Helman News
March 21, 2021
Para Español, haga clic en "ver en su navegador" (view in your browser).
Cuando se abra la nueva ventana, haga clic en traducir (translate).
Principal's Message
I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying the beginning of Spring Break!
This school year has been a true community effort to ensure children continue their education and connections amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic. A year has come and gone and we are just now beginning to see restrictions lift as students enter back into school and vaccines become widely available. I am so thankful for you and your unwavering commitment to your child's continued learning and growth. Thank you for your partnership.
Enjoy a safe, relaxing Spring Break. Staff are off this week, enjoying a much needed break. We will return emails and phone calls when we return on March 29.
All the best,
Michelle Cuddeback, Principal
Ashland School District 2020-21 State Assessments
On Monday, March 15, the Ashland School Board passed a resolution making a one-year change of practice in mandatory state SBAC (Smarter Balance) assessment administration.
The resolution is in keeping with the state of Oregon’s request to the US Department of Education seeking a waiver for state assessments this year due to the impact of the pandemic and the limited opportunity for students to experience school on-site during the pandemic. If administered, state assessments could take up a significant amount of the remaining on-site class time for students that have returned in hybrid. Students just now returning to classrooms would come back to find themselves participating in hours of formal assessments.
In a typical year, Oregon law requires students to participate in state testing unless a parent specifically chooses to “opt-out”. Educators encourage all students to take the state SBAC assessment because the annual assessments provide valuable feedback on student progress as well as program efficacy and deficits.
Parents will receive an email notice allowing them to opt-in if they feel their child will benefit from state testing. By default, the choice will be not to test. Parents that do not want their child to test do not need to respond to the opt-in notice.
For More Information:
Jackie Schad, Jacqueline.schad@ashland.k12.or.us Tel. 541-482-2811, Ext. 1119
Oregon Battle of the Books
We had two closely matched teams in the finals: the 3rd grade Robin Readers and the 4th grade Word Wizards. After an incredible battle and three rounds of tie breakers, the Word Wizards won by one question. It was dramatic!
Congratulations to all teams who participated, and especially to our youngest players who had to learn all about how OBOB works while also reading the books and attending the meetings. Helman Dragons are impressive!
Congratulations Word Wizards (4th graders: Evie, Neva, Tallulah, Lola and Aziza) - Helman's 2021 OBOB Champions!
(Next year's books are out and can be viewed here: https://www.oregonbattleofthebooks.org/2021-2022-obob-title-lists/
It's never too early to start reading!)
2021-22 Kindergarten Launch
More information about Kindergarten (including how to access the Kindergarten Q & A on April 13 from 5:30-6:00) will be available April 7.
Time to Order Your Yearbook!
Hybrid Information
Attendance
In Hybrid, attendance is taken twice each day: during the in-person session and the Zoom portion of the school day. You will receive a phone call if your student is absent for either session.
For students remaining in Comprehensive Distance Learning, attendance is taken daily.
All enrolled students are expected to participate in the full day of learning provided by their teacher. This includes attending Zoom core instruction and either in-person or asynchronous lessons.
Pick-up and Drop-off
Pick-up and Drop-off Times
Morning drop-off window: 8:10-8:25
Morning pick-up window: 11:00-11:20
Afternoon drop-off window: 12:15-12:35
Afternoon pick-up window: 3:10-3:25
Safety Reminder: Children MUST enter/exit the vehicle on the passenger side.
Arriving Late?
If you arrive after these times, please drop your child off at the front of the school and have them check in with the office. All students must be properly screened for symptoms BEFORE entering the classroom.
Spring Break Travel Advisory
As we head into spring break, one thing to keep in mind is that there is still a travel advisory in place for the state of Oregon due to Covid-19. If your family will be traveling out of state, it is recommended that you self-quarantine for 14 days.
If your student is in quarantine but enrolled in hybrid, they may participate through CDL until the quarantine period is completed. As we see new variants develop, it would be a good idea to make sure your student is not affected before sending them to campus.
Community Resources
Bus Service to/from the YMCA
Counseling Services for students with OHP and Jackson Care Connect
Do you think your child could benefit from counseling services? We have partnered with Family Solutions and have a limited number of available counseling services for students who currently have OHP or JCC. If you would like to pursue these options for your child, please contact meredith.mcfadden@ashland.k12.or.us.
Financial Support 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.
School Care Coordinators
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 Janeice at (541)450-7163 or via email at mailto:jbouchard@optionsonline.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES
March 22 - 26 ~ NO SCHOOL, Spring Break
April 7 ~ 2021-22 Kindergarten Registration Opens
Tuesday, April 13 ~ Helman PTA meeting via Zoom, 6:30-8:00pm
Helman Elementary
Vision: Helman school is a safe, loving community where each child is honored as an individual, challenged to take risks, develop friendships, reflect on their growth, push themselves to reach their potential, and embrace the wonder that leads to lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
Email: michelle.cuddeback@ashland.k12.or.us
Website: http://www.ashland.k12.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=45
Location: 705 Helman Street, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: 541-482-5620
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Helman-Elementary-School-1557046364532003/