The Weekly FIRE
Flexibility, Integrity, Respect, Effort
issue 10: 12/14/2020
Hello Dragons-
This is the last issue of the FIRE before we take a couple of weeks off for winter break.
I want to say how much I am missing seeing all of you in the building this week. Traditionally, the week before winter break is probably my favorite week of the school year. I love the classroom celebrations, our community dinner and pajama day. I can’t wait for the time when we can safely hold these kinds of celebrations as an RLA community again.
I hope all of you who are celebrating have wonderful holidays. Please, properly wear your mask and practice social distancing as much as you can over break to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.
Principal Aaron
Check out our past issues of the FIRE at the bottom!
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!
Goose
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?
Do you want to talk to Janna Cash, the school counselor?
Do you have questions about your credits, transcript, or graduation plan? Students and parents can schedule a meeting with her here!
Lines for Life
Students of the Week shout outs!
- Zamira Portillo – Thanks for making me smile – you are awesome and I appreciate how hard you are trying!! - Sue
- Angel Rodas Gonzalez – so glad you are coming to class now!! Also, thanks for the Ukuele lesson the other day 😊 - Sue
- Eriana Escalante – You are doing awesome – Thanks for checking in and being so cool!! - Sue
- Hannah Thompson – you go, girl. I can always count on you to do what you need to do to pass. - Sue
- Sammi Inda – great job this Hexter – WOW!!! You rock! - Sue
- Keila Lopez Zuniga – when you are on it, you are on it! I believe in you!! You are awesome! - Sue
Jo shouts out to:
- Isabela Guillen: Fantastic job finishing strong in Lang Arts... Keep up the good work and enjoy your winter break!
- Aleia Ochoa: Excellent job attending and participating. Your interview project was heartfelt and so well-done. Very inspirational and hopeful.
- Jocelyn Ramirez Avila- Excellent attendance, participation and work ethic this hexter. Keep up the good work!
Kathi shouts out to:
- Kanani Walking Eagle West
- Gage Crowner
Welcome aboard, I look forward to helping you navigate your future!
Kramer shots out:
- Brayden Butterfield--for his hard work, participation, and desire to learn about psychology
- Jaya Morris--for working through barriers. Also, for creating a plan and following through to be successful.
- Vivvianna Hernandez--for overcoming barriers and finding a way to communicate and push through. You did so great!
- Precious Aguilera--for being consistent, working hard, and always going above and beyond when communicating and completing work.
Maureen shouts out to:
- Edwin Cruz - for getting all caught up and getting an A so far!
- Ebonee Goldsby - for getting all caught up and getting an A so far!
- Ana Cruz Baltazar -for an AMAZING job on her Walking Tour Project!
- Keila Lopez Zuniga - for finishing strong, getting caught up and great work!
Holiday Wellness Tips:
So I am gonna share with you, this year is hard for me. I am not a fan of doing school online all day. I miss my family, hanging out, going to movies or shows, and it just does not really feel like the holidays. I know I am very lucky to still have a job, get to work from home and be safe. I worry about all the people that lost jobs or must work jobs that put them at risk for getting sick. This is really hard for lots of people! You may be feeling the same or not, it's okay.
For the holidays, gifts come in all forms and I am going to share a few no cost ideas that help you to reach out and connect. You may need the connect for your own mental health or you may have a friend or family member that is struggling and needs the connections.
I want to give my friends and family all the presents, but I can't, so here are a few free gift ideas:
- Free e-cards https://www.123greetings.com/ Just send someone a card to say hi, I am thinking about you!! You could draw your own picture, write a note, and send it in the mail.
- The gift of your time! I am headed to the store, can I pick you up something? Do you want to meet up and take a walk? Let's walk our dogs together over Facetime! Let me help make dinner, clean up, yard work, with that school project....
- Dance and exercise with someone else. I work out with a friend over facetime 3 times a week and it is awesome! Learn some new dance routines from https://thefitnessmarshall.org/the-fitness-marshall-videos! Shout out to Hailey R for sharing this with me!! My favorite so far is
- 4. Make a video for someone with pictures, videos, and messages about how amazing they are!
