GRIZZ-O-GRAM
December 18th, 2020
Ashland High School
Note that we have adjusted our hours to limit in-person contact. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment. Knock on the door if you plan to come to the Main Office. To maintain social distancing, we ask that you stay outside.
Attendance Office:
Deb Falk, Attendance Secretary
541-482-8782
Instagram: @ashlandhighschool
Facebook: Ashland High School - Ashland, OR
Past Grizz-O-Grams: https://www.smore.com/u/ahs
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/
ASD Calendar
*Updates have been made to the 2020-2021 School Calendar to accommodate for emergency closure.
Red and White Day Calendar
*Updates have been made to the 2020-2021 School Calendar to accommodate for emergency closure.
Bell Schedule Fall 2020
This week's Grizz...
- Principal's Update
- Class of 2021 & 2022 Reminders
- Yearbook Photo Deadline Extention
- AHS Teacher Dance 2020!
- AHS Choir & Theatre Caroling!
- January Calendar
- Material Distribution Center 1/6
- Tech Tip of the Week
- Alemda Fire Family Toy Drive
- Yearbook 2021 Photo Submissions - Due 12/31
- January School Breakfast & Lunch Menus
- Sport, Clubs, and Activities
- Counseling Office
- Parent/Guardian Meeting Videos
- PSAT Update
- Community Service
- Scholarship Opportunities
Principal's Update
Hello Grizzlies,
As we have finally arrived at our long-awaited Winter break, I know many of us had to endure a difficult week after the hate speech incident happened during our 10th grade live assembly. Our administration is diligently working on the investigation with our tech department. As a school and district we are taking extra security precautions to ensure this kind of event cannot happen again. This incident was hurtful and has shined a light on the need to continue forward with equity work that is anti-racist and nurtures a school culture that values diversity and fights against hate. Today during class, students watched a video from me addressing the seriousness of this issue and our pledge as a school to go forward with this important work, to investigate all incidents of hate speech and to work in partnership with students to create an inclusive and safe school climate. Any student that didn’t see the video in class today will have an opportunity to see it during their 6th period class when we return from break.
We cannot let incidents like this one define our school culture, AHS is so much more. I hope that this break allows everyone to decompress, rest and connect with those closest to us. Thank you all.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Bell
Important - Class of 2022
Earlier this week the school board voted to waive the Senior Project as a graduation requirement for the Class of 2022. We recognize that coming out of the challenges of this school year, it will be important for students to focus on their efforts on their coursework.
Any student from the Class of 2022 that still wants to complete a Senior Project as a way to challenge themselves, can still do that. Please notify your counselor asap if that is something that you would like to do.
Recent Grad Requirement Changes for Class of 2022:
-25 hours of Community Service Required
-Senior Project Requirement is WAIVED
Reminder Class of 2021
Recent Grad Requirement Changes for Class of 2021
-Community Service Requirement is WAIVED
-Senior Project Requirement is WAIVED
Yearbook 2020-2021 Photo Submissions - DEADLINE EXTENDED
Dear AHS Parents and Students,
Due to technology hurdles, we will be extending the yearbook photo deadline into mid January. Apologies for the issues you may have experienced with the submission form.
Reminder, you must be signed in with a Ashland School District Email to access it. This is due to some technology security policies. The Yearbook team will provide alternative ways to submit a picture when we return from break. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,
Contact yearbook@ashland.k12.or.us if you have any questions. If you are unable to get a high quality photo taken, contact us and we can arrange photo shoot.
From your Yearbook Staff, dedicated to showing every student at their best!
AHS Teacher Dance 2020!
AHS Choir & Theatre Caroling!
If you want to donate to Performing arts so we can keep our choir and theatre programs ALIVE, go here.
Looking Ahead at January
Main Office Closure
Closed: December 21st - January 1st
Opens Monday, January 4th (Red Day)
No School: Monday, January 18th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Material Distribution - Wednesday, January 6th
The Distribution center will be open on the first Wednesday after break, January 6th.
We've got:
- Textbooks / Library Books
- Class Notes & Material
- 2019-2020 Yearbooks (that have been purchased)
- Whiteboards / Planners
If you need to pick up class materials, please call the Main Office to make arrangements.
If you would like to request a textbook, please email Aimee.Cork@ashland.k12.or.us.
Tech Tip of the Week
Proper Email Etiquette for Students
- It refers to the principles of behavior that individuals should use when writing and answering emails.
Why is email etiquette important?
- Emails are a form of communication. Just as you follow face to face communication norms in conversation, you should do the same in written communication.
- We are doing a lot of communicating through email these days!
- Always read and reread your emails before sending. Double check spelling, grammar, proper titles, etc.
- Consider your content and what following up is needed. If you have multiple questions or your email is running long, consider revising your email or request to schedule a phone or zoom meeting.
