John Muir Outdoor School News
May 8, 2021
Principal's Message
Dear John Muir Outdoor School Families,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We have been feeling the love lately. I was completely surprised by an outpouring of kindness for Principal Appreciation Day (a day I hadn't previously known existed). I will always remember it. From students presenting me with hand-drawn cards and recordings of love, the student who rode to my home with flowers and cake, the PTC plant with giftcards to some of my favorite places, the emails from families and so much more- I just can't thank you all enough. You've heard me say it too many times but this school community is something incredibly special. Teacher Appreciation Week was continued proof of that fact. Thank you to each and every person who helped to make our teachers know how much they are valued and appreciated. It was simply extraordinary. I also loved seeing how happy our students were to tell teachers how much they see them.
There were a number of other notable aspects to the past week. On Friday, we held our JMOS Lottery for the coming academic year! I must admit that Lindsay and I were on Cloud 9 experiencing our first lottery and making calls to incoming families was one of the best things ever! So much joy and enthusiasm to join JMOS! I continue to make calls to families who are being offered space in our program next week and will in the early days of the week to come. I'm also eager to share our classroom configuration for next year once our lottery spaces have been claimed. Keep an eye out for this important information soon. In addition, Zoomed Out performed on-site for their classmates. Those two are phenomenal! I hope to have a recording to share with all of you soon. One of the other highlights (and I could go on and on because there were so many) was having Nasser, Jim, and Marcia's classes involved in a restoration day at the Ashland Ponds.
Stations included:
- Riparian Planting, Indigenous Culture and Orientation to Site, Understanding of Native Plantings and Invasive Species, Restoration Strategy – Lomakatsi
- ABC’s of Ecology and Forestry – Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
- History of Fire, Fire Cookie, Ashland Watershed 3-D Map, Species Adaptation – Ashland Forest Resiliency and Southern Oregon Education Services District AmeriCorp Vista
Thank you for all of the continued support as we enter the final six weeks of this school year. It's been a wild ride and I'm eager to finish strong.
Warmly,
Jennifer Parks
Principal
Teacher Appreciation Week
Our amazing Parent Teacher Collective showed our teachers all the love this week in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Monday teachers came in to find their doors covered with butcher paper with notes written to each of them and a space for students to write messages as well. Tuesday was a flood of flowers. And then, gift bags arrived. What a wonderful way for our teachers to get to be spoiled and to support local Ashland businesses.
Our teachers will get to enjoy Morning Glory, Growler Guys, gear-up at Sunday Afternoon, indulge at Sammich, Flip, Taqueria Picaro, and all with a good book from Bloomsbury Books. How fabulous is that? Thank you, PTC and all of you that made this happen!
Our Beloved Ember
Youth Truth Survey
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We are writing to let you know that we are asking your child to participate in the YouthTruth Student Survey in the coming weeks. The YouthTruth Student Survey is a nationally recognized survey used in hundreds of schools and districts across the country, surveying hundreds of thousands of students. The survey asks students about their experiences in the school and with their teachers, including how engaged they are at school, the rigor of their coursework, and their preparedness for the future. Our school, other schools, and researchers may use such information for developing plans to help schools and teachers improve. For information about this survey, please visit http://youthtruthsurvey.org, or email Lindsay Weigel at lindsay.weigel@ashland.k12.or.us.
Although we want to hear from all students, participation in this survey is voluntary.
Your child’s ratings will not be identified in any reports because results are shared at the group level. Personally identifiable information will not be released to any third party.
Please be aware that under federal law, you have the right to review a copy of the questions asked of your child. If you would like to do so, you can view a copy of the survey at school.
Opt-Out
Please complete this form only if you would like your child to be excluded from the survey.
I do not give my permission for my child to participate in this survey.
Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:
Child’s Full Name: _______________________________________
Lincoln Campus Captured Moments
Sun Protection
Students are outside a lot throughout the day and we are fortunate to have such beautiful weather! We have limited shady areas and students are out for their entire lunch period plus other breaks and classroom activities.
Please keep this in mind when your child is getting ready each morning and consider adding sun protection to your routine.
Hike-a-Thon Update
Ready for a hike-a-thon update? Our school has hiked a total of 995 miles since the hike-a-thon began! That's impressive, I wonder what the grand total will be in June?! There's still a month and a half to sign in toultrasignup.com (email JMOShikeathon@gmail.com with questions) to record your adventures and tally miles for your class. Below are class totals to date, remember: the classroom with the most miles gets a celebratory treat at year's end. And the latest raffle winner* is 2nd grader Iris Galicia (who has also hiked 162 miles!). Thank you NW Nature Shop for the gift certificate.