- 5. Make and share some cookies! Here are some easy recipes then drop them off at your fav person's house. https://www.myrecipes.com/kids/easy-cookie-recipes-for-kids?slide=c0cb221f-1fc5-4d24-b506-a1d7001cba51#c0cb221f-1fc5-4d24-b506-a1d7001cba51
We may need more support than this. You may be struggling with anxiety or depression, but you are not alone. Ask for help! Reach out to RLA staff (Laura, Janna, Jesse, Dane, Todd, ANYONE) for help. You may need other support to help get you through this. Check out https://www.211info.org/ to find help paying bills, childcare, food boxes, all sorts of things.
Reach out, ask for help if you need it. We all need help! Have a wonderful winter break and take care of yourself and family.
I bet you never heard of Raven the Science Maven:
-Sue Rosemarin, Science
She is a full-time science communicator and doctoral student completing a Ph.D. in science education, who studies the relationship between how the media representation of scientists impacts how adults identify with science. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in biology, both focused in cell and molecular biology. She also has worked as a corporate molecular scientist, community college professor, and STEM academic advisor.
Recently she has become a star on twitter, with her video below almost reaching 1 million hits!
The Science Behind COVID-19 Prevention
In this week's edition I was inspired by last week's Friday Assembly. Hand washing, along with masks and social distancing, is our best tool to slow the spread of COVID-19. Who knew something so trivial could have such a massive impact in fighting a pandemic? Oh, right, science did! Soap is a pretty cool thing, chemically speaking, and has been used for THOUSANDS of years to keep us people happy and healthy. To dive into the science of why soap is cool and how to REALLY clean your hands, I sourced an "It's okay to be Smart" video.
Be careful of this holiday season! I know many of us want to see our loved ones, but do what you can to keep them safe! Wearing masks, social distancing, and washing your hands are all great ways to do this! For those of you who want to see family, the safest thing you can do is to do it socially distant with masks on. If that is not an option, then try your best to quarantine at least 7 days (more is better, 14 is best) before seeing them! This reduces the risk of you getting infected and if you are infected and asymptomatic; i.e. you have the rona, but are not sick (which can happen if you have gotten COVID once!) it will reduce the chance of you spreading it!
I know we want this to be over with and the quickest way to do that is if we all do our part!
Wash your hands, socially distance, and properly wear a mask!
-Gio
Jo’s Language Arts
-Jo Gioffre, Language Arts
For the last FIRE of 2020….
Update from Jo’s Language Arts and suggestions to keep you entertained while you’re quarantining over winter break:
In Language Arts 3-4 we wrapped up our novel study of the book Pride, by Ibi Zoboi. It’s a modern-day re-mix of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Instead of Elizabeth Bennett, meet Zuri Benitez, who is coming to terms with gentrification in her neighborhood and learning not to judge others too harshly- especially romantic interests. Like her dad says, “Don’t let your pride get in the way of your heart, mija.” Good advice for all.
Looking for something fun to watch over winter break?
Check out the 2005 movie version of Pride and Prejudice on Netflix. It’s one of my faves and set in the time period of the original book. Watch for the similarities to the book. Movie trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dYv5u6v55Y
Another must watch for our times. The movie Priced Out is a documentary about gentrification in Portland. This movie will help you understand what gentrification is and how it affects us all right here. The films website tells how to watch it. I suggest signing up for Kanopy through Multnomah County Library. It’s free and houses lots of amazing movies.
https://www.pricedoutmovie.com/
In Language Arts 1-2 we listened to real stories and interviews about “regular” people from all over the United States. Using platforms like StoryCorps, the Moth and This American Life, we learned that “ordinary” people have the most extraordinary stories. If you enjoy listening to compelling stories and interviews while you draw, cook, walk or just hang out I’m sure there’s a podcast for you. Whether it's sports, music, true crime, cooking, T.V., movies, politics, whatever you like- there’s some interesting audio story awaiting your ears. Here are links to some podcasts you might like. Be sure to let us know about any others you discover or recommend.
Star Wars fan? Try “Full of Sith”
Latina Women Rule… check out this podcast with interviews of Latinas impacting art, culture, politics, sports, business and more:
https://www.latinatolatina.com/
Learn about the history of Hip-Hop with these interviews from Fresh Air: https://www.npr.org/series/4823817/the-history-of-hip-hop
Sports Fan? Check out this list of top sports podcasts:
Earn CTE or Elective Credit by taking Kathi's Permit Prep Class every 1st Monday of the Month
Want to Earn CTE or Elective Credit while prepping for your permit? Need help preparing to take the Oregon Permit test? If so, then this is your class!
Check out Kathi “The Job Lady’s” Monday YTP Class below.
You can earn .50 credit by attending, ask me how!
