Update from the Middle
February 28, 2025
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March 5: Last Day of Trimester 2
March 6-7: Furlough Days (NO SCHOOL)
March 10: First Day of Trimester 3
March 24-28: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
Due to furlough days, spring conferences will not be held this year. Instead, teachers have taken extra time to provide more detailed and thoughtful comments in the Trimester 2 Student Learning Snapshot, which will be available on March 10.
These snapshots offer valuable insights into student progress, strengths, and areas for growth. While teachers are always working to support students in the classroom, we will not be scheduling individual conference meetings this trimester. We encourage families to review the learning snapshots carefully and use them as a tool to guide conversations at home about learning progress.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership in supporting student learning!
AHS Transition Info for 8th Grade Families!
It's hard to believe, but the time to start planning for high school is here! Below are important details and key dates to mark on your calendar.
Did You Miss the AHS Informational Meeting? Watch the Recording!
- If you were unable to attend the AHS Informational Meeting for Parents on February 24, you can still catch up on all the important details!
- This meeting, hosted by AHS school counselors and staff, covered essential topics, including forecasting and how to help your student complete their forecasting form.
- 📺 Watch the recorded meeting here: https://youtu.be/98IroWCWQ9s
2/28 @ 1:15 AMS 8th Graders Visit AHS! (Students Only)
- New this year! Your student will walk to AHS with AMS teachers and staff for an informational meeting in the North Mt. Theater. They will hear information about forecasting along with a chance to ask questions from real AHS students!
- Your student will walk back to AMS with teachers and staff and be given a Forecasting Form to bring home.
- You and your child will work together to fill this form out. There will be a place for a parent signature.
Week of March 10th-14th
- AHS counselor(s) will visit your child’s Homeroom to help answer any questions and collect forms.
- ALL FORECASTING FORMS DUE MARCH 13TH!
We look forward to helping our Cubs become Grizzlies!
Survey Window: March 3- March 21
Ashland Middle School wants to hear from our students! We’re partnering with YouthTruth to hear what students have to say about their school experience. AMS students can help us understand how to improve our school climate!
Although we want to hear from all students, participation in this survey is voluntary
Survey questions are available for review upon request, and opt-out forms are linked below. Please return opt-out forms to the AMS office before March 3rd.
Pizza + Pie for a Great Cause!
The Nutrition Services team is excited to announce thier upcoming Pii Day Fundraiser! To celebrate International Pi Day (3.14), they will be preselling take & bake pizzas and freshly baked whole pies (apple or peach) to help raise funds for the ASD Nutrition Services department.
Order Details:
Whole Pies:
- Apple - $14
- Peach - $15
Take & Bake Pizzas:
- Cheese - $10
- Pepperoni - $12
- Vegetarian (spinach, mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers, olives) - $15
- Supreme (pepperoni, sausage, bell pepper, red onion) - $15
- Pesto Chicken (chicken, red onion, mushroom, pesto sauce) - $15
Side of Ranch or Marinara - $0.50 each
How to Order:
- Orders must be placed and paid for by March 12th.
- Call the AMS Office to order and pay over the phone or stop by the office to pay in person.
Pickup:
- Date: March 14, 2025
- Time: 3:05 pm – 6:00 pm
- Location: AMS Cafeteria
AMS East Coast Trip Fundraiser
Saturday, April 5
$20 adults/$15 kids (2 and under free)
Ashland Creekside Campground
Four start times available: 9AM/10AM/11AM/12PM
Please consider participating in the Ashland Color Run on April 5 to help raise funds for AMS students' East Coast trip.
This untimed one-mile color run/walk is a unique outdoor event that celebrates happiness and healthiness. Using non-toxic, corn starch-based color powders, participants will enjoy a splash of color at various checkpoints throughout the course. After the race, a colorful dance party will keep kids and families moving and celebrating! Get ready to be the brightest COLOR you can BE while supporting Ashland Middle School students!
Testing Window: Grades 6-8: 04/07/2025 — 06/5/2025
Annual Notice for Oregon’s Statewide Summative Assessments • Spanish • Russian
- For more information on Oregon Statewide Assessment System, CLICK HERE.
- For information on State Assessment opt-outs and exemptions options, CLICK HERE.
- Opt-out forms and admin conference required by March 14th to be valid. No late opt-out forms will be accepted. Please email Rebecca Gyarmathy for more info.
During these times we ask that you help your student be successful and have a positive testing experience by:
- Making sure your student comes to school every day (unless they are sick)
- Reminding them the importance of being to class on-time so they receive all directions
- Having your student eat breakfast and lunch
- Emphasizing how important it is to get eight or more hours of sleep a night
- Encouraging your student to stretch and get exercise to help their brains be alert and awake
We are still missing several Cross Country, Basketball, Wrestling, and Volleyball uniforms. If your student participated in one of these sports, please take a moment to look around your home for any uniforms that haven’t been returned.
