GRIZZ-O-GRAM
September 24th, 2021
Ashland High School
Office Hours 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Please call ahead to schedule an appointment. Knock on the door if you plan to come to the Main Office. To maintain social distancing, we ask that you stay outside.
Attendance Office:
Deb Falk, Attendance Secretary
541-482-8782
For information on absences, unexcused absences, and more, please read out Attendance FAQ on our website. Click HERE
Registrar:
Jay Villanueva
Janet.Villanueva@ashland.k12.or.us
Instagram: @ashlandhighschool
Facebook: Ashland High School - Ashland, OR
Past Grizz-O-Grams: https://www.smore.com/u/ahs
Website: http://ashland.k12.or.us
Location: 201 South Mountain Avenue, Ashland, OR 97520, USA
Phone: 541 482 8771
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHS.Ashland.OR/
Red & White Day Calendar
Bell Schedule 2021-2022
This week's Grizz...
- Principal's Message
- Going for Gold
- PSAT - 10/13
- Class Fees, Fee Exemptions, & Free & Reduced Lunch
- School Picture Make Up Day
- School Picture Ordering & Retakes 10/21
- Mental Health Providers on Campus
- Student Covid Vaccination Clinic 9/30
- October Breakfast/Lunch Menus
- Sports
- Clubs & Activities
- Counselor Office
- College & Career Pathways: Resources for Students & Families
- FAQ
- School Websites / Social Media
- Campus Map
Principal's Message
AHS SITE COUNCIL
Hello Grizzly Families,
We are looking for parents and students that would be interested in serving on our Site Council this year. It is a volunteer position. We are hoping for a two year commitment from those that serve so that we can develop some continuity with our planning. If you were on the committee last year, we would love to have you back! We will begin monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month at 4pm, with the first meeting being Oct. 18. For now the meetings will be via Zoom until county positivity numbers improve.
Site council is a diverse group of parents, staff, administration and students that will reflect on our School Improvement Plan and develop updates for the current year. We will also discuss data, present issues and discuss solutions all with a goal of improving outcome for students at AHS. If you’re interested, please email Benjamin.Bell@ashland.k12.or.us.
Thank you,
Benjamin Bell
REMINDER: No School for Students on OCT 8 due to Teacher Inservice
Going For Gold
In our “Going for Gold” coin drive we have seen exciting efforts in filling our coin jars, though we want to encourage everyone to continue to bring their spare change to their advisory class! There is a communal coin jar located at the office for friends and family to donate to as well. Remember, you are competing for the winning prize of a shaved ice and a golden ticket that can be used to get out of a future advisory lesson. Though more importantly, you are donating to support pediatric cancer research and families who or are receiving cancer treatment. You can vote for where to donate the money that we raise here.
It was wonderful to see students on the Pjammin day, Wednesday the 22nd, in reflection of all the time that kids with pediatric cancer spend in their pajamas.
On Friday the 24th, the night of our Homecoming football game, there will be a 50/50 raffle to support the coin drive. In the 50/50 raffle, half of the money from raffle purchases will go to our coin drive donations, and the other half will be awarded to the winner of the raffle. The raffle tickets will be $2 dollars each, and you can purchase them before or throughout the football game. The winner of the raffle will be announced after the game.
PLEASE help us fundraise and reach our donation goal of $3,000 by Oct. 1st for cancer research and to support the families of children fighting cancer at: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/friends-of-jack-dorr/asd-going-for-gold-2021
PSAT - Wednesday, October 13th
Attention Sophomores and sophomore families,
The PSAT is on Wednesday, October 13th! It is required that all sophomores take the PSAT. This test will take most of the school day and students will be excused to go home once they are done testing. This test is free of charge for sophomores.
Sophomores will fill out their pre-administration packets in their Advisory classes on Monday, October 11th. It is important that they are here to do this at this time in order to begin testing right away on Wednesday morning. If your student misses this Advisory period, we will reach out to them on Tuesday to have them complete the pre-administration. On Tuesday the 12th in their English/American Studies class, students will be given their testing room assignments. We will have room assignments available on the quad Wednesday morning, as well. Students should head directly to their testing room by 8:30am on Wednesday morning.
