GRIZZ-O-GRAM

This week at Ashland High School has shown us the extraordinary compassion and strength within our community even during difficult times. I want to take a moment to acknowledge a message shared earlier this week by three of our teachers, Alan, Jen, and Reed, whose reflections shared with their students and families captured so clearly what so many of us witnessed across campus during these difficult days.

In their message, they spoke about the powerful ways our students held space for one another: offering comfort, listening, crying together, or simply sitting quietly in connection. They described seeing students look out for one another with kindness, gestures of care, and deep empathy this week. Their words also expressed heartfelt appreciation for our parents and guardians, who have reached out not only about their own children, but for others in our community, and even for our staff. That collective support has been a real source of light.

Alan, Jen, and Reed also reminded us that one of the hardest moments after a loss comes when life appears to “move on” before we are ready. As a school, we hold that truth close. We want our students and families to know that we see the burden many are carrying right now, and we are committed to walking alongside you, not just this week, but throughout the rest of the semester and beyond.

Their message also emphasized the importance of staying open and connected during grief. It can be tempting to withdraw or to try to carry everything alone, but healing grows through community, communication, and allowing support in. As a Grizzly community, we will continue to show up for one another, check in, listen, and ensure that no one feels alone in their experience.

I want to echo their closing sentiment: We care deeply about every member of this community, and we are here for you. Our counselors, teachers, mental health team, and staff will continue to support students and families in the coming days and weeks. Please continue reaching out, to us and to one another, as we navigate this together with patience, compassion, and care.

Together, we remain grounded in the spirit of love, connection, and resilience that defines Ashland High School.

Ashland High School will be holding a candlelight vigil on the campus quad today, February 27th, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. If you can, bring LED candle lights, but if you are not able to, some will be provided.

• Grief Support
• Youth Truth Survey
• Athletics Update
• Upcoming Events
• AI Impact Survey
• From the Dean's Office - Cell Phone Policy & Attendance
• SBAC Testing
• Ashland High School PTO
• Yearbooks Available!
• Class of 2026
• Counseling Office - Volunteer & Scholarship Opportunities
• Registrar
• College & Career Center
• Athletics cont.
• Nutrition Services - ASD Students Free Meals!
• Transportation
• Student Health and Mental Health Support
• Helpful Links

WinterSpring grief support groups offer a safe, confidential space to share, support, an listen to one another. These meetings will be guided by two grief support specialists who are there to provide a safe environment to explore your unique feelings around your loss. Facilitators won't offer advice or tell you how to grieve; they will simply be there to support and listen to you.

• Every Tuesday 2:30-3:30 pm
• Located in H-39.

Please see your counselor for more information!

WinterSpring grief support groups offer a safe, confidential space to share, support, and listen to one another. These meetings will be guided by two grief support specialists who are there to provide a safe environment to explore your unique feelings around your loss. Facilitators won't offer advice or tell you how to grieve; they will simply be there to support and listen to you.

• Every Tuesday 3:45-5:00 pm
• Located in AHS Main Office Conference Room

Could we borrow ~15 minutes of your time to complete an online survey that will help us improve your child's school? We have asked YouthTruth - a nonprofit organization that supports hundreds of schools and district across the country - to conduct an anonymous survey on our behalf.

The survey will be opening on February 2nd! Please take the survey before it closes at midnight on Feb. 27th by clicking this link: ytsurvey.org/asdfamily26 or scanning the QR code attached.

(The QR code will not work until February 2nd.)

Please note:

• The survey needs to be completed in one sitting.

• We ask that one member of each household fill out the survey.

• If you have more than one child who attends the same school, you may respond to the survey multiple times - one time per child.

• If you write any comments, please do not include your name or anything else that might identify you. Your responses are anonymous, and they will be combined with the responses of other parents and guardians before being shared with school and district leadership.

We sincerely thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. Your response is incredibly valuable to us.

