The Weekly FIRE
Flexibility, Integrity, Respect, Effort
issue 8: 11/30/2020
Hello Dragons!
I hope you had a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving break.
I want to remind you that we have TWO WEEKS left of our second hexter.
Parents- if you haven’t done so lately, now is a great time to sit down with your child and go through their grades with them in ParentVUE or StudentVUE. With two weeks left in the term, students still have time to make up missing work. Make sure to set aside some time to check your child’s grades and make a plan. Remember- if you have a question for a specific teacher you can find every teacher’s contact information at the end of this newsletter.
Students- remember that if you have incompletes from last spring, you can likely earn credit in those courses by passing your current classes.
Let’s stay home, stay safe and finish this hexter strong!
Go Dragons!
Principal Aaron
Animal Guide of the Week:
-Laura Craford, RLA Social Worker
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!
Manatee
This week at RLA we are MANATEES: “Accept the situation as it is rather than fighting to change it.” This is one of the cards that has shown up for me consistently during harder periods in my life. I assume the manatee is to remind me that sometimes I need to choose my battles, I need to think about what is truly important and put my energy there. “Lay down your sword, not in defeat or in self-sacrifice, but from the realization that this isn’t the fight you want or need to engage in.” What should we be spending our time and energy on right now? What will benefit us and what will get in the way? I can’t believe it, but we only have one month left of 2020. So…as 2020 comes to a close, I want to spend my energy thinking about the things I am grateful for from the past 11 months. We got an amazing Phoenix trip in right before Covid and we are working on something for Spring 2021. We pulled off a sweet graduation for our 2020 graduates that left me in tears and with a sore throat from cheering so much. Despite an abrupt smoky end to the summer and our desire to be together in person for school, teachers and students have shown their dragon strength and grit to make it through the first two Hexters of the school year. I am laying down my sword. I am spending the last month of 2020 leaning in instead of pushing against. How will you lean in and accept the manatee?
After school drop in support group for students
Tuesday’s @ 3:30 & Thursday's @11:30 with Laura:
https://rsd7-net.zoom.us/j/95828308125
Meeting ID: 958 2830 8125
I think I would like to talk to someone...
Are you in need of Resources?
Do you want to talk to Janna Cash, the school counselor?
Do you have questions about your credits, transcript, or graduation plan? Students and parents can schedule a meeting with her here!
Lines for Life
Parents! Families! Looking for some extra support?!?!
The RLA Parents Support group starts Nov. 2nd! Below is the flyer with the time and zoom link. Please join us to learn ways to connect with other parents and support you and your child through these hard times.
¡Padres, Madres y familias! ¡¿Buscando más apoyo?!
Weekly Wellness Tips:
1. Grab a glass of water!
2. Do you have 8 minutes to find your balance and try out some self-love? Yes, you do!!
I bet you never heard of Victor J. Glover
-Sue Rosemarin, Science
Navy commander and test pilot Victor J. Glover is now the first Black astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station.
Commander Glover and three other astronauts departed on Sunday in a capsule called Resilience and will spend about six months aboard the space station.
Glover is not the first African American to visit the space station, but previous members were parts of space shuttle crews who only made brief stays at the center.
A native of Southern California, Glover is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University and earned three master’s degrees — in in-flight test engineering, systems engineering and military operational art and science — in three years.
The Science Behind COVID-19 Prevention
Who knows an anti-mask person? Who knows a person who wears a mask like this?
(source: https://www.rochesterregional.org/news/2020/07/how-not-to-wear-a-mask)
On this week's, The Science Behind COVID-19 Prevention is why wear a mask?
I get it, masks are a pain, but then again so is EVERYTING about this pandemic. The mater of the fact is masks save lives. This is not a political statement; this is scientific fact. This is why medical professionals, public health experts, and scientists alike argue that EVERYONE should wear a mask. If this was not true, doctors would not wear a mask during surgery, construction workers would not wear them when working with hazardous material (like asbestos), and firefighters wear them when fighting flames. The simple truth is masks keep out or limit harmful particles from exiting and/or entering our lungs.