We have a limited number of spots for juniors who would like to take the PSAT at the cost of $18. If your junior would like to sign up for the PSAT, they must pay $18 to the Main Office by Wednesday, October 6th. We accept cash, check or card. We can take a card payment over the phone at 541-482-8771.
Class Fees, Fee Exemptions, and Free & Reduced Lunch
A message from the School Bookkeeper, Steven Essig
We are so glad to have our students back in person and engaging in our school’s many hands-on classes! With that comes the return of a few class fees related to a some of those classes. As outlined in our Student/Parent Handbook and Course Catalog, some of these classes have a fee in order to pay for material costs that will be used for student projects.
In staying true to our continued effort to provide equitable learning experiences, through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion plan we want to make sure all families can access these classes by removing barriers of entry for those in need and exempting students from fees associated with the learning experience. We are able to assess these needs, take down barriers, and provide support for those in need with the help of the Free & Reduced Lunch Program1. Applications for this program must be submitted each school year, so be sure to sign up!
1 This year, breakfast and lunch programs are being provided to all students for free thanks to the USDA’s Nationwide Waiver to Allow the Seamless Summer Option and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. These provisions have served to help us make a safe, no barrier access to food for children (and families) a reality in our community for the time being.
Now that students have settled in to their classes for the semester, these class fees will be added to students according to their needs based on their eligibility for the Federal Free & Reduced Lunch Program (as outlined in the Oregon Child Nutrition Programs Federal & Oregon Expanded Income Guidelines seen below).
After those fees are added, you will be able to pay for those in person, online through PowerSchool, or over the phone. Directions will be emailed directly to students and families who have a fee incurred.
If you have questions about these steps please feel free to call or email me!
Stay awesome and stay strong,
Steven Essig
AHS Bookkeeper
steven.essig@ashland.k12.or.us
541-482-8771 ext. 2287
Class Fees & Fee Exemptions
The following elective classes have class fees related to them because of materials and equipment in the classroom. Students who are signed up and eligible for the Free & Reduced Lunch Program will be exempt from these fees, sign up here.
Fees will be applied to students accounts on 9/24/21 for Semester 1 and 1/21/22 for Semester 2, and they need to be resolved by 6/10/22. Fee ledgers will be mailed to families at the end of Quarter 1 and Quarter 3.
Art 1 & 2 - $20
Art Studio - $20
Ceramics - $20
Comic Book - $20
Computer Aided Manufacturing Lab - $30
Culinary 1 & 2 - $40
Culinary 3 & 4 - $60
Digital Photography - $20
Drafting & CAD - $15
Drawing & Painting - $20
Engineering - $15
Fiber Arts 1 & 2 - $20
Glass & Graphics - $30
Graphic Design - $20
Intro to Manufacturing - $30
Manufacturing Metals - $40
Manufacturing Woods - $40
Mechanics - $10
Mixed Media Foundations - $20
Technical Drafting and CAD - $15
Theatre 1 - $10
Free & Reduced Lunch Sign Up
You can apply for free and reduced lunch benefits here: https://family.titank12.com/
The number of families who qualify for free or reduced meals helps increase funding for our schools! The demographic information (no names or other specifics) is used by Oregon Department of Education to help allocate dollars for classrooms to help support instruction in our schools. Ashland School District encourages all families to investigate the possibility of receiving meal benefits. Applications must be submitted each school year. Applications can be picked up at your child's school office or by clicking here. Don’t forget to fill out the information waiver as well for scholarships.
For additional information and resources related to School Nutrition Services check out our District’s Nutrition Services page.
School Picture Make Up Day
How can I order school pictures?
Students will be give forms during their classes to take home and fill out for picture day. Otherwise, you can go to mylifetouch.com and use the code EVTF63KG3. For help, call 800-736-4753.
Mental Health Providers on Campus
Dear Families,
We have two mental health providers on campus. Both of us are generalists, so we both can see a wide variety of concerns (though areas of specialization are listed below). Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a school-based therapist:
Kimberly Wasserman, LCSW
Behavioral Health Specialist, Ashland School District, AHS Room H-39 (The Lounge)
- Can communicate as needed with admin. and support staff. To honor student privacy, permission will be sought from students prior to sharing information with teachers, though teachers can share information and concerns with Kimberly.