If you have any questions about the survey please contact Hillary Cusenza at: hiillary.cusenza@ashland.k12.or.us

Ashland High School Alpine Ski Team members are going to the Oregon State competition! The Boys and Girls Alpine Ski Teams placed second in the Southern Oregon League, just behind Grants Pass H.S. and South Medford H.S. respectively. The Ashland Girls Team consisted of Leila Allen, Evelyn Redfern, Anya Saturen, and Jenna Warren-Girodat. The Ashland Boys Team consisted of Sawyer Bernard, Mason Garfas-Knowles, Grant Heeter, Oliver Kraft, and Sage Sawtell.

This winter has been challenging with travel to Mt. Shasta, California for practices and Reno, Nevada for races. Because of ORISA rules based on the number of teams in each league the Boys Team and individuals from the Girls Team will be able to represent Ashland High School at the Oregon State competition.

Next week, March 4,5&6, High School Alpine Ski Racers from around the state will meet at Mt. Hood Meadows for a day of practice and two days of racing. One day will consist of Slalom and the other will be Giant Slalom. Each day racers will ski two different sets of gates and their times will be combined.

❄️!!Go Grizzlies!!❄️

3/2-3/6 - Classified Staff Appreciation Week

3/6-3/14 - AHS Theatre Presents: A Midsummer Night's Dream

3/7 - Funkadelic Fundraiser

3/14 - Spring Formal @ 8:00 pm in Lower Gym

3/23-3/27 - Spring Break (No School)

Please join us in honoring AHS' incredible Classified Staff (educational assistants, office staff, cafeteria staff, custodial staff, tech department & bus drivers) with an appreciation potluck on March 2nd. Please click on the link to sign-up. Thank you, AHS PTO💕💕💕

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944AAAB2AA6FEC16-62338526-classified

Please drop your potluck offering off at the AHS Library Staff Room by 11:00 a.m. on March 2nd. Please pick up your dishes from the AHS Library Staff Room no later than 4:00 p.m. Please bring enough of your offering for 20 people.

Friday 3/6 @ 7:00 pm

Saturday 3/7 @ 3:00 pm

Thursday 3/12 @ 7:00 pm - Understudy Show

Friday 3/13 @ 7:00 pm

Saturday 3/14 @ 3:00 pm

Tickets: $15 ($10 for students/seniors, Free for 5 & under)

Purchase tickets at https://ashlandhs.booktix.com

The National Honor Society presents our Cherry Blossom Spring Formal!

This event will be happening on Saturday, March 14th from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. It will be located in AHS's lower gym. Keep an eye out for more information as we get closer to the date!

Guest Passes will be due MARCH 9TH.

Sunday 3/1 - Tween D&D, 1:00-3:00

Tuesday 3/3 - Teen Crafternoon, 4:00-5:30

Wednesday 3/11 - Video Game Hangout, 2:30-4:30

Tuesday 3/17 - Succulent Adoption Event, 4:00-5:00

Wednesday 3/25 - Papier-Mache, 2:30-4:30

Snacks provided at all events! For more events & teen resources, visit jcls.org/teens

The Ashland High School Artificial Intelligence Impact Analysis Club wants to know your opinion! Scan the QR code or click on this link to fill out our survey. Your responses will help inform our policy recommendations to the school board. This survey is open to students, staff, and families.

Starting January 1, 2026, Ashland School District’s updated electronic device policy goes into effect. The goal is simple — more focus, more connection, and less distraction.

During class time, phones, earbuds, and smartwatches need to be off and put away. Students can use them before school and after school, students cannot use their devices during school hours, including lunch, breaks, passing periods- they must be turned off and put away from bell to bell.

We know phones are part of life, but we also know our students learn and connect best when they’re fully present. This update helps keep classrooms focused and encourages face-to-face interaction the good kind.

Thanks for your support as we continue to make AHS a place where students can thrive, stay engaged, and enjoy being part of this community. If your student needs a locker to help accommodate this change, please have them come to the main office to receive a locker agreement form.

Please use this link to view the official ASD board policy: https://policy.osba.org/ashland/search.asp?si=75853865&pid=r&nsb=1&n=0&_charset_=windows-1252&bcd=%F7&s=ashland&query=devices

Where to report a change in your student's attendance:

AHSattendance@ashland.k12.or.us

For information on absences, unexcused absences, and more, please read out Attendance FAQ on our website. Click HERE

This list is school instructions, not medical advice. Please contact your health care provider with health concerns. Each column depicts the symptoms of an illness and the length of time after which a student can return to school. This time will vary based on type of illness.

