Update from the Middle
March 14, 2025
Log In
AMS Calendars
AMS Online
March 24-28: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
April 21: Snow Day Make-Up (School in Session)
HOW ARE WE DOING?
AMS has partnered with the national nonprofit, YouthTruth, to help us hear feedback from you about what we are doing well, and how we can improve.
From March 3rd to March 28th, the YouthTruth Family survey will be open and we want to hear from you!
PLEASE TAKE THIS 15 MINUTE ONLINE SURVEY HERE: ytsurvey.org/asdfamily25
Your response is anonymous and will be combined with responses from other parents/guardians throughout the district. Thank you for your feedback! It is a gift that helps us continually improve.
Due to the district-wide budget crisis, our beloved school fish—Oscar, Sushi, and Mushu—are in need of support. These fish have been part of AMS for over eight years, bringing joy to students and staff alike. However, their food and tank maintenance budget is running on empty.
To ensure Oscar and his friends have clean water, nutritious food, and the supplies they need for the next two years, we’re launching a fundraiser from March 11 to March 20. Our goal is to raise $750 - $1,000 to cover their care.
How You Can Help:
💰 Drop spare change in the donation can in the main office.
🏫 Homeroom teachers will also have donation cans in their classrooms.
🐠 Every little bit helps! Even small donations add up to keep Oscar, Sushi, and Mushu happy and healthy.
Any funds raised beyond $1,000 will be donated to the Jackson County Animal Shelter, supporting even more animals in need.
Thank you for your generosity and for helping us care for our fishy friends! 🐟💙
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!
For Interested 8th & 9th Graders and their Parents
Lincoln School, Room 22
MAY 7 Thoreau 2-4PM
Questions? Contact Jennifer Wahpepah
This wonderful program is a 3-period part of your Ashland High School experience. You will earn your English, Social Studies and Science credits while being a part of a small community of learners. This program features project-based learning, reflective practices as well as a strong outdoor element of a variety of field trips and a class garden.
If you have heard about the Thoreau program and are wanting more information about it, please come check out where the magic happens! Both teachers will be there in addition to student testimonials, applications and all of the details you need to see if this program would be a good fit for your student. Hope to see you there!
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
Ashland Teen Library March Events
3/14: Pi Day Pizza Party • 3:30-5 PM
3/16: Tween D&D • 1-3 PM
3/26: Magnetic Slime • 3-4:30 PM
Snacks provided at all events.
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.
