GRIZZ-O-GRAM
November 20th, 2020
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/
This week's Grizz...
- Principal Update
- How Students Can Get Extra Help
- LIPI Update
- Yearbook Photo Submissions
- AHS Theatre Presents: Clue
- Class Material Distribution CLOSED 11/24
- Device Pick Up
- Sports, Clubs & Activities Updates
- Counseling Office
- College & Career Pathways
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Class of 2021 Updates
- Mental Health Counseling
- FAQ
Principal's Update
Hello Grizzlies,
I hope that you all are well and healthy. As you all know, Jackson County continues to have high numbers of new COVID cases. Please continue to be safe out there. Where your masks, wash your hands and stay distanced! Together we can bring the curve downward and get back to in-person instruction sooner. We really miss seeing our students.
Next week we will only have classes on Monday and Tuesday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Many of us will have holiday celebrations that are smaller than we are used to due to the Governor’s recent freeze. I hope that you all find things that you can celebrate and be thankful for. It is also important to remember that although Thanksgiving is widely celebrated as a time to spend time with family and break bread together, it can have a very different connotation for Indigenous Americans. If you’re interested, I encourage you to check out the following link, A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving. It provides many helpful and interesting resources that provide a more equitable examination of the history around Thanksgiving. The link was shared with our staff by our new EDI director, Andrea Townsend.
Parents and students, many of you may have noticed that some classes here at the high school were only available asynchronously today. This is because many of our teachers and staff took part in an excellent professional development opportunity on Trauma Informed and Social Emotional Supports. I also attended and it was inspiring to hear some of the new research on this topic. Our intent is to take what we learn to better support all of our students. There will be three more training dates in the future as well.
Attendance Matters
I wanted to share that we are hearing more reports of students that are logging in to their Zoom sessions for class, but their video is off, their audio is muted and they are not participating in any way. If a student logs in but does not answer any questions, turn in assignments, participate in chat or give any evidence that they are actually "present," we will have to mark the student absent.
Parents and guardians can help by periodically checking in on their student. Just because you can hear a Zoom class happening, doesn't mean a student is actually engaged or participating. If you have questions or concerns about your students attendance or performance in a class, I encourage you to reach out to their teacher first. By working as a team, we can help our students be as successful as possible.
I wish you all the best and hope that you stay healthy, warm and safe.
Best,
Benjamin Bell
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
Looking Ahead at November
NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break, November 25th-27th
How Students Can Get Extra Help During the School Day
- Students can set up a time to meet with a teacher during Office Hours. Office Hours is Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday from 2:50-3:30 and on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30.
- ALL students may be asked by a teacher or a student can set up a time to meet about class content or assignments on Wednesdays during Applied Learning time from 12:10-2:15
- Students on IEP's have additional time build into their schedules and are expected to attend Basic Study Skills time on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 to meet directly with their Case Manager and in order to work on their individual goals as well as get help with class assignments. Sometimes it is hard to understand what assignments or classes to prioritize. This is a time your Case Manager can help you get organized and help you initiate contact with other teachers.
- SENIORS do not have an Advisory class on Wednesdays so this is a day that can be used to work on assignments and get extra help during Office Hours (10:30-11:30) and Applied Learning Time (12:10-2:15).
- ALL students have access to math paper packets upon request. Students need to let their math teacher know they need a paper packet which will be available at the next materials pick up. Some teachers have packets or hands-on materials on request. Please connect with your teacher about possible resources.
- The Student Tutor Center is now open and ready to assist! There are usually at least 4 students ready to help a group of students or 1:1. Hours are Wednesdays from 11:30-2:30.
Limited in Person Instruction Update
Due to the statewide “freeze” in order to try and decrease the spread of COVID-19 we will not be starting Limited in Person Instruction (LIPI). We are hoping we will be able to get this up and running sometime after Thanksgiving break. I will be in touch as soon as it is possible to safely bring students on campus. We will be brainstorming here at AHS other ways we can get students more engaged with their learning. Thank you for your patience.
