John Muir Outdoor School News
May 16, 2021
Principal's Message
Dear John Muir Outdoor School Families,
In the last five weeks of school we are continuing our efforts to provide opportunities for students to continue to learn and grow as well as planning for the year to come! On that note, we have a configuration plan for the 2021-2022 school year that we are excited to share. Next year we will have:
- Kindergarten (with JoEllen)
- 1/2 Blend (with Randi)
- 3/4 Blend (with Nasser)
- 5th Grade (with JIm)
- 6/7 Blend
- 7/8 Blend (with Marcia)
As you can see, we are adding a teacher in the middle grades that will allow us to accept some additional students. We will be interviewing applicants for that teaching position soon so please help us to get the word out about this opportunity! In addition we will continue to provide the Ashland Connect at JMOS program to students and families who wish to remain in a Comprehensive Distance Learning model. All in all, the 2021-2022 school year is looking to be an exciting one for our school.
This past week our upper grades students got to return to Earth Teach. At about the time of year when they would be making their final trip up, they made their first. It isn't what we want to do in the future but we're grateful to have outdoor education opportunities this spring and we're making the most of it! Please be sure to see the information and photos below- you won't want to miss them.
Last, but not least, it's time for elections for our Parent Teacher Collective! If you are interested in running for (or nominating someone for) any of the following positions, please send an email to johnmuirptc@gmail.com no later than Friday, May 28th:
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
We also have a number of committees that will be looking for members for the year to come. Please keep an eye out for information from the PTC about these opportunities.
Five more weeks, JMOS community. Let's make them something to remember!
Warmly,
Jennifer Parks
Principal
Zaire's Capstone Art Show and Auction
Outdoor Education Moments
Hike-a-Thon Update
This week's Hike-a-Thon raffle winner is Irelynn Clark! Thank you to Funagain Games for this week's prize. We are so grateful to our local businesses for continuing to support our school and our Hike-a-Thon!
Our new school total is 1,075. Keep up the hiking, team!
*Everyone who signs up for the Hike-a-Thon is eligible for our regular prize drawings.
A Message from our CDS, Amber Langer
Hello JMOS community,
Here we are finding our way through the end of a school year that, maybe, feels like it has just begun. I hope that, in the midst of so many challenges, you have been able to experience moments of sweetness. One of the sweet spots for me has been spending time in person with each of the classes at JMOS. We have been learning about the brain, emotions, and mindfulness as a way to access calm and increase choice. I am impressed at the insight and experience the students bring and feel fortunate to get to learn from them as much as I am teaching!
I’m including a link in case you’d like to work with some mindfulness practices at home. Practicing mindfulness (aka: present moment awareness) can build a bridge in our brain between the reactive, fight/flight/freeze area of the brain and our prefrontal cortex where we have access to creative problem solving, communication, and logic. If you find yourself or your child in a reactive state, you might try one of these mindfulness techniques with them and see if it helps.
https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-kids/
~ Amber
Thank you, Ashland Kiwanis Club!
7th and 8th Grade Project Showcase
A Message From Ashland High School for our 8th Grade Students
"Hello Soon to Be Grizzlies,
I want to invite you to attend the AHS 8th Grade Parent Information Night on Monday, May 17 from 6-7pm. It will be virtual via Zoom. We will give an overview of what life as a 9th grader will look like, talk about our programs and answer questions. We look forward to seeing you there.
Zoom link: https://asdconnect-org.zoom.us/j/91383926771
Best,
Benjamin Bell
Principal, Ashland High School"
Need Technical Help?
Call us:
541-201-2600
Email us:
Submit a Support Ticket:
https://helpdesk.soesd.k12.or.us/webform/asd5_families_newticket.php
JMOS Spirit Days
May
[19] Mythical Creature/Whimsical Creature/Fantasy Day: dress up as any fantasy creature
Volunteer Opportunities and beyond
Parent Teacher Collective
Are you a parent or guardian of a child attending John Muir Outdoor School? Then you are a member of PTC and an essential part in supporting our school's students, teachers, and staff! Are you a staff member at JMOS? Then you are partners with JMOS's parents and guardians as we continue our work this year to strengthen the community and support our children through these challenging times! We need your voice.
Meeting Schedule:
- May 18th (6-7:30pm)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5446613651
Family and Caregiver Supports
Financial Supports for Families
Families who have experienced income loss may now be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Apply online or contact your local school.
DHS will continue to work with federal partners to provide help to Oregonians in need. To apply for Nutrition Assistance, visit needfood.oregon.gov or call 2-1-1.
If you need help paying your electric bill, check out the Oregon Energy Fund. It provides funds for energy assistance to more than 30 partner agencies and nonprofits in Oregon. Find more information here.
Counseling Services for students with OHP
School Care Coordinator
School Care Coordinators are continuing to provide services during the COVID 19 pandemic. We are ready to assist families to navigate through these difficult times.
SERVICES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
· Help navigating insurance enrollment
· Assisting with the mental heath application and assessment process
· Barrier removal
· Assistance in accessing clothing, food, housing and utility support
· Providing connections to other agencies
Any student regardless of insurance type, economic, or special education status can access this service.
Please contact Camille at (541)414-0914 or via email at ccantyfischer@optionsonline.org.
Upcoming Important Dates and Events
Tuesday, 5/18: PTC Meeting (6-7:30pm)
Wednesday, 5/19: Mythical Creatures Spirit Day
Monday, 5/31: Memorial Day (No School)
Thursday, 6/17: 8th Grade Graduation (6:30-7:15 with parade to follow; more details to come)
Friday, 6/18: Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
John Muir Outdoor School
JMOS: Inspiring our students to deepen their connection with the Earth through integrity, the arts, stewardship, and authentic learning experiences.
#wegetkidsoutside
Email: jennifer.parks@ashland.k12.or.us
Website: http://www.ashland.k12.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=64
Location: 320 Beach Street, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: (541) 482-8577
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Johnmuiroutdoorschool/