GRIZZ-O-GRAM
January 8th, 2021
Ashland High School
Note that we have adjusted our hours to limit in-person contact. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment. Knock on the door if you plan to come to the Main Office. To maintain social distancing, we ask that you stay outside.
Attendance Office:
Deb Falk, Attendance Secretary
541-482-8782
Instagram: @ashlandhighschool
Facebook: Ashland High School - Ashland, OR
Past Grizz-O-Grams: https://www.smore.com/u/ahs
Website: http://ashland.k12.or.us
Location: 201 South Mountain Avenue, Ashland, OR 97520, USA
Phone: 541 482 8771
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHS.Ashland.OR/
ASD Calendar
*Updates have been made to the 2020-2021 School Calendar to accommodate for emergency closure.
Red and White Day Calendar
*Updates have been made to the 2020-2021 School Calendar to accommodate for emergency closure.
Bell Schedule Fall 2020
This week's Grizz...
- Principal's Update
- Looking Ahead at January
- Yearbook Photos DUE 1/22
- Virtual Movie Night
- Distribution Center
- Tech Tip of the Week
- Sports, Clubs & Activities
- Counseling Office
- Community Service Opportunities
- College & Career Pathways
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Mental Health Counseling
Principal's Update
Hello Grizzlies,
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone was able to get some much needed rest over winter break and recharge. The national events of this week have been extremely challenging for all of us to process, adults and students alike. I want to reiterate our commitment to building and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all students. We stand ready to support our students through these difficult times.
Please see below a message from our Superintendent and Director of Equity and Inclusion that includes resources that can help support you as you speak about these issues with your family. I believe it's important to have dialogue about this so that our students can properly contextualize the upsetting images that we have been seeing on screen.
Best,
Benjamin Bell
Resources for Parents on Recent Events
Ashland Families, Students and Community Members,
The violent protest in our nation's capital is in direct opposition to the values of democracy our nation holds dear. These events may be upsetting to students. We have district counselors available to help your child work through their feelings about the riot at the Capitol Building. These conversations with your child are often difficult, as it is challenging to explain things that don’t make sense. We have included some resources as support as you navigate this time as a family.
The non-profit organization, Common Sense Media, has an article with age-based tips for how to talk to children about this event:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/talking-to-kids-about-the-violence-at-the-us-capitol
Another resource from National Geographic provides another helpful guide to lead the conversation:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/2021/01/talking-to-your-kids-about-chaos/
Healthychildren.org provides a framework that is useful for talking to your child about any upsetting or confusing news event:
Ashland School District will continue to teach the value of peaceful conflict resolution in personal relationships and civic involvement as we continue to work in partnership for a more peaceful tomorrow.
We are here to support you and your family. If your student requires additional support in order to navigate this time, please reach out to your student’s teacher or principal.
Sincerely,
Samuel
Samuel Bogdanove
Superintendent
Ashland Public Schools
Pronouns: He, Him, His
Andrea
Andrea Townsend
Director of Equity and Inclusion
Ashland Public Schools
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Last Day for Late/Missing Work
Looking Ahead at January
Yearbook Photo Submissions - DUE JANUARY 22ND
Time’s running out to submit your photo for the 2020-2021 Yearbook! The deadline is FRIDAY, JANUARY 22.
The picture submission form is available in your emails from Yearbook@ashland.k12.or.us and 9th-11th is also found on the AHS News & Resources page. Seniors, you will find a link to a Senior Portrait and Quote submission form in your your email.
Please submit a high resolution, color photo of you looking your best! Follow the requirements provided by the yearbook staff. Reminder: you must be signed in with a Ashland School District Email to access it.
Contact Yearbook@ashland.k12.or.us if you have any questions. If you are unable to get a high quality photo taken, contact us.
Virtual Movie Night - Wednesday, January 13th
Come to Virtual Movie Night hosted by AHS National Honor Society to watch The Princess Bride! The event will be hosted on Wednesday, January 13th at 8:00pm. We encourage those who watch to participate to donate at least $3 on our donation site to support senior scholarships and community service events. Once you sign up. you will be sent a link to virtually watch the movie with us on Google Meets the day of the event!
