Tornado Watch
March 2020
Letter from the Principal
Dear North Medford family and friends,
You may have heard that our NMHS mission is to “Release the power of potential through learning, labor, and love.” To accomplish this mission, we strive to ignite every students’ imagination through rigorous academics, high-interest electives, and our extra-curricular programs. We are continuing to evolve our Pathways Programs that align these studies to careers of their choosing. This work is highly rewarding for the teacher and learner alike. However, there are even more positive things happening than simply a plethora of programs.
9th grade students attended the “Careers in Gear” career fair, 100% of tenth graders were eligible to take the PSAT, 100% of our Juniors were eligible the ACT test – fully funded by our district, and our bands, theater, choirs, and arts pathways have been going full-tilt. Students have been engaged in athletic competitions as well as academic competitions throughout the state. The dynamic relationships centered on learning and achieving are thriving. Our vision for the future is a collective voice from our students, parents, teachers, and our community members. We enjoy a high degree of support and are working side-by-side with families to deliver on our mission and fulfill our vision for our students.
Sincerely,
Daniel P. Smith
I’ve attached the following memo from our Executive Director of Teaching and Learning that she shared with our Board of Education:
1:1 Chromebook Pilot Update:
As you probably know, we piloted a 1:1 Chromebook initiative with all 9th graders this year. We have been evaluating this initiative through students, family and staff surveys as well as discussions with staff.
Based on all of the feedback, the implementation of 1:1 Chromebooks will look differently next year. The plan is to collect devices at the end of this school year for maintenance and service. Starting fall 2020, any student who does not have a device at home will have the ability to check one out (just as they would check out a book.) Core classrooms (English, Science, Math) and any other classrooms with high usage will have access to Chromebook carts so that they are charged and ready to use for students.
Jeanne Grazioli
Executive Director, Teaching and Learning
OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY – CORONAVIRUS
Medford School District Community,
Please see the following COVID-19 update from the Jackson County Health Department. We are also keeping our website updated with information here: www.medford.k12.or.us/covid19.
Currently, Jackson County has ZERO confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. COVID-19 should not be confused with the common human coronavirus. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Jackson County, you will hear the confirmation directly from Jackson County Public Health and Oregon Health Authority.
Human coronavirus, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives. Your medical provider may run a respiratory panel to see if you have human coronavirus. Currently, these general testing panels DO NOT test for COVID-19.
There is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19, including the number of confirmed cases in Oregon. Please be sure you are getting information from credible resources.
- 211 information is available to answer your general questions
- OHA Emerging Respiratory Disease page: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus
- CDC COVID-19 page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- CDC travel notice: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE WEEK
March 2-March 6: Thank you to our hard working classified Staff for the endless commitment to our school.
SENIOR BOARD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Dear North Medford Parents and Community:
Connections made between high school students and community members can be invaluable. Judging Senior Board speeches is an excellent way to do this! During the senior year, students at NMHS participate in a three-part graduation requirement called the Senior Experience. This capstone of their high school career is a three-part process consisting of an independent project, a research paper, and a presentation to a board composed of high school staff and community members. All NMHS seniors participate. Students work hard to meet the goals of the project, growing personally and academically in the process. As a judge, you would commit to approximately three and one-half hours at NMHS. During this time, under the guidance of an experienced head judge, you will review portfolios completed by five or six students and then view and give feedback on their speeches. For most students, this is an exciting and scary moment. Judges find it enjoyable and informative to listen, support, question, and admire student achievement. This year’s boards are set for May 21 and 22; judges may participate on either one or both days. Check-in begins at 12:15 p.m., which offers adequate time to look through materials, review the scoring guide, and ask the head judge questions about the process. Presentations are over by 4 p.m. Judges and students take a twenty minute break in the middle of the process to enjoy a delicious variety of appetizers, desserts, and drinks provided by our culinary arts staff.
You will be signing up through our district office at that time (the link is still in development), and you will be reminded approximately two weeks prior to the boards.
Thank you for supporting our school and students. We look forward to seeing you in May.
Sincerely,
Summer Cox, Jamie Leach, and Tonya Noon-Toledo
Senior Board Coordinators
AVID
Please include:
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is now accepting applications for next year. AVID is a college readiness class designed to enable students to develop skills to be successful in high school and college. AVID focuses on study habits, organization, note-taking, writing, speaking, and listening. AVID students participate in study groups (tutorials). Guest speakers from a variety of professions share to expand interest and understanding of possible future professions. Students participate in college field trips, community service, apply for scholarships, and complete college applications. This program is for highly motivated students with average and medium to high standardized test scores and gpa. Students must apply for and be accepted into the AVID program. Once accepted to the program, students stay with the same group of students through the rest of high school.
SCIENCE BOWL
NMHS Science Bowl News
The NMHS Varsity Science Bowl team participated in the BPA Regional Science Bowl tournament at the University of Portland on Feb 22nd, 2020. The NMHS Varsity team of Parker Landon, Brenden Pollard, Daniel Denney, Ammon Ormerod, and Grace Bryan competed in the 51 team tournament. They bested the Valley Catholic and Riverdale teams and were outmatched on the day against the Jesuit HS and Forest Grove teams, who were both among the top 16 teams in the tournament. The North Medford Varsity team won first place and earned a $200 prize in the SciClips video contest. Special mention goes to Parker Landon for his work editing the video footage, which featured all 5 members of the Varsity Science Bowl team. Please congratulate the NMHS Science Bowl team members on their success!
