Tuesday Notice

Chalkboard drawing by Ms. McKissick and Brigitte Brellochs, Class 1.

Dear Siskiyou School Parents,

Welcome back to you and all our students! It was incredibly helpful to have the teacher in-service day yesterday. We had meetings and worked on campus getting rooms and materials ready and talking through all the details for the three-hour schedule. Thank you for having your kids home for that extra day! This morning, as I was doing the road duty, it was so good to see you all arrive to drop off your children. What a true gift that we can have school in person and teach the children on campus!

We are excited to be starting the three-hour schedule today. We assume it will take a few days for everyone to get into the new rhythm and expect to teach with this schedule at least until February conferences. Please see below the slight change in dates for those conferences.

In the meantime, we are beginning conversations around the governor’s latest announcement. As you saw in my brief notes in the Saturday Updates, the governor, on 12/23/20, changed the metric requirements for in-person instruction from mandatory to advisory. This means that Oregon schools can now open as long as they strictly adhere to the ongoing ODE guidelines.

In the next few weeks, faculty, staff, and administration will discuss all this. We will keep you informed and give you at least 2-3 weeks of notice of any schedule change. If you have questions, please contact me directly.

Here is to a smooth and easy start back to school! With all my best, Aurilia

Next Week:

Sat, Jan 16: Board-Faculty-Staff Retreat.

Looking Ahead:

Mon, Jan 18: No School. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tues, Jan 19: Classes 1, 2, 6 & 7: Parent Evening beginning at 6:30 pm via ZOOM.
Wed, Jan 20: Classes 3, 4, 5 & 8: Parent Evening beginning at 6:30 pm via ZOOM.
Thurs, Jan 28: History & Vision Night at 6:30 pm via ZOOM.

Please note that if you are logging in for remote learning in place of your child being in-class, you need to log in to the Classroom Livestream which is generally the class teacher's zoom link. The Classroom Livestream will show the main lesson as well as the specialty class that joins the class in the room (find these links on Canvas).

Classes that are being presented to children in-person but take place outside of the classroom (for example Ms. James Math or Woodworking) will require you to use the specialty teacher's zoom link found on their Canvas course page.

For classes that are exclusively remote (lower grades specialty zoom, upper grades language arts and Latin) please use the specialty teacher's zoom link found on their Canvas course page.

If you have any questions, please reach out Kristin in the office at kristin.beers@siskiyouschool.org or call 541-482-8223.

We're looking to improve our set up for our remote learners! If you have a large screen television or monitor (between 40 to 60 inches diagonal length) that has a stand and direct HDMI connect port you would like to donate, please let the office know by this Friday! Thank you!

Please see the link below for your child's most up-to-date schedule. Current schedules can also be found on your child's main class pages on Canvas. Just click on the "Zoom Links and Schedules" button or the schedule as posted by your teacher.

With the 3 hour schedule, our arrival and pick-up times are as follows: (Note: If you are picking up siblings, please arrive at the later pick-up time for both children.)

Cohort A:

1. Arrival: 8:20 am (not 8:15 am)
   
2. Pick-Up

• Classes 1-2: 11:15 am
• Classes 3-5: 11:20 am
• Classes 6-8: 11:30 am

Cohort B:

1. Arrival: 11:50 am
2. Pick-Up:

• Classes 1-2: 2:45 pm

• Classes 3-5: 2:50 pm

• Classes 6-8: 3:00 pm

We have made some adjustments to the 2021 Calendar. Please click the link below and update your calendars accordingly. Thank you!

Parent Teacher Conferences for February have changed: For classes 1-7, conferences have moved to Thursday, February 11th and Friday, February 12th. The original dates were February 4th and 5th. Please make sure to update your calendars.

The 8th grade will have conferences on Wednesday, February 10th and Thursday, February 11th. The students will have school on Wednesday and there will be a substitute teacher.

We should assume that there have been families and teachers in each class who traveled or were around higher risk COVID-19 exposures over the break. We will all do our part to make extra sure to stay 6’ apart, to ventilate the rooms well and of course as we have done this whole time, wear our masks at all times during school hours (except for the 10 minute snack break outside).

