The Tuesday Notice
August 19, 2025
We're getting ready! School starts in two weeks! Come help out at our Family Work Party this Friday, August 22nd from 10:00 to 2:00 pm. Mr. Smith will direct us in the many chores we need done to put the finishing touches on the campus so we're ready for the children.
This Week
Fri, Aug 22: Family Work Party, 10:00 to 2:00 pm
Fri, Aug 22: Class 1 Parent-Teacher introduction meetings, sign-up HERE
Next Week
Mon, Aug 25 to Thurs, Aug 28: Faculty In-Service Meetings
Wed, Aug 27: Class 1 Parent Meeting, 6:30 to 8:00 pm (Childcare provided with RSVP to the office)
Thurs, Aug 28 & Fri, Aug 29: Kindergarten and Class 1 Cubby Days, sign-up HERE
Thurs, Aug 28 & Fri, Aug 29: Class 2 through 8 Parent Check-ins, sign-up HERE
Looking Ahead!
Mon, Sept 1 (yes, Labor Day!): Class 6 Orientation Trip Meeting, 6:30 pm
Tues, Sept 2: First Day of 2025-26 School Year - Half Day
- Join us for our Welcome Tea after the Opening Day Ceremony! All are welcome!
Tues, Sept 2: Classes 7 & 8 Orientation Trip Meeting, 6:30 pm
Wed, Sept 3 to Fri, Sept 5: Class 6 Orientation Trip to Mt. Lassen
Thurs, Sept 11: Family Welcome Night, 5:45 to 8:00 pm
- Dinner served, Class Meetings to follow, no children, please
Drop-off and Dismissal Times
Please do not drop off your child(ren) earlier than 8:10 and
come at the dismissal time of your OLDEST child. Being a little later always helps with the traffic!
FIRST WEEK
Arrival, all grades: 8:10-8:20 am; morning bell rings at 8:25 am.
FIRST WEEK Dismissal
Tuesday, September 2 - First Day of School!
Kindergarten and Grade 1: 12:20 pm
Grades 2-4: 12:30 pm
Grades 5-8: 12:40 pm
Wednesday, September 3 and Thursday, September 4
Kindergarten and Grade 1: 12:20 pm
Grades 2-4: 3:00 pm
Grades 5-8: 3:10 pm
Friday, September 5
Kindergarten and Grade 1: 12:20 pm
Grades 2-4: 12:30 pm
Grades 5-8: 12:40 pm
Starting Monday, September 8 - DAILY SCHEDULE
Arrival, all grades: 8:10-8:20 am; morning bell rings at 8:25 am.
Dismissal MONDAY through THURSDAYS:
Kindergarten (without enrichment): 12:30 pm
Grade 1 (without aftercare, until February): 2:10 pm
Kindergarten (with enrichment) & Grade 1 (with aftercare): 2:50 pm
Grades 2-4: 3:00 pm
Grades 5-8: 3:10 pm
Dismissal FRIDAYS and Half-Days:
Kindergarten and Grade 1: 12:20pm
Grades 2-4: 12:30pm
Grades 5-8: 12:40pm
The faculty are looking forward to providing targeted support based on the needs of the children. Please sign up for these slots using this link: School Welcoming Days Sign-up. Look for the tab at the bottom for your child’s class. If you're using this form on your phone and have trouble editing the document, you might have better luck on a computer. If you encounter any issues, please email the teacher to confirm your sign-up time.
Teacher Conferences (1st Grade Class): “Required” parent-teacher conference because the teacher is new to this class. This is a time for parents to meet the teacher and discuss their hopes for their child.
Cubby Days (Kindergarten & 1st Grade Classes): This is a time for children to greet their teacher, see the classroom, and get a quick walk-through of what the first day will be like. This calm and quiet time is an important step in preparing for a smooth first day.
Optional Check-ins (2nd through 8th Grade Classes): Time for those families who would like to meet for about 15 minutes. This is generally for a “summer update” on family and student developments.
There's a lot to keep in mind as we start up again. Being on the same page with schedules, policies, and arrival/dismissal logistics helps everything run smoothly. Thank you for reading through these reminders and marking key dates on your calendars. The updated 2025-26 Parent/Family Handbook will be published in a couple weeks and any updates to the calendar will come through the Tuesday Notice.
Teachers give a lot of thought to the children’s first hour at school because its effect reverberates through the day. As soon as the bell rings, class teachers begin leading their children through a rhythmic sequence of activities designed to bring the class together and the student into a place of readiness for Main Lesson. Getting your children to school 10-15 minutes before the 8:25 a.m. bell to give them a moment to settle in, put belongings away, and connect with their friends is a gift you can give them every day. Thank you for your help with this routine.