L-R Grace Bryan, Daniel Denney, Ammon Ormerod, Parker Landon, Brenden Pollard
NEWS FROM THE TORNADO FUTURE CENTER
ASVAB- Students wanting to take the ASVAB test should sign up on the Google Form. The ASVAB is given to Juniors and Seniors. Sophomores may take it but will take a different test than others. The final ASVAB test at North for this school year will be on March 20th 8:45 -12
See Jeri Childress in the Tornado Future Center if you have questions
SAT/ACT PREP CLASSES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Ages 15-18
This college prep class will provide you with effective strategies for taking both the verbal and math sections of the SAT as well as honing your writing skills for the essay portion and touching upon similar sections of the comparable ACT. Under the guidance of a highly qualified instructor, you will review important subject matter, have the opportunity for individual questions and practice test self-assessment, learn to control test anxiety and manage time, and gain helpful strategy tips to have a positive SAT and ACT experience.
SOU Ashland Campus
5 sessions, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30 pm
Additional Test practice date Saturday, April 18th
April 8 - April 22
The Campbell Center, Room C
655 Frances Lane
Ashland, OR 97520
This class is preparation for multiple tests:
SAT: May 2nd and ACT: June 13th
Fee: $240 All materials are included
10% Discount available for SOU students, Alumni, ASC and EE Students
20% discount for SOU Staff
To Register: Call (541) 552-6452
Seniors Upcoming Important Dates to Mark on your Calendar!
March 1st OSAC Scholarship Application Final Deadline.
March 18 Application Deadline to Speak or Perform at Graduation
March 20th Final ASVAB Test for this School year 8:45 a.m. Sign up via Google Form
March 28th Pear Blossom Senior Royalty Competition- North Medford Auditorium
Princess Zoe Walton Competes for the Pear Blossom Queen Title and Scholarship
April 1st- Central Oregon Community College 9:30 Help with Applications and Q&A Session
April 7th Jostens Delivery Day for Caps & Gowns
April 9th Auditions for Speakers & Performances at Graduation
April 14th Senior Survey/Graduation Ticket Orders open This will close on May 11th The only way to order
Graduation Tickets is to complete the Senior Survey.
April 23rd Rogue Community College Nicole Longoria will be here to meet with seniors to go over their
placement process. Seniors who are attending RCC should sign up on the google form sent out
May 1st Decision Day Celebration 10:45-12- North Celebrates with Our Seniors who have made their
College Decisions, Career Decisions, Military Decisions or have their next step planned out. Sign up on the google form
May 8th North Medford Foundation Scholarship Awards Morning 8-10 a.m. Seniors who have earned
scholarships will be invited.
May 11th Senior Survey /Final chance to order Graduation Tickets Closes
May 19th Senior Academic Awards Celebration 7 p.m. Students who qualify will receive an invitation.
May 21-22nd Senior Boards
May 22nd Senior Farewell Assembly North Bids our Seniors Farewell and you leave through the tunnel!
May 29th Grad Walk- Seniors revisit their Elementary School and Middle School to see teachers and
administrators who were a part of your K-12 Education.
May 29th Senior Breakfast after Grad Walk
May 29th Graduation Practice 12:45-3:00 REQUIRED if you are walking at Graduation
May 30th GRADUATION!
Seniors who would like to speak or perform during the Graduation Ceremony may pick up an audition application from Jeri in the Tornado Future Center now. Applications are due by March 18th. Turn in to Jeri. Auditions will be April 9th.
College Bound Students be sure you keep an eye on your email from the colleges you have applied to. They will be sending out Acceptance letters, Housing Information, Financial Aid Award Letters. All of this is time sensitive so be sure you keep a close eye on things.
Oregon Promise- If you are attending a Community College and have a 2.5 or higher GPA, be sure you apply for the Oregon Promise Grant through OSAC! They will send out notifications in March. Watch your email closely!
Check the NMHS Website for Updates to the Calendar! https://www.medford.k12.or.us/Page/45
The Class of 2020 Google Classroom will be where NMHS Seniors will go to have access to the Google Forms listed above! We will post updates in Google Classroom as well. The code is 6e3iwmv
YEARBOOK PRICES
$65
If you have questions or concerns regarding senior pictures or the yearbook, please contact Curtis Stout at 541-842-5311 or by email at: curtis.stout@medford.k12.or.us
CONGRATULATIONS TO BOYS BASKETBALL
Congratulations to the North Medford boys’ basketball program for their Championship run in the 30th Annual Abby’s Classic Basketball tournament. The boys beat Ashland and McNary on their way to the championship game vs crosstown rival South Medford where North defeated South 68-48, to win the crown! Congrats to coach Plankenhorn and his staff as well as players Jett Carpenter and Nick Karrick for making the All-tournament team!