SBAC testing is around the corner, and we here at AHS want to acknowledge why state testing is an important tool for not only educators, but for students as well.

Testing is a crucial aspect of learning because it enables students to showcase their knowledge and abilities. Regularly taking these kinds of tests can boost students' confidence and enhance their test-taking skills, which is a valuable asset for their continued education and success.

State assessments like the SBAC also offer valuable insights into student learning, aiding teachers and parents in enhancing instruction and supporting student achievement. Results play a vital role in pinpointing areas where students excel and areas where they need improvement. By addressing these learning needs promptly, teachers and parents can concentrate their efforts on providing targeted instruction to foster success.

This is also how we show the community and the world just what our students are able to do and how well we have done as a school to prepare them. We take pride in what we do and we want students to show pride in what they have learned by doing their best.

Students should strive to do their personal best on the SBAC. Education is a journey of growth and development, and it's through this process that students can set personal goals and take ownership of their learning and strive for continuous improvement.

Our hearts are heavy. Like many in our community, we have been grieving the tragic accident involving five of our students. We have carefully considered whether to move forward with the upcoming Funkadelic Fundraiser.

After many thoughtful discussions with school district leadership, we have decided to proceed with the event and come together as a community to support our students. The evening will include a moment of remembrance.

We move ahead with care, respect, and compassion at the center.

Thank you for your continued support for our students and for one another.

Join us on March 7th at the Elks Lodge in Ashland.

Together, we can lift up and support our Ashland students.

There will be a taco bar, silent & dessert auctions, and live music with a DJ.

Tables are filling past and there is a 250 person capacity. This events goes from 5:30-9:30 pm.

Get your tickets at: https://tinyurl.com/Funkadelic26

Grizz Nation,

We need your helping hands for the Funkadelic. Please sign-up for a volunteer slot. Tickets are not included, so please purchase your ticket and sign-up to help at this epic and awesome event. Student volunteers are welcome for set-up only (volunteer hours available).

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0449A4AF22A1FAC34-62435095-volunteers

The 2024-2026 yearbook is a gift worth waiting for. Scan to send a text to order, or go to" jostens.com/ybkgift

All cap and gown orders placed through Jostens on or before January 26th will be handed out on the quad during lunch on April 1st. All other orders will be shipped directly to your home. If you are wanting to purchase announcements through Jostens, make sure your order is in by March 15th.

Graduation will be held on June 6th at 6:30 pm. It will be held at the Lithia Band Shell. Per the Ashland Parks rules, there will be no reserving of spots until 5:00 pm the day of graduation. ADA drop off will be permitted in front of the entrance to the bandshell. There are also concrete pads and walkways for ADA seating and access in the park. All seating is first come first serve - however, ADA seating is reserved for only those in need.

Need to order your graduation cap & gown? Check out this video from Jostens!

When: Friday, June 5th from 10:00 pm - 2:30 am

Where: Family Fun Center in Central Point

Transportation will be provided and tickets include full access to al games, rides, and food trucks.

Scan the QR code to make your donation, or mail a check to:

AHS Senior All Night Party

1467 Siskiyou Blvd. #26

Ashland, OR 97520

Thank you for your support for the Class of 2026!

AHS Counselors:

Julie Bleicker: 9th Grade Counselor

Alec Slinkard-Galpin: 10th-12th Grade - Students with last names: A-Lon

Laura Tagg: 10th-12th Grade - Students with last names: Lop-Z

Community Service Requirements - Class of 2026

All seniors will be required to complete 100 hours of community service

• All 100 hours must be recorded prior to graduation
• Up to 50 hours may be paid for work
• Completed community service forms go to the main office for hours to be logged by the Registrar
• This form can be found in the main and the counseling office, or click here for a copy: CommunityServiceHoursForm.pdf

Need some information on the 9th-11th grade forecasting process? Check out this video created by our AHS counseling department!

