After six years as an Educational Assistant at Bellview Elementary, Ginny Sagal joined us at Ashland Middle School four years ago and constantly finds new ways to positively impact students’ experience at AMS. In addition to supervising the games area in the Commons at lunchtime, Ginny works with 6th graders on the Cascades team and serves as a crossing guard in the afternoons. She also oversees the Weekend Family Backpack Program that sends home both non-perishable foods and fresh fruits and vegetables to AMS families in need of some extra support. An avid gardener, Ginny has also spearheaded the first of many gardens she envisions installing at AMS—a kindness rock garden. Working in homeroom, every student at AMS decorated a rock with a saying about kindness that Ginny is placing in beds near the band room on campus. These reminders help spread the message of treating others with kindness that Ginny hopes to instill in AMS students.
In addition to gardening, Ginny is passionate about rowing, and for the past ten years, she has practiced with the Rogue Rowing crew at least four days a week. Originally from New York, Ginny and her husband Glenn and their two children, Sam and Nicole, moved to Ashland 13 years ago when they wanted to get out of Los Angeles and find a place with great schools and beautiful scenery. Ashland seemed like a perfect match! Both Nicole and Sam have since graduated from Ashland High School and Sam is now finishing up his student teaching at AHS in hopes of becoming a chemistry teacher.
About AMS, Ginny says, “I love being here! I love the kids and the staff! This is my retirement job and it has given me meaning and purpose as my husband and I enter into a new phase of our lives. I want to be there for Ashland kids and help create a safe place and practice kindness with each other.” What an inspiration she is! Ginny, we’re lucky to have you!