MASKS:

Just a reminder, children need to arrive at school with their own mask.The recommendations outline to wear a fresh, washed mask every day. Please ask your child to bring masks they might have at their desk home to get washed. Disposable masks are only for a one time use.

NEW COVID STRAIN:

We are aware of the new COVID strain; we continue to be in close communication with Jackson County Health around this and any new information that we will need as a school. We will also receive detailed information from one of our Emergency Room doctor parents in our community regarding the new strain and the vaccine. We will keep you informed.

"As we are still in the Winter months for some time, we would like to publish our updated Snow Policy for this school year. You can also find this policy in the Siskiyou School Parent Handbook 2020 - 2021. Please take a note of it and let Aurilia know if you have any questions. Thank you!"

During past years, our school has followed the Ashland School District’s Snow Policy. Since all District schools are in remote learning this year, we will be determining snow days through our administration.

A snow day (a day spent at home due to weather related hazardous traveling conditions) will be announced by 6:00 am on that day by email and on the school's website. If we can forecast the weather, we will do our best to announce the snow day the evening before. If hazardous weather continues, we will keep parents informed one day at a time, but we don’t foresee missing more than two subsequent snow days at a time based on past years’ experience. To that effect, we will be sending daily email updates, which will include the announcement about safe return to school.

In the case the school has been asked to close and is in the remote learning program, the following will apply: If the weather is severe enough, and the need arises, the school reserves the right to cancel our remote offerings and call a no-school snow day; otherwise remote learning will continue as is.

Dear Siskiyou School Parents,

Welcome back, all. I hope there was fun and family to be found for everyone, on some level, over the break! When I went into school to change my chalkboard drawings, I was completely surprised and amazed to see what had come into my mailbox by way of the teacher gift fund! Thank you for your kind generosity! What a time this is for all of us, and if we can find ways to support one another - well , then, that's what it is to be human!

Those funds made it possible for me to take a few unexpected nights at the coast, and I realized that it's been way too long since I've seen my ocean. I was on Bandon Beach for the last high tide of 2020, and it sure was a rocker!!!

I look forward to getting back to the business of first grade now, and I know the second half will be even better than the first. The children always come back from Winter Break bigger, brighter, and ready to settle into their work. It's always a magical transition in first grade-this time of year. I'm not sure how and why this comes about, but it is such a delight. ~ Ms. McKissick

Dear Siskiyou School Parents,
Thank you very much for your generous contributions to the teacher holiday fund. The gift was an extra boost for our family. It allowed for fun snow adventures! I am so grateful to be part of this loving community, ~ Mr. Alvarez

Siskiyou School Parents,

My heart overflows with gratitude for the generous donations to Teacher Gift Fund from you, dear parents. The gift fund is always a godsend, but something that seemed almost unrealistic during a year when so many were struggling to cover basic needs. I am deeply touched that our community of parents found a way to have our backs and support teachers at the holidays. Thank you for your love, compassion and ongoing support of our efforts. Your children are always first and foremost in our hearts! ~ Mrs. Martin

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your generosity of the holiday gift, as well as your continued support of the Forest Class and Siskiyou School! This year has stretched our strengths and flexibility as a community, and I feel blessed to work in a school of such resilience. May the New Year bring joy to your families!

~ Miss Benson

Dear Parents,

The generosity of the parent community was definitely palpable this holiday season. Each year, your words of kindness and your gifts and donations mean so much. With the added challenges of this year, this mattered even more. Thank you, parents, for your ongoing support. I hope that each of you felt love and abundance in your own families as well. After 2 weeks of rest and many joyful moments with my family, I look forward to being back with the students with the added bonus of more time together on campus. Happy New Year, and may it bring many more opportunities for community and growth. ~ Ms. Mahlstadt

Dear Siskiyou School Community,

Thank you so much for your generous support this year. My family and I received a new family member, a puppy named Oscar! Your generosity provided many, many chew toys and bones in his stocking this year. Wishing everyone well going forward into this new year. May we all stay healthy this winter and may our children continue to learn and prosper. Warmly, ~ Ms. Franczak

