Grizz-o-Gram
April 3rd, 2020 LEARNING UNDER THE CLOSURE EDITION
Ashland High School-- Oregon
Instagram: @ashlandhighschool
Facebook: Ashland High School - Ashland, OR
Email: AHSOffice@ashland.k12.or.us
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...
- SCHOOL CLOSURE - Principal's Update
- NEW DUE DATE: What happens to my grade from before the closure?
- A NOTE TO SENIORS
- Counselor Contact & Appointment Update
-
Cafeteria open for lunch and breakfast pick up
Wash Your Hands to AHS Fight Song!
- Epic Message from T Modd
- College & Career Resources Update
- And More!
Principal's Update
Grizz Parents, Guardians and Students,
The shift to online learning is a huge one. Students and teachers are learning this together. In the last two weeks, everyone has made great strides and we will continue to grow.
Many students were able to login this week and check in with classes, teachers and friends. Our ability to connect during this time of closure is extremely important for our well-being and continuity of learning.
We are still working to resolve issues for those families that do not have access to computers. Our tech folks are champions for kids and have been putting in long hours to support folks as quickly as possible. We also know that several students are working from smart phones, which are great for many things but not long papers. Some of you have printers and some do not.
In the coming week, we will be working on a few items:
- Making sure all students stay connected with school
- Making education accessible for all students and right-sizing the work load for these unusual times
- Moving away from the need for print materials
- Defining how grading and attendance will look after April 13 under the state’s new guidance
For the week ahead, I want students to focus on doing what they can, staying connected and taking care of yourselves. Schoolwork is important but not as important as you and your well-being.
A note on assignment dates: Teachers are posting assignments in Teams with assignment dates. Dates are suggested dates to help you pace your lessons. You may submit work as you are able without any stress over time lines. Work at your own pace. You will receive full credit for all work turned in under the closure.
We are working on a central web page with information about learning during the closure, local resources and supports, and student technical assistance. Much of the information that went out last week via email. We will continue to update the coming page throughout the closure. I will send out an email when the page is live.
Stay strong, stay healthy, stay chill and look out for each other.
We are Grizzlies – we got this.
Samuel
Samuel Bogdanove
Interim Principal
Ashland High School
Pronouns: He, Him, His
NEW DUE DATE: What happens to my grade from before the closure?
The date for completing work due before the closure has been extended to April 15.
Students will receive 0.5 credit for work completed before the closure in each class. In fact, if you still have any work past due from before the closure, you may turn it in for credit via email (scan, photo or file) on or before APRIL 15. If you do not have access to reliable email, please call 541-482-8771 and leave a brief message.
- If your final grade is an A, you will receive an A
- If your final grade is a B, C or D, you will receive a P (Pass) by default. If you prefer a letter grade, you may request it. More details to come.
- If your final grade is an F, your final grade will be a NM (No Mark).
How do I turn in late work?
The preferred way to submit late work is to scan and email or take a clear photo and email to your teacher.
If you cannot scan or send a photo via email, put your paper in an envelope with the teacher’s name, seal it and put it in the drop box by the school office by April 15. Remain socially distanced while dropping off.
The drop box will be installed by Thursday, April 9. No need to come before then.
A NOTE TO SENIORS
I know many of you have questions about graduation requirements, future plans and graduation itself. I had hoped to have more specifics to offer this week. What I can share is that there is significant work being done here in Ashland and at the state to address the needs of the class of 2020. We will know more specifics soon.
This week, our student leadership met with Karl Kemper and Mat Marr to make contingency plans for graduation and senior celebrations. They are generating fabulous ideas and will share proposals in the coming weeks. Graduation is a major milestone and we’re going to find a way to make it happen.
And yes, each of you is going to graduate. You are doing your part and we will do ours. No worries – we got this together.
A big question for many of you is how this semester will affect your college plans. Jennifer Marsden has been in touch with colleges. Those she has contacted understand the current circumstance and won’t judge anyone’s academic performance under a pandemic. I anticipate this to be true across the board.
Hang tough and stay strong. Stay connected. Let us know what you need. We will have more answers soon.
Counselor Contacts & Phone Appointments
AHS Counseling Department
The AHS Counseling Department is committed to providing you with the same kind of support and guidance that we would if we were meeting on campus. We are new to this online format and are working hard to make sure that you receive quality school counseling services in this virtual environment.
We will hold office hours for appointments Monday-Friday 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:00. You can make appointments by contacting us through email or by phone. We will ask you to choose a phone or video meeting. Once we have agreed on a time and day, we will send you an invitation to our appointment through our Teams Calendar.