FOTAS is a non-profit organization providing a wide variety of services and programs for pet owners in Jackson County such as conducting monthly vaccination and microchipping programs and operating a low cost spay and neuter clinic. FOTAS' Recycling Program allows Ashland residents to donate redeemable bottles and cans at the Ashland Recycling Center.

Ashland High School students are now eligible to work on the Recycling Program. Two thirds of all time work is paid while the other third is voluntary and unpaid. All hours worked will be tracked and eligible for credit towards AHS required community service hours.

Students that are interested in participating will be required to complete a job application and a short online interview so they'll get experience applying for a job and, if selected, real work experience that can be added to their resume, while also helping them to meet their AHS requirements for community service.

Although changes are likely over time and the work hours may be different on certain dates, the general work schedule for February is listed above.

If interested, you can review a more complete overview here or contact: Gary B. Yamamura, Founder, at g_yamamura@msn.com or call at 760.443.3967

What? 8 week internship program organized by arkitek in collaboration with CraterWorks Makerspace

Why? To provide students exposure to the architecture industry through professional experiences

Who? Curious students who are interested in architecture or design

Where? Arkitek office in Ashland & CraterWorks Makerspace in Central Point

When?

Start date: Monday, March 30th

End date: Friday, May 22nd

Typically two 2-hour sessions per week (32 hours total). Schedule is flexible and will be coordinated with students.

Apply! Email PDF resume & portfolio to info@arkitek.us

Deadline: 5:00 pm March 9th, 2026

Selected applicants will be reviewed in an in-person interview

Scan the QR code to see intern work from last year or click arkitek.us

Wednesdays at the Ashland UMC, 175 N Main St.

Work alongside friendly people of all ages: from elementary students to retired folks. Apply your hours to required community service for school or sports. Morning or afternoon shifts available. Text: 303-718-6659 or email fumcashlandfoodpantry@gmail.com

Girls in the Class of 2027, this program is for you!

Distinguished Young Women of OREGON AT LARGE is a national program that empowers young women to reach their full potential by providing scholarships, life skills, workshops (like interviews), and a positive peer network.

PLUS showcase your abilities and what makes you, uniquely YOU!

Next Info Meeting: Online

Sign up TODAY!

DistinguishedYW.org

Deadline: 3/1/26

Questions? Email us at productionor@distinguishedyw.org

Students are invited to participate in AHAA's Student Arts Mentorship Program!

AHAA's Student Arts Mentorship Program partners with local artists, teachers, and the Ashland School District to match students with arts mentors outside of the classroom. Whether you are someone who loves to paint or enjoys singing, this is the perfect chance to enhance your creative skills and participate in private lessons, mentoring, or arts programs and camps outside of school. Students who are interested in trying something new or would like to pursue something after school with their friends are encouraged to participate.

AHAA offers scholarships to cover the costs associated with each of these opportunities. To learn more and to apply for a scholarship, please visit www.ashlandarts.org/studentscholarships.htm.

For questions regarding registration, transferring out of AHS, transcript and/or diploma requests, and record requests, please reach out to our Registrar, Jay Villanueva, at:

Jay.Villanueva@ashland.k12.or.us

Our transcript request PDF forms for current or former students are located here on the AHS website or attached below!

This semester, seniors explored post high school pathways in their AHS College & Career Readiness (CCR) and AP Macroeconomics/CCR classes, where they received support on completing college and scholarship applications. Find more information about scholarships available to seniors below. Second semester, all juniors will be taking our new Future Foundations class, where they will be learning about personal financial literacy, as well as exploring career and college opportunities. Jen Marsden (AHS College & Career Specialist) and AHS Counselors and are also available to individually help students explore their interests, and to assist in navigating the college admissions and financial aid process.

Juniors and other interested students, and parents/guardians, are encouraged to attend upcoming College & Career Pathways Info Sessions which will begin again in March. Check out the AHS College & Career Center webpage, where you can find a list of upcoming college visits, information on the AHS ASPIRE mentoring program, and other resources. We welcome students and parents/guardians to reach out to jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us or their AHS Counselor with questions or to schedule an appointment regarding career and college planning.