Dear Siskiyou School Community,
Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. The gratitude that you offered through the financial gifts you gave and the beautiful words you wrote, filled the sails of my soul boat. With all my heart, I thank you. I wish you all a most wonderful New Year. ~ Ms. Razi

Dear Parents,

Thank you. Thank you for each and every amount given, backed by your heart that is so felt on this end of things. Of course, you know through your own lives how a gift of money can be the thing exactly needed to steer the boat with more steadiness in these tumultuous times... and it is. We're all in this together, in our way, making nourishing bread from grains that appear out of thin air, so it seems at times. I am humbled by your generosity and gifts-- and the words, each time I can feel you behind them. Thank you, again and again. ~ Kelly Tisdel

Dear Siskiyou School Community,
What a complete surprise it was to receive such an abundant gift this year!
I have to say, I was completely touched—way down to the furtherest corner
of my heart. Each day I hold you all with so much respect and compassion for
the challenge of parenting during this time. You all are carrying so much and, yet,
I continue to witness generosity of heart and so much courage—it keeps me inspired
and ever-grateful that this is the community that I am privileged to journey with.

Thank you for being the most amazing container for these children, and thank you
for supporting us to hold them with you. It is a true honor.

Happy New Year! ~ Nina Gallwey

Dear Parents and Siskiyou School Community, An extremely heartfelt thank you to all of you. Your contributions, gifts, and words are warm and uplifting on a whole new level this year. With all that has happened since the spring, to feel this strongly the connection, appreciations, and sense of community to end the year has meant so much. I am feeling really inspired to start once again, in-person this time. Blessings to everyone as we begin this new year and next chapter together.

~ Mr. Monda

Siskiyou School Families,

I just want to convey my deep gratitude that Noah and I are part of this courageous and nurturing community. Collectively, we have faced the very real threat of an invisible danger together, without justifiably curling up in the fetal position and abandoning the pursuit of quality education. Noah loves first grade with Ms. Molly and Ms. Dana; they have made my dream of a positive start to his lifelong learning, a reality. Thank-you to all the school staff, faculty and otherwise, who carried the light that ignites our children's minds, into the unknown with such courage and diligence. ~ Ms. James

Dear parents,

No words can describe how much your generous gift and, most of all, the words and warm wishes you wrote means to me. It brought tears to my eyes and such warmth to my heart during this special time. While I teach the children, I also learn so much from them everyday. I am given the opportunity to see the culture I come from through their eyes. Thanks you all so much for your kindness, generosity and support! Wishing you and your family a healthy and joyous Metal Ox Year!

~ Ms. Carroll

Dear Parents,

As a teacher at the Siskiyou School, I consistently feel more appreciation from our families than I've received anywhere else in my entire teaching career. The generous giving of the community this holiday was a delicious icing on an already amazing cake. Thank you so much! ~ Mr. Dilansa

Dear Siskiyou School Parents,

It’s been a strange and sometimes difficult year---there's no getting around that, but there is a sweet feeling of comradely and shared vision that has come out of this year for me. That feeling was bubbling strong as I opened my Teacher Gift Fund envelope. I was struck with a feeling of gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you! Thank you for entrusting your children to us this year, thank you for showing up again and again when you are asked, thank you for waving to me when I’m on the road, and thank you for believing in our school! This quote from a favorite band sums it up the year for me:

Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me
Other times, I can barely see
Lately, it occurs to me
What a long, strange trip it's been

Thank you for being on this trip together! ~ Cynthia Bower

Dear Siskiyou School Parents,
It has been an epic, difficult year for all of us, yet I have found so much joy in our music classes. Even in masks we sing, create, and have fun! I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to teach your children, for your kind words, and for your incredible generosity to our gift fund. Blessings on this new year, may it bring ALL of us joy! ~ Mrs. Archer

