December 2017

Rogue Volume XII, Issue IV

Pros and Condos Ashland is facing a very serious housing crisis, as the cost of housing skyrockets and pushes families and people of lower incomes out of the city. Read this editorial by Dylan Kistler on page 4.

News December 15, 2017

In This Edition:

P2. WFAF and NAHS P3. Mental Health P4. Pros and Condos P5. Lodge Remodel P6. Briscoe Sale P7. AHS Rebulid Bond P8. Christmas Music P9. Math Team P10. Exchange Thanksgiving P11. Dear Santa P12. Elf on the Shelf

Revamping the Lodge The Mt. Ashland lodge is getting a face lift to make your day on the mountain more killer than ever before. Read this story by John Corder on page 5.

Building and Rebuilding With changes occuring to Ashland’s infastructure, it seemed prudent to cover the upcoming sale of Briscoe School, the ASD bond for AHS buildings, and the building of the residential home on Winburn Way on pages 6 and 7.

ARTS

Artistic Talent on Display at WFAF

by Seth Jacobson

The Winter Fine Arts Festival is a display of the talent Ashland High School (AHS) students possess. The event, held in the AHS theater, which included performances by the orchestra, jazz band and several other music classes. What was particularly interesting was the collaboration between the music and art classes. In the theater lobby, several art classes contributed to a gallery show, including Fiber Arts, Wood Shop and Digital Arts, just to name a few. The event was attended by several members of the community in addition to parents, students and teachers. With the purchase of the ticket for attendance, a free meal was included, created by the culinary classes at AHS. They served potato leek soup and bread made from scratch. The silent auction started at 5:30 and was attended by approximately 150 people. Items that were auctioned off included arts pieces created by students at AHS. All the money raised from the Winter Fine Arts Festival goes to Ashland High Arts Advocates (AHAA). The money is used to fund arts classrooms and to award students with scholarships for things like band camps and summer art classes.

Each art class also receives $500 for any materials the classroom might need. A special thank you to AHAA for helping fund our art classrooms and supporting our student artists. Be sure to attend next year!

AHS Artists Spreading Ubuntu in the Community

by Josh Leib

“Ubuntu is very difficult to render into a Western language. It speaks of the very essence of being human. When we want to give high praise to someone we say, ‘Yu, u nobunto’; ‘Hey so-and-so has Ubuntu.’

Then you are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, ‘My humanity is inextricably bound up in yours.’ We belong in a bundle of life.”

– Desmond Tutu, No Future Without Forgiveness.

On January 8, Cafe 116 will be hosting an art event to bring Ubuntu to our community, presenting our school’s National Art Honors Society (NAHS) works for all to see and even buy! 20% of profits made in the 2-month time period the event is taking place, will go to a non-profit organization.

There are a variety of mediums and styles that will be presented, following the Ubuntu theme. “Inside a community are so many different voices that make up pieces of a puzzle,” said Kip Parowski, ASB and

NAHS co-president. Students can share event ideas with the advisor Sam Scharf. All 21 members of NAHS have been invited to join this event and are currently working to complete their pieces on the theme of Ubuntu for presentation. It is a group effort that makes it possible to put together events like this. Cafe 116’s partnership with NAHS and a donation to a local nonprofit is the essence of Ubuntu.

Visit Cafe 116 and support community connection, as well as AHS artists.

Santa’s Sweat Shop 2

Mental Health: A Problem With Solutions

By Jasmine Wallin According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental illnesses are defined as health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior (or a combination). Mental illnesses come from a junction of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, and everyone gets affected differently. Although AHS is seemingly all about health and wellness, we are actually home to some of the highest levels of mental illness in the state.

Generally, a lot of teens struggle with mental illnesses with approximately 1 in 5 teens experiencing severe mental illness sometime in their life according to the National Alliance on Mental Health. While AHS is lucky to have places to get help, such as the Wellness center and the Health center, many students are unfortunately unaware of the services offered. “There’s always room for improvement” says Melody Baldridge, who works at the Health center downstairs in the H building. She is one of our dedicated workers in the health center who is a Licensed Professional Counsellor, or LPC, and the only person working for mental health there. She refers to the assistance she provides as “behavioral health counselling.” Her schedule allows her around five kids a day in one hour sessions. She can provide tools for coping, sleep suggestions, breathing exercises, help with relationships, anxiety and depression and lots more.