AHS College Handbook

Spend time exploring the AHS College Handbook, which contains useful information for all students planning to pursue post high school education. Topics covered include how to find an educational pathway that’s a good fit for you, information on applying to community colleges and four-year public & private universities, ACT/SAT information, how to access financial aid & scholarships, and many other helpful resources. Hard copies of the handbook are available in the College & Career Center and the AHS Main Office.

ACT and SAT Updates

Students planning on applying to four-year colleges that accept or require the ACT or SAT usually take one or both of these tests in spring of junior year and/or fall of senior year. Many colleges are now “test optional” and Oregon’s public universities no longer require ACT/SAT test results for admission, but some do for eligibility for honors colleges or merit scholarships. Check individual universities for current guidelines.

Students register for the ACT and SAT online and those who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program are eligible for fee waivers for both tests. Please contact karyn.barats@ashland.k12.or.us to obtain a fee waiver.

2025-26 Test Dates (registration deadlines are about one month before the test dates; please check ACT/SAT websites to confirm):

ACT (not offered at AHS): April 11, June 13

SAT (offered at AHS): March 14, May 2, June 6

If you need to fill out a transcript request form, you can fill out a physical application from the main office, a fillable PDF on the AHS website, or click here.

OSAC SCHOLARSHIPS: Due March 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Early bird deadline February 16, 2026)

The OSAC Scholarship application contains many scholarship opportunities specifically for AHS seniors, and other scholarships for students from Jackson County and Oregon. Learn more about how to complete the OSAC scholarship E-app on the AHS website: Financial Aid and Scholarships. Students should not upload their own transcript to the OSAC application. Our AHS registrar will upload their transcript that includes senior fall semester grades once their transcript has been updated in late January.

Important OSAC Scholarship links:

• OSAC Scholarship Application
• OSAC Scholarships for AHS Students
• Students can also search the OSAC Scholarship Catalog for more scholarships they may be eligible for. The best way to do this is by downloading a pdf of the catalog and then clicking “Control F” to search by applicable key words.

The Ford Scholars Program offers scholarship awards to eligible low-income 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 Scholars scholarship, a student must complete a FAFSA or ORSAA and have an SAI of 8,000 or below. For more information, visit the Ford Scholars website. Due March 2, 2026.

A regularly updated list of other current national and regional scholarship opportunities can be found on the scholarships bulletin board outside of the AHS Counseling Office.

ASPIRE at AHS: ASPIRE’s trained volunteer mentors help students explore education and career pathways available to them after high school. Mentors assist students in researching colleges, preparing admissions and scholarship applications, understanding the financial aid process, and many other aspects of the road to post-secondary education and careers. Students who want to learn more about ASPIRE or sign up for a mentor should reach out to jennifer.marsden@ashland.k12.or.us in the College & Career Center.

And here are a few more great resources: Oregon Goes to College, Get Schooled, Rogue Community College CTE Programs, Big Future, Niche, Oregon Private College Week, and Colleges that Change Lives.

Transform Youth & Family Counseling provides individual, family & group counseling, adhd testing, support for anxiety & depression, LGBTQIA+ affirming counseling, help with school stress & behavior concerns, family conflict & communication counseling.

Know someone who could benefit from our services? Please scan the QR code provided to complete our quick inquiry form. Once submitted, our Client Care Coordinator will contact the family, discuss their needs, verify insurance, and get them scheduled for an intake appointment.

Dear Ashland High School Parents,

Welcome to a new year of Ashland High School Athletics! We look forward to the 2025-2026 season. If your student is interested in participating in a sport this year, please follow the instructions below to complete the Athletics Release Form.

Again this school year the Athletic Release Form will be completed online through our partner company, Arbiter Sports. Arbiter Sports (formally Family ID) is a secure registration site that provides an easy, user-friendly means of registering for athletics. You will need to create a family profile just once during your student’s 4-year high school athletics participation. Once registered, the system will keep track of your information in your family profile. By saving your information future registrations will be simplified.

INFORMATION NEEDED TO REGISTER

It will be helpful to have the following information on hand when completing the online registration form.

