The Weekly FIRE
Flexibility, Integrity, Respect, Effort
issue 2: 10/12/2020
Hello Dragons-
I hope everyone in our RLA community is enjoying the fall. There are so many great things about fall: apples, pumpkin spice everything, Halloween decorations. But the best thing about fall is FALL SCHOOL CONFERENCES! It is the best because it is a time for our teachers, staff and parents to get together and talk about how we are going to work together to make sure that our students have the most successful year possible.
Like everything about this school year, our fall conferences are going to be a little different than in years past. This year parents will be able to sign up for 15-minute conferences with all of their children’s teachers. Our teachers will be open for conferences from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21st and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 22nd. Parents will be able to sign up for either a Zoom meeting or a phone call.
I hope to see each and every one of our families participating in fall conferences. This year, more than ever, it is important that teachers and parents are communicating and working together to support our students as they navigate a new way of doing school. If you have any difficulty signing up for conferences, please give us a call. We are more than happy to help you with the scheduling process.
Best Regards,
Aaron Ferguson, RLA Principal
Animal Guide of the Week:
-Laura Craford, RLA Social Worker
Just a recap from last week…For those of you who do not know what the animal cards mean…
Each newsletter I will pull a card from my deck of animal guide cards, it is our message for the week—something we need to think about, understand or that we need to remember about ourselves or a situation. This is something that I have been doing with RLA students and staff for a while now, it’s my thing. 😊 If you ever want your own card, message me (Laura) through teams or @ (740) 240-2311 and I will send you a picture of one, just like when you would come to my office for one when we were in school!
This week at RLA we are PANDAs: “Create a sacred space for yourself in your home and/or place of work.” Seems like a good time for this card as we move into week 4 of school and we have had some time to figure out what works best for us during digital learning. I know for me setting my office back up, putting my things on the wall and making it mine has helped me be more productive. What about you??
I think I would like to talk to someone...
Are you in need of Resources?
Weekly Wellness: Tips and tricks to get through online learning!!
- Julie Mack, Health and Wellness
- Go to class! Yes, it's an obvious one but in class your teachers will help you with work and you have a better chance of staying on top of the work and earning credit.
- Be creative! Rearraign your bedroom or workspace, draw, paint, journal, write, do a puzzle, design shoes or a new outfit, join the craft group with Jesse and the Trillium crew, or make a homemade card for someone. Get away from your computer for a minute, take a break, and be creative.
- It is okay to ask for help. We all need help, especially now. There are people at RLA, friends, family that are there for you. Asking for help can be tough but we all need to help each other. You may also be a support for a friend. In helping each other, we also are helping ourselves feel connected.
- Grab a glass pf water and get moving! Go for a walk, lift weights, play a sport or join Wellness class in their 15 min low-impact cardio workout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxLL9Scvmzo
I bet you never heard of Alice Augusta Ball
-Sue Rosemarin, Science
Alice Augusta Ball (July 24, 1892 – December 31, 1916) was an American chemist who developed the "Ball Method", the most effective treatment for leprosy during the early 20th century. She was the first woman and first African American to receive a master's degree from the University of Hawaii, and was also the university's first female and African American chemistry professor
Language Arts with Jo & Maureen
Lang Arts 3-4:
During Hexter 1 and 2 we are reading the book Pride by Ibi Zoboi. This is a “remix” of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice set in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The book is told from the perspective of Zuri, seventeen, who is coming to terms with her changing neighborhood, thoughts of college, and figuring out romance and relationships. The book is a great way to explore how gentrification and pride affect people and communities.
Lang Arts 1-2- Giovanna’s class:
Forgiveness is our theme for the first two hexters. We will be using excerpts from novels, articles and audio interviews from StoryCorps to examine how forgiveness impacts people. By sharing different scenarios and situations I hope we can have a better understanding of this idea and how it works in real life. Students will develop their interviewing skills too, so look out.
Students of the Week shout outs!
Angie shouts out to both of her Careers classes, Gunnar, and Debo.
- MY Careers classes have done such a great job of logging on, staying engaged, turning things in and supporting each other with tech issues as well as helping Kathi and I learn a few new tricks. I am so proud of them and can't single anyone out as they are all trying really hard.