Dear Siskiyou School Parents,

What a year it has been! There is no need to list all of the countless challenges we have faced as a community in 2020. We know them all too well. In this time of reflection and introspection, I have tried to focus on the “silver linings” of the past year. What gives me hope moving forward is seeing the countless ways people have ‘shown-up’ to help one another in times of need. It is in this spirit that I would like to extend a deep and heart-felt “Thank You!” Your kind words & generous giving could not have come at a better time. Let us carry this momentum into the coming year and make it the best that it can be for our children. Blessings on our school. ~ Mr. McGlone

Dear Parents,

“Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.” I've had this quote by Rumi on my refrigerator for while, and I now see it fitting to share with you because you are the most generous and appreciative group of people I know. As I skied quietly through this winter break, I reflected on my amazement of you as parents. You not only continue to believe in and support our school, you also unselfishly gave to Teacher Gift Fund. Thank you for this monetary gift under difficult circumstances, and thank you for your sweet words as well. I feel nourished and incredibly grateful to you, and look forward to paying it forward. With love, ~ Ms. Glatte

Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for your kind words and support. It has been a pleasure to weather this storm with all of you. Thank you to everyone that showed up, in such a profound way, for all the events and fundraising this past Fall. Even with all the twists and turns, we were able to have fun and bring a new kind of fundraising to the school. I am forever grateful! Happy New Year to you all. ~ Lora

Dear Parents,

I am so truly grateful for all your support. Because you continue to entrust us with our most precious gift, your children, you are showing those of us who work here that you believe in us and our work. That's an amazing vote of confidence in this difficult time. I'm so excited to see how the students grow in resiliency and compassion as they face these challenges head on with open hearts! Thank you for your uplifting words of encouragement, they truly keep me afloat and ready for the next change! ~ Kristin

Have something to share on our Community News and Classifieds section?

Here are the guidelines for the Classifieds:

Please keep your classified ads brief and succinct. We will run ads for two consecutive weeks. Flyers and pictures are appreciated! Send classifieds to Lora Wilde at lora.wilde@siskiyouschool.org by noon on Tuesday.

The Siskiyou School is not responsible for the content.

Bringing stories and connection to your kids. We’re making it happen - dramatically.

Online classes for ages 6-17 start Jan. 19th. www.ashlandchildrenstheatre.com

Ashland Children's Theatre

Ashland Children’s Theatre offers a variety of theatrical experiences for children and teens throughout the year, including classes, workshops, and performances.

Musical Theatre Dance, Acting, & Improv.

Body Basics offers puberty education to youth and for the adults that support them. Many classes are happening in person following safety guidelines, as well as virtually. Winter session registration is open for girls grades 4-8 (Jan.-Mar.). New this winter to Body Basics are parent evenings via Zoom called Parenting During a Pandemic. Parent coaching is also available! To learn more and to register for classes go to bodybasicsandbeyond.com. To register or to get more information about parent evenings and coaching, email Karen O'Dougherty at karen@bodybasicsandbeyond.com

Karen O’Dougherty

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Body Confidence & Puberty Education

www.bodybasicsandbeyond.com

karen@bodybasicsandbeyond.com

www.facebook.com

541-601-2849

I’m an alumni of the Siskiyou School and received a bachelors degree in music composition from The Los Angeles College of Music in 2018. I’ve been playing the guitar for over a decade and look forward to sharing my knowledge with you! Over the last 5 years I have toured and recorded with multiple artists and bands throughout the US and Canada and taught private lessons in Los Angeles. If you’re looking to work on music theory, songwriting, playing with people, or just want to get more comfortable playing songs that you love, set up a lesson today! I'm happy to work on acoustic or electric guitar and all ages and levels of experience are welcome!

Contact: Tejas Leier Heyden - 541-282-3136 - tleierheyden@gmail.com

Please join me at an online Saturday course for teen girls this January. This mentorship course is for teen girls regarding mental and physical health. I am a trained and experienced Waldorf teacher and I'm offering this to any interested teen youth. I especially love working with Waldorf students. We will meet for four Saturday mornings 10-12 (PST), January 9-30th.

Visit Jenna's website here:

https://liliana.mykajabi.com/Jenna-dalton-youth-mentorship

Thank you,

Jenna D.

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/