Teachers encourage children to drink frequently throughout the day to stay well hydrated. All children in grades K-8 are expected to have a labeled water bottle at school every day. Children can refill their bottle with filtered water from their classroom sink.
In addition to water bottles we encourage parents to label all sweatshirts, jackets, and lunch bags, as well as potluck dishes or other items brought on campus. Labeling is a big help in being able to get your things back to you.
Students are not allowed to use cell phones/smart watches, electronic devices, or other personal devices during school. If a child needs to communicate with their parent during the school day they may go to the office to use the phone (see Cell Phone/Smart Watch Policy in handbook).
For your child’s safety, please make sure their Emergency Form and all important contact information, including phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts are correct and up-to-date.
Parent-Led Anxious Generation Discussion Group
When is the right age to give my child a smartphone?
How do I limit screen time without constant battles?
How do we create phone-free spaces at home?
How can I create a community of like-minded families so that we don’t feel isolated?
How do I become a better role model with my own phone use?
How do I balance older sibling screen/phone use with younger siblings?
If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, you’re not alone. Navigating phones, social media, and screen time with kids is a constant struggle — especially when it feels like every family is making different choices. Without solidarity, it’s tough to stick to boundaries or help our kids see them as normal.
So this fall, we’re starting a parent-led Anxious Generation Discussion Group at the Siskiyou School. The group is by parents and for parents, serving interests of all grades, K through 8th. We’ll meet to share experiences, talk through common challenges, and explore practical solutions for raising healthy, connected kids in a tech-driven world.
The content of this parent-led group is inspired by guidance and information in The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. While reading the book is encouraged, it is not required — our conversations will focus on real-life parenting situations and building a supportive community that’s on the same page about technology and kids. If you don't have time to read the book, but you want a summary of the evidence and recommendations that will be discussed at these parent evenings, take a look at this resource list.
6-7pm Pine Hall (or other location at Siskiyou School)
- Sunday, September 21st
- Wednesday, October 15th
- Wednesday, November 12th
Join us as we work together to create a healthier phone culture for our children — and for ourselves.
Hosted by Dave Isser (4th grade and kinder parent),
Ariel Daniel (1st grade parent) and
Kate Levin (SS graduate, 8th grade and 4th grade parent)
This group is open to parents throughout the whole Ashland community whether currently at the Siskiyou School or not - we encourage you to bring a friend!
Questions: Contact Dave Isser daveisser@gmail.com (323) 449-4579
Family Work Party: Friday, Aug. 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Looking for hardworking parents that love our school! If possible, bring gloves, rakes, a couple extra wheelbarrows, water, snacks, and a joyful presence. There is no childcare provided so please be respectful and watch your children. There is a lot of raking, weeding, and spreading of wood chips. We also need some tough hands for some circular sanding. (We will provide masks and earplugs.) The more help, the better our school looks!
Thank you! Mr. Smith (Groundskeeper and Woodworking Teacher)
Donations Wanted!
Ukuleles – As we expand our music program we are looking for 15 ukuleles. We would gladly accept gently used medium to high quality ukuleles or a monetary donation to be used towards their purchase. A sponsorship of $400 would get us the ukes we need!
We also are looking for a sturdy wheelbarrow for the ACORN/Clay Street garden and a children's table for our front hall waiting area!
Please contact Amy at officemanager@siskiyouschool.org if you're interested in helping.
Become a “Steady Stream Supporter” - Monthly Giving Opportunity
Although our Annual Giving Campaign won’t officially launch until October, many of our families already choose to make a monthly contribution alongside their tuition payments, and it makes a big difference!
Annual Giving is a vital part of our school’s budget, requiring a goal of at least $1,000 per student each year. A gift of $100 or more per month goes a long way toward supporting our programs, teachers, and students.
This year, as a thank-you, new and ongoing Steady Stream Supporters who sign up before August 26 for a monthly contribution through their tuition payments or the online link from our 2024-25 Annual Giving Campaign will receive a free Siskiyou School T-shirt—in a brand-new fall color!
To sign up, simply complete this form to confirm your monthly donation amount and let us know your T-shirt size.
Your steady support helps ensure that our children continue to thrive in a rich, inspiring learning environment, so thank you!
Blue Bag Bottle-Drop Program
Our school is participating in the Blue Bag Bottle-Drop Program which allows non-profits to recycle any beverage can that has a 10 cent Oregon redemption code to raise money for our school. It is easy, makes good use of cans you are ready to recycle, and funds will go to support school programs!
Bring any of your empty qualifying beverages bottles in a bag and drop them with Sarah Collins. We will put them into Blue Bags with our school label and drop them at the Bottle Collection Station
Want to have your own Blue Bag to fill? Contact Sarah Collins at sarah.collins@siskiyouschool.org or call 541.482.8223 ext. 20 to pick one up and start filling!