Important Reminder: Missing uniforms will be charged to the student they were issued to, so returning them as soon as possible will help avoid any unnecessary fees.
Thank you for your help in getting these uniforms back!
FACTS
- Regular attendance is corelated with higher achievement rates.
- Regular attendance allows students to stay on grade level, keep up with work, and understand assignments.
- Being at school opens up students to new opportunities to learn academic as well as social skills.
- Attendance helps kids feel connected to their school community.
- Regular attendance sends a message that education is important.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
It is important to take an active role in your kid’s lives. Checking homework, talking about school and making education seem important all lead to good attendance and school success.
Help your student get to school on time every single day by creating a morning routine
ROUTINES THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
WHAT YOU CAN DO - Set a regular bed time • Create a solid morning routine • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before • Get an alarm clock for yourself and your child • Wake up with plenty of time to have a stress free morning • Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly sick • Complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him feel comfortable and excited about learning • Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent • Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session • Make school and education seem of utmost importance to your child
Come give water polo a try! March 31 - April 3, 4-6 PM at Daniel Meyer Pool. Open to all students in grades 6-12. Free to all players and all experience levels welcome.
Regular Spring Season: April 7- May 22, 4-6 PM Monday -Thursday at Daniel Meyer Pool. All players must be registered with Ashland Water Polo, have a USA Water Polo Membership, and pay the club fee to participate. Scholarships are available. All players are welcome. Become part of a winning team as well as a fun supportive community!
Visit: ashlandwaterpolo.org
March 7, 8, 14 & 15 @ 7 pm
March 9 & 16 @ 1 pm
Understudy Show March 11 @ 7 pm
Tickets $20 - Students $15
Support the Ashland Family YMCA Scholarship Fundraiser!
The Ashland Family YMCA has been an incredible partner to AMS, providing fun and engaging lunchtime events for our students throughout the year. Now, we have a great opportunity to give back and support the YMCA’s Scholarship for Kids Campaign!
Join the fundraiser at Legend NW Cider Company on Sunday, March 2nd, from 12 PM to 8 PM. A portion of sales from Super Smash Burgers and Legend Cider will go directly toward scholarships that help families afford preschool, afterschool programs, camp, sports, and YMCA memberships.
📍 Event Location: 245 W Valley View Rd, Talent, OR 97540
Ashland Teen Library March Events
3/3: Take & Make: DIY Fidget Keychains • All Day
3/12: Teen Hangout: Video & Board Games • 2:30 - 4:30 PM
3/14: Pi Day Pizza Party • 3:30-5 PM
3/26: Magnetic Slime • 3-4:30 PM
Snacks provided at all events.
Let's Play Lacrosse!
Curious about lacrosse? Join RVYLA for free clinics on Sundays: February 16th, 23rd, and March 2nd, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. at Ashland Middle School (AMS).
These sessions are open to boys and girls of all experience levels—no prior knowledge of the game is necessary, and equipment will be provided.
Games start in April : Registration
Boost Boys' Motivation
How to ignite His Spark ( Without Nagging or Yelling)
3-Sessions
On-Line Events! (Replays Included)
March 5, 12, 19
With Jen and Janet
If I were Mayor...
Ashland Mayor, Tanya Graham, is encouraging Ashland's youth to apply for the Oregon mayors Association annual, "If I were Mayor..." student contest for grades 4th-12th.
Deadline is March 10, 2025. Details at: ashlandoregon.gov/OMAcontest
Guided Passages Youth Connect Spring 2025
Middle School Wednesdays
All Genders - 2:30-4:30
8 Weeks: April-May
Connect with other teens and be your authentic self. Join us for Council, games, activities, snacks and fun.
Call 541-708-3609 or email Jasmyne@guided-passages.com for more information.
Ashland Aerial Arts Presents Summer Camps 2025
June 9 - July 24
Ages 6-16
Ashland Aerial Arts camps are for everyone as a chance to try aerial silks, trapeze, bungee, tightrope, hula hoop, juggling, crafts and more! Beginners are welcome in this safe, positive environment. Camp is Monday-Thursday each week. We offer Summer Camps June 9th-July 24.
Guided Passages' Wilderness Quest for 7th-8th Graders
June 17th-21st 2025: 5 Days/4 Nights
Join us on an epic Backpacking Adventure into the Marble Mountain Wilderness of Northern California. During this Rite of Passage journey, we'll mark the transition into your teenage years, explore the backcountry, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
