Ashland School District - Inspiring learning for life...

Happy School Psychologist Appreciation Week! I wanted to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of our School Psychologists; Kim Hosford, Nora Knox, Arlene Saum, and December Tueller. In a role that often operates behind the scenes, our school psychologists play a vital role in creating a positive and supportive environment for our students. Their dedication to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each and every student pushes us ever closer to our district goal of a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff. Please join me in thanking these amazing professionals! Their empathy, professionalism, and tireless efforts to support students-and all of us-does not go unnoticed. Thank you Arlene, December, Kim and Nora, you make our schools better.

"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

Today was a day for staff learning and professional development! AHS and AMS teachers participated in inservice presented by Eye to Eye, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the educational experiences and outcomes of students with learning and attention differences. We had an excellent day of learning for all K-5 Ashland teachers! Half of the day was spent learning & planning our new math curriculum. The district social-emotional-behavioral staff provided training on suicide prevention and social-emotional learning. TRAILS Outdoor School spent the morning with Jamie Hart focusing on building positive school culture and relationships. Some of our K5 education assistants participated in PlayWorks Junior Coaches program which encourages teams of students to work together to learn games, fair play, and positive conflict resolution strategies. #proudtobeASD

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 link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SuptAshland

Grateful for Our Exceptional Transportation Department! We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated Transportation Department for their enthusiastic participation at the Bellview Elementary Trick or Treat Celebration. They not only showed up but also dressed up and shared goodies, enhancing our celebration. Your unwavering dedication and support are truly appreciated. Thank you, Ashland School District Transportation Team (Winnie the Pooh and Crew), for being a vital part of our School community. Your dedication and support are truly appreciated. Thank you all.

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!

Please help us get the word out about this important Awareness Night for families with 6th-12th grade students put on by Ashland High School. The evening is the first in a series designed to help families learn about substance use issues directly facing our community, ask questions, and learn more about resources that are available.

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.

We want to share this wonderful opportunity.

This local celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day will be held on Monday, October 9th, 10am-3pm at SOU's Stevenson Hall and the SOU Courtyard. There will also be a Salmon Bake. Oregon State Representative, Tawna Sanchez will be speaking, a Dedication of the Oregon Nine Federally Recognized Tribal Flags to SOU, a Klamath Tribes Youth Council Presentation and Community Round Dance, children’s crafts and activities and even an appearance by some of very own ASD Native American Student Union members! There will be free parking at the SOU Lot 36. Join us!

Please join us in recognizing our incredible custodial staff today on Custodian Appreciation Day!

On Tuesday, October 3rd the AAUW's monthly Big Ideas discussion series will focus on the future of Ashland schools. Our Assistant Superintendent Erika Bare and the Ashland School Board's Eva Skuratowicz will speak on this important topic. The event will take place at the Ashland Public Library from 4:00-5:30pm. We hope to see you there!

Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Celebrates Ashland Student's Art! Sixth grade student Emma Robison of Willow Wind Community Learning Center in Ashland was selected as one of thirteen winners in the annual Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Calendar Art Contest. Her artwork, which features a pumpkin and sunflower farm, will be featured on the October page of the 2023-2024 calendar. The contest received 1,722 entries from students kindergarten through sixth grade across the state. The winning artwork was selected by a panel of judges based on its creativity, originality, and depiction of Oregon agriculture. The thirteen winners each received a $50 award and certificate. Pictured: Emma's artwork featuring a field of pumpkins and sunflowers on the October page of the 2023-24 calendar.

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

Congratulations to Stacey Cheshire, Director of Transportation. Stacey was honored at the Oregon Pupil Transportation Association (OPTA) conference with the “Big Wheel Award” for her service to others by the Oregon Department of Education. OPTA is a state-wide professional organization for school transportation professionals. The Big Wheel Award is given by the Department of Education to an individual whose position may go unnoticed and whose impact and service to the community serve to make things better. Well, WE NOTICE Stacey and the fantastic work of her department, from drivers to mechanics and support staff. Stacey also provides training to professionals across Oregon when she is not in Ashland running our transportation department. Stacey is a state resource on school transportation and is on speed dial for many new transportation directors. She has built collaborative partnerships with other districts in the valley that get kids where they need to go on time and safely – rain or shine. Thank you, Stacey!

Ashland Schools wishes to express gratitude to Medford School District, the 30 agencies that participated in the safety drill on June 22, and all of the staff and volunteers that made it possible. We also thank Dr. Bret Champion for his leadership in supporting the safety of all Southern Oregon students and staff, and project leaders including Ron Havniear, MSD Executive Director of Facilities, Security and Leadership, Andy Chasteen, MSD Facilities Manager, and Tina Chasteen, MSD Executive Assistant, and their entire team for their incredible work in creating and supporting this event. Additional thanks go to all of the first-responder agencies and staff that participated. We are grateful to Kelly Burns, City of Ashland Emergency Operations Director, for participating and collaborating in the event and supporting safety and security developments in Ashland Schools. We thank our partners from Phoenix-Talent Schools and other regional districts that engaged in this event and the vital work of school safety and security. Lastly, many thanks to the Ashland School District staff that participated in the event – Rebecca Bjornson for her role as a Lead for event observers, Shahid Ali, Patrick Grady, and Sara Weston for their roles in the event scenario, and Benjamin Bell, Francisco Lopez-Atanes, Steve Mitzel and Samuel Bogdanove for their roles as observers. Yes, it is a tragedy that an event of this nature needs to occur, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the engagement of all of Southern Oregon in preparing for the worst to keep all our schools and kids safe.

Ashland Community Members - there will be three local Juneteenth celebrations: The first will be held on Saturday June 17. The event is sponsored by the City of Ashland and Southern Oregon University. Please join in this community celebration on the front lawn of Churchill Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Festivities include raising the Juneteenth flag, music, guest speakers and food trucks. On Sunday, June 18, from 11:30 – 2:30, there will be JUNETEENTH “CRYSTALLIZING OUR CALL” CELEBRATION at Ashland Creek Park to support a public art installation, “Ancestor’s Future: Crystallizing Our Call.” The third will take place on Sunday June 18 at Pear Blossom Park in Medford from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This family friendly event is an outdoor cultural celebration for the entire community of Southern Oregon featuring food, education, music, and entertainment. This event is a collaboration between BASE, (Black Alliance & Social Empowerment) and the B.E.S.T. team at Oregon’s Department of Human Services.

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: June 15th, 2023 9:00-10:30 AM Where: Sugar And Spice Coffee & Fruit Shop Ashland, 691 Fair Oaks Ave, Ashland, OR 97520, USA

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.