Tuesday Notice

This past Sunday, the 8th grade students, along with their parents/family members, gathered in the Glendale yard to finish their largest fundraiser of the year. This year the students were given the big task to take on making 150 wreaths, 100 boughs and 160 hand-dipped beeswax candles.

For the wreaths and boughs, the students were led by the amazing Gretchen Vos (who has been leading the wreaths for many years). One by one, the wreaths would be made and brought into Pine Hall for inventory checking. It was a productive assembly line! Along with the wreaths (which is no small task) the 8th grade also accepted an order for 100 boughs from Rogue Food Unites. This week the boughs will bring an extra bit of joy to the Almeda Fire victims food boxes.

But they weren't done with just wreaths and boughs. In the parking lot Glendale tent, candle dipping extraordinaire family, Anouschka Andresen, Aaron & Leonidas Smith, led the students through beeswax candle dipping. You can purchase these candles at the 8th Grade Entrepreneur table on Saturday, December 4th.

Great job, everyone! What a huge feat! Thank you for supporting the 8th Grade Class Trip! ~ Lora

Dear Siskiyou School Parents,

We gathered as a school this morning with children from grades 1-8 on the wood chips for a Thanksgiving assembly.

We sang songs with Ms. Archer and Mr. Cord. Ms. Tisdel led us in a land acknowledgment, and then every class presented something in the form of a poem, song or gratitude statements. It was wonderful to hear from all grades.

Miss Benson then talked about the food drive. The Forest Class had a wonderful time organizing the food drive, and we want to express our gratitude to all Siskiyou School families for their contributions. The over 1000 pounds of food gathered and delivered to the Ashland Food Bank will be welcomed by helping families in need over the holiday season. See pics below.

Our campus will become quiet over Thanksgiving, but in the background, Lora and many other parents will keep working on preparations for the Holiday Market & Faire which will be happening Saturday, December 4th, 11-5pm. We so look forward to creating this magical day for our children. Please sign up if you haven’t yet to help us make the day wonderful and successful.

TWO IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) Today’s news release by Governor Brown indicates that the outdoor masking mandate has now been dropped. Administration and the COVID committee are meeting this week to evaluate this change, assess what the Ashland School District will do, and determine next steps for our school. Since we are starting Thanksgiving break tomorrow and we have the big Holiday Market & Faire planned for December 4th, we will need time to fully review the recommendations. For the moment we will continue with our existing masking policy. Please stay tuned; we will keep you updated on any changes.

2) Illness Tracking over Thanksgiving Break: If anyone in your household becomes ill before Monday, 11/29 or you have been around ill people while traveling over the break, please get tested or keep your children home until we can be in touch with you for further illness tracking. Please be in touch with me, Aurilia.mcnamara@siskiyouschool.org, with any illness tracking details until Monday, 11/29. It is our highest priority to keep our community safe and our children in school. Thank you for your help with this.

May each and every family be blessed with peace and warmth of heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My best, Aurilia

This Week:

Wed, Nov 24-Sun, Nov 28: Thanksgiving Break, No school.

Looking Ahead:

Tues, Nov 30: Giving Tuesday.

Fri, Dec 3: Holiday Market & Faire setup, 12:45pm.

Sat, Dec 4: Holiday Market & Faire, 11am - 5pm.

Sun, Dec 5: Holiday Market & Faire cleanup, 10am.

This year we will have entry tickets for the Holiday Market & Faire. Below are the details of the tickets:

• Event Pass, $100 each: All-day ticket that gives a family of entry and a wristband instead of tickets. The wristband is good for all activities, excluding the Holiday Market vendor booths. 60 passes available.
  
• Time Slot Tickets, $10 each: This year we are doing our best to reduce overcrowding at the event. We are selling "time-slot" entry tickets for 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-5pm. The entry ticket is good for a whole family.
  

Each activity is an additional ticket price and tickets are available at the door.

Thank you to everyone that has signed up to volunteer! We are so close to filling the spots! We are still in need of the following:

• 1:30pm Marionette Show Ticket Taker
• 3:30pm Marionette Show Ticket Taker
• 4pm-5pm Fairy Queen Ticket Taker
• 4pm-5pm Peppermint Lemons
• 4pm-5pm Cookie Crystal Room
• 4pm-5pm Spiral of Light Ticket Taker
• 4pm-5pm Peanut Butter Bird Feeders
  
• 3pm-5pm Dragon Bread Helper

Parents, Alum Students/Families, and students are all welcome to sign-up to volunteer. Please sign-up below or contact Lora at Lora.Wilde@siskiyouschool.org.

These are the guidelines for parent, alum, and additional volunteers (excluding Siskiyou School students):

Vaccinated Parents:

• Copy of current vax card by Wednesday, December 1st, 2021: Please send a copy of your current vaccination card to Aurilia McNamara, Aurilia.McNamara@siskiyouschool.org by the above date.

Unvaccinated Parents:

• Sign a religious exception form by Wednesday, December 1st, 2021. Please sign and return to Aurilia by December 1st.
• Show proof of a negative test between Thursday, 12/2 and Friday, 12/3: Either: Get a test anywhere in the valley and email a picture of the negative test results to Aurilia on either Thursday, 12/2 or Friday, 12/3. Or: Bring your own testing kit (with the test packet and swab unopened) to our school testing site. You will be given further instructions at that time by our volunteer who can then sign off on the negative test result. Thursday, 12/2: 3:00-4:30pm & Friday, 12/3: 12:00-2pm

The same guidelines apply to all family members of vendors at the Market and for all alum volunteers. Siskiyou School students who will be volunteering are exempt from these guidelines.