She says that she is happy with the school’s services but of course, improvement could always be made.

Another place that offers help at AHS is the Wellness center, located in H39 and open every lunch. “A lot of times people need an opportunity to regroup a bit, and that’s what the Wellness center offers.” says Baldridge, who seemed hopeful and excited about this new amenity. J’aime Powell is the main adult mentor, and Nikki Irvine is the inspiring senior who is the director and organizer of the wellness center.

The Wellness center offers peer men-

INSIDE AHS

The Use and Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol at Ashland High The Effect of Substance Abuse on the Student Body and Their Mental Health

By Uma McGuire

Ashland High School is no stranger to the presence of drug and alcohol abuse. Repeatedly, AHS has been in the top percentile of drug and alcohol use in Oregon, a state which eclipses the nationwide average in drug abuse in more than one category. The school itself is complex and a paradox: a silver medal school with some of the highest achieving students in the state — with one of the largest drug problems. Should blame be placed on any one particular thing? Can you blame Oregon culture which promotes drug use by having recently legalized recreational marijuana, which makes it easily accessible to the masses? Can you blame the parents who don’t think their kids should be punished for experimenting with drugs and alcohol? Or is it the school, which creates stress for the student body, driving them to find any relief they can in substance use? Perhaps it is up to the student body to decide that substance abuse won’t be tolerated as a norm anymore. All of these have been claimed as the primary reason at one time or another, but it is more likely a combination of these that is responsible for the high use and abuse of drugs and alcohol at the High School. The reality of substance abuse at AHS looms like a cloud over the school, and although it’s often invisible to those who don’t know any different, the cloud affects the mental health and culture at AHS, a problem which waits to be completely addressed.

“Marijuana has been a problem since I started as Dean 14 years

tors who can lend an ear if you just need someone to talk to. Irvine believes that sometimes it’s easier and more comfortable to talk to students around your age. “When you have a peer that has been through similar things, it’s just easier to talk,” she says.

The center also offers a quiet space to come in and meditate or relax. They have done projects with other groups such as the Rose Center and Irvine

ago,” AHS Dean of Students, Glenna Stiles, recounts. During this time, medical marijuana was legalized and in 2014, recreational marijuana was legalized. Nonetheless, the number of students using the cannabinoid drug has stayed about the same. Stiles reports that though, “The law around it has become much looser, the use has not significantly changed.” As marijuana remains an ongoing problem, substances like hallucinogens and alcohol have gone up and down in waves. One reason for these fluctuations may be the rising number of teenagers who experience anxiety and depression both at AHS and nationwide. Some students have chosen to combat that severe stress by self-medication through drug and alcohol abuse, “It is completely unacceptable. We need to look at the causes of why kids are feeling so under pressure, so stressed out and are having panic attacks. It’s a huge issue,” Stiles expressed. Students may go on a 504 plan which gives accommodations to those suffering from things like anxiety and depression. The number of students on 504 plans sheds light on the issue at hand, as in the last 15 years, the number administered school-wide has gone from about 10 to close to 150.

This problem, however, has not gone unfaced. The many attempts to combat this problem includes changes in curriculum, education and outreach, the “You Matter” campaign and numerous drugs and alcohol education nights for parents.

“I’m really trying to get the parents

says that after winter break they will be open more hours. Ten trained student volunteers help out with some similar problems dealt with in the health center, such as anxiety and depression.

Not surprisingly, both places said that anxiety was the most common illness that they deal with, with 25% of teens bearing this illness according to the National Institute for Mental Health.

With the high percentage of mental

on board because one of the things that really sticks out in the Healthy Teen Survey is the number of parents who think it’s okay to smoke pot.” Stiles continued to explain that there is almost a 1 to 1 correlation between those whose parents think it’s okay to smoke pot and those who report smoking pot. “That is when it becomes a cultural issue, and one that is really hard for the school to do anything about,” Stiles reported.

That is why last year, AHS administration reached out to Jackson County Health and has started a coalition as this problem seemed to big for the school itself to handle. The people of Jackson County Health have since interviewed students to try to get to the root sources and really understand why this community much more drug friendly than almost any other city in the state.

