The Weekly FIRE
Flexibility, Integrity, Respect, Effort
issue 3: 10/19/2020
Hello Dragons!
Happy last day of Hexter 1! Congratulations to all of our students and families on finishing this first term of distance learning. I am so proud of all of you for learning how to engage with school while helping to keep yourselves, your families and our community safe and healthy by staying home.
Our fall conferences are this week! Teachers will be holding conferences over telephone or Zoom video conference this Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd. Parents and guardians- if you haven’t already, please take a moment to visit our school website and sign up for appointments with all of your child’s teachers. You can also watch a video with directions on how to schedule conference appointments here.
If you have questions or need help with scheduling your appointments, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are happy to help!
Best Regards,
Aaron Ferguson, RLA Principal
Animal Guide of the Week:
-Laura Craford, RLA Social Worker
Just a recap from last week…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!
This week at RLA we are MEERKATS: “Get support from a trusted group of like-minded friends.” Our friends are the people we call on when we have something funny we want to share, when something happens that makes us excited, and they are the people we call when we need to talk about something hard or cry or just be around because they “get it.” This is true now more than ever. We need to support each other, help each other out, and check on each other. I know this is true for me, what about you??
I think I would like to talk to someone...
Are you in need of Resources?
Parents! Families! Looking for some extra support?!?!
Has this year been a little challenging? Confused or frustrated by technology? Juggling too many things without enough support? Are you just looking for a space to connect with other parents?
Well, RLA will be having a Parents Support Group starting soon! It will be a space for parents/guardians of RLA students to connect, share advice and tips, and troubleshoot through some of life’s challenges in these tough times. The group will be parent-led and co-facilitated by an RLA parent and Trillium staff, meeting on Zoom.
Please fill out this survey if you’re interested so we can schedule the group at a convenient time.
Thanks and hope to see you there!
¡Padres, Madres y familias! ¡¿Buscando más apoyo?!
¿Este año ha sido un poco difícil? ¿Está confundido/a o frustrado/a por la tecnología? Está manejando demasiado con poca ayuda? ¿Está buscando un lugar para conectar con otros padres y familias de RLA?
Pues, ¡RLA va a comenzar un grupo de apoyo para padres y familias de estudiantes de RLA! Va a ser un espacio para padres/madres/familias de estudiantes para conectar, compartir consejos, y lidiar con los desafíos diarios en estos tiempos difíciles. El grupo será facilitado por un/a padre/madre de RLA y por un personal de Trillium Family Services. Los grupos se reunirán en Zoom.
Por favor, llene este formulario si está interesado/a en el grupo para que podamos programar el grupo en la hora más conveniente.
¡Gracias y hasta pronto!
Weekly Wellness: Tips and tricks to get through online learning!!
- Julie Mack, Wellness
1. Did you know that even a little bit of exercise helps with your focus and memory? If you are feeling overwhelmed at the end of the hexter, take a break and get some exercise. Walk your dog, walk to the store, and buy yourself a snack, dance to your favorite song, just get up and move for 15-30 minutes. Then come back to your class and schoolwork. Your focus will be better, and I bet you get more assignments submitted! Join the Wellness class cardio workout for some fun cardio! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNAOIXhNRJs
In a bowl or jar toss all the following ingredients:
- 1/2 bouillon cube (chicken, beef or veggie whatever you like)
- Fresh veggies (carrots, mushrooms, kale, spinach, broccoli, onions, whatever you like!) just dice it up small
- Rice noodles or the noodles from the ramen package
- Cooked chicken, beef, tofu, hardboiled egg, or whatever protein you want
- Boiling water till all the ingredients are covered OR water then throw it in the microwave
- Add hot sauce, jalapenos, or whatever spice makes you happy and ENJOY!
I bet you never heard of Ronald McNair
-Sue Rosemarin, Science
African American physicist and astronaut Ronald McNair was one of the seven crew members killed in the 1986 Space Shuttle 'Challenger' explosion.
Who Was Ronald McNair?
Ronald McNair was an MIT-trained physicist who specialized in laser research before joining NASA in the late 1970s. In February 1984, he became just the second African American to reach space, serving as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. On January 28, 1986, he was one of the seven crew members killed when the Challenger shockingly exploded 73 seconds after liftoff.
Early Life
Ronald Erwin McNair was born on October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina. The second of three boys born to Carl, a mechanic, and Pearl, a teacher, McNair displayed an early aptitude for technical matters, earning the nickname "Gizmo."
McNair's interest in space was piqued by the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik in 1957, and boosted by the appearance of Star Trek on TV years later, its multi-ethnic cast pushing the boundaries of what was possible for a small-town African American boy.
An outstanding all-around student at Carver High School, McNair starred in baseball, basketball and football and played saxophone for the school band. He graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1967, earning a scholarship to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Students of the Week shout outs!