Thank you for your help and attention to these details; we are so very grateful and we look forward to working together to make this a most wonderful and magical event for our families.

The first graders finished their first math block with a drawing of a dozen eggs and talking about the 12 months in the year and their birthdays. This block was a wonderful introduction to the quality of numbers 1 - 12. It was filled with sweet “aha” moments as they explored each number and the ways they related to their own oneness, the physical body, different four-legged animals, eight-legged spiders, clocks, time, and on out into the universe. The children have been given imaginative and tactile experiences which connect them to the world of numbers. First graders also compared ancient tally marks and Roman numerals with our modern Arabic numerals. Children practiced writing numbers, as well as stomping, counting, and clapping in rhythmic patterns. Geometric patterns emerged through form drawings, and the class created mandalas with colorful corn.

In painting, the children are experiencing color through stories characterizing the moods of each hue. Brilliant yellow dances about the timid blue. What happens when red comes to play? They are painting simple forms and learning new skills, such as how to handle the brush, paint, and paper. They are very patient during clean-up, and are learning how to be helpers, which is such an important aspect of the painting lesson.

Within the social fabric of the classroom, the children are learning to respect each other's differences. In this season of gratitude, we are focusing on what we like, what is going well, and what we have to be thankful for. To this end, each child has created a book about what they are thankful for.

May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. With all of my best, Ms. Tourzan

After balancing budgets, determining tip amounts, and finding out discounts when shopping, the 6th grade has finished their Business Math block and have now begun rehearsing, "A Christmas Carol." Scrooge and Marley, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Cratchit, Mrs, Cratchit, and Tiny Tim are all beginning to come to life as the age-old story is told in our Siskiyou School version. I love working with Eve and her masterful way of blocking, movement of actors, and landing the magical moments that add sparkle to the scene. The 6th grade is eager to perform with productions on December 16th and 17th. More to come with details around exact timing. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. May it be nourishing in body, mind, and heart. ~ Ms. Tisdel

The enthusiasm that the students bring to Spanish class is heartwarming. To learn a language is no small feat, and I have been surprised again and again this semester to watch the wheels turn for students, their confidence in speaking grow and their ability to understand the spoken word increase as well. Recently, we had a practice exam which covered some of what we’ve been focusing on recently--telling time, writing out numbers, remembering the days of the week and the seasons of the year, and answering simple questions such as “when is your birthday?”. It’s rewarding to see that they are getting it!

In addition to building vocabulary, learning foundational grammar, practicing reading and translating Spanish, and working on dialogues and dictations, we have dedicated some lesson time to learning about Spanish culture (my country of origin). We have learned about Spanish festivals, mannerisms, and geography. Next we learn about Spanish cuisine and associated customs. After winter break, we will move on to studying Latin America.

It has truly been a pleasure to witness how rapidly they are acquiring the ability to speak, understand, and retain this precious language; I can’t wait to experience the progress second semester will bring.

All my heart, Victoria

Hope you all can be at this event to support our incredible kids as they learn to take on social justice issues in meaningful ways!! Many Siskiyou School alum have worked very hard to make this mural, in honor of Aiden Ellison, a reality! This Tuesday at 4:30.

In celebration of the holidays, The Collaborative Theatre Project presents The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Performances run from November 26th to January 2nd. (Performances feature Siskiyou School students Lilly and Maddie Dominguez). For tickets and information, please contact The Collaborative Theatre Project, Online: ctpmedford.org, Box Office: (541) 779-1055.

Could your adolescent use more connection, support, and guidance? As a trained mindfulness educator, I provide a safe space to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, while learning new tools and ways of looking at situations through the lens of mindfulness.

Examples of activities: Appreciation for nature, Art activities, Mindful movement, Tools to help with emotions, The importance of the “pause”, Journaling practice, Developing a gratitude practice, Practice using all five senses, Mindful meals, Think outside the box

Where: Held at my private residence located in central Ashland

When: December 7, 2021 – January 27, 2022 / Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Cost: $160 - $240 (based on group size)

*Register by November 23 for a 10% discount

Contact for questions: Sabina Starr (Zobel) 541-951-4373. n8tzmom@yahoo.com

Mrs. Martin is seeking to re-home three bunnies to one or more homes. They need to be kept in separate hutches. All are free to good homes with their hutches included. I have two sweet, grey boy bunnies and one black mama bunny. Only requirement is to love them! Please call for more information. Heidi Martin, 541-625-3464.

For those families interested in the Covid-19 vaccine, please call La Clinica at 541-535-6239. No need to specify kid vs adult, both will be available. ~ Maddy Clark

We are looking for renters for our beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom 2340 sq ft. house up on Valley View Rd. during the month of January. There is a hot tub, infrared sauna, gas fireplace and stunning views of the valley. Only 5 minutes from downtown Ashland. We are asking $4000 for the month. Contact me at 541-301-7456. Thank you!

Holly Berg, Siskiyou School alum mother of three former students, is looking for someone to help care for her mother. Monday through Friday starting at 7 or 8 am until 4 pm. She’s paralyzed on her left side but can transfer with minimal assistance. She’s very sweet, likes having someone with her most of the time. If interested, please call Holly (541) 864-9044. Pay is $20/hr.

Looking for extra academic support for your child? Experienced Waldorf class teacher available for virtual tutoring and curriculum support. Check out my website and feel free to reach out.

catherinehdixon.com

Email: office@siskiyouschool.org
Website: www.siskiyouschool.org
Location: 631 Clay Street, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: 541-482-8223
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siskiyouschool/