superintendent in public, private, and online schools. In addition, Dr. Hattrick has served as adjunct professor for several colleges and universities as well as a child therapist. Dr. Hattrick holds his National Superintendent Certification through AASA and leads Oregon’s efforts in equity work as the president-elect of the COSA Equity Board. Dr. Hattrick attended Western Washington University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Human Services. He then earned his Master of Social Work and Public Administration Certificate from Eastern Washington University. Dr. Hattrick earned his Post-Masters Principal Certificate from Western Washington University in 2007 and his Doctorate of Organizational Leadership and K-12 Education from Grand Canyon University in 2019. In addition to his superintendent’s license, Joseph also holds an Oregon School Social Work License. The selection of Dr. Hattrick comes as a result of a nationwide search process conducted by the Ashland School District Board of Directors and Human Capital Enterprises since October 2023. Ashland School District Board Chair Rebecca Dyson shared, “We are thrilled to announce that following a nationwide search that brought us a wealth of extraordinary candidates, the Board has hired Dr. Joseph Hattrick as Superintendent of the Ashland School District! Dr. Hattrick comes to our district with wide ranging experience as well as deep roots in Oregon and we are very excited to introduce him to the Ashland community. We wish also to express our gratitude to all those who helped guide our search through responses to the Superintendent Survey, and especially to those who served on the community panel which interviewed the top candidates and helped inform our final selection. Welcome, Joseph!” “I am deeply humbled and honored to have been selected to join the Ashland School District as your next superintendent. I want to thank the Ashland School Board, staff, students, parents, and community for all of the hard work and trust placed into this process. A good fit is very important for the district and me; and after spending time in, and researching this wonderful community, I believe we have a mutual fit,” shared Joseph Hattrick. “I am sensitive to the current challenges facing the district and commit to leveraging my past experience addressing districts’ financial realities as we collaborate to improve those conditions while limiting the impact on our students. I look forward to being part of this community, joining the Ashland School District family, and calling Ashland home!” Dr. Hattrick will assume his role as Ashland School District Superintendent on July 1, 2024. For questions or more information, please contact Jacqueline Shad, executive assistant and board secretary, at superintendentsearch@ashland.k12.or.us.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 the Ashland School District Board of Directors announced Dr. Joseph Hattrick as the next Superintendent of Schools for Ashland School District! Dr. Hattrick will begin his term on July 1, 2024. Please visit https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/school-board/page/superintendent-search?fbclid=IwAR28Vx3O4kkh8tI0Sk2SDnK93mwM1TKQXVl1ZGT3tbqPnlD5jU8rSXJoCEU for more information and to read the official announcement.
7 months ago, Kelly Jenkins
Image of Dr. Joseph Hattrick, incoming Ashland School District Superintendent
Please join us in celebrating National School Counseling Week 2024, themed "School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big." This event, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), is happening this week! In Ashland, our Child Development Specialists, Behavioral Health Specialists, and School Counselors profoundly impact nurturing our students holistically. They also play a critical role in guiding students toward academic success and preparing for their future beyond school. Their work is pivotal and our counseling team collaborates effectively to overcome challenges for our children's benefit. We are incredibly fortunate to have such exemplary individuals on our counseling team, whose efforts are essential to our students' achievements. I encourage you to extend your gratitude to our school counselors for their unwavering support of our students and community. Throughout the week, we have been featuring our school counselors on their respective site pages. If you haven't already, please take a moment to learn about them and the vital work they do!
7 months ago, Web Admin
Please join us in celebrating National School Counseling Week 2024, themed "School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big." This event, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), is happening this week! In Ashland, our Child Development Specialists, Behavioral Health Specialists, and School Counselors profoundly impact nurturing our students holistically. They also play a critical role in guiding students toward academic success and preparing for their future beyond school. Their work is pivotal and our counseling team collaborates effectively to overcome challenges for our children's benefit. We are incredibly fortunate to have such exemplary individuals on our counseling team, whose efforts are essential to our students' achievements. I encourage you to extend your gratitude to our school counselors for their unwavering support of our students and community. Throughout the week, we have been featuring our school counselors on their respective site pages. If you haven't already, please take a moment to learn about them and the vital work they do!
Ashland School District was inspired by the beautiful honoring of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday at the Ashland Armory. We were so impressed by our students and staff who contributed to such an impactful event, and grateful to the group of dedicated community members who made it all happen
8 months ago, Web Admin
A group of children wearing bright blue t-shirts standing on stage performing, with the audience in the foreground, and stage lights visible overhead.
Several children in blue t-shirts engaged in conversation on a brightly lit stage, with musical equipment in the background.
Three children wearing school sweatshirts standing on stage with one at the microphone, under a warm stage lighting, in front of an audience.
Two people, one wearing a hijab, appearing on a large screen in a presentation, with names and titles provided below their images.
A group of children wearing dark school uniforms and singing on stage, with an adult directing them and stage lights shining down.
A woman playing a guitar on stage next to a group of children in blue shirts who appear to be singing, with audience members and stage lighting in view.
🌟 Celebrating Our School Board Superheroes! 🌟 This month, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals who shape the future of education in our community. Join us in appreciating their dedication and commitment. 🍎 Jill Franko - Position #1: A passionate member of the Budget and Bond Oversight Committees, and a devoted mother, Jill is a beacon of strength and resilience, especially in challenging times. 📘 Dan Ruby - Position #2: Bringing a wealth of knowledge in STEM education and community health, Dan is a visionary leader who values the power of partnership and innovation. 🌱 Eva Skuratowicz- Position #3: With her deep understanding of our local community and a heart for volunteerism, Eva leads with insight and empathy. 🖊️ Rebecca Dyson, Chair - Position #4: A physician and a mother of four, Rebecca's passion for educational excellence and student well-being inspires us all. 🌟 Russell Hatch - Position #5: A small business owner and professional coach, Russell's hands-on involvement and deep community ties exemplify his commitment to our schools. Thank you for your unwavering service and leadership. Here's to building a brighter future together! 🌈 #SchoolBoardAppreciation #EducationLeaders #CommunityHeroes
8 months ago, Web Admin
school board heroes
Ashland School District is so grateful to the Ashland Community Health Foundation (NCHF) for their donation of hat and mittens for our students! Thanks for keeping our students warm. A special thank you to ACHF Community Engagement Coordinator, Nicole Gutrich (left), and NCHF Board Member, Liz Murphy (middle), for making the delivery. We are so excited to get these on the heads and hands of our students!
8 months ago, Web Admin
Ashland School District is so grateful to the Ashland Community Health Foundation (NCHF) for their donation of hat and mittens for our students! Thanks for keeping our students warm. A special thank you to ACHF Community Engagement Coordinator, Nicole Gutrich (left), and NCHF Board Member, Liz Murphy (middle), for making the delivery. We are so excited to get these on the heads and hands of our students!
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!
9 months ago, Web Admin
Promotional banner for the Ashland School District Superintendent search, featuring a community interview panel. The background shows an aerial view of Ashland with lush trees and a mountainous landscape. The text is prominently displayed in white over a semi-transparent black overlay to ensure readability. The Ashland School District logo, a blue ship's helm with white and gray accents, is placed above the text. Below, in red, a notice highlights that applications close at noon on January 8.