We want to emphasize that appointments are available for routine concerns, and should not be used for mental health emergencies. If you need immediate mental health support or crisis counseling, DO NOT wait to schedule an appointment with one of us. Instead, contact:
- Jackson County Mental Health: 541-774-8201
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- staffed with trained professionals 24/7
- provides support for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis
Counseling Department Staff Contact Information:
Keri Phipps
9th Grade
541-631-8271
Diane Berry
10th - 12th, A-He
541- 625-9397
Kalli Walker
10th - 12th, Hi-Me
Kalli.walker@ashland.k12.or.us
541- 292--0390
Jeff Roscher
10th-12th, Mi-Z
jeffrey.roscher@ashland.k12.or.us
541-625-3763
Jen Marsden
Career and College Specialist
Jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us
541-631-8327
Karyn Barats
Scholarship Coordinator
karyn.barats@ashland.k12.or.us
Counselors are available for video or phone appointments during Counseling Department through Teams.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00-12:00 & 1:00-3:00
Please be aware that School Counselors, Jen Marsden, and Karyn Barats do not have access to their office phones and are unable to return missed calls at this time.
We want you to visit the AHS Counseling, Career and College Support Team page regularly. We will be posting important new guidelines and decisions regarding academic credits, graduation criteria, and college admissions. We will also keep a running list of your questions and concerns and do our best to provide answers or refer you to the appropriate information sites.
Although we will make every effort to protect your privacy, we cannot guarantee confidentiality in an online environment. If we are meeting through video, we encourage you to be thoughtful about your surroundings.
We will respond to questions, concerns, emails, as soon as we are able. Thank you in advance for your patience as we move though this together. As we all work to stay connected, we also encourage you to reach out to your teachers and classmates for support.
AHS College and Career Support
As always, Jen Marsden, our College and Career Specialist, is available to help you navigate the college admissions and financial aid process. We know many of you have questions about how to proceed, especially in light of the many uncertainties we are all facing. Rest assured that colleges are adjusting their expectations and deadlines along with the rest of the world. We are here to support you through your planning and decision-making process, so please reach out with your questions and concerns.
CAFETERIA OPEN FOR LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PICK UP
At this time for next week we will keep all school kitchens open for students to come and get sack lunch and breakfasts. They will be grab and go, not eat on site meals.
11am – 1pm with Grab & Go Lunch (Breakfast for next morning included)
If you know of any students that would not be able to make it to the sites, please email NutritionServices@ashland.k12.or.us
March 17 - April 28
Wash Your Hands! Use Ashland High's Fight Song!
Cheerful Welcome Message from Mr. Moddison!
Want to be a Fresh Start Counselor?
Sophomores and Juniors who are interested in being a Fresh Start Counselor! Applications are due today April 3rd. (Due to school closure, we are lenient with this due date. Please send in your app as soon as you can).
If you have a paper application that you have not yet turned it in:
- Email a picture to nora.godfrey-dismuk@ashland.k12.or.us.
- If you are unable to do that, please contact Nora.
Seniors, if you have attended Fresh Start as a counselor and are interested in being a Gray Shirt. These applications are also due by April 3rd.
- Email a picture to nora.godfrey-dismuk@ashland.k12.or.us.
- If you are unable to do that, please contact Nora.
Bus Drivers Wanted
BUS DRIVERS WANTED
Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life? Come join our team of dedicated school bus drivers with the Ashland School District! No CDL? No problem! We offer on-site job training for your Class B CDL. You must be able to pass criminal / driving background checks and a drug test. If you’re interested in Good Pay, Benefits, and driving Good Equipment, see our job postings or call for more information:
www.ashland.k12.or.us/Employment 541-482-3174
Posting 19-130 Bus Driver, Transportation: $15.60 per hour, 4.5 hours per day, benefitted position.
Posting 16-122 Substitute Bus Driver, Ashland School District: hours vary depending on need, salary based on Classified Salary Schedule.
Senior News
Senior All Night!
Cap & Gown Deliveries (Previously Scheduled for April 30)
"As we all continue to navigate this rapidly evolving situation, please know that we share your concerns. We greatly appreciate your patience as we maneuver through this unique graduation season together.
Herff Jones is made up of representatives across the country. We are one of those representatives. We are a small business, run by a local family that has been doing this for over 40 years. We work together with our high schools to facilitate both the ordering and delivery of all graduation products to celebrate your achievement.
At this time, we want you to know that our primary goal remains the same. We are here to ensure that every student who has earned the right to proudly wear a cap and gown, has their time to shine and be celebrated. All of the products that have been ordered, produced and labeled with your names on them, are still scheduled to deliver to you as soon as it is possible. Our company model delivers products through distribution events at each high school approximately five weeks prior to graduation. Because our high schools are currently closed, deliveries are just going to look a little different this year. We know that celebrations will happen, and it is our goal to be ready for whatever version of graduation transpires.
At this time, we are referring to our return policy that has been in place all along. Refund requests are for non-graduates only. All refund requests must be submitted in writing by July 1st, 2020, and personalized items are non-refundable. We trust that there is still plenty of reason to celebrate and that celebrations will happen. It is our hope that this slight shift in tradition on exactly how we celebrate our graduates this year does not deter you from celebrating this amazing accomplishment.
Things will undoubtedly continue to change as we navigate these next few weeks with our high schools. Please bear with us as we do this. We are in this together.