- Gunnar for keeping at it even though it took forever to get his tech up and working. He did not quit, kept a positive attitude and is working so hard to catch up. Great job Gunnar!
- Debo for trying to navigate his job and school, staying in constant communication, and not quitting. For making a good choice to work with Kathi to find a new job so he can finish school. He asks good questions and reaches out when he needs support!
Jo shouts out to Jesus Paz Zacarias.
- Jesus for prioritizing assignments and turning in quality work.
Maya shouts out to Brokk Smith and Dimitri Travis.
- Brokk and Dimitri for their flawless attendance and awesome participation in classes. Their positive energy during this transition has been inspirational.
Sue shouts out to Kanani Walking Eagle West and Eriana Escalante
- Kanani- is doing incredible, especially considering that she dislikes computer work!! WOW!!!
- Eriana- is doing amazing work. In it to win it!!!!!
Julie shouts out to Yarely Dominguez Garcia
- Yarely for checking in when there are questions, staying on top of class work, and really taking advantage of supports. She is a really great advocate for herself and her education! Thanks Yarely!!
Maureen shouts out to Ramon Garcia, Edwin Cruz Andrea, Serno Acosta, Ana Angel Morales, and Brokk Smith.
- "Excellent job getting to class and keeping up with their work!"
Meet the RLA Staff
Aaron: Principal
My name is Aaron Ferguson and I am your school Principal. This is my 6th year as Principal at RLA and I love working here! One of my favorite parts of my job is talking to students. Although you can’t just pop by my office right now, I’m always happy to get a text, call or an email from you. I’d also love to see some of you at my open office hours or in the monthly meeting. Check farther down in the newsletter to find the links.
I am originally from Minnesota, but I lived in Chicago for twelve years before moving to Portland. Like most Minnesotans, I love Prince and Bundt cake. I live in the Cully neighborhood with my wife, son and the two cats we adopted during quarantine: Nova and Frenchie. When I’m not at school, I like to barbeque and watch television. Some of my favorite shows are Pose, Top Chef, Los Espookys, and One Day at a Time.
Gio: Science
I saw I could write a bio, so here I am. I know that "bio" is short for "biography" so if we look at the etymology of "biography" we see that "bio" means life and "graphy" means to write. So "biography" is to write about life, which in this case, is my life :). This is why Greek and Latin roots are fun, they explain how words work! Especially English, which is a weird Frankenstein language.
Now if we take this a step further, if we just say "bio", as this newsletter does. We just say "life". What does that mean? This box wants me to write about life? What kind of existential question is that?!? I am a scientist not a philosopher! Am I qualified to approach a concept so grand? Let's give it a shot.
Life, well considering all life is made of atoms and atoms are the byproduct of the explosion of stars which are born from the fusion of atoms that all started when our universe exploded into being after the Big Bang: Then life is the universe interacting with it self. If you think about it, that is a fascinating concept! EVERY SINGLE LIVING THING on this planet is the byproduct of a star exploding 4.5 billion years ago! Over the course of BILLIONS of years conditions on Earth was such that LIFE could form! and then, from that life (which was single cell mind you), small changes took place OVER BILLIONS OF YEARS that allowed life to evolve. And by some cosmic freak chance, 4.5 billion years later here we are. On a planet, zooming through space, reading a biography post from your teacher who is talking about life! How cool is that?
Sue: Science
Hello!! My name is Sue Rosemarin and I teach Science at RLA. Every since I was a child growing up in Queens, NY, I’ve been interested in nature. I went to college at the State University of New York’s college of Environmental Science and Forestry and graduated with a Wildlife Biology degree. From there I moved to the Pacific Northwest and eventually got a job at Portland Nursery and became a certified arborist. After that I ended up starting my own landscape business but to be honest, I wasn’t very good at charging people money so that didn’t go to well lol. Anyhow, my friends encouraged me to go back to school and become a teacher and here I am!!! I love nature, dogs, gardening, bike riding and kayaking.