• · Health Insurance Information (Carrier and Policy Number)
• · Doctor Information (Name and Phone Number)
• · Emergency contact information

To register, go to: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/ashland-school-district

Once on the Ashland High School Arbiter Sports Page follow these instructions:

1. Click on Create Account in the upper right hand corner of the screen
2. Enter your family name, email address and create a password. You will receive an email with a link to confirm your new account (if you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk mail).
3. Click on the link in your email confirmation.You will use this account
4. After confirming your account you may now register for athletics.You may need to search Ashland High School in the “Find Programs” tab.
   
5. Once on the Ashland High School landing page on Arbiter Sports select the program (season) for which you would like to register. If your student is going to participate in winter or spring sports, you can sign up for those as well (one sport per season).
   
6. Enter the required information and sign the agreements, click continue.
   You will be prompted to confirm your registration on the next page.
7. Finally, you will be required to submit a Physicians Clearance. (See below)

PHYSICIAN’S CLEARANCE FORM

• 9th and 11th grade student athletes must be cleared by a physician in order to participate in high school sports. This must be on the OSAA form “School Sports Pre-Participation Examination” and is good for two calendar years.
• This form must be turned in to the athletics office before your child will be allowed to participate in any tryouts or practices. This can also be submitted by email Ashley.Caughell@ashland.k12.or.us or fax 541-482-8298, or upload to your Family ID registration.
• A completed physical examination is required dated after June 1, 2023.

SUPPORT

If you need assistance with you registration, you can call Arbiter Sports at 1-800-311-4060 or email: support@arbitersports.com. Support is available 7 days per week and messages will be returned promptly.

FALL (practice starts August 18th)

Cheerleading

Cross Country

Football

Mountain Bike

Soccer

Volleyball

Water Polo

WINTER (practice starts November 17th)

Basketball

Cheerleading

Snowboarding

Alpine Ski (downhill)

Nordic Ski (cross country)

Swimming

Wrestling

SPRING (practice starts March 2nd)

Baseball

Crew

Equestrian

Golf

Softball

Tennis

Track & Field

Volleyball (boys club)

Please visit our Athletic Department Store and support our Grizzlies with some customizable gear!

We are excited to announce that all students in our district will receive free breakfast and lunch this school year, regardless of economic status. No applications are necessary - students can simply come to the cafeteria to enjoy fresh, nutritious meals.

Please reach out to Christina.Lehman@ashland.k12.or.us for more information

Ashland School District qualifies as a USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) site; this means all students in the Ashland School District have access to a free breakfast and lunch. AHS still wants to know which of our students would traditionally qualify for free and reduced lunch. We use this information to make sure we can direct resources to the students that need it most. The information is completely confidential and for administrative use only. Students who qualify are eligible for reduced fees for school events like our dances as well as reduced fees for AP Tests. Completed forms should be turned into the Main Office to the attention of the Bookkeeper.

• Oregon Family Income Survey - English.pdf
• Oregon Family Income Survey - Spanish.pdf

Go to the ASD website and select Departments from the top row, then Transportation, and then select the ASD Transportation Request Form.

Please see the letter below for an important notice from the Rogue Valley Transportation District about service reductions.

Hello Grizzly Families,

Please see the attached notices concerning detection of measles in thew wastewater in Josephine County.

The La Clinica team is here to support your students with their medical and mental health needs. It is time to collect updated paperwork and consents. If your student is 15 or older, they can sign up on their own. If your student is 14 or under, we need parent permission before we can see them. Have your student stop by the health center to get the paperwork. Contact La Clinica School Based Health Center with questions.

Ashland School Counselors

541-482-8771 then press 4

Located on the Ashland High School Campus

Hours 8:00am to 4:00pm

Ashland School District uses the Safe Oregon tip line system.

A link to the tip line is located at the bottom of every school web page.

Who receives tips to the School Safety Tip Line? Specially trained technicians field incoming tips 24 hours- a-day, 365 days-a-year for all public schools Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Oregon State Police provides this service through a contracted vendor.

For details on how the tip line works, click here.

For a direct link to the Tip Reporting page, click here or on the image.

Instagram: @ashlandhighschool

Facebook: Ashland High School - Ashland, OR / https://www.facebook.com/AHS.Ashland.OR/

Twitter: @AHS_AshlandHigh

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