Thank you,
Royal-T Papers/Herff Jones"
Counseling Office
Counselors Are Here To Help
Counselors are here to help your students succeed. (See message above for updated contact information due to COVID-19).
Keri Phipps (All Freshmen) Keri.Phipps@ashland.k12.or.us
Diane Berry (Last Names A-He) Diane.Berry@ashland.k12.or.us
Kalli Walker (Last Names Hi-Me) Kalli.Walker@ashland.k12.or.us
Jeff Roscher (Last Names Mi-Z) Jeffrey.Roscher@ashland.k12.or.us
Resources on College and Career Pathways for Seniors and Families
Resources on College and Career Pathways for Seniors and Families
As always, Jen Marsden, our College and Career Specialist, is available to help you navigate the college admissions process. Many seniors and parents/guardians have questions about how to proceed, especially in light of the uncertainties we are all facing. Rest assured that colleges are adjusting their expectations and deadlines along with the rest of the world. In addition, a few of you may be considering some new criteria as you work on finding an educational or career pathway that is going to be a good fit for you this coming fall. Ms. Marsden is here to support you through your planning and decision-making process, so please reach out to her with your questions and concerns at jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us. She will also be happy to schedule a time to talk with you on the phone.
You can find answers to common questions on the topics below along with links to helpful resources at: http://ashland.k12.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=3140. This page will be updated in the coming weeks as more information becomes available.
· Financial Aid Award Information
· Oregon Promise Grant
· Updates from Colleges in Oregon
· Applying to Rogue Community College
· Applying to Southern Oregon University
· Job Corps Update
· General FAFSA Information
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Attention Seniors: You can find a complete listing of Local, OSAC and Current Scholarships & Opportunities on the AHS website: www.ashland.k12.or.us/scholarships.
Attention Juniors: There are a couple scholarship opportunities for you as well. If you have questions, please contact Karyn Barats in the Counseling Office.
Ashland Firefighters Scholarship
William S. and Kristine Ann Phillips Scholarship
Ashland Firefighters – Local 1269 – Charitable Fund
Ashland Firefighters Association wants to grant deserving senior applicants who are dedicated to pursuing a career and life in the Fire and EMS field with the assistance to do so.
Scholarships of $500 – Used for tuition, books and lab fees incurred while pursuing education beyond high school. Award recipients must attend an accredited program in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services.
There are no restrictions for scholarship recipients as to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran, marital status, or sensory, mental, or physical disability. As selection panel will evaluate the candidates on:
Preferred Eligibility Requirements:
1. GPA of 2.50 or better
2. Have completed a minimum 50 hours or more of community service
3. Demonstrated leadership in school and community activities
4. Strong desire to help people in emergency situations
Application Criteria:
1. Complete scholarship application packet (available in the AHS Counseling Office)
2. Complete Community Service Log
3. Transcripts of last 6 semesters
4. Provide two letters of recommendations
5. Submit an essay not to exceed 500 words. Answer the prompts: Why do you wish to pursue a career in the fire and/or EMS service? What do you believe are three characteristics you possess that would make you a great firefighter and/or EMT?
6. Oral interview, date to be scheduled
Upon selection of an applicant, scholarship money is forwarded to the school of choice, upon successful registration.
Application Process:
1. Application deadline is May 1, 2020
2. Oral interview TBA
3. Scholarship awarded June 1, 2020
Incomplete application packets are considered. Application packets should include items one through five under Application Criteria above. Mail completed applications and supporting documents to the following address:
Ashland Firefighters Local 1269
PO Box 1125
Ashland, OR 97520
Volunteer Opportunities - Earn Community Service Hours
SUBJECT TO CHANGE: PLEASE CONTACT ORGANIZATION IF INTERESTED
ASF Fund Drive Phoning Night - April 23 POSTPONED
The ASF Fund Drive has been indefinitely postponed. Refer to the District Website for updated information if you were interested in volunteering.
Ashland Parks and Recreation
The Ashland Parks and Recreation WinterSpring PlayGuide is out and have many opportunities for kids and families, all of which are listed here: ashland.or.us/ASDkids.
Check it out!
School Websites
Ashland School District Website
Parent and Student PowerSchool Portal
Check schedules, grades and pay fees via the PowerSchool website and app:
Ashland High School Website
Sports Physicals
Physicals may be scheduled at the on-campus health center or provided by your personal physician. 541 482 8771 x2247 Lori.Vieu@ashland.k12.or.us
Athletic Registration
Athletics Website
Attendance Policy
2019-2020 Course Guide
Application for Free Lunch Program
https://family.titank12.com/HV4XN5
If you do not know your student's ID number you can leave it blank.
Bus Schedule
ASD Transportation 541 482 3174
Stacey.Delgado@ashland.k12.or.us
Click here to see bus routes and times:
https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/SIB/files/2019-2020%20WEB%20ROUTES.pdf
Students riding a bus to any location other than their designated bus stop must have parental permission and obtain a BUS PASS from the front office.