The Weekly FIRE
Flexibility, Integrity, Respect, Effort
issue 1: 10/05/2020
Welcome to the first issue of The Weekly FIRE, the RLA newsletter!
It has been so wonderful to see and talk to so many of you over the last few weeks as you have come in to pick up Chromebooks and other materials or have reached out for support getting started with online learning. I miss seeing you all in the building every day and I can’t wait for the time when we can all be in the building safely together again.
Adjusting to online learning takes a lot of hard work, patience and perseverance. I am so proud of our students, their families, our teachers and our staff for everything you have done to help us get this school year started. This is new for all of us and I especially want to thank everyone who has called or emailed to let us know if something is not working or needs to be adjusted. Your feedback helps us make sure that all parts of our online learning program are working for our students. Please continue to reach out as you notice things that need to be changed or improved.
One of our top goals for this school year is to make sure that we are communicating effectively with all of our students and families. We need some help from you to make that happen.
- Please make sure you have an active ParentVUE account and that you are checking it at least once per week.
- Make sure that we have an email address for you and that you check that email account regularly. You can do this in ParentVUE or you can call our Registrar Karri Klock at 503-667-4673
- If you have not done so already, make sure that you and your child is signed up to get messages through Remind. Please call the school to update your information if you are not receiving these text messages or have changed your cell phone number,
- Make sure that we have your up to date mailing address and phone number. You can do this in ParentVUE or you can call our Registrar Karri Klock at 503-667-4673.
We hope that you find this newsletter helpful. If you have questions or suggestions about how we can better communicate with you and support your child in having a successful school year, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Best Regards,
Aaron Ferguson, RLA Principal
Animal Guide of the Week:
For those of you who do not know what this card means…
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 through teams or @ (740) 240-2311 and I will send you one, just like when you would come to my office for one when we were in school!
This week at RLA we are CAMELs: “Trust that you have the resources to get through the challenges before you.” I think this is perfect for the beginning of the school year, especially this one as we have all had to adjust and adapt to Covid world, wildfires, and distance learning…
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!!
- Create a routine! Get up, wash your face, and brush your teeth. Simple things to get yourself ready to participate in class (even if you don't show your face)
- Create a workspace for yourself. Do you have what you need for learning ready? Create a space where you can spread out and it is clutter free.
- Grab a glass of water! Water will help you to stay focused in these long classes!
- Get some exercise! Sitting all day is really tiring and can strain your back and hips. Stretch out. Try the workout wellness class is doing this week. 15 minute cardio boxing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWLEkO0MlXs
- Take a break from the computer! By the end of the day you have a headache, or your eyes are tired? Too much screen time is tough on you. Go for a walk, make dinner with your family, walk to the park or store, go see your neighbor, play a sport...
Virtual Learning can be tough! Be patient and make sure you are connecting with your teachers and trying your best!!
I bet you never heard of...
Ellen Ochoa
Ellen O. Ochoa (born May 10, 1958) is an American engineer, former astronaut and former Director of the Johnson Space Center. In 1993 Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman to go to space when she served on a nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
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.
First, though, we are working on a piece called “2020 Made Me…” (From OWP). How has 2020 made you feel? Stronger, defeated, uplifted, tired, angry, inspired, happy, calm, scared, brave?
2020 Made Me….
2020 made me alive
Feeling in love and together; alone and afraid
Shocked with disbelief and inspired to fight
Every day a new way to feel; repeating despair and joy
The calm and catastrophe competing for space in my heart
2020 made me grateful
Not taking for granted one single minute of my privileged life
Knowing it can all end at any minute
Thankful for a life full of friendship and wanting to pay it back
Or forward
2020 made me see
Things for what they are, how they are. I always knew
But now I can’t unsee. How blind we’ve been.
It’s time to wake up, look up. See with your eyes
They’re connected to your heart.
2020 made me care
We slide through life always looking for tomorrow
To solve the problems we created today.
What if we could find a solution today?
Do you care enough to try?
2020 you have forever changed us; we will never be what we were. You made me alive, compassionate and perceptive. We don’t know what will come in 2021, but we know we will create it from your ashes.
2021, bring us your best, your worst. I’m ready.
Students of the Week shout outs!
- Samantha is new to RLA this year and has participated in all of her classes continuously and has created a welcoming and connecting atmosphere in advisory. Welcome to RLA and great work starting off the year positively!
- Asher for being a supportive classmate!
Sue shouts out to Nini Ross and Anthony Leon Juarez.
- Nini - for really being on top of her work when she has so much to juggle!! She is in it to win it!!
- Anthony - for taking his senior year so seriously and making sure he is caught up - he's doing awesome!!!
Sean McFall shouts out to Angel Armenta Godinez.
- Angel has shown up everyday on time and Ready to work and is setting a great example for the trades program!
Laura shouts out to Ana Angel Morales.
- Ana has had a great start to the year! Well done!
Jo shouts out to Maria Esquivel and Silen Mora.
- Nice start to the school year, keep up the good work!
Maureen shouts out to Janet Galindo.
- Janet has been on top of it. She is a great student who has been turning in quality work.