The fact remains that AHS is one of the most drug impacted schools in one of the most drug impacted states. When drug use is part of Ashland culture, a student’s decision to participate is seen less as a threat to their personal well-being of a student, and more like an impulsive decision easily dismissed. Though it would be a daunting task for drugs and alcohol to cease to have a presence at AHS, the change of culture has the potential to benefit all students regardless of their current habits.

health needs and only one licensed professional on staff, students may not be able to get the diagnostic help they need. Although mental health is not getting the attention or funding it deserves at both the national and local level, students will continue to help one another as best they can at AHS.

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COMMUNITY & WORLD

Housing Controversy Goes Way Back:

Land Use and Construction Debates Have Not Left Ashland Unscathed

by Nicole Mullen

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shland, Oregon is at the center of a current debate in the United States: how should land be used? In 1973, Oregon consolidated control of land use into a single state agency; the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC). This state agency implemented one of the most comprehensive and extensive state-mandated land-use planning programs in the country, and has made Oregon a leader in land-use planning nationally. However, not everyone has been a proponent of the LCDC. Since 1973, revisions of the LCDC policies by the Oregon legislature in 1995, have loosened this uniform statewide planning commission in favor of more localized development that allows for regional flexibility. The delicate and difficult balance between protecting property rights and allowing public use, while acknowledging the vast differences between rural and urban areas have left Oregon land-use laws a complicated and unwieldy subject. In January of 2016, the land rights debate came to a head when the Malheur Wildlife Refuge was taken over by a right-wing militia that was protesting what they

believed to be unconstitutional Federal use of land.

While Ashland has escaped any violent altercations like that at Malheur, Ashland is not immune to the root of the controversy.

Ashland’s unique geography and history play a key role in the complex and contentious debate over land-use and construction policies. According to the Oregon Historical Society, Ashland secured its place as a cultural center in Oregon by the 1890s. The construction of the Ashland Springs Hotel in the late 1920s, and later, the construction of the Shakespeare Festival’s Angus Bowman Theater in 1970 brought a distinct cultural landmark to the area. From the 1990s on, Ashland’s place as a tourist-based economy solidified and flourished. To preserve Ashland’s historical and cultural significance, groups like the Historical Commission of the City of Ashland have been instrumental in designating historical sites in Ashland, which can be constricting to construction.

Ashland also keeps a relatively tight Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to prevent urban sprawl and preserve Ashland’s urban center. Counties and cities

across the state implement UGBs to manage the growth and development of urban areas, while providing a system for the efficient transition from rural to urban land. The combination of Ashland’s tourist economy, historical significance and popularity as a retirement destination has caused Ashland to have some of the highest property values in the state.

Inspired by the breadth of new construction developments in Ashland, Rogue News is featuring articles and commentary on construction, housing, and land use issues that are complex, fascinating and often controversial. Rogue News will be exploring the pros and cons of expansion, the debate on the fate of Briscoe School, current controversies over urban development, and the remodeling of the Mt. Ashland Lodge. Ashland will continue to grapple with land-use and urban issue as it moves into 2018.

An informed constituency is essential to crafting land use laws that benefit all citizens, by balancing private and public interests.

Pros & Condos

The Fundamental Housing Problem We Ignore editorial by Dylan Kistler

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any residents of Ashland adore their town, but they may be unaware of what makes the city so unique.

Why is it so quaint, artsy, and wealthy? Why do residents pass a half-dozen “Celebrate Diversity” bumper stickers in the Co-op parking lot before entering the business and remembering that our 10% minority population pales in comparison to the national average of 40%? Furthermore, why does a community so outwardly supportive of the homeless ignore a low-income housing crisis surpassing that of New York City? The answers derive simply from the fundamental components that comprise cities to begin with: land use and construction. Ashland’s peculiar housing environment is viewed by some as an investment utopia, but others see the real estate market as a political bulwark protecting the affluent city’s exclusivity.

Data proves that Ashland’s real estate market has crossed over from extraordinary to absurd. The average home price is now above $400,000, and its vacant rentals total barely over 1% of all units. In comparison, healthy rental markets tend to have above 5% vacant rentals, and New York City has long been noteworthy for having just 3%. The issue is compounded by for-profit companies monopolizing rentals in Ashland. The Sneak Preview and Mail Tribune have covered multiple articles in the past two years highlighting Pacific Properties, which buys large quantities of rentals and increase prices on short notice. Due to a lack of other vacancy options, renters are left with a choice between unreasonable price increases and leaving the city of Ashland.

