John Muir Outdoor School News
June 4, 2021
Principal's Message
Dear John Muir Outdoor School Families,
I truly cannot believe that we only have another two weeks of this school year. It's hard to think about having students leave us when in many ways, we just got them here! We are working hard to make the last two weeks memorable and simultaneously planning for the year to come! On the note of memorable experiences, we hope to see the entire school community along our 8th Grade Graduation Parade route on June 17th. Please see below for more details.
This coming week, our 8th grade students will get to go on a three day backpacking adventure! We are so excited that the seven of them will get to experience this special rite of passage and experience together. We are also grateful for the guidance changes that have made the opportunity possible (and their teacher who never stopped asking if she could make it happen).
A couple quick notes, if a student arrives to school late, we need them to come to the office to check in with Lindsay before joining their class. In addition, we ask that students arriving late are not dropped off in the drop off loop for youngers. We don't have supervision for that space after classes come in. Please drop off students that are arriving late in the front of the building for their safety. Thank you for you help with this!
Lastly, I'm thrilled to announce that after interviewing some fabulous candidates, we have offered the 6/7 teaching position to Ryan Ritchie. And... he has accepted! Ryan has been working with our students as our JMOS Guest Teacher for sometime now (I featured him in a recent newsletter) and we are thrilled to have him joining our team for the year to come! He is an excellent addition to John Muir Outdoor School.
Here's to the two amazing weeks to come!
Warmly,
Jennifer ParksPrincipal
First Friday
Summer Backpack Food Program
As we all continue to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we know that while we are all in the same storm, we are not all in the same boat. Many of our JMOS families are struggling due to the loss of jobs, income, child care and stable housing. John Muir Outdoor School is working hard to be able to support our families with a food program this summer. With a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Ashland, we will be able to provide families in need with a CSA box from a local farm and other supplementary food items each week during the summer months. Families can also continue to get sack lunches for children through the Ashland School District, separately from this effort.
If you are a family in need that could benefit from the Summer Backpack Food Program, please click on the button below. The information provided will go directly to our principal, Jennifer Parks.
Hike-a-Thon Update
We have two weeks to get to....how high can you go JMOSers?
There will be ONE MORE raffle, and every active walker (you will need to have tallied miles in the past two weeks or in this coming week) will be eligible for the final raffle prize of the year. Plus, all of us can be proud of how much we have walked AS A SCHOOL.
Keep it up hikers, we get outside!
8th Grade Graduation Parade
Parade Route
An Invitation to 7th and 8th Grade Families
Need Technical Help?
Call us:
541-201-2600
Email us:
Submit a Support Ticket:
https://helpdesk.soesd.k12.or.us/webform/asd5_families_newticket.php
Next on the agenda will be layout, excavation and installation of the footings that the new canopy will sit on. Completion: Summer, 2022
4th Graders Getting Some On-Site Outdoor Education
Parent Teacher Collective
Are you a parent or guardian of a child attending John Muir Outdoor School? Then you are a member of PTC and an essential part in supporting our school's students, teachers, and staff! Are you a staff member at JMOS? Then you are partners with JMOS's parents and guardians as we continue our work this year (and into the next) to strengthen the community and support our children through these challenging times! We need your voice.
The final PTC meeting is scheduled for June 10, 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Election results will be announced. More information to come directly from the PTC.
Also, please be sure to complete your ballot, if you haven't already. Electronic ballots must be submitted by June 8th to be counted.
ASF’s 2021 Annual Fund Drive Happening Now!
A gift in any amount goes a long way toward ensuring we can meet the needs of all our students, and continue providing the excellent (and fun!) educational opportunities our Ashland community of schools is known for. You can donate and see the grants awarded to our school so far this year at AshlandSchoolsFoundation.org – or just text the letters, ASF to 72572 to make a donation.
Family and Caregiver Supports
Financial Supports 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.
Counseling Services for students with OHP
School Care Coordinator
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 Camille at (541)414-0914 or via email at ccantyfischer@optionsonline.org.
AMS Theater Department Presents "Disney's Frozen Jr."
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 3-5th @ 7pm
(Audience seating starts at 6pm)
Special Saturday Matinee on June 5th @ 2pm
(Audience seating starts at 1pm)
No admission – Donations are appreciated!
In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, performances will take place at the Ashland Middle School field. Audience groups should bring their own picnic blankets and/or camping chairs and set up within the track at AMS. Groups need to be distanced at least 6 feet apart from each other. Audience capacity is limited.
AMS Football Meeting
Attention 6th & 7th graders (including JMOS students):
Coach White will be hosting an AMS Fall Football meeting on June 10th. He is excited to start planning for the fall football teams and would like to meet you and let you know more about the fall season. Please join him for a brief meeting after school next week as follows:
Date: Thursday, June 10th
Time: Right after school, 1:45 – 2:15ish
Place: AMS Football Field
Bring your friends and come meet the coach!
Upcoming Important Dates and Events
6/9-6/11: 8th Grade Backpacking Trip
Friday, 6/11: 12:30 Dismissal
Wednesday, 6/16: Final Community Sing and End of Year Slideshow
Thursday, 6/17: Device Return (all devices, charging cords, and hotspots to school)
Thursday, 6/17: 8th Grade Graduation (6:00-7:15 with parade to follow; more details to come)
Friday, 6/18: Last Day of School (12:30 Dismissal)
John Muir Outdoor School
JMOS: Inspiring our students to deepen their connection with the Earth through integrity, the arts, stewardship, and authentic learning experiences.
#wegetkidsoutside
Email: jennifer.parks@ashland.k12.or.us
Website: http://www.ashland.k12.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=64
Location: 320 Beach Street, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: (541) 482-8577
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Johnmuiroutdoorschool/