The Weekly FIRE
Flexibility, Integrity, Respect, Effort
issue 6: 11/09/2020
Hello Dragons-
One of the interesting things about distance learning is how much we are all learning together at the same time. For me that means I am learning how to be a Principal of an online school while I am also learning how to be a parent of an online school student.
Like many students across the land, my own son has not hesitated to let us know that he does not care for online learning and cannot wait to get back into the classroom. To help support him better, his mom and I decided that I should take half an hour each night and go through his assignments with him.
Dragons, I’ll be honest. At first it was TERRIBLE. My kiddo did not like having to get back into his schoolwork after I got home in the evening and it was no fun for me either. But, we stuck with it. First it got easier, and then it got kind of fun. I’ve gotten better at giving him feedback and he has gotten better at fixing his work. Now it’s half an hour filled with small victories and high fives.
Parents- I know your students are older than mine and can seem like they are able to do everything independently. Even if you think that is the case, I highly recommend setting some time aside to have your child walk you through his or her schoolwork each night. You might not know all the answers. That’s OK- neither do I and my kiddo is in 5th grade! Sometimes we are just writing down questions for him to ask his teachers tomorrow. If you can’t do half an hour, do 10 minutes! If you can’t manage to do it every night, try setting aside time twice a week. A good place to start is by opening up your ParentVUE or by having your child open up their StudentVUE. There you can see your child’s current grades and any missing assignments AND you can email a teacher if you have a question.
You both might hate at it at first! We sure did. But stick with it. Your child needs your attention and support right now (even if they tell you they don’t). Who knows- it might end up being one of your better memories of this weird time.
P.S. Happy Trans Awareness Week to all my trans and non-binary Dragons from your out and proud Principal!
Best Regards,
Aaron Ferguson, RLA Principal
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!
Boar
This week at RLA we are BOARS: “Face your problems head-on with confidence and courage, and you will emerge victorious.” Well Dragons, that is what I’m doing this week, what about you!?! It seems like the only option as we continue to do school from home, deal with mask life, and wonder about the state of the world. This week I’ve spent time listening to one of my favorite pod casters, authors and speakers. I posted some of her words on my wall in my office that I look at every day. They feel particularly relevant right now. She says,
People are hard to hate up close. Move in.
Speak truth to bulls***. Be civil.
Hold hands with strangers.
Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.
In tough times I go back to that to remind me who I want to be in this world. When the boar came up this week for us it seemed perfect—with confidence and courage we will push through and come out on top…and we can do it together Dragons.
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?
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:
- Julie Mack, Wellness
Have you ever just taken a break and tried to Meditate? Try out the 10-minute guided mediation to help slow down and clear your mind. Breathe and take a few minutes for yourself before you log back into class, start working or homework or going back to the video game or show you are binging!!
Language Arts/ Wellness
Wellness and Language Arts classes are taking pride in our neighborhoods and community this hexter. Julie, Kristin, Maureen and Jo found common ground in their classes and offered students an opportunity to work together on a project. Did you know the neighborhood you grow up in can affect your future? The place where you live has a huge impact on how you live, travel, play, and on your identity as a person. We asked students to, "Share your neighborhood with us in this walking tour scavenger hunt." Students have the option to do a slide show, video or report with photos and visuals. We can't wait to see what students come up with! Julie provided an excellent video based on RLA's immediate neighborhood.
Language Arts 1-2
- Jo Gioffre, Language Arts
In my Language Arts 1-2 classes we've been focusing on powerful storytelling from sources like StoryCorps and the Moth. This week, we listened to this one called "Outdoor Camp." Storyteller Vin Shambry, who grew up in Portland, remembers his time at outdoor school and what his life was like at the time. He touches on big subjects and sweet details in his telling. See if you can relate!
Applied Language Arts Interview Storytelling Project
- Maureen Geraghty, Language Arts
In class, we have been talking about how various forms of creativity help us express, cope, heal, and educate. This week our focus is on storytelling. Students are to interview a friend or family member asking them to tell a story or memory from their life. They can get creative by either videotaping, writing, or making an audio of the interview. I hope students enjoy hearing the stories of the people in their lives! I did a short, written interview with Laura, RLA's social worker, asking her about how she learned to drive. We had fun and I learned something new about her- check out our interview!
Maureen
Interview
November 3, 2020
My Interview with Laura
I interviewed Laura, the social worker at RLA. I asked her to tell me about when she learned to drive, and this is the story she told me.
Laura’s Grandma Jean came up from Georgia to visit Laura’s family in New York. While Laura’s mom was getting her nails done, Grandma Jean let Laura practice driving in a parking lot. Laura remembers that Grandma Jean was very patient with her and called her, “Sugar”, with a Southern accent. Laura was very nervous driving the car, but she was also so excited to finally get behind the wheel! She was glad she got to drive with Grandma rather than with her parents because her parents probably wouldn’t have been as patient and sweet. I asked Laura when she actually got her license. She took the test about a year later and was embarrassed that she failed her first try. According to the instructor, she did everything perfect except the parallel parking (she almost hit a car) so she had to try again. When she took the driving test the second time, she passed and was relieved to finally be a driver. It was fun to hear this story about Laura’s life and now I am going to call her, Sugar, like her Grandma Jean!