As a result, the total enrollment in Ashland K-12 schools dropped from 3,255 to 2,595 between 2001 and 2015 as families struggled to afford housing costs. Two elementary schools, Briscoe and Lincoln, were closed, decreasing the housing options for families seeking to live near a school.

Evidently, Ashland has not provided enough reasonably priced residential units to support even the families who lived here before, much less welcome growth and diversification of the community’s demography.

Ashland residents are understandably skeptical of change. More than other cities in the Rogue Valley, Ashland has succeeded in the goal set forward in Oregon’s comprehensive Senate bill 100 (passed to prevent rural Oregon from sprawl akin to many California communities). Local politicians have historically taken this anti-sprawl legisla-

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tion and held to its text like fundamentalists reading The Bible, and certain positive results cannot be ignored. Residents of smaller towns share a closer sense of community through their connection to centrally located downtowns.

Additionally, fending off sprawl leads to more sustainable human society: residents spend less time driving into town, burn far less fuel, and don’t build homes over increasingly scarce farm and forest land. However, Ashland fails to effectively minimize the impacts of sprawl due to its high percentage of Talent and Medford residents commuting to the city. This year, only 5 of 15 members serving on the Ashland Planning Commission lived in the city of Ashland, and four of those have lived in their homes for roughly 25 years (predating the trend of skyrocketing prices) – a powerful illustration of how Ashland has passed the buck of its housing needs to adjacent communities, thereby forcing even its local officials to commute into the city they serve.

The solutions to the housing crisis, and the social and racial homogeneity which are a consequence, require an open-minded perspective of Ashland’s future. Firstly, funding for affordable housing ought to be dramatically increased in order to match the goals set forward in the city’s well-researched 2002 Housing Needs Analysis. Changes in our city planning need to be significant, including measures such as a reduction in parking requirements and an increase in high-density, multi-story, multi-family residential zoning. As residents drive less and live nearer together, biking and walking tends to become mainstream. The expansive yards and housing footprints residents cherish (which dwarf those occupied by most Europeans) might have to give way to allow for smaller, more affordable units to be built. Even the large condominiums to be built in the lot behind the AHS football field will include large street setbacks and parking spaces reflective of our 1960s-esque development codes. Additionally, funding for affordable housing pales in comparison to the goals set forward in the city’s 2002 Housing Needs Analysis. The charm of what Ashland has been may have to give way in order to introduce new qualities to Ashland: broader socioeconomic access, a decrease in emissions and wasted worktime due to commuting, and eventually demographic diversification in line with our community values.

art by Lillian Witnauer

COMMUNITY & WORLD

Revamping the Lodge

By John Corder

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t. Ashland is the perfect place for the local ski bum or shredder to escape reality and get lost in a world of tall pines, deep powder, and some of the steepest slopes in the Pacific Northwest. This local mountain resort has been a great source of fun for both experts and beginners of all ages. Following one of the most profitable seasons to date, and working with the community to raise over $1.5 million in donations, Mt. ashland began the first lodge renovation since it was built back in 1963. They began working in June of 2017 and aimed to finish the project before opening day of the Winter season. This renovation will affect everyone from the carousers in the bar, to the toddlers in the scooter room. Virtually every space in the lodge has undergone some change in preparation for the upcoming snow season. The two enclosures on the decks that add over 1000 square feet of additional space are enough to bring excitement to both the visitors who will have more space to eat, hang out, and keep personal goods, as well as the employees who will no longer spend countless backbreaking hours shoveling the snow covered decks. Additionally, the food court has moved out of the cramped corner it used to reside in and received many kitchen improvements, such as new paint, new flooring and all new appliances. Another major change that the lodge will be experiencing is located in the basement, which General manager Hiram Towle claims as being “a major improvement that will be very beneficial to the beginners and new students.” The basement has been transformed into the new rental shop along with a few office spaces and the Scooter

learning room for young children. The old rental shop has been converted into the “Locker Lodge” which will be an area for regulars to store their equipment and change their gear, and by popular demand will host all of the old wooden lockers which have been reused in this build. In addition to an entirely new rental shop, Mt. Ashland has invested in all new Rossignol Skis as well as a fleet of Burton snowboards that will be available to rent this season. Another wonderful addition to the lodge this upcoming season is the new furniture for the first floor.