Neil shouts out to these Academic all stars:
- Joshua Prater, Samantha Crouch, Kwana Brown, Dimitri Travis, "Tony" Dieter, David Vasquez Ramirez, Monay Davidson, Ana Cruz Baltazar, Alexandra Hernandez Cecilio
Sue shouts out to:
- Keila Lopez Zuniga - You go, girl!!! Great job on completing the Hexter!!! You are amazing!!!!
- Araceli Avalos - WOW!!! Talk about dedication to getting something done - she is definitely in it to win it!
- Brayden Butterfield - is doing great - trying so hard and focused on the prize!!!
Maureen shouts out to:
- Star Aguilera, Edwin Cruz, Dimitri Travis, Symmone Mullen
All for doing a fantastic job on their work and great people in general!!
Maya would like to shout out to:
- Karina Jacobo Bautista - She’s been super focused and rocking it in all her classes!
Student Spotlight!
Hannah Thompson, 17
Meet the RLA Staff
Julie Mack: Wellness
Did you know that I used to work at a zoo in High School? I had to herd kangaroos, so I could open the gate every morning. I am Julie Mack, your Wellness Teacher, and miss seeing you all every day!! I want to share a little bit about me and how finally found myself here at RLA.
I am originally from Indiana and did not mean to become a teacher. I thought I was going to work in environmental science for a long time. When I moved to Portland, I got a job at Centennial Park School (17 years ago!!) as an E.A. and found out that I really loved alternative high school and all the craziness that comes with it. I decided that I would become a Health/PE teacher. I had a terrible Health teacher in HS (please don't tell him) and realized that there needs to be better health education for teenagers. Honest, fun, and relevant health education will give you the information you need to make good choices. We use our bodies every, single, day and I want everyone to be able to thrive and be their best selves.
When I came to RLA in 2012, I started coaching volleyball and soccer. Shout out to our championship volleyball team last year!! When I am not teaching or coaching, I love to play volleyball and am on a few adult teams. I love to travel, ride my bike, watch horror movies, and eat amazing food that other people cook because I am not an amazing cook. I am allergic to cats but just found out there are hypoallergenic cats, so I currently spend my free time looking at cute kittens to adopt!!
Karri Klock: Registrar
I am Karri Klock, the registrar at RLA. I have worked within the Reynolds School District for over 17 years. Most of my time has been spent in an alternative setting, which started with Reynolds Alternative Middle School back in 2004. There are many things I like about working at RLA, but most importantly is connecting with students and families.
I grew up and have lived in the Gresham area my entire life, in fact I graduated from Gresham High School. My love for east county has kept me here and is where I raised my girls.
My oldest daughter graduated from Barlow High School and is currently working as an Office Manager in east county as well. My youngest daughter attends Metro East Web Academy and is a competitive volleyball player. We are all excited to watch her graduate in June!
My hobbies are playing games with my family, cooking and most recent is riding on the back of my boyfriends Harley. We love to go on day rides and explore new areas and see the Pacific NW country side.
Engagement Liaison: Nancy Gutierrez Leon
Hi all! My name is Nancy Gutierrez Leon. I have been at RLA for about 3 years now as an Engagement Liaison. I’m one of the ladies in the front office. I do parent outreach and work closely with the Spanish speaking parent’s, as I’m Bilingual in Spanish and English. I’m here to help in any way possible. I enjoy working at RLA. It gives me the opportunity to connect with young adults that are making their way through life.
Groups, Groups & More Groups!
Chrysalis Girls Group will start at the end of October! 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
1. Hip-Hop Group: Monday, 10/19, 3pm on ZOOM
Facilitated by Dane Hilts
Hip hop group is an opportunity for students to express themselves through rhythm, beats and poetry. We will be sharing music and dance, making beats, finding beats on YouTube and writing our own lyrics/songs. The focus of this group is to create an artistic space for beginner or expert rappers, beat makers, and poets to build and create together.
https://trilliumfamily.zoom.us/j/99693631547
Password: hiphop
2. Netflix vs. Hulu vs. TikTok: Monday, 10/19, 2pm on ZOOM
Facilitated by Todd B
What’s better Netflix or Hulu? But really TikTok is where it’s at! Come to this group to discuss all things streaming and social media and everywhere in between. We hope to build a safe space where people can talk about their favorite shows, movies, and accounts they like to follow, and maybe watch a few videos! We might also get into ways to relax, deal with stress, and balance time management so you don’t end up binging on shows until 3am every night, just on the weekends ;)
https://trilliumfamily.zoom.us/j/94708901770
Password: Netflix
3. Arts & Crafts: Thursday, 10/22 at 3:30pm
Arts and Crafts Group with Jesse will be beginning this Thursday 10/22 at 3:30pm over zoom. Due to the large interest in this group and the limited amount of supplies available, not everyone who expressed interest will be able to participate this time. However, we may be able to run a second arts and crafts group in the future. Jesse will be coordinating with students to drop off supplies as well as provide the zoom link before Thursday. For questions, call Jesse: 503-318-2905.