Click HERE to sign up to watch!
Material Distribution - Wednesday, January 20th
The Distribution center will be open every other Wednesday.
We've got:
- Textbooks / Library Books
- Class Notes & Material
- 2019-2020 Yearbooks (that have been purchased)
- Whiteboards / Planners
If you need to pick up class materials, please call the Main Office to make arrangements.
If you would like to request a textbook, please email Aimee.Cork@ashland.k12.or.us.
Tech Tip of the Week
Email Nora.Godfrey-Dismuk@ashland.k12.or.us once completed.
Sports
All sports activities associated with Ashland School District are currently on pause. Any in person club sport activity that may take place in the interim will be off campus and considered unaffiliated with AHS as they operate under the umbrella of the individual clubs’ separate non-profit entity. Please know we are as anxious as you are to get back to place where we can offer in person activity on campus to our students in a safe manner.
Clubs & Activities
Among Us Gaming Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: anKp7K
Christian Fellowship Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: 456358
Drama Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: 456358
Dungeons and Dragons: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: H30
Key Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Mu Alpha Theta: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
National Art Honor Society: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: ahsart2020
Philosophy Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Queer Straight Alliance: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Tap Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Truth to Power: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Writers & Poets Club: Click HERE for the Zoom Meeting.
Among Us Gaming Club
Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: anKp7K
If you have any questions, you can contact the advisor at Lauren.Bridges@ashland.k12.or.us.
The Rogue News
The Rogue News staff has just relaunched the official Rogue News website with a fresh new look! Our first few stories are posted and more will be rolling in over the coming weeks. We’re excited to also add some multi-media including podcasts and videos this year. Check it out and spread the word! These student journalists are really amazing!
Student Tutor Center
This year we are offering FREE tutoring online every Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Help is available in all subjects, including Canvas navigation! Your student can access the Student Tutor Center through the AHS News & Resources page on Canvas and join the Zoom session there. For the Zoom link, click HERE. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Anderson at tammy.anderson@ashland.k12.or.us.
Counseling Office
High school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period.
If you need to get in contact with your counselor regarding scheduling, academics, etc., call the counseling office at 541-482-2278 or email your counselors.
Diane Berry
Bryanna Trevino
Maurice Monteiro
Jen Marsden
Karyn Barats
Senior Parent/Guardian Meeting Video - Dec 16th
- Important milestones and calendar updates
- How students are doing with Distance Learning/Tips for Success
- FAQ’s with school counselors and an administrator
If you'd like to watch those zoom meetings, follow the links below. Sophomore & Junior Meetings can be found on our Youtube Channel.
Senior Parent Night Meeting held on Wednesday, 12/16.
Community Service
Time to get creative and think outside of the box! Here are some examples of ways you can earn community service hours:
- www.Recovers.org - A local area email alert for continuous help needed for our Phoenix/Talent Fire Victims
- www.DoSomething.org - A youth-led movement for good focusing on advocacy work.
- www.we.org - An organization standing for Human rights & social equality.
- Making and Donating items to local causes (dog toys, grocery store bags, knitted hats, etc.)
- Sending letters to seniors at local retirement homes
- Thank you letters to essential workers
Habitat for Humanity
- Jackson County Fuel Committee
- And more!
There's a lot of ways you can support your community and earn community service hours. If you have any questions, reach out to your counselor.
Senior Citizens Spring Cards Project
Contact Nora.godfrey-dismuk@ashland.k12.or.us by mid-February if you're interested in participating.
College and Career Pathways: Scholarship Season is Here!
Apply to SOU & PSU for FREE - Wednesday, Jan 13th
Wednesday, January 13th @ 9:30-10:30 AM - SOU Admissions on the Spot
Wednesday, January 13th @ 1:00 - 2:00 PM - PSU Admissions on the Spot
Resources for Seniors and their Parents/Guardians
Seniors have been receiving information on scholarship opportunities and have begun work on scholarship applications in their College and Career Readiness (CCR) classes. Jen Marsden, our College and Career Specialist, has been providing support to seniors as they work on completing both the OSAC Scholarship eApp and the AHS Local Scholarships application process. Ms. Marsden is also providing scholarship application support during the optional Senior CCR Advisory on Wednesday mornings and through daily office hours. Seniors (and parents/guardians) are encouraged to reach out to her with questions at jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us. For more information about scholarship opportunities, please see below.