“Interior Office Designs has provided us with $160,000 worth of new furniture for $40,000 and they donated $20,000,” said Towle, referencing the company that has become a major sponsor and contributor in the lodge renovation. AHS snow sports teams are excited for the upcoming winter as they work out and exercise in preparation for their competitive season. The lodge renovations will greatly impact the success of the teams this year as they will spend less time waiting for dinner and more time practicing. They will also have more space to store their gear with all of the new cubbie spaces dispersed throughout the lodge.

art by Lia Moe

Wow! There is so much more space out in the additions!

Just enough room for a large pine tree such as myself!

Yay the new stairs rock!

Finally a place to store my large nose!

photos by John Corder

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What’s Happening in Ashland?

Briscoe School

by Eliza Strong

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or the last 14 years, the spacious brick building just outside downtown Ashland has housed art classes and holiday events, making it a staple in the town’s community. However, to some Rogue Valley residents, it’s the place where they remember learning the alphabet and making lifelong friendships. Although Briscoe ended its Elementary School career in 2003 because of its seismic safety incompetence and a decline in student population, the Ashland School District (ASD) kept the building and rented it out to tenants such as Oregon Child Development Coalition and The Lithia Arts Guild. But on August 14, the Facilities Committee recommended that the School Board stop investing in the maintenance of the Briscoe building. This would mean selling it, potentially leading to changes to the beloved playground, and an end to programs like the summer art camps that are held there.

This news struck the heartstrings of many Ashlandians, who mourned the loss.

From August to October, both community members and School Board members have grappled with making the decision that will benefit the public the most. The Ashland School District’s mission is to empower students to be lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and stewards of the world.

Nevertheless, when it comes to the interpretation of how to best achieve that goal in terms of the selling of Briscoe, the ASD and a large portion of the community disagree. On October 9, the School Board unanimously agreed that selling the property would be the most beneficial choice. As described by School Board member Jim Westrick on the ASD website, the District has been forced to expend time and energy playing landlord for Briscoe School that could be used helping students more directly. The building has also been a huge economic burden on the ASD. The money spent on things like mowing, plumbing, electrical maintenance and water quality testing would be better put to use on another project that benefits learners more immediately. Some argue that the ASD might need the building later and regret their decision, but even in the rare case that student enrollment rates spike and another school is needed, it would take up to 10 million dollars to fully restore it, money that the school district does not have.

This complex issue has challenged the Ashland community, but the ASD has thought thoroughly about their decision. The emotional investment many have in the matter has been taken into account. At the community forums, the public came to agreement that Briscoe needed to be sold, but the question lingering is what will be done with its profits. The Rogue News will continue to follow this issue.