Main Office Hours Update
Yearbook 2020-2021 Photo Submissions
Contact yearbook@ashland.k12.or.us if you have any questions. If you are unable to get a high quality photo taken, contact us and we can arrange photo shoot.
From your Yearbook Staff, dedicated to showing every student at their best!
AHS Theatre Presents: Clue
Ashland High School Theatre proudly presents
Clue
High School Edition: Stay-At-Home Version
LIVE on Zoom
Friday and Saturday,
November 20 & 21 at 7:30 p.m.
One Matinee Sunday afternoon 2 p.m.
Written by Sandy Rustin
Directed by Jonathan Luke Stevens
Sarah Daley – Virtual Stage Manager
Kristen Samek - Virtual Technical Director
A comedy based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out... WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT?
7:30 November 20th Livestream: https://www.broadwayondemand.com/not-live/n5fFtpcqV33B-clue-stay-at-home--ashland-high-school?channel=live-productions
7:30 November 21st Livestream: https://www.broadwayondemand.com/not-live/p4GUxlOeDkQ4-clue-stay-at-home--ashland-high-school?channel=live-productions
2 p.m. November 22nd Livestream: https://www.broadwayondemand.com/not-live/N8ROPwYUlI55-clue-stay-at-home--ashland-high-school?channel=live-productions
$12. Tickets are now on sale online at Ashland HS CLUE on Broadwayondemand.com All tickets are $12.
Class Material Distribution - CLOSED TUESDAY, Nov 24th
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.
Device Pick Ups - 1 Day a Week
Next week device pick up will be on TUESDAY, November 24th, as we have Wednesday off for Thanksgiving break.
Sports
As of right now all our athletics programs are on "pause" during the Governor's two week freeze. We will evaluate after the two weeks and resume practices as soon as it is safe to do so. We now how much the practices mean to our athletes.
Snowboard Team Registration – Deadline December 1 For Forms & Fees
Snowboard team is on! Don’t delay registering today!
******Team Fee: $250. Late registration: $300******
For team sign up please visit: https://tinyurl.com/snowboardteamsignup2020 – info on sign up form.
Questions? Email us @ ashlandhighsnowboardteam@gmail.com
Alpine Ski Team
Clubs & Activities
Christian Fellowship Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: 456358
Drama Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: 456358
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.
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.
OREGON Youth and Government A National YMCA Program
A fun and exciting way to learn about government!
The Oregon YMCA Youth & Government Program enhances development of the American democratic process for young people through participatory training in the theory and practice of the Oregon state government.
Teens in the program learn about the legislative process, how to write and research bills, and how to participate in elections. Their work culminates in teens serving as delegates at a state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature. Some teens have actually made bills into laws! While this year's program will be held virtually, the experience will mirror that of the actual state legislative process.
The Youth and Government program seeks to build, encourage and strengthen life assets and character traits that will help teens become involved and responsible adults. All activities are designed with the following goals in mind:
· To provide training and experience in understanding the legislative process
· To develop critical thinking and analytical abilities
· To provide active participation in the legislative process
· To develop interpersonal communication skills
· To provide awareness of social issues and their possible solutions
· To provide opportunities to hear and respect varying viewpoints
· To encourage active participation in political and public affairs
Thanks to a generous grant from the Oregon Health Authority, funds are available to cover most of the costs of participation as well as chromebooks and hotspots for teens in the program. More details can be found online at https://www.oregonymcas.org/youth-government or by emailing the State Director at executive@oregonymcas.org.
Marisa Fink, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Oregon Alliance of YMCAs
P: 541-530-3472
Facebook: Oregon Alliance of YMCAs
OR YMCA Youth and Government: https://oregonyouthandgovernment.wildapricot.org/
The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Oregon YMCA Youth & Government
75th Anniversary Legislative Session
"Democracy must be learned by each generation."
Leaders in Training - Ashland Family YMCA
The YMCA is offering a Leaders In Training program designed for Ashland/Talent teens (16-18) who are interested in working at YMCA Camp DeBoer during the summer of 2021. Throughout the program, participants will go through various leadership workshops, a conservation project at camp, and trainings including CPR/First Aid and Child Abuse Prevention. Towards the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to host a student-led event at camp that they decide on and plan throughout the program.
