The Weekly FIRE
Flexibility, Integrity, Respect, Effort
issue 14: 01/25/2021
Hello Dragons-
I’m going to keep it short and sweet this week. We only have TWO WEEKS left of Hexter 3! If you have an assignment that you have been putting off or a question you need to ask your teacher, today is the day. Take charge! Log in! Get it done! You can do it!
- Principal Aaron
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!
Penguin
This week at RLA we are PENGUINS: “The period of darkness that you’ve been experiencing is now passing.” There are so many ways to think about this card. Some may relate it to something personal and some may relate it to what’s happening in their family, community, or the world. Whatever it is for you, think of this as an active card…one where we have to do something, not one that just happens to us. We have been presented with SO MANY challenges over the past weeks, months, and years. We have had to access coping skills and resources that we never thought we needed. We have had to ask for help, give help, and learn how to live in this world—again. As we emerge from this period, we will still be faced with challenges, but we will face them with strength and courage and knowledge that we did not have before. We have discovered resources that we didn’t know existed within us, individually and as a community. In closing…to remain neutral, but also true to myself…some examples of the passing of darkness for some could be getting through 2020, recovering from Covid, finding a job, passing classes or even more recently, Inauguration Day. Here is something to think about as you consider what the penguin means to you…
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!
Jesse now has a virtual office!
Lines for Life
- Julie Mack, Wellness
We have talked about the importance of nutrition, sleep, exercise, fun, creativity but let's step back and talk about why.
Why do we NEED to practice wellness?! We use our wellness EVERYDAY. When our wellness is good, we don't even think about it. When our wellness is out of balance, we practice self-care and coping skills to get ourselves back into balance. We practice wellness to be able to address the tasks, challenges, and expectations of everyday. We practice wellness to be our best self for our families, friends, and ourselves. Wellness and Self-care are more than just taking a bath and some time out.
Self-care can be Social Justice! In a time of deep, civil unrest (not to mention a pandemic), self-care has perhaps never been so important. You might brush off self-care with a simple thought: There are more important things to be focusing on right now. And you're right—there are. But that doesn't mean we should let self-care fall through the cracks.
We Can't Run On An Empty Tank: 4 Ways To Heal As You Fight For Social Justice
1. Make time for self-reflection and breath. It's OK to take time for your breath; in fact, it's essential for keeping the anti-racism movement strong. Honest self-reflection is one of the core tenets of acting in allyship, anyway.
2. Check in on those who lift you up. find an inclusive community that feeds your energy!
3. Ground yourself—literally. nature has profound effects on our mental (and physical!) health as well; even something so simple as walking barefoot in the grass can help you feel more connected to the earth.
4. Start small. big change can and will happen from smaller actions. In fact, starting small can help you feel less overwhelmed about tackling the entire issue
Sue shouts out to:
- Edgar Aquino-Avalos – DUDE!! You are rockin’ it – great job!! - Sue
- Rosa Bautista Alejandre – IN IT TO WIN IT – you are awesome and just killing it this hexter – WOW!!! - Sue
- Marshelly Marcial Jacinto – Total awesomeness – you are doing great!!! - Sue
- Carlos Munoz Guzman – Who's in it to win it? YOU ARE!! - you rock
- Jocelyn Ramirez Avila – WOOT WOOT!! I’m having trouble keeping up with you! Incredible job!! - Sue
- Aleia Ochoa – I totally appreciate you working through the tech difficulties & making it work!! Great Job! - Sue
- Natalie Casarez Alvarado – WOW!! Talk about in it to win it!! You are awesome!! - Sue
- Star Aguilera – YOU ROCK!!! Great job! - Sue
- Salvador Pasaye Francisco – WOOHOO – you are doing incredible – awesomeness!!! - Sue
Jo shouts to:
These students have shown follow through and commitment the last couple of weeks. Keep up the good work!
- Aleia Ochoa, Arielle Martinez, Precious/ Star Aguilera, Isabel Guillen, Karina (Magdalena Jacobo Bautista), Stephanie Sauno, Giovanni Cervantes, Dayona Morris, Manny Gallo, Jesus Paz Zacarias, Natalie Casarez Alvarado, Armando Quintero, Sammi Inda, Isauro/ Debo Francisco-Ascencio
Maureen shouts out to:
- Stephanie Sauno- All around awesome student!!!
- Magaly Ruiz- Amazing, quality work-- keep it up!!
- Jonathon Reyes Reyes- Great attendance and participation in class!
- Rosa Bautista Alejandre- Rocking Language Arts! Keep up the great work!
- Symmone Mullen- Keep up the great work!!!
Neil shouts out to:
- Jeremiah Rosenthal, Angelina Barrera, Ana Cruz Baltazar, Asher Cruz Guarneros, Carlos Munoz Guzman, Harmony Crook, Isabela Guillen, Tyae Scott, Taron Parrott, Andrea Serna Acosta, Kai Brinster Johnson, Giovanni Cervantes Salazar, Vanessa Bailey, A’donus Dizer, Nami Arauza, and Debo.
Super star students
I bet you never heard of Alondra Nelson.
-Sue Rosemarin, Science
Alondra Nelson is president of the Social Science Research Council and Harold F. Linder Professor at the Institute for Advanced Study. A scholar of science, technology, and social inequality, she is author, most recently, of The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation after the Genome. She has recently been chosen as President Biden's deputy science policy chief.
Hello All! Today is a big day in terms of COVID-19 prevention! We now have leadership in this country that will listen to science experts! This means actual plans and actions are happening at federal level that WILL help to slow the spread of COVID and WILL help to get protective gear and vaccines to people in need. There is no delicate way to put this. The Trump admiration's handling of COVID is the reason our country is number 1 for COVID cases and COVID deaths. Science does not care about your opinion or political affiliation.