OSAC Scholarships
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2021
REQUIRED DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2021
The OSAC Scholarship application contains many scholarship opportunities just for AHS seniors and other scholarships for students from Jackson County and Oregon that AHS students can apply for. The majority of OSAC scholarships can be taken out of state. The OSAC Scholarship eApp is completed and submitted online, and the AHS registrar will upload a student’s transcript to their OSAC eApp.
AHS provides OSAC scholarship information sheets (see below) to help students determine which scholarships they may want to apply for. If a scholarship has a code of “auto” that means it is automatically attached to every AHS student’s OSAC eApp and they do not have to specifically apply for it. Students should read through the AHS OSAC scholarship information sheets and use the OSAC scholarship search engine to find other OSAC scholarships they may be eligible for. Students should also complete their FAFSA before the OSAC March 1 deadline to be eligible for all OSAC scholarships.
Important OSAC Links:
- OSAC Scholarship Application
- OSAC Scholarship Application Timeline
- OSAC Ashland High School Student Scholarships
- OSAC Oregon High School Student Scholarships
For questions or assistance on the OSAC Scholarship application, please call Jen at 541-482-2278 X-2130 or email jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us.
Local Scholarship
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 22, 2021
Ashland is fortunate to have a large number of local scholarships available to graduating seniors. Every year, over $100,000 is awarded by local service organizations and foundations. Students can get started on these scholarship applications by following the links listed below.
Important Local Scholarship Links:
For questions or assistance on Local Scholarships, please call Karyn at 541-482-2278 or email karyn.barats@ashland.k12.or.us.
Ford Scholarship Program
The Ford Scholars Program, funded by the Ford Family Foundation of Oregon, offers scholarship awards to eligible students in Oregon that cover 90% of a student’s unmet college cost of attendance at an Oregon public or private university. To be eligible for the Ford Scholarship, a student must have a FAFSA EFC of 6000 or below. For more information about the Ford Scholars program and to complete an application (due March 1), please visit the Ford Scholars website. Students can also learn more about the Ford Scholars Program and eligibility requirements here.
Other Helpful Resources...
Other helpful resources include the 2020-21 AHS College Handbook and video recordings of AHS financial aid and college information sessions, which can be found on the AHS Youtube Channel.
ATTENTION SENIORS
For a list of current scholarships and opportunities (other than Local or OSAC scholarships), click here: Current Scholarships & Opportunities. This list is updated every Friday.
FAFSA
ACT and SAT Updates
Due to Covid restrictions, Ashland High School will NOT be administering the ACT or SAT until March 2021. Check 2020 ACT Updates and 2020 SAT Updates for the most current information about ACT /SAT testing. The majority of colleges that usually require ACT/SAT scores as part of the admissions process, have waived that requirement for the Class of 2021 as they know many seniors have been unable to test. Please check individual colleges to see their updated policies.
Students who still want to attempt to test this year can register for the ACT and SAT online, and those who qualify for free/reduced lunch are eligible for fee waivers for both tests.
Please contact karyn.barats@ashland.k12.or.us to obtain a fee waiver.
PSAT Information and Update
The PSAT normally is scheduled for mid-October each year. However, due to the COVID shutdowns, this year’s administration was cancelled. Additionally, further state mandated restrictions have limited other administrations.
Ashland High School is planning on holding a very limited administration January 26, 2021.
We are capable of giving 25 students, in Junior status, an opportunity to take the exam. This is crucial for students who are interested in qualifying for The National Merit Scholarship program, as well as practice for the SAT.
We will be following safety protocols, placing students at least 6 feet apart, and in multiple small groups. Masks will be required during administration and during any time spent on campus. The cost for the exam is $17.00 per student, unless your student has qualified for free and reduced lunch.