- Works on the same school calendar and schedule as teachers, so is not available during breaks.
- Responsible for carrying a small caseload of individual students, as well as running therapeutic and empowerment groups. Collaborates with district behavioral health team to meet broader mental health needs of students in ASD. Here to support staff, students, and families.
- All services are free.
- Specialization in working with survivors of trauma including, but not limited to, sexual trauma (trained in EMDR and TF-CBT, evidence-based models of trauma treatment), anxiety, conflict resolution, unhoused students.
- Kimberly can be reached at kimberly.wasserman@ashland.k12.or.us, drop-by room H39, or call x 2291. Kimberly is available from 8-4 daily.
Nikki Day, CSWA, Behavioral Health Specialist
Rogue Community Health School-Based Health Center (Located on the lower level of the Humanities Building on Mountain Ave. The health center offers both mental health and medical services).
- Requires a release from students to speak with AHS employees, though AHS staff can communicate to her about students.
- Works year-round, so might be a better choice for students who potentially have longer-term needs.
- Will be taking a larger caseload of individual clients, as that is her primary focus.
- Takes OHP (can also help students get on OHP), and other insurance. Private insurance charges a co-pay up to $25 per visit with a sliding scale.
- Specialization in working with LGBTQ youth, addiction, sexual assault, and divorce.
- Nikki can be reached by phone at 541-621-4568 (cell) or 541-842-7698 (office) or drop by the health center. The health center is open from 8:30-12:30 and 1-4 daily.
Students might prefer to work with one or the other of us which is fine. When in doubt, call Kimberly and she will work closely with Nikki and Diane Berry to make sure that every student is getting their individual needs met.
* Please note that in the state of Oregon, at age 14, youth may seek therapy independently.
Student Covid Vaccination Clinic - September 30th
For more information, click HERE.
October Breakfast/Lunch Menus
Sports
Check out AHS Athletics page on our website to learn more about sports at Ashland High School!
If you are interested in joining, you must register for sports BEFORE you are allowed to begin practice. Click HERE to register. If you have any questions, email Marg.Orlik-Hill@ashland.k12.or.us.
Homecoming Football Game 9/24
Snowboard Team
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/snowboardteamregistration2021
Get a jump on registration now if you’d like a chance to sell wreaths to offset your dues.
Optional dryland practice will start soon!
Deadline to register if selling wreaths: Oct. 15, 2021
Deadline to register for team: Dec. 1, 2021
*Dues not due until Dec. 1, 2021
Ski Racing
Nordic Ski Team
Clubs & Activities
Student Tutor Center
AHS Student Tutor Center is here! The Student Tutor Center is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3pm-4pm in the IVC.
All students are welcome for free tutoring. Academic support services include: homework help, study and organizational skills advice, paper editing, project assistance, world languages practice and test preparation.
Global Citizens Corps
Truth to Power
Since this spring, Truth To Power Club at Ashland High School has been hard at work creating a mural to honor BIPOC leaders of the Rogue Valley. Painting is now underway, and we are excited to get our community involved!
All you need to bring is a mask; we will provide paint kits, snacks, and a water bottle refill station. We look forward to seeing everyone on South Mountain Avenue next to the Ashland High School theater building on Sunday, 9/26, from 2:00-4:00pm! RSVP at https://www.truthtopowerclub.com/
Calm Mind Group
Many of us are feeling somewhat anxious these days. Anxiety has an important purpose, and it is a common emotion, but it can definitely be distressing. For some of us, feelings of anxiety, stress and worry can be overwhelming and can strongly impact our daily lives. Luckily, we can learn effective ways of preventing and managing it.
A new group is forming at school called Calm Mind to do just that. This group will be full of skills to empower you to effectively work with your anxiety. Group is a wonderful way to meet others who relate to your experience, support each other and know that you’re not alone! The group will be held in the student lounge and all participants will agree to maintain confidentiality.
Please email Kimberly Wasserman at kimberly.wasserman@ashland.k12.or.us to sign up. The time will be determined depending on the schedules of those interested.
Counseling Office
High school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period.