Now I get that a cloth mask is vastly different then a firefighter mask, but the general science is the same. In COVID times, masks help to stop the spread of a disease that has killed almost a 1/4 of a million of people in the United States alone. Even if you are not sick, you can spread COVID if you are infected. A mask should represent respect for your fellow citizen. How it became political is as bizarre as it is sad, for the science is in people!
Don't take my word for it! Check out this cool video from Vox. In it you will not only SEE how masks slow the spread of COVID, you will learn how to protect yourselves from COVID, how to wear a mask, and why N95 masks are different from others.
Before I go, next time we will explore Mask Myths, why? BECAUSE MASKS ARE THAT IMPORTANT!
Stay safe and wear a mask!
Students of the Week shout outs!
- Brayden Butterfield – always a pleasure to see you in class!! Thanks for being the awesome guy you are!
Alexis Hurtado Dominguez – you are doing great!! I’m so proud of you!
- Marshelly Marcial Jacinto – Wow!! You don’t let setbacks such as computer problems discourage you one bit – you just jumped back in and are rocking it – you are awesome
- Armando Quintero – I can hardly keep up with you! I hope to someday meet you – you are rocking it!!
- Daniel Nanez – I see how hard you are trying!!! I believe in you – you can do this!!!!
- Damien Welch – Great job last week! I know you’ve got this. I also appreciate your sense of humor!!!!
Maureen shouts out to:
- Debo Francisco Ascencio- hard worker, great communicator, awesome participation, all around good human!
- Alexandra Beltran Aispuro- Excellent work and participation! Wonderful human!
- Nasren Abdullahi- Awesome job on her interview! Getting an A and rocking LA!!
- Yarely Dominguez Garcia- Great job on turning in work and communicating about what she needs!!!
- Daisy Juarez- for hard work and going strong!
Phelps shouts out to:
- Viance Mendez Hernandez- 100% attendance 100% work turned in!
- Alexander Yeamans- 100% attendance this hextar!
- Starr Aguilera and Carlos Munoz Guzman- 100% attendance 100% work turned in in advisory and Global Studies! You guys rock.
Jim shouts out to:
Alexis Fanning, Tatijana Guerrero, and Asher Cruz- for overcoming inertia and getting started on their Edgenuity classes this week.
Giovanni Cervantes, and David Vasquez- for their consistent effort on Edgenuity over the past two months. They seem to know that if you get in there and make a little progress every week you will inevitably get done and earn some credit.
- Myrka Sanchez- for making absolutely the most progress in any credit recovery class this week.
Jo shouts out to:
- Armando Quintero, Sammi Inda, Jesus Paz Zacarias, Yarely Dominguez Garcia, Gage Crowner, Jocelyn Ramirez Avila, Aleia Ochoa and Naomi Arauza Ortiz
ROCK ON!
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:
Looking for a job but all the opportunities say, “seasonal worker” or “temporary”? Got hired but want it to last longer than the Holidays? Read this article and see how you can up your chances on making it a permanent gig. Each week Kathi “The Job Lady” will give you “tips and tricks” on this and much more! If you want individual help, contact Kathi: kmorris@rsd7.net or 503-708-6540 (text is fine).
How to Turn a Seasonal Job into a Permanent One
If you're having trouble landing a permanent job, seasonal work can be a short-term fix. It's even possible to turn a seasonal position into a permanent one.
Companies like Fred Meyers and Target are adding thousands of workers for the Holiday Season. If you're unemployed, landing one of these jobs gets you a foot in the door. That can be all you need to turn a temporary position into a permanent one if you treat the opportunity the right way. Here is how….
Be a great employee
- That means you should work hard, do everything you're asked to, and make every effort to perform your work to the best of your ability.
Take every learning opportunity
- If you get a chance to work wherever an extra person is needed. Make every effort to gain skills in multiple departments.
