Ashland High School

AHS Annual Blood Drive is this Wednesday, Feb 14 from 9:30 to 2:30 in the Upper Commons. Must be 16 years of age or older to donate. 16 yer oods need signed permission form, available in the front office.

Attention: Please look to your email regarding a message about our athletic trainer

National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9. Please join AHS in celebrating and appreciating our School Counselors, Graduation Coaches, Career and College Specialist and Counseling Office Manager/Scholarship Coordinator 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 youth’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you, team!!! Karyn Barats: AHS Counseling Department Office Manager and Scholarship Coordinator This is Karyn’s 12th year at AHS in the Counseling Department. Karyn greets students, makes appointments for them, prints unofficial transcripts, and coordinates all scholarship paperwork and the Scholarship Awards Night in May. Karyn also answers hundreds of questions about all sorts of counseling related topics and supervises the student TAs each period. Her warmth, humor and generosity are so appreciated! Outside of work, Karyn enjoys time with both immediate and extended family. She is especially proud of her two, AHS grad daughters, one an elementary teacher and one completing her degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9. Please join AHS in celebrating and appreciating our School Counselors, Graduation Coaches, Career and College Specialist and Counseling Office Manager/Scholarship Coordinator 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 youth’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you, team!!! Jen Marsden: College and Career Specialist, ASPIRE Program Coordinator Jen Marsden has worked at AHS for the past 12 years. Jen is one of those unique professionals who moves at lightning speed and seems tireless, even after 12-hour days. Jen coordinates the College and Career Center (across from library entrance), schedules college visits, connects students with job and apprenticeship opportunities, offers parent informational nights, teaches CCR (12th grade Career and College Readiness) lessons about college search, financial aid, scholarships and more. Jen also coordinates the ASPIRE program, connecting students to trained volunteers to work with them 1:1 on their post high school planning. Jen is especially passionate about supporting first generation and less resourced students explore post-secondary paths, apply to programs and secure financial aid and scholarship packages. Outside of work, Jen loves to spend time with her family and friends. She is an avid hiker, loves long beachcombing walks along the Oregon coast, and is always working on a puzzle (yes, the old-fashion, table-top, thousands of pieces puzzles!).

National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9. Please join AHS in celebrating and appreciating our School Counselors, Graduation Coaches, Career and College Specialist and Counseling Office Manager/Scholarship Coordinator 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 youth’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you, team!!! Gil Roman: Graduation Coach, 9-12, LOP-Z Gil also joined AHS this past September. He has worked as a Graduation Coach for five years (he worked previously in Eagle Point) and has worked in youth outreach for over 15 years. He has coached sports, facilitated life skills, mentored, and worked in youth corrections. Gil approaches his work with youth through “love, support, advocating and acknowledgement”. Gil believes his experience growing up in a “a survival mode environment and a low-income family” helps him empathize and connect with students who are struggling with hardship and barriers. Gil also took on the role of Asst. Football Coach this year. His stepson played for the Grizzlies a number of years ago and Gil now loves taking part in the Grizz traditions. Gill shares “It is one of the best ways to teach, coach, mentor student athletes and to give back to the community”. Outside of work, Gil cherishes this town of Ashland because he gets to live his best life here. “I get to be around my daughter and my partner and be involved with them as I wanted my father to be. I feel safe and it brings the good out in me. I enjoy working out at the YMCA, where I get to see some of the AHS students. I feel like I belong in this town, and I can contribute to giving back”.

National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9. Please join AHS in celebrating and appreciating our School Counselors, Graduation Coaches, Career and College Specialist and Counseling Office Manager/Scholarship Coordinator 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 youth’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you, team!!! Ashley Caughell: Graduation Coach, 9-12, A-LON Ashley joined AHS as a Graduation Coach in September. Ashley keeps track of students who are struggling with their grades and/or credits. After connecting with students and teachers, Ashley reaches out to parents and coordinates collaboratives plans to remove barriers and support student success toward on-track graduation. After 5 months in this position, Ashley shares that she most enjoys getting to know students interests and motivations, teaming with the rest of her department. She also appreciates that every day is different and sees challenges as an opportunity for creative problem-solving. Outside of her workday, Ashley loves spending time with her family. She has two boys, ages 6 and 4 and is currently expecting her third boy at the end of May. She shares “They keep my husband and me very busy! “

National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9. Please join AHS in celebrating and appreciating our School Counselors, Graduation Coaches, Career and College Specialist and Counseling Office Manager/Scholarship Coordinator 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 youth’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you, team!!! Michelle Bolinger: 9th Grade Counselor, A-Z (2.5 days/week) Michelle joined the AHS Team as a half-time school counselor last week. This is Michelle’s 9thth year as a CDS at Bellview. She was also a CDS at TRAILS for three years. Michelle’s passion for her work and infectious laughter motivate and inspire many in her district team. She is a talented problem-solver, idea generator and avid learner. AHS is thrilled to add her to their team! You can find Michelle at AHS in her new office down the hallway from the main counseling office. Please ask Karyn Barats, our office manager, for directions if you need help finding Michelle. Outside of work, Michelle is a “serious animal lover” and shares that “kids and dogs are my people”. She loves plants, gardening and traveling. She also considers music her “soul language” having grown up surrounded by talented musicians. She still adheres to a mantra she developed as a five-year-old, “to help others and see as much of the world as possible”.