After completing the entire program, students will have the opportunity to apply to work/volunteer at summer camp during the summer of 2021. Any student 16+ can volunteer and gain hours towards graduation by being a counselor in a cabin for 1-3 weeks. Or, students 17+ can also apply as paid staff and be a counselor the entire summer. Spots will be limited, so we urge participants to apply as soon as possible. We will meet once a month and all gatherings and trainings will be socially distant and will adhere to state face-covering policy.
December – Meet and greet, overview of program, leadership discussion. *Dinner provided
January – Meeting, discussion on student led event, Child Abuse Prevention Training
February – CPR/First Aid training
March – Leadership workshop, student led event planning
April/May – Student led event at camp
May/June – Conservation project at camp, end of program celebration
For more information and to apply, please contact:
Will Robinson – Camp Operations Director
p: 541-482-9622 e: will@ashladymca.org
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
College and Career Pathways: Scholarship Season is Here!
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.
AHS Scholarship/Financial Aid Information Session for Seniors and Families - Wednesday, December 2nd
Wednesday, December 2nd, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
To learn more about scholarship opportunities available to AHS seniors please join this information session at the following link: https://asdconnect-org.zoom.us/j/96051262202. After scholarships are discussed, there will be time for families to get more information and ask questions about other financial aid pathways, including FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
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.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) 2021 Scholarship - Seniors
Most Valuable Student (MVS) Contest:
The 2021 MVS application is now open. Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The application deadline is November 15th.
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year. The national awards will be announced in April 2021.The local Harrison Fund Scholarship winner is a separate scholarship but requires students to complete the same application. Those students may differ from the MVS students as our local committee puts a stronger emphasis on need and candidate interviews.
MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university next school year. Some important applicant details include:
« Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
« Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
« Male and female students compete separately.
Ashland High School students must select the Ashland Elks Lodge #944 as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.
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 Collidge 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.
Class of 2021 Information!
Class of 2021 Senior Grad Attire Ordering Info
Ashland High School Class of 2021
*****Attention Ashland High School Seniors! *****
If you haven’t placed your Graduation order yet, make sure you do it now!
Herff Jones is coming back in December with your Early Delivery Items!
Place your order before the December 4th deadline to pick up your items and pay our lowest prices of the season!
Delivery of all Early Delivery Items will take place at the High School shortly after the December 4th deadline. Exact details on that delivery will be sent to your email address that was used to place your order.
This will be our last delivery until after the new year and your last chance to get your orders in before prices go up! The early ordering deadline is December 4th.
CLICK HERE for a link directly to your Senior Meeting!
CLICK HERE to place your order!
Why order now?
- LOWEST PRICES – Receive bulk discounts by ordering with the rest of the Class of 2021. Only $60.00 down payment required to place your order.
- EARLY DELIVERY – All of the items that you want now will be delivered right away (see image below).
Graduation Product Timeline for Ashland High School
- NOW – December 4th – Extended ordering window.
- Early December – Distribution at Ashland High School of all Early Delivery Items.
- March 1st – Final payment due.
- April – Delivery of Graduation Announcements and Cap & Gown.
Do not hesitate to reach out to us at Royal-T / Herff Jones anytime for assistance at 360-254-7870 or through email at info@royaltpapers.com. CLICK HERE to place your order today!!!
Class of 2021 Reminders
Hello seniors! Just a reminder that for this year due to the unique nature of this school year the following graduation requirements have been waived for you:
-Senior Project
-Community Service Hours (if you already have 75 or more hours, you may still be eligible for your credit)
-Essential Skills (the state of Oregon has waived this requirement for this year only)
If you have any questions, please reach out to your counselor.
Class of 2022 Community Service Requirement
For the Class of 2022, the community service hours requirement will be in effect, but the total number of hours needed to earn credit towards graduation is 25. Please see your counselor if you have any questions.
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.