- 2/3: 425 miles
- 4: 238 miles
- K/1: 234 miles
- 5/6: 68 miles
- 7/8: 18 miles
*Everyone who signs up for the hike-a-thon is eligible for our regular prize drawings.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
We celebrate the accomplishments and contributions that people with roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have given to the story of America - activists, artists, politicians, athletes, writers, actors and many more!
In 1992, May was chosen to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage and contributions. May was selected for the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and the significant contributions of Chinese laborers to the completion of North America's transcontinental railroad (May 10, 1869).
ASF’s 2021 Annual Fund Drive Happening Now
Our Ashland Schools Foundation (ASF) supports all the public schools in our district with funds that make their way onto campus and into our classrooms. This year, the foundation gave a record number of grants (nearly 50!) to support our teachers as they found new and creative ways to engage students! They also provided the district with 50 distance learning devices like laptops and iPads, purchased the large tents for outdoor classrooms you’re seeing on our campuses, and many other items too numerous to list!
A gift in any amount goes a long way toward ensuring we can meet the needs of all our students, and continue providing the excellent (and fun!) educational opportunities our Ashland community of schools is known for. You can donate and see the grants awarded to our school so far this year at AshlandSchoolsFoundation.org – or just text the letters, ASF to 72572 to make a donation.
What type of face masks do students need at school?
Students returning to campus must wear a mask that fits their face, covering both their nose and mouth at all times. Bandanas, gaiter style face coverings, masks with valves, or face shields only are not permitted. (Students may wear face shields in addition to their masks.)
Need Technical Help?
Call us:
541-201-2600
Email us:
Submit a Support Ticket:
https://helpdesk.soesd.k12.or.us/webform/asd5_families_newticket.php
JMOS Spirit Days
May
[12] Mythical Creature/Whimsical Creature/Fantasy Day: dress up as any fantasy creature
Volunteer Opportunities and beyond
Parent Teacher Collective
Are you a parent or guardian of a child attending John Muir Outdoor School? Then you are a member of PTC and an essential part in supporting our school's students, teachers, and staff! Are you a staff member at JMOS? Then you are partners with JMOS's parents and guardians as we continue our work this year to strengthen the community and support our children through these challenging times! We need your voice.
Meeting Schedule:
- May 18th (6-7:30pm)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5446613651
Site Council 5/13 at 3:30pm
Site Council is a great way to get involved in our school’s instructional program to ensure success for all students. Our Site Council is open to all JMOS families! If you'd like to join us, please email Jennifer Parks for a meeting Zoom link.
Please see the link below for the April meeting minutes.
Family and Caregiver Supports
Financial Supports for Families
Families who have experienced income loss may now be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Apply online or contact your local school.
DHS will continue to work with federal partners to provide help to Oregonians in need. To apply for Nutrition Assistance, visit needfood.oregon.gov or call 2-1-1.
If you need help paying your electric bill, check out the Oregon Energy Fund. It provides funds for energy assistance to more than 30 partner agencies and nonprofits in Oregon. Find more information here.
Counseling Services for students with OHP
School Care Coordinator
School Care Coordinators are continuing to provide services during the COVID 19 pandemic. We are ready to assist families to navigate through these difficult times.
SERVICES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
· Help navigating insurance enrollment
· Assisting with the mental heath application and assessment process
· Barrier removal
· Assistance in accessing clothing, food, housing and utility support
· Providing connections to other agencies
Any student regardless of insurance type, economic, or special education status can access this service.
Please contact Camille at (541)414-0914 or via email at ccantyfischer@optionsonline.org.
Upcoming Important Dates and Events
Wednesday, 5/12: Mythical Creatures Spirit Day
Thursday, 5/13: Final Site Council Meeting (3:30-4:30pm)
Tuesday, 5/18: PTC Meeting (6-7:30pm)
Monday, 5/31: Memorial Day (No School)
Thursday, 6/17: 8th Grade Graduation (6:30-7:15 with parade to follow; more details to come)
Friday, 6/18: Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
John Muir Outdoor School
JMOS: Inspiring our students to deepen their connection with the Earth through integrity, the arts, stewardship, and authentic learning experiences.
#wegetkidsoutside
Email: jennifer.parks@ashland.k12.or.us
Website: http://www.ashland.k12.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=64
Location: 320 Beach Street, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: (541) 482-8577
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Johnmuiroutdoorschool/