In day one the Biden administration signed several executive orders that will help get our numbers on track and eventually make this pandemic history. Here is a little of what was done in day one of office (Sourced from Vox):
- More vaccines: The Biden administration is taking a series of actions to boost the distribution of vaccines: FEMA will build vaccination centers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will launch a new federal pharmacy program, and states will have new “Covid Response Liaisons to foster more cooperation, similar to those used during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
- Leverage the Defense Production Act: Whether it’s for testing or vaccines, supply chains have repeatedly broken down during America’s response to Covid-19. Biden has promised to fix that, leveraging a federal law known as the Defense Production Act to prioritize and boost the production and distribution of supplies that are necessary to combat the virus.
- Reimburse states for some personnel and supplies: With the economy still weak, states and local governments have seen revenues drop throughout the pandemic, leaving them unable to pay for all they need to combat Covid-19. The Biden administration has promised a bit of relief by offering to reimburse states through FEMA for the use of the National Guard and some supplies.
- Set up a pandemic test board: A year after the coronavirus was discovered, America still doesn’t have the testing infrastructure that experts argue is needed to properly contain the disease. Biden will set up a board that will attempt to track down what the hold-ups are here and recommend how to fix them.
- Improve data collection and sharing: Local and state officials have complained they often don’t know how many vaccine doses they’re getting from the federal government and when. Biden will try to ameliorate that through an executive order and other actions trying to improve data collection and sharing with all levels of government and the broader public.
- More support to schools and workers: Through various federal agencies, Biden will move to provide more guidance and regulations to help schools and businesses reopen safely.
- New federal roles for pandemic response: Biden created a new position of Covid-19 response coordinator, who “will report directly to the President and be responsible for coordinating all elements of the COVID-19 response across government.” And he reestablished the National Security Council’s Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense, which will oversee, in part, pandemic response for the White House.
- Rejoining the World Health Organization: Biden also rescinded Trump’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization, promising to rejoin and help reform the group. Anthony Fauci will attend the organization’s January 21 meeting while acting as head of the delegation.
Even with the change in leadership, we are not out of the woods yet. Every day we see record numbers of COVID related deaths, and our death toll will continue to go up for some time. THE BEST THING YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONCE CAN DO IS LISTEN TO THE SCIENCE. Stay safe, socially distance, properly wear a mask, and wash your hands!
Do work relationships really matter?
Are you friendly with co-workers? Read this article and find out why co-worker relationships matter. 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).
Why Work Relationships Matter
Your success throughout your career will depend to a large degree on how well you form and manage work relationships. How smart you are and how well educated you become cannot alone make you successful.
We spend about 30% of our lives working.
In 2015–the last year this information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor–the average employee put in 38.7 hours a week and worked 46.8 weeks in a year. That means average U.S. employees spend about 30% of their life working. You probably know several individuals who spend more than 38.7 hours a week and more than 30 years working, upping their percentage of time spent on the job to more than 30%.
Overall job satisfaction is closely connected to your relationships with coworkers and managers.
Good relationships with coworkers and managers will make your days more enjoyable and increase your job satisfaction. This, in turn, will influence your productivity, which can lead to promotions and salary increases.
Good work relationships don’t just happen.
You need to give ongoing, careful attention and thought to your interactions with each person at your job. Showing support and goodwill, pitching in to help and being engaged are key ways to make positive connections.
Trustworthiness is No. 1.
Whether people are drawn to you or driven away depends on how much they trust you. But trust must be earned. It is not guaranteed. In fact, some coworkers may be suspicious of you at first, and you must prove you can be trusted. To secure trust, be honest and humble. Communicate well–both when listening and speaking. Avoid bragging about yourself. Let your actions speak for you. To gain trust, these guides will help:
- Be self-aware and emotionally intelligent. Know your personality strengths. If you tend to talk too much or too little, or to be defensive, recognize these as danger signs and correct your behavior. If a coworker appears not to want to discuss a subject, don’t push. Look for subtle signs from others that you need to behave differently.
- Show respect. Always be respectful, even to those you don’t agree with or who are different from you. If coworkers feel you respect their work and opinions, they will trust you sooner. Avoid showing favoritism, even though you may prefer some coworkers to others. Avoid gossip at all costs–gossiping can only get you into trouble.
- Set boundaries. You may form one or two special friendships at work. Those friendships will make your days more pleasurable but remember to be professional. Set boundaries for topics you will discuss, information you will share, and behaviors you will engage in.
Equally important to your own trustworthiness is being able to trust others. Watch for subtle signs that tell you which coworkers you should get to know better before placing total trust in them.
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: Feb 1st, March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd & June 7th
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
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
Arts & Crafts: Thursday, 3:30pm
Arts & Crafts Group will be wrapping up in the next few weeks. However, if you are interested and weren’t able to join the first round, you are in luck! A new Arts & Crafts group will be starting soon. If making things with your hands and being creative, while enjoying some social time is your thing, send Jesse an email and let her know you’d like to join!
Todd Brehm, tbrehm@trilliumfamily.org 971-334-2009
Jesse Bright jbright@trilliumfamily.org 503-318-2905
A Chuckle with Kendra
1. Did you know 10+10 and 11+11 are the same?
2. Why should you learn sign language?
You can find the answers at the bottom of The Weekly FIRE.
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.
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
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. 10 + 10 = twenty, and 11 + 11 = twenty too!
2. It’s pretty handy!
Reynolds Learning Academy
Website: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla
Location: 20234 Northeast Halsey Street, Fairview, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 667-4673