Angie Gilbert: Trades/Careers and Internships
This the start of my 23rd year in RSD with 19 of those at RLA. I love my job and my students! I have been running the RLA Trades Program now for 17 years. I got my degree from Portland State in 2006. When I graduated high school, I went to college to become a Crime Scene Investigator and a Medical Examiner. I was two years in when I freaked out because I realized how much math and science were involved and rethought my career choice. I'm still scared to death of math, (sorry Kendra and Katherine), but like science a lot more now (Sue and Gio).
I have the cutest dog in the world who thinks he is human. He also believes he deserves all the bacon the world has to offer, so I love to go out to eat with him and my partner. The dog is spoiled rotten everywhere we go and is on Instagram posts for a ton of the restaurants around town! The photo of me is from an ax throwing event I went to a couple of years ago. The guy running it had been in competitions with Jason Momoa and Jennifer Lawrence, that was cool! I love planning surprise vacations for my partner and I each summer and can't wait to get back to travelling, especially to tropical places with warm sandy beaches and lots of snorkeling. I wish you all a great year and hope that you and your families stay healthy and safe!
Multnomah Youth Cooperative (MYC) Program Coordinator
Hi! I’m Rose Sandy and I am the Multnomah Youth Cooperative (MYC) Program Coordinator at RLA. I began substituting at RLA in 1999 and have been here full time since 2001. I love getting students engaged in their education, helping them to become active in their community and empowering them to take ownership over their lives.
I am native to Portland and love the Rose City! After graduating high school as a teen parent (from RLA), I went on to community college at Mt Hood where I received my Associate of Arts Transfer Degree. From there, I went to Portland State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, with a Psychology minor while balancing working and welcoming my second child into the family.
Outside of work I like to spend time with my 2 adult kids and my friends, hike, camp, anything outdoors, go on day trips exploring, cook, read, and check out local music shows(before Covid). I also, enjoy spending time at home with my 15 year old pitbull (Kona) and the two family cats (Cat and Ninja) while occasionally binge watching shows.
Maya Seidel: MYC Crew Leader
Multnomah Youth Corps is where she is happy to have found a work home.
Acting in her free time she has performed with local dance and theater companies.
Yearns for social distancing to be done, she hopes to connect with friends, family, and students.
Adventure calls her to the mountains, forest, and ocean.
Social Justice calls her to into action by
Educating, learning, and practicing compassion.
Ilan is the name of her baby boy, who is now 4 months old.
Daily she enjoys watching him smile, laugh, and grow.
Environmental Education is her dream job, and she is so grateful to be with MYC for a second year.
Laughing is her favorite medicine, she’s always down to talk about comedy shows.
Joe Riedl: Confluence Americorps Member, MYC program
“Joe would drop everything to go on a road trip with friends and would love to visit all the National Parks in America."
Kathi Morris: Youth Transition Program Specialist (YTP)
A.K.A. “The Job Lady”
I am starting my 6th year at RLA as the YTP Specialist. I also co-teach Careers and Internships and I instruct “extra” programs such as Job Club and Permit Prep.
I am a Military Spouse and Mom to a grown son, who is employed in the Trades Industry. My husband and I both grew up in the area and my son graduated from Reynolds High School. Some of our favorite activities are hiking, biking, hunting, golfing and playing board games with family and friends.
If you need assistance with anything that will help you with your future beyond high school, please reach out and see how I can help.
Kmorris@rsd7.net or call or text 503-708-6540
Groups, Groups & More Groups!
Chrysalis Girls Group will start at the end of October! Self-care/Wellness Group, Stress Management, Grief & Loss, Making Connections…and more. If you are interested in learning more or joining a group or you have an idea for a group, contact Laura at:
lcraford@rsd7.net or call/text (740) 240-2311
Netflix vs. Hulu vs. TikTok – meeting on Mondays, facilitated by Todd B.
What’s better Netflix or Hulu? But really TikTok is where it’s at! Come to this group to discuss all things streaming and social media and everywhere in between. We hope to build a safe space where people can talk about their favorite shows, movies, and accounts they like to follow, and maybe watch a few videos! We might also get into ways to relax, deal with stress, and balance time management so you don’t end up binging on shows until 3am every night, just on the weekends ;)
Arts and Crafts - Facilitated by Jesse, Day/Time TBA
Do you like being creative? Working with your hands? We are going to have fun with activities like Bob Ross paintings, make useful items like kinetic sand, all while enjoying space for relaxation, social interaction, and self expression! All supplies to be provided and dropped off safely.
