Update from the Middle

May 25: Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)

June 4: Last Day of School for 6th & 7th Grade

June 5: 8th Grade Farewell (Half Day)

20+ Ashland Middle School artists have their work on display at Ashland Art Works, located at 291 Oak Street.

Given only the theme of “thinking outside the box,” Ashland Middle School 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students were encouraged to reach out and combine new materials that express their desire to grow and push their personal boundaries of what can be contained, or rather, liberated through experimenting with mediums for the first time. Each work showcased at the gallery is a response to how we all find ourselves within the confines of screens, routines, and traditional norms. These students rose to the occasion to be brave and vulnerable, demonstrating what one can accomplish when stepping outside the frame.

We’re gearing up for our 8th Grade Farewell Party on Thursday, June 4 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM, and we would love your help to make it a memorable night for students. This event is organized by parent volunteers and depends on donations and support from our community.

We are currently seeking food and beverage donations, volunteers for event stations and check-in, and chaperones. Non-perishable items can be dropped off in the main office anytime, and perishable items may be brought the day of the event.

👉 Sign up here to donate or volunteer.

Your support helps create a fun, safe, and memorable celebration for our 8th graders.

A generous AMS parent is organizing a Teacher Appreciation Potluck as a way for families to show appreciation for our amazing staff.

If you’d like to contribute, please sign up to drop off a dish. Many slots still available for main dishes.

Potluck Details:

• Date: Thursday, May 7
• Drop-off: Before school, no later than 11:15 AM at the AMS front office
• Pick-up: Your containers after school, by 4:00 pm

Please sign up below if you’re able to contribute:
👉 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944AAAB2AA6FEC16-63573495-amsstaff

Thank you for helping us recognize the hard work and dedication of our AMS team.

Campus Tours

Families are invited to attend a Future Grizz Campus Tour on either of the following dates:

• Wednesday, May 13 | 2:45–4:00 PM

• Wednesday, May 20 | 2:45–4:00 PM

Tours will begin in front of the theater lobby at 201 S. Mountain Ave. Student-led tours will run every 10–15 minutes, making it easy for families to arrive at a time that works best during the event window. These tours are a great way to see the campus, get oriented, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.

As we wrap up the school year, please note the following important library dates:

• Last day to check out books: May 15
• All books due: May 26

Please take a moment to check for any overdue items and return all books by the due date.

Yearbooks will be held until all library books are returned and any outstanding fines or fees are cleared.

Mark your calendars for two upcoming performances featuring our talented AMS musicians.

Band Concert
Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 PM
AMS Large Gym

Orchestra Concert
Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 PM
Ashland High School Theatre

These concerts are a great opportunity to support our students and enjoy an evening of music.

In addition to tours, families are encouraged to attend the Future Grizz Welcome Night:

• Wednesday, May 27 | 6:30–8:00 PM

The evening will begin in the Mountain Avenue Theater and will include an overview of what to expect at Ashland High School. After the presentation, families will have the opportunity to explore and learn more about clubs, sports teams, activities, and upcoming events.

Join us as we celebrate our graduating 8th graders on Friday, June 5 at 11:00 AM in the Ashland Middle School Large Gym. This special ceremony honors our students as they mark this important milestone.

Students should arrive at AMS by 8:40 AM for rehearsal. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Additional parking is available at ScienceWorks and New Life Church.

This is an immediate family event, and we look forward to celebrating this meaningful moment with you.

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Looking for a fun and active summer opportunity? The AHS Youth Soccer Camp, hosted by AHS players and coaches, is a great way for students to build skills and enjoy time on the field.

The camp runs June 8–11 from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at the AHS Turf Field and is open to boys and girls ages 5–13. Registration is $75 by May 15 ($95 after), with all proceeds supporting the Grizzly Soccer Booster Club.

To register or learn more, contact marieuhlhoff@gmail.com.

Ashland High School Football is hosting its annual Jr. Grizz Football Camp for students entering 2nd–8th grade. This is a great opportunity for young athletes to build skills, stay active, and connect with AHS players and coaches in a fun, supportive environment.

📅 June 8–11
⏰ 12:30–2:30 PM
📍 AHS Football Field
💲 $50 registration (T-shirt included)

Scholarships are available.

For more information or to register, contact gwhite@reinholdtins.com.

Helman Elementary is collecting gently used, clean toys for their Mayfaire carnival prizes. They are especially looking for items appropriate for older elementary students and ask that no preschool toys be donated.

Donations can be dropped off on May 8 from 2:30–3:30 PM at 705 Helman St. in Ashland. Drive up and volunteers will collect items directly from your car.

Calling all readers! Jackson County Library Services is hosting a FREE Unofficial Battle of the Books (UOBOB)—and it’s open to all interested students.