Meet the RLA Staff
Counselor
I am Terry Panowicz one of your school counselors, this is my 21st year as a school counselor and my 11th at RLA. I am a lifelong Oregonian. I earned my Bachelor’s degree at University of Oregon and my Master’s degree from Lewis and Clark college. One of my first jobs after I graduated from college was with MYC. Working with the staff at RLC (Reynolds Learning Center- before it was the Academy) inspired me to go back to school and become a school counselor with the hope of eventually working at RLA! I have worked at Astoria High School, Reynolds High School and Davis elementary until I landed my dream job here.
Outside of my job I enjoy cooking and planning parties for friends and family- I perfected the balloon arch while home during the pandemic! To relax I love to read cookbooks and spend time on Pinterest researching recipes. My favorite thing to do is bake or cook someone’s favorite childhood recipe. I also love to travel. Two of my favorite places to travel to over and over again are the San Juan Islands in Washington and New York City- two totally different kinds of experiences!
Outside my friends and family, the most important being in my life is my 2-year-old, terrier mix, Franny. She adopted me last year and has been by my side (and sometimes on my head) ever since. She brings lots of love and laughter to my life. During these strange and sometimes stressful times, I try and remind myself to take a deep breath in and remind myself of these things that bring me joy and then breathe out and be grateful.
Terry Panowicz: 503-667-4673 xt 3627, Tpanowicz@rsd7.net
Counselor
I am originally from Philadelphia and have lived in Colorado and Las Vegas before landing in Portland a couple years ago. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa and a Graduate degree in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Colorado.
Outside of school I love taking hikes with my family, gardening, and baking. I look forward to a one of a kind year with everyone!
Janna Cash: Call/text 541-362-1959 Or on Remind, jcash@rsd7.net
Social Worker
Hello RLA Dragons! I am Laura Craford, the RLA Social Worker. This is my 5th year at RLA and although it will look so different than the previous 4, I cannot wait to get going! If you want/need counseling support, resources for yourself or family, a HOP card, or a walk around the track, whatever, just check in with me and we can figure it out!
Before RLA, I spent 20 years (I know I don’t really look old enough for that) doing similar work in other schools and advocating for youth in foster care. I am originally from New York, but have been on this coast since college. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking (and eating), hiking, the beach and the woods, traveling, hanging out with my friends, and I am also a mom to 3 kiddos.
Laura: cell: 740-240-2311, office: 503-667-4673 x3620, lcraford@rsd7.net
Trillium Prevention Specialist
Todd has worked in schools, supporting students in reaching their goals, for more than 7 years. He has been a middle and high school teacher, student advocate, tutor, mentor, and school social worker. Being at RLA now, Todd’s very excited to connect with the students and community and to learn how to breathe fire like a Dragon. For fun, Todd likes to ride his bike, have fun in nature, cook potatoes, and play with blocks with his 2-year old son. Mental Health, racial and social justice, wellness, stress, school, Netflix, Rock and Roll, and food are all topics that Todd feels passionately about and is always willing to discuss with anyone.
Todd Brehm
Trillium Prevention Specialist
tbrehm@trilliumfamily.org; 971-334-2009
Trillium Prevention Skills Trainer
This is Jesse’s 6th school year as a Skills Trainer at RLA. She is also in her second year of the Master of Social Work graduate program at Portland State University. Jesse has a rescue dog named McClane (like from Die Hard) and enjoys cooking, football, scary movies, and being out in nature. She is excited to help the students transition to distance learning, facilitate skill building, and support them with their mental health. We are all in this together!
Jesse Bright
Trillium Prevention Skills Trainer
503-318-2905
Trillium Prevention Skills Trainer
Dane was born and raised in Portland, OR and enjoys doing anything creative, especially helping people write lyrics and put music together. He focused on Spanish at Seattle U and became fluent when he studied abroad in Mexico. As seen in the picture above he also loves dogs and has recently adopted a crazy blue heeler named Luna. Dane is very excited to be joining the dragons this year and looks forward to meeting, connecting, and creating with you all.
Dane Hilts
Trillium Prevention Skills Trainer
971-940-8561
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
1st meeting Monday Oct. 12th at 11:00 on ZOOM click the link below
ZOOM:
Meeting ID: 997 0308 6129
Passcode: 500314
National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11th!
The very first National Coming Out Day celebration was in 1988. This took place a year after the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights. Richard Eichberg, a psychologist and Jean O'Leary, a gay rights activist were the founders of National Coming Out Day. To learn more check out these links:
https://lgbtq.gmu.edu/programs-services/national-coming-out-day/
https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/11/us/national-coming-out-day-trnd/index.html
BSU
Kathi's Career Corner
Do you want to apply for a job but don’t know how? Do you need help with a resume or cover letter? Are you prepared for an interview? Each week Kathi “The Job Lady” will give you “tips and tricks” on these and much more! If you want individual help, contact Kathi: kmorris@rsd7.net or 503-708-6540 (text is fine).
The 4 most common mistakes young adult job candidates make during job interviews:
1. Showing up late (79%)
2. Dressing inappropriately (70%)
3. Avoiding eye contact (68%)
4. Checking their phone (58%)
A Chuckle with Kendra
1. Why is the astronaut's birthday party going to be the best?
2. What is the weight of all the bones in the human body?
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
(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. All the stars will be there...
2. One skele-ton!
Reynolds Learning Academy
Website: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla
Location: 20234 Northeast Halsey Street, Fairview, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 667-4673