Hip-Hop Group - facilitated by Dane Hilts
Hip hop group is an opportunity for students to express themselves through rhythm, beats and poetry. We will be sharing music and dance, making beats, finding beats on YouTube and writing our own lyrics/songs. The focus of this group is to create an artistic space for beginner or expert rappers, beat makers, and poets to build and create together.
Clubs
GSA
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is a club to unite LGBTQ+ and allies. It's a space to come together to talk and learn about sexual orientation and gender identity. A place to build community and discuss the issues that impact it and you.
This will be a safe, welcoming, and accepting space for all.
If you're interested please contact Linda at:
llamendolagilliam@rsd7.net
Join us on Mondays at 11:00 on ZOOM click the link below
ZOOM:
Meeting ID: 997 0308 6129
Passcode: 500314
October is LGBTQ+ History Month
-Linda Lamendola-Gilliam
Rodney Wilson, a history teacher in Missouri founded the LGBTQ+ History Month in 1994. He chose the month of October because it already had National Coming Out Day on the 11th and the anniversary of the first March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights on October 14, 1979.
October 12th is the anniversary of Matthew Shepard's murder:
Matthew Shepard was 21-years-old when he was murdered. He attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie. There he studied political science, foreign relations, and languages.
On October 7, 1998 just after midnight Matthew was abducted by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. They took him to a remote area, tied him to a fence, brutally beat him with the butt of a pistol and left him to die. Shepard was first mistaken as a scarecrow by a bicyclist who found him nearly 18 hours after his assault. Matthew died in the hospital on October 12, 1998.
As a result of the this hate crime, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was passed into federal law against bias crimes directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people.
To learn more check out these links:
https://www.matthewshepard.org/about-us/our-story/
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/matthew_shepard_and_james_byrd_jr_hate_crimes_prevention_act
https://www.tectonictheaterproject.org/?avada_portfolio=laramie
BSU
The Black Student Union (BSU) is an organization at Reynolds Learning Academy that is devoted to spreading the history of Black Culture. We are doing this through cultural forums, educational workshops and entertainment events. We are all unified in one voice in order to embrace and enrich Black culture. We welcome all ethnicities and value growth, development and strive for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of all our diverse histories and experiences.
Standing Motto “Unity Bridges Gaps”
Any students interested in joining the Black Student Union (BSU) please contact Ramon Hall at:
Earn CTE or Elective Credit
Want to Earn CTE or Elective Credit while learning skills you need in today’s workforce and life?
Check out Kathi “The Job Lady’s” Monday YTP Classes below.
You can earn .50 credit by attending, ask me how!
Have questions about these classes or anything else “job” or “life” related, please email me Kathi Morris at kmorris@rsd7.net or text/call me at 503-708-6540.
Job Club Class
Every 1st Monday of the Month
Nov. 2nd & Dec. 7th
Want help with resumes, cover letter’s, interviewing or applying for jobs? Then this class is for you!
Time: 1pm -2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
Permit Prep Class
Every 2nd Monday of the Month
Nov. 9th & Dec.14th
Need help preparing to take the Oregon Permit test? If so, then this is your class!
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
Soft Skills Class
Every 3rd Monday of the Month
Oct.19
Want to learn about soft skills needed in today’s job market? Want to learn what soft skills are? Come to this class and find out!
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
Kathi's Career Corner
Do you know what industry you want to work in? Want to learn more about different careers? Want to get inspired and prepared for life after high school? Each week Kathi “The Job Lady” will give you “tips and tricks” and info on these and much more! If you want individual help, contact Kathi: kmorris@rsd7.net or 503-708-6540 (text is fine).
What: Virtual Career Talks
Who: Portland Work Force Alliance
Where: Online Click here for details! https://www.portlandworkforcealliance.org/pwa-virtual-career-talks-fall-programming-for-students/
How do students sign up: Click on the link above to preregister. Questions and interaction welcome! Students are encouraged to ask questions in registration and during the session. PWA aims to align with best practices around student engagement and student privacy/safety. Educators and parents welcome too!