I bet you never heard of Clara Barton.
-Sue Rosemarin, Science
She was famous for her Civil War service and as the founder of the American Red Cross. A self-taught nurse, she is credited with spearheading the civilian medical response to the carnage of the Civil War, directing much of the nursing care and regularly leading drives for supplies. Her work after the war led to the founding of the Red Cross in the United States.
Students of the Week shout outs!
- Christopher Hanley - Doing incredible. All over it this Hexter so far!!
- Armando Quintero - WOW! Totally in it to win it! Great job!!
Maureen shouts out to:
- Isauro Francisco Flores
- Ana Cruz Baltazar
- Alexandra Beltran Aispuro
- Roberto Barrientos Flores
- Chris Hanley Throckmorton
All for a fantastic, strong start to Hexter 2 and for being hardworking, positive people!!
Jo shouts out to:
- Giovanni Cervantes Salazar
- Monay Davidson
Excellent participation!
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 think you aced the first interview but didn’t get asked back for the 2nd round and don’t know why? Here’s what you could be doing wrong. 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).
3 common mistakes that stop you from landing a second interview
(and why you don’t realize you’re making them)
We all make mistakes during the job search process, but it's not always easy to figure out what those mistakes are. Here are three common mistakes that might be stopping you from getting an interview — and how you can recognize and fix them.
1. You're asking the wrong questions. While you may think you're doing the right thing by asking lots of questions during the interview, the types of questions you're asking count. Make sure you focus on the company's mission, vision, and what they're working on right now.
2. You're only focusing on your qualifications. Stressing your skills is important, but it's even more important to demonstrate how those skills fit in the role and their company. Practice answering standard interview questions while incorporating your knowledge of the company.
3. You're agreeing with everything the hiring manager says. Being likeable is a good trait, but you shouldn't be afraid to challenge your hiring manager a bit, as long as you have solutions! For example, if you're applying for a tech position, you can point out a bug in their product and discuss suggestions and ways to improve it.
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
Transgender Awareness Week!
- Linda Lamendola-Gilliam
WHAT IS TRANS?
The Trans Flag
Created by - Monica Helms (1999)
The Trans flag consists of five horizontal stripes. The top and bottom stripes are Light Blue to represent trans men, the stripes next to them are light pink to represent trans women and the white stripe in the centre represents the non-binary community.
A plethora of transgender and nonbinary teen fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction
The library has an amazing selection of books. Check them out!
Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen
Disclosure invites you to hear the many diverse voices that exist in the trans community, pointing out acts of cultural appropriation, violent tropes, and the woes of having cisgender actors play transgender roles.
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!
Chrysalis Girls Group starts in November! 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 971-940-8561November is Native American Heritage month
Meet the RLA Staff
Kendra Dewater: Math
Well, hello there! It's your resident math-teacher-super-nerd: Kendra! Yep, I'm that person that thinks math is fun and beautiful, and that it's everywhere you look in the world. It took me a long time to get to the point where I think that way - I really hated math in high school - but I don't now!
When I play Dungeons and Dragons (because yes, I really am a super nerd), I'm thinking about probability of dice rolls and measurements of speed. When I shoot (archery), I'm thinking about angles, velocity, and how tiny changes in movement can change the function of your flying arrow. When I go backpacking, I'm seeing compass directions, angles of elevation, and changes of arrival times based on speed. When I practice taekwondo, I'm optimizing speed and power and predicting patterns in someone else's movements.
But it isn't just in my (incredibly nerdy) activities that I see math weaving throughout the world. It's in the news, in art, in the environment, and in day-to-day interactions. Math brings me joy, and I hope that you can find some joy as well, whether it be in mathematics in the world or other small ways.
I mean, just look at the art created with mathematical equations when you scroll down here:
Linda "comet" Lamendola-Gilliam: SMT
Hey good people, it’s an interesting thing, writing about one’s self. Who am I? Who do I want to be? Well, I’m still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up.
I’m a dreamer. I’m an earth friendly, peace loving hippie. I’m a writer, a poet. I love to write stories most of which are fantasy or futuristic (that’s the dreamer in me). Steampunk is intriguing, but I have yet to venture into that genre. Sometimes I don’t even write a story but will write backgrounds of characters that may or may not make an appearance.
Fun Facts:
My first job was working at Chuck E. Cheese. Yup, I dressed up as Chuck E. The mouse, the myth, the legend.
I once owned a 1971 VW bus. Her name was Josephine and I traded her for a new fence. So sad. Although, I don’t miss pushing her to side of the road or breaking down in the center lane on 205. Thank you to the trucker who stopped traffic and helped me push her to the shoulder and the off-duty police officer who made sure I had help on the way. Groovy.
Finally, I have a three-legged Pitbull named Kenny. He loves to go for “walks”, watch the world, and to snuggle while watching Netflix.
A Chuckle with Kendra
1. Why do people say "break a leg" when you go on stage?
2. What do you get when you drop a pumpkin?
You can find the answers at the bottom of The Weekly FIRE.
Write your own caption
Upcoming Events:
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
2. Squash.
Reynolds Learning Academy
Website: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla
Location: 20234 Northeast Halsey Street, Fairview, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 667-4673