If you are interested in taking the exam and wish to register, please contact Maurice Monteiro at: maurice.monteiro@ashland.k12.or.us. Further information will be given upon registration.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
Grange Co-op Scholarships
Greenfield Peace Scholarship
Elk Members Legacy Award - Seniors
Legacy Awards – The Legacy Awards program begins on September 1st. Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 350 national awards. The application deadline is February 5, 2021 at 11:59 a.m., Central Time. Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg
The Coolidge Scholarship - Juniors
As a quick refresher, the Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2022 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (current high school seniors are not eligible to apply).
Coolidge Scholars are selected based primarily on academic excellence. Secondary criteria include: an interest in public policy, an appreciation for the values President Coolidge championed, as well as humility and service. Today’s competitive academic culture regrettably sometimes drives students to hype their accomplishments and pursue ambitious efforts merely to attain credentials. The Coolidge Scholarship pushes back on this trend. Successful candidates are indeed accomplished, but exhibit humility with respect to their achievements and pursue things of genuine interest to them regardless of the perceived prestige associated with the activity. A complete description of the scholarship’s criteria is available here.
The competition for the Coolidge Scholarship is indeed significant -- but even students who do not win have reported to us they are glad they went through the application process because it helps prepare them for college applications later on. Furthermore, the Coolidge Foundation invites 100 of the top applicants to participate in its Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid Summit Weekend in Washington, D.C and a one-time $1,000 scholarship. Applicants who make it to the finalist level, but do not ultimately win the full scholarship, also receive a modest one-time finalist scholarship.
Alert: the application requires that applicants read President Coolidge’s Autobiography and complete a few other reading assignments. While the book is not overly long, we encourage applicants to begin the application early so that they have plenty of time. Candidates who begin the application at the last minute are unlikely to be successful. The submission deadline is 5:00 PM EST, Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
We hope you will share this opportunity with outstanding high school juniors at your school. The scholarship application, along with additional information, can be accessed on our scholarship site: www.coolidgescholars.org. Please note If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, the Coolidge Scholars Program can be reached by email at coolidgescholars@coolidgefoundation.org or by phone at (202) 827-4291.
Mental Health Counseling Services
These are challenging times that can be even harder on teens. If your teen is experiencing the feelings and/or issues listed below, we’re here to support them - regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Schedule a meet-and-greet or an appointment with AHS Health Center therapist Kimberly Wasserman by calling 541-842-7677.
Somethings to look/listen for are:
• Anxiety, panic or excessive worry
• Grief, loss, disappointment and anger
• Traumatic events including discrimination
• Family conflict
• Depression, apathy or suicidal thoughts
• Isolation, withdrawal, boredom and loneliness
• Substance use or changes in behavior
Please note: If you are having a mental health emergency and are in imminent risk of harm, you should call Jackson County Mental Health at 541-774-8201 or 911 since our services may not be immediately available.
FAQ
Where can I drop off physical paperwork?
Need Technology Support?
Ashland School District Tech Department is here to help if you have questions about a device, PowerSchool, etc.
Click HERE to access Distance Learning Student Portal
For other technical questions, contact our Tech Deparment at:
Email: techhelp@ashland.k12.or.us
Tech Support Helpline: 541-201-2600
Click here to fill out the ASD Tech Support Request Form
Where can I access free internet around town?
- Ashland Public Library - Open 12-4 Mon-Thur
- Talent Library - Open 12-4 everyday but Fri
- Phoenix Library - Open Tues 11-5, Wed 1-7, Thur 11-5
- Medford Library - Open 12-4 everyday but Thur
- Grace Point Church in Ashland - Contact Church for details
- Rogue Valley Roasting Co
- Starbucks
- Bloomsbury Books
- Boulevard Coffee
- Mix Bakeshop
- Nobel Coffee Roasters
- HeartSong Nutrition
School Websites
Parent and Student PowerSchool Portal
Check schedules, grades and pay fees via the PowerSchool website and app:
Ashland High School Website
Social Media
Youtube
This channel will contain Announcements, Parent Night Webinars, Counseling Office udpates, etc.