Have questions about Permit Prep or anything else “job” or “life” related, please email me Kathi Morris at kmorris@rsd7.net or text/call me at 503-708-6540.
Monday: Jan 4th, Feb 1st, March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd, & June 7th
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
Permit Prep Class will be the only class that Kathi will be doing on Mondays. For anything else please make an appointment through email or text.
Kathi's Career Corner:
Have you ever thought about how one MISTAKE on social media could get you fired? Do you have “work friends” or supervisors on your social media? If you answered yes to either of those questions, this week’s article is for you! 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).
Ignoring These 5 Privacy Mistakes Can Cost You Your Job
- 43 percent of organizations use social media or online search engines to screen job candidates
- 36 percent of organizations have disqualified a job candidate in the past year due to information found on social media or online search
- Worse, only 39 percent of organizations allow candidates to explain concerning information found about them online
Numerous people have lost their jobs due to posting what they think is innocent content on social media. For some, the mistake is posting a joke. For others, the real error that almost all the victims make is that of not paying careful attention to their online privacy.
If you don’t want to lose your job anytime soon, be sure to read these 5 Privacy Mistakes and avoid them.
1. Not educating yourself about your workplace privacy policy.
Not educating yourself about your employer’s privacy policy can cost you your job.
Some suggestions: · As an employee, it is your duty to educate yourself about your workplace’s privacy policy. Failure to do so could lead to you being terminated in a way you feel isn’t justified.
- If you are not sure about your employer’s privacy policy regarding something you want post (or an opinion you want to express) online, it is better to err on the side of caution
2. Adding coworkers and supervisors on social media.
Another privacy mistake is that of adding coworkers and supervisors on your personal social media. When you add coworkers and supervisors on social media, you should know that nothing you do is private anymore. It could be on your profile in the morning and on the boss’ desk in the afternoon. Worse, it could get you fired.
Suggestions:
- Don’t add coworkers and supervisors as friends on social media — especially if you are the kind that freely shares stuff with your “friends” on social media.
- Create a “professional” social media profile/page for friends and use your personal profile only for close, personal contacts.
3. Connecting to public WIFI without a VPN or with an insecure VPN.
Most employees used to work from public Wi-Fi without ensuring additional measures of security will pay for it sooner rather than later.
When working from a public Wi-Fi, take additional security measures:
- Assume that all your internet activity on a public Wi-Fi is exposed — that is unless you take extra measures to protect yourself.
- Use a VPN service to encrypt and secure your online activity.
- Avoid “free” VPNs. Nothing is free, especially VPNs. It costs money to set up the server and to purchase bandwidth, so if you are not paying for the service your data is probably being collected and sold, or you’re being served ads, to generate money to power the VPN servers.
- Pay careful attention to the logging policy of the VPN service you are using. Most VPN service providers will tell you that your data won’t be logged but taking a moment to read the privacy policy will reveal that something is being logged. You want to make sure absolutely nothing is being logged.
4. Ignoring stuff you posted online years ago because you posted it before you got your job.
There have been several cases of people being terminated due to stuff they posted years ago, that they think has been forgotten, resurfacing online. The internet doesn’t forget.
What you innocently posted years ago could be dug out, reshared or sent to your employers. This can put you in a very tough spot. And it could cost you your job. Part of taking care of your privacy includes doing a thorough background check on yourself and cleaning stuff that could put you in trouble.
5. Not paying attention to your social media settings.
Social media sites by default thrive on information going around, so the default settings ensure people can see pretty much all you do. This could pose serious issues.
Some ideas:
- Change your privacy settings and to only reveal information you want to reveal to the people you want to reveal it to.
- Change your location settings to ensure location data isn’t shared by default.
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.
ZOOM: Meeting ID: 997 0308 6129 & Passcode: 500314
If you're interested in GSA or have any questions about the club, please contact Linda at:
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!
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 971-940-8561A Chuckle with Kendra
1. Why can't your nose be 12 inches long?
2.What is the difference between a poorly dressed person on a tricycle and a well dressed person on a bicycle?
You can find the answers at the bottom of The Weekly FIRE.
Upcoming Events:
Hexter 3 starts December 15th
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.
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?!
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/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
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. Because then it would be a foot!
2. Attire!
MASKS SAVE LIVES
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Save a Life, Properly Wear a Mask
Reynolds Learning Academy
Website: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla
Location: 20234 Northeast Halsey Street, Fairview, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 667-4673