If you need to get in contact with your counselor regarding scheduling, academics, etc., call the counseling office at 541-482-2278 or email your counselors.
Kimberley Wasserman
kimberly.wasserman@ashland.k12.or.us
541-482-8771 Ext. 2291
Karyn Barats
Karyn.Barats@ashland.k12.or.us
x2114
Jennifer Marsden
Jennifer.Marsden@ashland.k12.or.us
x2130
College & Career Pathways: Resources for Students and Families
Seniors are diving into exploration of post high school pathways in their AHS College & Career Readiness (CCR) classes, where they are getting extensive support on finding post high school education and/or career options that are a good fit for them. Jen Marsden (AHS College & Career Specialist) and AHS counselors are providing college and career planning curriculum in CCR classes and are also available to individually help students explore their interests/options, and to assist in navigating the college admissions and financial aid process.
All 9th -11th students will be receiving grade specific career and college exploration and preparation lessons in their Advisory classes this year. Junior and senior students are strongly encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions, watch for updates on the ACT/SAT, learn about our ASPIRE program and check out the AHS College Handbook (more information included below)! We welcome students and parents/guardians to reach out to jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us or their AHS counselor with questions or to schedule an appointment regarding career and college planning.
Upcoming College & Career Pathways Info Sessions: All sessions will be on zoom from 5:30 - 6:30 pm and can be accessed at the following link: https://asdconnect-org.zoom.us/j/97711618881. The sessions will be recorded and available on the AHS YouTube Channel, where you can already find info session recordings from last year.
Tuesday, September 14 – College Pathways 101: Overwhelmed by the thought of planning for college? Finding an educational pathway that is a good fit takes some planning. AHS counseling staff will present information on college pathways, specifically geared toward junior and senior students and their families. Topics covered will include a general overview of the process of applying to both community colleges and four-year universities, ACT/SAT testing, and how to access financial aid/scholarships.
To watch the Zoom recording of this meeting click HERE.
Wednesday, September 29 – Financial Aid 101: Learn about the pathways to access financial aid and scholarships! We will discuss the process for completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), an online application which qualifies students to receive the Federal Pell Grant, the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the Oregon Promise, and government loans. Even if you think your family will not qualify for federal financial aid, it is important to complete the FAFSA. Many colleges will not give students merit aid unless they have a FAFSA on record. We will also briefly cover the CSS Profile, a separate online application many private schools use to determine institutional financial aid.
Wednesday, October 13 - Four Year Colleges and Universities - Navigating the Application Process: AHS Counseling Department staff will present information on how to make the most of the college search process, how to apply to both public and private four-year colleges and universities, ACT/SAT testing, and how to access financial aid/scholarships.
Wednesday, November 3: Community College Opportunities and Pathways: Community colleges offer an extensive array of professional training programs in fields such as Mechanics, Electronics, Culinary Arts, Massage Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Physical Therapy, Graphic Design and more! Students can also complete general education credits at a community college, receive a two-year A.A or A.S degree and then transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about these potential college and career pathways and how to access them! There will also be an overview of the Oregon Promise grant and other financial aid and scholarships available to AHS students.
AHS College Handbook
ACT and SAT Updates
Students planning on applying to four year colleges usually take ACT/SAT tests in spring of junior year and/or fall of senior year. See below for all 2021-22 test dates at AHS. If AHS has no more seat availability, students can look for open testing sites in Medford and Grants Pass. Many colleges are now “test optional” and Oregon’s public universities no longer require ACT/SAT test results for admission, but some do for eligibility for honors colleges or merit scholarships. Check individual universities for current guidelines.
Students register for the ACT and SAT online and those who qualify for free/reduced lunch are eligible for fee waivers for both tests. Please contact karyn.barats@ashland.k12.or.us to obtain a fee waiver.
2021-22 AHS Test Dates (registration deadlines are about one month before the test dates):
ACT: October 23, December 11, February 12, April 2
SAT: October 2, November 6, December 4, March 12, May 7, June 4
ASPIRE at AHS
FAQ
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Where can I drop off physical paperwork?
School Websites
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Check schedules, grades and pay fees via the PowerSchool website and app:
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This channel will contain Announcements, Parent Night Webinars, Counseling Office updates, sporting events, etc.