- Double check your attachments. Always reference your attachment in the body of the email.
Almeda Fire Family Toy Drive
Continue to support Almeda Fire families & our Latino community by donating to this toy drive! Toys can be purchased at the Amazon Gift List link below and sent to El Tapatio. Some items they need are new games, art supplies, or toys that can be used in small areas.
Click HERE to go to the Amazon Gift List.
Ashland Independent Film Festival - Films about the Wildfires
Ashland Independent Film Festival Offers Winter Break Activity for Kids Stuck at Home and Inaugurates Prize for Films about the Wildfires
The Ashland Independent Film Festival is encouraging parents to encourage their kids to enter the annual LAUNCH student film competition. Making a film is the perfect activity to keep kids busy during these long days at home. LAUNCH is accepting submissions from students of all ages through January 15, and winners will receive cash prizes and exhibition in the virtual 20th annual festival, scheduled for April 15-29, 2021.
It costs students nothing to enter LAUNCH, and submissions are accepted from grades kindergarten through college. Films need to be 5 minutes or under. AIFF LAUNCH submissions can be on any subject or in any film genre – from a stop-motion trip to the moon to a documentary about the life of a flea; from a live-action sibling-comedy to an experimental glimpse into the color of bubbles; from suspenseful to silly to shocking – anything goes, provided it remains within the 5-minute limit. If you want to view a decade’s worth of Launch winners, you can check out the archived films here.
Making a short film can help build confidence and open a whole new world of expression. There is a $200 prize for each age-category winner, as well as a $400 prize for the new "Rising from the Ashes" category meant to highlight films pertaining to the fires that have devastated our communities this year, and the courage being displayed all around us.
Filmmakers don’t need to have been directly involved in the recent fires to submit a film on the subject. Perhaps they know a friend or family member who has been affected or someone working on the rescue efforts for lost pets. The film could be about exploring the botany of a plant taking root in the ashes, or from the perspective of a firefighter in the aftermath, or an animated look at a squirrel seeking shelter amid the terror of an approaching firestorm. Wherever their creativity takes them, that may be just what the community needs as part of the healing process. Students entering a film in the "Rising from the Ashes" category will also be considered in their age-category.
Young people who live in Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine or Klamath counties in Oregon; Del Norte or Siskiyou counties in California are eligible to submit their short films.
The LAUNCH entry form is online and very easy to fill out. Please refer to the LAUNCH flyer for contest rules. This is the best opportunity for first-time filmmakers to try their hand at telling a visual story.
The deadline to submit is January 15, 2021 so now is the perfect time for kids to get started.
Thank you for being apart of the Winter Fine Arts Festival!
January 2021 School Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Sports
As of right now all our athletics programs are on "pause" during the Governor's two week freeze. We will evaluate after the two weeks and resume practices as soon as it is safe to do so. We now how much the practices mean to our athletes.
Clubs & Activities
Among Us Gaming Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: anKp7K
Christian Fellowship Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: 456358
Drama Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: 456358
Dungeons and Dragons: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: H30
Key Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Mu Alpha Theta: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
National Art Honor Society: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: ahsart2020
Philosophy Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Queer Straight Alliance: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Tap Club: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Truth to Power: Click HERE for Zoom Meeting.
Writers & Poets Club: Click HERE for the Zoom Meeting.
Among Us Gaming Club
Click HERE for Zoom Meeting. Passcode: anKp7K
If you have any questions, you can contact the advisor at Lauren.Bridges@ashland.k12.or.us.
Truth to Power Podcast Episode
Click HERE to give it a listen!
The link can also be found on the AHS News & Resources Canvas page.
Want to get involved with Truth to Power’s podcasting or activism? Join us today at 12:30 via Zoom—find the link on the AHS News & Resources Canvas page.
The Rogue News
The Rogue News staff has just relaunched the official Rogue News website with a fresh new look! Our first few stories are posted and more will be rolling in over the coming weeks. We’re excited to also add some multi-media including podcasts and videos this year. Check it out and spread the word! These student journalists are really amazing!
More Than Sympathy - The Rogue News
Click HERE to read.
Student Tutor Center
This year we are offering FREE tutoring online every Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Help is available in all subjects, including Canvas navigation! Your student can access the Student Tutor Center through the AHS News & Resources page on Canvas and join the Zoom session there. For the Zoom link, click HERE. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Anderson at tammy.anderson@ashland.k12.or.us.
Counseling Office
High school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period.
If you need to get in contact with your counselor regarding scheduling, academics, etc., call the counseling office at 541-482-2278 or email your counselors.
Diane Berry
Bryanna Trevino
Maurice Monteiro
Jen Marsden
Karyn Barats
Did you miss a Parent/Guardian Night Meeting?