A Chuckle with Kendra
1. Why did Beethoven get rid of his chicken?
2. What's an astronaut's favorite key on the keyboard?
You can find the answers at the bottom of The Weekly FIRE.
Upcoming Events:
The last day of our first hexter term is Monday, October 19th. Students must complete all required work and be earning a passing grade in each of their classes by that day in order to earn credit.
Parent and family conferences where you will get to meet with your child’s teachers will be October 22nd and 23rd.
RLA’s Annual Title I Meeting for Parents to Learn More out RLA’s Program and Goals for the Year will be held on Zoom on Thursday, October 29th at 6:00 PM
https://rsd7-net.zoom.us/j/96640514304?pwd=UFRacWo3QUVxWk8rRDI5b0Z5M290dz09
Principal Office Hours and Open Family Meetings
This year the Principal will be holding regular times when you can meet with him without an appointment. Open family meetings will be held on Thursday evenings. The Principal will make some brief announcements and then open the floor for questions, comments and discussion. Office hours will be held on Thursday mornings and will be a place where you can drop in to ask a question or get help from the Principal. Dates, times and the Zoom link are below.
Helpful Links:
This is a link to your Clever login. Follow this link to get into your schoology, school email, SutdentVUE, Teams meetings and other school resources from any computer.
Remember your login is: schoolID@students.rsd7.net
Your password is your school ID number followed by your 8 digit birthday (schoolid+mmddyyyy)
You can find our general student schedule here:
https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla/student-weekly-schedule
The school calendar for 2020-2021 is here:
English:
Español:
If you are an RLA student, make sure you are signed up to get remind messages:
https://www.remind.com/join/cc7eh7
If you are an RLA parent, make sure you are signed up to get remind messages:
How to reach us:
Aaron Ferguson
Principal
503.667.4673 ex 3430
Angie Gilbert
Trades/Careers and Internships
503.667.4673 ex 3606
Brendan O'Malley
Art/Math
406-616-2852
Chris Phelps
Social Studies
503-667-4673 ex 3617
Dane Hilts
Skills Trainer
971-940-8561
Gina Bousley
Case Management
503.667.4673 ex 3613
Gio Peña
Science
971-258-0180
Giovanna Gioffre
English
503-667-4673 ex 3604
Janna Cash
Counselor
541-362-1959
Jesse Bright
Skills Trainer
503-318-2905
Jessica Sexton
School Psychologist
(360)991-9572
Jessica Kramer
Social Studies
(503)780-4809
Jim Deady
Credit Recovery
Call: 503.667.4673 ex 3045 Text: (541) 937 5460
Julie Mack
Wellness
503-667-4673 ex 3608
Karri Klock
Registrar
503-667-4673
Katherine Howton
Math
( 609) 380-1007
Kathi Morris
YTP Specialist
(503)708-6540
Kendra DeWater
Math
(971) 217-6214
Kristin Aubel Topletz
Night School
503-893-5088
Laura Craford
Social Worker
503.667.4673 ex 3620
Lauren Tobias
Case Management
503.667.4673 ex 3618
Linda Lamendola-Gilliam
SMT/GSA Leader/Newsletter Manager
(503)667-4673 x3630
Maureen Geraghty
English
503-830-1752
Neal Noble
Math
503-667-4673 ex 3609
Ramon Hall
SMT/BSU Leader
Sue Rosemarin
Science
503-667-4673 ex 3598
Terry Panowicz
Counselor
503.667.4673 ex 3627
Todd Brehm
Prevention Specialist
971-334-2009
If you need help with school work between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday you can reach out to our Night School Teacher Kristin Aubel Topletz at 503-893-5088 or email her at kaubeltopletz@rsd7.net
Si desea comunicarse con algún miembro del personal y desea ayuda en español, puede comunicarse con nuestra enlace familiar Nancy Gutierrez Leon llamando al 503-667-4673 ex 3634 o enviándole un correo electrónico a NGutierrezLeon@rsd7.net. También puede enviarle mensajes de texto al 971-236-3174.
Answers to: A Chuckle with Kendra
1. Because it kept saying "Bach, Bach, Bach..."
2. The space bar...
Reynolds Learning Academy
Website: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla
Location: 20234 Northeast Halsey Street, Fairview, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 667-4673