Whether you're already on an OBOB team or just love to read, this is a great way to challenge yourself, discover new books, and even win prizes.

📖 The Challenge:

• Read (or listen to) 5 books from a list

• Complete by May 15, 2026

• Earn entries into a drawing for a $50 gift card

• Read multiple lists for extra chances to win

🔗 Learn more and get started: jcls.org/battle

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A great opportunity to keep reading strong this spring—encourage your student to jump in.

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Join the community for Sparking Action!, a free Wildfire Education Day on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM at ScienceWorks.

This family-friendly event features live demonstrations, hands-on activities, workshops, and opportunities to learn practical wildfire preparedness skills. Meet local experts, explore fire safety tools, and discover how to protect your home and community.

Free admission—learn together and prepare with confidence.

The Ashland Library Teen Department is offering a variety of free, engaging activities this April. All events include snacks and are a great way for students to connect and have fun.

Upcoming Events:

• Sunday, May 3
  Tween D&D | 1:00–3:00 PM
• Tuesday, May 5
  Teen Crafternoon | 4:00–5:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 13
  Video Game Hangout | 2:30–4:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 20
  Build a Wire Sculpture | 3:00–4:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 27
  DIY Book Jackets | 3:00–4:30 PM

For more events and teen resources, visit jcls.org/teens.

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Parents and caregivers are invited to join a free 6-week virtual class focused on Collaborative Problem Solving®, an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to helping children manage behavior and build essential skills.

Classes run Tuesdays, May 22-June 26, 11:30am-1:30pm and include interactive learning, practical strategies, and opportunities to connect with other families. Space is limited.

For more information or to sign up, contact training@kairosnw.org or (541) 592-9991.

Build confidence and strengthen math skills this summer.
LearnIt Studio is offering small-group Math Transition Camps and personalized tutoring to help students start the school year strong.

Learn more and sign up: LearnIt.Studio/summer-programs

Looking for a fun, outdoor summer experience? Nature Day Camp at The Crest offers 7 weekly sessions from June 15 through July 31 for students ages 6–11. Campers will explore forests, wetlands, and gardens, meet local wildlife, and even visit the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument with expert guides. The program runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, with transportation available from Ashland, Talent, and Medford. Early bird pricing is available through May 31, and scholarships are offered. Learn more and register here: https://thecrestatwillowwitt.org/programs/

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The Crest at Willow-Witt is offering a 4-day, 3-night Overnight Farm & Forest Camp for students ages 11–14, July 13–16, 2026. This immersive experience focuses on leadership, cooking, team building, art, wellness, and outdoor adventure in a beautiful forest setting at Willow-Witt Ranch. Regular pricing is $675, with an early bird rate of $625 available through May 31. Learn more and register at https://thecrestatwillowwitt.org/programs/.

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Ashland Aerial Arts is offering Summer Camps for ages 6–18 from June 8–July 23, featuring aerial silks and creative movement in a supportive, fun environment.

Early bird discounts are available through April 17.

Register online at ashlandaerialarts.org or contact fly@ashlandaerialarts.org for more information.

Looking for a meaningful summer adventure? Guided Passages is offering a 5-day backpacking experience in the Marble Mountain Wilderness of Northern California. This unique program blends outdoor exploration with a “Rites of Passage” journey designed to support growth, confidence, and connection during the transition into the teenage years.

Dates: June 16–20, 2026 (5 days / 4 nights)

Participants will explore the backcountry, build skills, and create lasting memories in a supportive, guided environment.

Learn more at: https://guided-passages.com

Looking for a creative summer experience? Dragonfly Studios is offering engaging art camps for girls ages 7–13, focused on self-expression, design, and hands-on creativity.

Students will explore a variety of materials and techniques while creating unique projects—from room décor to wearable art—in a supportive and inspiring environment.

🔗 Learn more: dragonflystudios.org

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A great opportunity for young artists to build confidence, creativity, and skills this summer.

June 13–18 at Camp Latgawa in Eagle Point.

Ages 14-18

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Website

A six-day immersive camp focused on building confidence, leadership, and communication skills through guided outdoor experiences in Southern Oregon.

Email: kerri.mallory@ashland.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/ams
Location: 100 Walker Avenue, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: 541-482-1611
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ashland-Middle-School-143374639027500/

The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs and services and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated at our school to handle inquiries and complaints regarding nondiscrimination policies and to coordinate compliance efforts:

Name: Steve Retzlaff Title: Principal
Address: 100 Walker Ave
Telephone: 541-482-1611 ext. 3109
Email: steve.retzlaff@ashland.k12.or.us

Inquiries or complaints may also be directed to the Student Services Office at 885 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, Oregon (phone: 541-482-2811)

Complaints may also be directed to: Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington D.C. 20202, or by calling (800) 421-3481 or (877) 521-2172 (TTY).