Health & Wellness Policy
Illness Policy:
Children with ANY illness symptoms should be kept home.
Children must stay home until 24 hours well, especially after having a fever.
Contact the office any time if your child will be absent for any reason from school. Call the main number 541-482-8223, and press extension 14 to leave a message on the attendance line.
Gastro-Intestinal Illness:
Any child with diarrhea and/or vomiting must stay at home for 48 hours after symptoms subside.
COVID Illness and other communicable diseases:
Any child with COVID or any communicable disease, needs to stay home until well.
Special Event: Liz Beaven at Madrone Trail
On Monday, August 25, at 5:30 p.m., our partner school, Madrone Trail, will host Liz Beaven for a community talk on the importance of Waldorf education in our region.
Liz has been deeply involved in Waldorf education since 1985, with experience as a class teacher, school administrator and leader, Board and College of Teachers member, adult educator, lecturer, writer, and researcher. She is also a parent of two Waldorf alums and now a grandparent, offering a unique perspective on the past, present, and future of Waldorf education.
Liz has played a key role in expanding Waldorf education into U.S. public schools and served as President of the Alliance Board of Directors before becoming its first Executive Director. She also works in advocacy for equitable access to quality early childhood education through the Trust for Learning’s Ideal Learning Round Table. Liz holds a certificate in Waldorf school administration and a doctorate in Educational Leadership, with her dissertation exploring how students make sense of Waldorf education.
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from a leading voice in our movement. We hope you’ll join us!
First Grade Aftercare Teacher
Our First Grade Aftercare program helps out our families with siblings by providing care after the first grade dismissal for our first semester of school. The Aftercare teacher prepares a simple but healthy snack and watches the group of first grade children from 2:10 until 3:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursday. The children are allowed outdoor free play on our lower grades playground or may do games and crafts indoors during bad weather. The Aftercare teacher should have childcare experience and enjoy working with children. The program runs from the second week of school through the end of our first semester (near the end of January).
How to Apply
Interested candidates for these positions should submit a resume and cover letter to katherine.holden@siskiyouschool.org. Applications will be accepted until filled. The Siskiyou School is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, even if you do not meet all the listed qualifications.
Our community classifieds are posted as a service to our Siskiyou School families and our broader community. If you would like to include something in the classifieds, email your text (a few lines in length) or an image file (png or jpg only), to kristin.beers@siskiyouschool.org no later than Monday by 3:00 pm. We may edit it for space purposes. Classifieds are included for two weeks, require a break for a week, and then can be renewed upon request.
Kittens Need a Home
Siskiyou School family needs to rehome 2 sweet, playful kittens due to unexpected allergies of a family member. We are starting to put out feelers to any community members that may be interested in adopting these sweet brothers, one solid black, one black tuxedo with white paws and facial markings. They are about 12 weeks, and I would provide cat bed, litter box, some litter and cat food. They are bonded and we wish for them to stay together. They have had their first round of vaccinations and other preventative treatments. We are so sad to be considering this, and it seems to be what is needed. If interested, please contact Ruth at 541-292-1986
Bloomsbury Reading Hour
If you’re like us, you love reading, but it can be hard to carve out the time. So make a date with your book and surround yourself with other readers at our Bloomsbury Reading Hour. Come discover the joy of reading in community.
Bring your current read (or find something new on our shelves), grab a cozy seat, and we’ll all spend a quiet hour reading together. No discussion, no pressure — just a calm little pocket of time to enjoy your book, in good company. Come solo or bring a friend. We will provide some wine and beer for purchase, or cookies and milk if that’s more your speed. We can’t wait to read with you!
Ashland Children's Theatre
Ashland Children's Theatre - Fall classes enrolling soon! Acting and improv classes for ages 4-17. Online registration starts August 14th. Go to www.ashlandchildrenstheatre.com
Tutoring - Catherine Dixon
Does your child need some extra academic support this coming school year? Experienced Waldorf class teacher available for virtual tutoring and curriculum support for grades 1-8 and highschool. Expertise includes math, reading, and writing. Check out my website and feel free to reach out.
Inner Guide Expeditions
Inner Guide Expeditions would like to thank our summer participants for an incredible trip season. There was solid adventure, deep & connective circles, and a few beautiful surprises along the way to feed the soul. We witnesses bravery, vulnerability, leadership, and look for our fall offerings in coming Tuesdays Notices and our summer 2026 expeditions will open for registration later in the fall.
The Siskiyou School
Email: office@siskiyouschool.org
Website: www.siskiyouschool.org
Location: 631 Clay Street, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: 541-482-8223