If you’ve already signed up for a group, check your student email and you will get a reminder and link to join the group on the first day. If you’re still interested in one of the available groups then just follow the link/password to join at the right time! Any questions reach out to the Trillium team:
Todd Brehm, tbrehm@trilliumfamily.org 971-334-2009
Jesse Bright jbright@trilliumfamily.org 503-318-2905
Dane Hilts dhilts@trilliumfamily.org 971-940-8561Clubs
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.
If you're interested please contact Linda at:
llamendolagilliam@rsd7.net
Join us on Mondays at 11:00 on ZOOM click the link below
ZOOM:
Meeting ID: 997 0308 6129
Passcode: 500314
October is LGBTQ+ History Month
- Linda Lamendola-Gilliam
October 20th is Spirit Day.
Brittany McMillian, a high school student put together Spirit Day with help from GLAAD (the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in 2010. On this day people from all over the globe wear purple to make a stand against bullying and to remember the LGBTQ+ youth who lost their lives to suicide.
"Ultimately, I want Spirit Day to make just one person feel a little bit better about his or herself, to feel safe enough in their own skin to be proud of who they are."
- Brittany McMillian
Wear purple on the Tuesday the 20th to show your support!
To learn more check out these links:
https://www.glaad.org/2016/spiritday/about
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/10/20/october-20th-spirit-day
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:
Earn CTE or Elective Credit
Want to Earn CTE or Elective Credit while learning skills you need in today’s workforce and life?
Check out Kathi “The Job Lady’s” Monday YTP Classes below.
You can earn .50 credit by attending, ask me how!
Have questions about these classes or anything else “job” or “life” related, please email me Kathi Morris at kmorris@rsd7.net or text/call me at 503-708-6540.
Job Club Class
Every 1st Monday of the Month
Nov. 2nd & Dec. 7th
Want help with resumes, cover letter’s, interviewing or applying for jobs? Then this class is for you!
Time: 1pm -2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
Permit Prep Class
Every 2nd Monday of the Month
Nov. 9th & Dec.14th
Need help preparing to take the Oregon Permit test? If so, then this is your class!
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
Soft Skills Class
Every 3rd Monday of the Month
Oct.19
Want to learn about soft skills needed in today’s job market? Want to learn what soft skills are? Come to this class and find out!
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Meeting ID: 964 0575 7931
Passcode: RLA
Kathi's Career Corner
Do you want to apply for a job but don’t know how? Do you need help preparing for an interview? Each week Kathi “The Job Lady” will give you “tips and tricks” on these and much more! If you want individual help, contact Kathi: kmorris@rsd7.net or 503-708-6540 (text is fine).
Tips for Preparing for a Virtual Interview:
Take time to prepare for virtual interviews. They call on skills and behaviors that are different from in-person interviews.
- Familiarize yourself with the equipment and software you will use and make sure your internet connection and video conferencing program are working.
- Arrange your computer so your face and shoulders on screen look like a picture in a frame. If using a laptop, raise the screen to look directly at you by placing a box under it and look directly at the interviewer.
- Keep gesturing to a minimum. Don't cross your arms or legs. Nod and smile genuinely when the speaker talks.
- Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Wear something clean, conservative and business casual. Your dress will communicate your level of professionalism. Sit up straight. Lean in, but not too far.
- Find a non-cluttered room without background noise. Sit in front of a blank wall or a wall with an attractive display and make sure you have correct lighting.
- Print your resume and highlight any points you want to make during the interview.
- Arrange paper and pen nearby for taking notes. Prepare a list of questions, but do not become distracted by reading your notes too often.
- A few days before set up a Zoom or Skype call with someone you know and practice interview questions. The more you practice, the more confident you will be during your virtual interview.
- And lastly, remember to put a sign on your door that says “Do not disturb, job interview in progress.
GOOD LUCK!
A Chuckle with Kendra
1.What do you call a pig that does karate?
2.Why did the bike fall over?
You can find the answers at the bottom of The Weekly FIRE.
Upcoming Events:
The last day of our first hexter term is Monday, October 19th. Students must complete all required work and be earning a passing grade in each of their classes by that day in order to earn credit.
Parent and family conferences where you will get to meet with your child’s teachers will be October 22nd and 23rd.
RLA’s Annual Title I Meeting for Parents to Learn More out RLA’s Program and Goals for the Year will be held on Zoom on Thursday, October 29th at 6:00 PM
https://rsd7-net.zoom.us/j/96640514304?pwd=UFRacWo3QUVxWk8rRDI5b0Z5M290dz09
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
Dane Hilts
Skills Trainer
971-940-8561
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 Leader/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
Terry Panowicz
Counselor
503.667.4673 ex 3627
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. A pork chop.
2. It was two tired.
Reynolds Learning Academy
Website: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/rla
Location: 20234 Northeast Halsey Street, Fairview, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 667-4673