- Important milestones and calendar updates
- How students are doing with Distance Learning/Tips for Success
- FAQ’s with school counselors and an administrator
If you'd like to watch those zoom meetings, follow the links below. To inquire about the 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Meeting, please contact Keri Phipps at Keri.Phipps@ashland.k12.or.us.
Sophomore Parent Night Meeting held on Monday, 12/7.
Junior Parent Night Meeting held on Wednesday, 12/9.
Scholarship Info Session Meeting 12/2/20
Jen Marsden hosted a Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants Info Session on 12/2/20 covering information regarding scholarship and grant opportunities. Click below to watch the Zoom meeting.
PSAT Information and Update
The PSAT normally is scheduled for mid-October each year. However, due to the COVID shutdowns, this year’s administration was cancelled. Additionally, further state mandated restrictions have limited other administrations.
Ashland High School is planning on holding a very limited administration January 26, 2021.
We are capable of giving 25 students, in Junior status, an opportunity to take the exam. This is crucial for students who are interested in qualifying for The National Merit Scholarship program, as well as practice for the SAT.
We will be following safety protocols, placing students at least 6 feet apart, and in multiple small groups. Masks will be required during administration and during any time spent on campus.
The cost for the exam is $17.00 per student, unless your student has qualified for free and reduced lunch.
If you are interested in taking the exam and wish to register, please contact Maurice Monteiro at: maurice.monteiro@ashland.k12.or.us
Further information will be given upon registration.
Community Service
Time to get creative and think outside of the box! Here are some examples of ways you can earn community service hours:
- www.Recovers.org - A local area email alert for continuous help needed for our Phoenix/Talent Fire Victims
- www.DoSomething.org - A youth-led movement for good focusing on advocacy work.
- www.we.org - An organization standing for Human rights & social equality.
- Making and Donating items to local causes (dog toys, grocery store bags, knitted hats, etc.)
- Sending letters to seniors at local retirement homes
- Thank you letters to essential workers
Habitat for Humanity
- Jackson County Fuel Committee
- And more!
There's a lot of ways you can support your community and earn community service hours. If you have any questions, reach out to your counselor.
College and Career Pathways: Scholarship Season is Here!
Resources for Seniors and their Parents/Guardians
Seniors have been receiving information on scholarship opportunities and have begun work on scholarship applications in their College and Career Readiness (CCR) classes. Jen Marsden, our College and Career Specialist, has been providing support to seniors as they work on completing both the OSAC Scholarship eApp and the AHS Local Scholarships application process. Ms. Marsden is also providing scholarship application support during the optional Senior CCR Advisory on Wednesday mornings and through daily office hours. Seniors (and parents/guardians) are encouraged to reach out to her with questions at jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us. For more information about scholarship opportunities, please see below.
OSAC Scholarships
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2021
REQUIRED DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2021
The OSAC Scholarship application contains many scholarship opportunities just for AHS seniors and other scholarships for students from Jackson County and Oregon that AHS students can apply for. The majority of OSAC scholarships can be taken out of state. The OSAC Scholarship eApp is completed and submitted online, and the AHS registrar will upload a student’s transcript to their OSAC eApp.
AHS provides OSAC scholarship information sheets (see below) to help students determine which scholarships they may want to apply for. If a scholarship has a code of “auto” that means it is automatically attached to every AHS student’s OSAC eApp and they do not have to specifically apply for it. Students should read through the AHS OSAC scholarship information sheets and use the OSAC scholarship search engine to find other OSAC scholarships they may be eligible for. Students should also complete their FAFSA before the OSAC March 1 deadline to be eligible for all OSAC scholarships.
Important OSAC Links:
- OSAC Scholarship Application
- OSAC Scholarship Application Timeline
- OSAC Ashland High School Student Scholarships
- OSAC Oregon High School Student Scholarships
For questions or assistance on the OSAC Scholarship application, please call Jen at 541-482-2278 X-2130 or email jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us.
Local Scholarship
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 22, 2021
Ashland is fortunate to have a large number of local scholarships available to graduating seniors. Every year, over $100,000 is awarded by local service organizations and foundations. Students can get started on these scholarship applications by following the links listed below.
Important Local Scholarship Links:
For questions or assistance on Local Scholarships, please call Karyn at 541-482-2278 or email karyn.barats@ashland.k12.or.us.
Ford Scholarship Program
The Ford Scholars Program, funded by the Ford Family Foundation of Oregon, offers scholarship awards to eligible students in Oregon that cover 90% of a student’s unmet college cost of attendance at an Oregon public or private university. To be eligible for the Ford Scholarship, a student must have a FAFSA EFC of 6000 or below. For more information about the Ford Scholars program and to complete an application (due March 1), please visit the Ford Scholars website. Students can also learn more about the Ford Scholars Program and eligibility requirements here.
Other Helpful Resources...