- Make sure that human resources and your immediate supervisor know you're looking for a permanent position.
- One way to make yourself stand out at a company that has taken on multiple seasonal workers is to raise your hand to every opportunity.
- As a seasonal worker you may have to work even harder because you have only a limited period to distinguish yourself -- but in any job it's about showing the best of yourself.
MASKS SAVE LIVES
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Save a Life, Wear a Mask
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 in GSA or have any questions about the club, please contact Linda at:
Join us on WEDNESDAYS at 10:30 on ZOOM
ZOOM: Meeting ID: 997 0308 6129 & Passcode: 500314
December 1st is World AIDS Day
The very first global health day was in 1988. Each year on December 1st World AIDS day is recognized across the globe. It's a day to come together and educate people on the fight against AIDS.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome) still remains a problem throughout the world and the United States. It's a viral infection that can be transmitted sexually through semen and vaginal fluid as well as through blood and and breast milk, but NOT saliva. With some awareness and precautions, it is preventable from spreading or contracting.
Even though over the years there have been great strides in it's prevention and ability to live a longer healthier life, there still is no cure. World AIDS Day is a day we remember the ones we have lost and try to educate ourselves to have a healthier future.
The US government theme for the 2020 observance is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact”.
According to the CDC in 2018 there were:
Of those 37,968 newly diagnosed the most affected subpopulations were:
No matter your sexual orientation some activities put people at increased risk for both STDs and HIV
- Having anal, vaginal, or oral sex without a condom;
- Having multiple sex partners;
- Having anonymous sex partners;
- Having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lower inhibitions and result in greater sexual risk taking.
What can people do to reduce their risk of getting STDs and HIV?
The only 100% effective way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If people are sexually active, they can do the following things to lower their chances of getting STDs and HIV:
- Choose less risky sexual behaviors;
- Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex throughout the entire sex act (from start to finish);
- Reduce the number of people with whom they have sex;
- Limit or eliminate drug and alcohol use before and during sex;
- Have an honest and open talk with their healthcare provider and ask whether they should be tested for STDs and HIV.
- Talk with their healthcare provider and find out if either pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a good option for them to prevent HIV infection.
(source https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/stdfact-std-hiv-detailed.htm)
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:
Groups, Groups & More Groups!
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
1. Hip-Hop Group: Monday, 3pm on ZOOM
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. Check in with Dane.
https://trilliumfamily.zoom.us/j/99693631547
Password: hiphop
2. Netflix vs. Hulu vs. TikTok: Monday, 2pm on ZOOM
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 ;)
https://trilliumfamily.zoom.us/j/94708901770
Password: Netflix
3. Arts & Crafts: Thursday, 3:30pm
Arts and Crafts Group with Jesse will be Thursday at 3:30pm over zoom. Due to the large interest in this group and the limited amount of supplies available, not everyone who expressed interest will be able to participate this time. However, we may be able to run a second arts and crafts group in the future. Jesse will be coordinating with students to drop off supplies as well as provide the zoom link before Thursday. For questions, call Jesse: 503-318-2905.
If you’ve already signed up for a group, check your student email and you will get a reminder and link to join the group on the first day. If you’re still interested in one of the available groups then just follow the link/password to join at the right time! Any questions reach out to the Trillium team:
Todd Brehm, tbrehm@trilliumfamily.org 971-334-2009
Jesse Bright jbright@trilliumfamily.org 503-318-2905
Dane Hilts dhilts@trilliumfamily.org 971-940-8561A Chuckle with Kendra
1.What did Autumn say to Summer?
2.What do you call a snowman crossed with a vampire?
You can find the answers at the bottom of The Weekly FIRE.
Upcoming Events:
Hexter 3 starts December 15th
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/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
2. Frostbite.
Reynolds Learning Academy
Website: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla
Location: 20234 Northeast Halsey Street, Fairview, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 667-4673