National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9. Please join AHS in celebrating and appreciating our School Counselors, Graduation Coaches, Career and College Specialist and Counseling Office Manager/Scholarship Coordinator 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 youth’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you, team!!! Robert Joe: School Counselor LOP-Z, 10th-12th This is Robert’s second year at AHS. He grew up as a “3rd Culture” student, attending schools in Hawaii, Singapore, and Iceland while his parents worked for the Navy. He fell in love with the Rogue Valley when he became an undergraduate student at SOU and is now thrilled to call it home. Robert brings an important perspective and passion to the department as a first generation, BIPOC counselor. His insights, suggestions and actions are invaluable to the department’s vision and growth. Robert also coordinates the BSU (Black Student Union) on campus. Outside of work, Robert loves spending time with his wonderful wife and two young sons. He is an accomplished grill master, a retired video game champion and an avid traveler.

National School Counseling Week, Feb 5-9. Please join AHS in celebrating and appreciating our School Counselors, Graduation Coaches, Career and College Specialist and Counseling Office Manager/Scholarship Coordinator 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 youth’s mental and emotional well-being and by extension, that of our staff and parents. Thank you, team!!! Alec Slinkard: School Counselor A-LON, 10th-12th This is Alec’s third year at AHS. He grew up in the valley and brings extensive knowledge of local resources and support systems throughout our region. Alec’s energy, compassion and sense of humor are contagious and uplifting to those around him. He works hard to help his students see themselves from the positive, strength-filled perspective that he sees them. Alec is also the AHS Wrestling Coach and is looking forward to continuing to grow the program in the years to come. Outside of work, Alec spends time with an extensive, blended family, enjoys a wide range of music, coaches wrestling year-round, golfs and draws.

GRIZZ SPORTS WINTER EVENTS Boys Basketball: Tuesday @ Crater, JV 4:00. JV2 5:30. V 6:45 Friday @ Springfield, JV 4:00. JV2 5:30. V 7:00 Girls Basketball: Tuesday @ Crater. V 5:15 Friday @ Springfield. V 5:30 Wrestling: Wednesday @ Eagle Point. JV 5:30. V 7:00 Thursday vs Crater. JV 5:30. V 7:00 (Sr Night) Swim: Fri & Sat @ Willamalane Center for 5A District Meet

CAPS AND GOWNS! **Senior Class of 2024! Cap and Gown delivery is close! If you ordered your gown by March 1st, your order will be delivered in March at school! If you order AFTER March 1st, a shipping fee will be added! Order HERE or at https://highschool.herffjones.com CLASS OF 2024 YARD SIGNS! **Order your custom Class of 2024 yard sign to showcase your achievement by clicking HERE or at https://hjnorthcutt.buildasignenterprise.com/ Image generated through AI.

GRIZZ SPORTS WINTER EVENTS Boys Basketball friday vs Thurston. JV 4:00. JV2 5:30. V 7:00 Girls Basketball Friday vs Thurston. V 5:30 Wrestling C Monday against Klamath and Henley @ KU, 5:30 Swim Saturday against Crater and no Eugene @ River Rd Pool 4:15

Ashland Police Department Supports Students During Finals Week The AHS Student Leadership Team extends heartfelt gratitude to the Ashland Police Department for their support on the Quad today, providing nourishment and encouragement to our students during finals week. The turnout for “Donuts on the Quad” was fantastic! A special thanks to Chief Tighe O'Mara and his team for your dedicated work and services and for connecting with AHS students. Your presence made a positive impact on our community.

GRIZZ SPORTS Boys Basketball Tuesday @ Henley. JV 5:30. V 7:00 friday vs Churchill, JV2 4:00. JV 5:30. V 7:00 Saturday vs North Medford, JV2 12:00. JV 1:30 Girls Basketball Friday @ Churchill. V 5:30 Wrestling C Saturday @ Rogue Valley Championship. 8:00 Swim Saturday vs multiple schools, Rogue X. 10:00

For finals week and the finals grading period, we have disabled PowerSchool for student viewing of grades. Students will need to connect with teachers directly about their grade until it is re-opened.

Grizz Sports update for the week of January 16

AHS Parent Education Nighht is this Thursday! Please note :Location Change. Event will now be held in the AHS Library!

Finals Schedule Here is the official Finals Schedule for the week of 1/22-1/25.

Talent Show! When: Jan 17 Where: Mountain Ave Theater Time: 6:00 pm Admission: Free for Students with ID, $5 for Non-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!