Other helpful resources include the 2020-21 AHS College Handbook and video recordings of AHS financial aid and college information sessions, which can be found on the AHS Youtube Channel.
ATTENTION SENIORS
For a list of current scholarships and opportunities (other than Local or OSAC scholarships), click here: Current Scholarships & Opportunities. This list is updated every Friday.
FAFSA
ACT and SAT Updates
Due to Covid restrictions, Ashland High School will NOT be administering the ACT or SAT until March 2021. Check 2020 ACT Updates and 2020 SAT Updates for the most current information about ACT /SAT testing. The majority of colleges that usually require ACT/SAT scores as part of the admissions process, have waived that requirement for the Class of 2021 as they know many seniors have been unable to test. Please check individual colleges to see their updated policies.
Students who still want to attempt to test this year can register for the ACT and SAT online, and those who qualify for free/reduced lunch are eligible for fee waivers for both tests.
Please contact karyn.barats@ashland.k12.or.us to obtain a fee waiver.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
Greenfield Peace Scholarship
Elk Members Legacy Award - Seniors
Legacy Awards – The Legacy Awards program begins on September 1st. Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 350 national awards. The application deadline is February 5, 2021 at 11:59 a.m., Central Time. Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg
The Coolidge Scholarship - Juniors
As a quick refresher, the Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2022 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (current high school seniors are not eligible to apply).
Coolidge Scholars are selected based primarily on academic excellence. Secondary criteria include: an interest in public policy, an appreciation for the values President Coolidge championed, as well as humility and service. Today’s competitive academic culture regrettably sometimes drives students to hype their accomplishments and pursue ambitious efforts merely to attain credentials. The Coolidge Scholarship pushes back on this trend. Successful candidates are indeed accomplished, but exhibit humility with respect to their achievements and pursue things of genuine interest to them regardless of the perceived prestige associated with the activity. A complete description of the scholarship’s criteria is available here.
The competition for the Coolidge Scholarship is indeed significant -- but even students who do not win have reported to us they are glad they went through the application process because it helps prepare them for college applications later on. Furthermore, the Coolidge Foundation invites 100 of the top applicants to participate in its Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid Summit Weekend in Washington, D.C and a one-time $1,000 scholarship. Applicants who make it to the finalist level, but do not ultimately win the full scholarship, also receive a modest one-time finalist scholarship.
Alert: the application requires that applicants read President Coolidge’s Autobiography and complete a few other reading assignments. While the book is not overly long, we encourage applicants to begin the application early so that they have plenty of time. Candidates who begin the application at the last minute are unlikely to be successful. The submission deadline is 5:00 PM EST, Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
We hope you will share this opportunity with outstanding high school juniors at your school. The scholarship application, along with additional information, can be accessed on our scholarship site: www.coolidgescholars.org. Please note If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, the Coolidge Scholars Program can be reached by email at coolidgescholars@coolidgefoundation.org or by phone at (202) 827-4291.
Mental Health Counseling Services
These are challenging times that can be even harder on teens. If your teen is experiencing the feelings and/or issues listed below, we’re here to support them - regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Schedule a meet-and-greet or an appointment with AHS Health Center therapist Kimberly Wasserman by calling 541-842-7677.
Somethings to look/listen for are:
• Anxiety, panic or excessive worry
• Grief, loss, disappointment and anger
• Traumatic events including discrimination
• Family conflict
• Depression, apathy or suicidal thoughts
• Isolation, withdrawal, boredom and loneliness
• Substance use or changes in behavior
Please note: If you are having a mental health emergency and are in imminent risk of harm, you should call Jackson County Mental Health at 541-774-8201 or 911 since our services may not be immediately available.
FAQ
Where can I drop off physical paperwork?
Need Technology Support?
Ashland School District Tech Department is here to help if you have questions about a device, PowerSchool, etc.
Click HERE to access Distance Learning Student Portal
For other technical questions, contact our Tech Deparment at:
Email: techhelp@ashland.k12.or.us
Tech Support Helpline: 541-201-2600
Click here to fill out the ASD Tech Support Request Form
Where can I access free internet around town?
- Ashland Public Library - Open 12-4 Mon-Thur
- Talent Library - Open 12-4 everyday but Fri
- Phoenix Library - Open Tues 11-5, Wed 1-7, Thur 11-5
- Medford Library - Open 12-4 everyday but Thur
- Grace Point Church in Ashland - Contact Church for details
- Rogue Valley Roasting Co
- Starbucks
- Bloomsbury Books
- Boulevard Coffee
- Mix Bakeshop
- Nobel Coffee Roasters
- HeartSong Nutrition
School Websites
Parent and Student PowerSchool Portal
Check schedules, grades and pay fees via the PowerSchool website and app:
Ashland High School Website
Social Media
Youtube
This channel will contain Announcements, Parent Night Webinars, Counseling Office udpates, etc.