Raising the DeBoer Roof

by Lily Valenta

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f​ ​you​ ​have​ ​been​ ​ice-skating​ ​since​ ​the​ ​cold​ ​weather​ ​has​ ​set​ ​in,​ ​you​ ​may​ ​have​ ​noticed​ ​a house​ ​under​ ​construction​ ​next​ ​to​ ​the​ ​rink.​ ​This​ ​single-home​ ​construction​ ​ at​ ​85​ ​Winburn​ ​Way​ ​has been​ ​fairly​ ​controversial​ ​since​ ​the​ ​approval​ ​of​ ​the​ ​project​ ​on​ ​ December​ ​8,​ ​2016,​ ​when​ ​the Ashland​ ​Planning​ ​Commission​ ​unanimously​ ​approved​ ​ the​ ​hillside​ ​development.​ ​This​ ​residence is​ ​owned​ ​by​ ​Bryan​ ​and​ ​Stephanie​ ​DeBoer.​ ​ Bryan​ ​DeBoer​ ​is​ ​the​ ​CEO​ ​of​ ​Lithia​ ​Motors,​ ​and​ ​a well-known​ ​name​ ​about​ ​town.​ ​ Many​ ​Ashland​ ​citizens​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​the​ ​area​ ​next​ ​to​ ​the​ ​ice-rink​ ​and along​ ​Winburn​ ​way​ ​ is​ ​strictly​ ​for​ ​professional​ ​building​ ​since​ ​Pioneer​ ​Hall,​ ​the​ ​Community Center​ ​and​ ​ the​ ​Community​ ​Development​ ​Offices​ ​all​ ​reside​ ​alongside​ ​the​ ​approved​ ​location.​ ​ This is​ ​a​ ​misconception.​ ​According​ ​to​ ​Derek​ ​Severson,​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Senior​ ​Planners​ ​ with​ ​the​ ​City​ ​of Ashland’s​ ​Planning​ ​Department,​ ​the​ ​“zoning​ ​has​ ​always​ ​been​ ​residential.”​ ​The​ ​City​ ​Council​ ​felt as​ ​though​ ​a​ ​residential​ ​home​ ​would​ ​be​ ​more​ ​appropriate​ ​next​ ​to​ ​the​ ​ice​ ​rink,​ ​rather​ ​than something​ ​commercial​ ​that​ ​would​ ​increase​ ​ traffic.​ ​Finding​ ​parking​ ​in​ ​downtown​ ​Ashland​ ​is already​ ​notoriously​ ​difficult.

Another​ ​worry​ ​that​ ​citizens​ ​have​ ​about​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​of​ ​more​ ​residential​ ​homes​ ​like the​ ​DeBoer​ ​home​ ​is​ ​that​ ​the​ ​homes​ ​might​ ​conflict​ ​with​ ​ the​ ​natural​ ​beauty​ ​of​ ​the​ ​park.​ ​The DeBoer​ ​family​ ​took​ ​this​ ​into​ ​consideration,​ ​and​ ​according​ ​to​ ​City​ ​Council​ ​Member​ ​Stef Seffinger,​ ​the​ ​family​ ​worked​ ​ with​ ​the​ ​Planning​ ​Commission​ ​to​ ​have​ ​a​ ​construction​ ​that​ ​would​ ​fit this​ ​site.​ ​ The​ ​architect​ ​for​ ​the​ ​project,​ ​Carlos​ ​Delgado,​ ​found​ ​that​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​main​ ​challenges​ ​was to​ ​address​ ​the​ ​“the​ ​context​ ​and​ ​transition​ ​of​ ​the​ ​downtown​ ​‘commercial’​ ​feel​ ​into​ ​the​ ​park​ ​and residential​ ​setting.”​ ​​ ​To​ ​fit​ ​in​ ​with​ ​the​ ​surroundings,​ ​Delgado​ ​made​ ​the​ ​decision​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​mature trees​ ​to​ ​replace​ ​the​ ​ ones​ ​cut​ ​down​ ​before​ ​construction.​ ​The​ ​building​ ​is​ ​also​ ​being​ ​designed​ ​as “mid-century​ ​modern,”​ ​which​ ​follows​ ​the​ ​linear​ ​design​ ​of​ ​homes​ ​between​ ​the​ ​1920s​ ​ and​ ​1950s. This​ ​design,​ ​along​ ​with​ ​materials​ ​like​ ​stone​ ​and​ ​natural​ ​wood,​ ​will​ ​“give​ ​ it​ ​a​ ​solid​ ​presence​ ​like​ ​a commercial​ ​building​ ​but​ ​still​ ​fit​ ​in​ ​as​ ​a​ ​residence,”​ ​according​ ​ to​ ​Delgado.​ ​The​ ​DeBoer​ ​home​ ​is noteworthy​ ​due​ ​to​ ​its​ ​innovative​ ​design​ ​and​ ​controversial​ ​location.

The Name’s Bond, ASD Bond

by Bella Mannray

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HS is home to a multitude of buildings ranging in age and architecture. Classes are held in a concrete jungle known as the humanities building, in a quaint New England-style village of classrooms in the IVC building, and dungeon-like halls of the tech building. Such varied aesthetics offer different learning environments, but also lack continuity in offering safe learning environments. Updating the infrastructure of a school takes time, money and public input. The Ashland School District (ASD) Bond Committee has been working on a bond to renew and revamp AHS in order to keep the infrastructure safe and up to date.

School bonds are large capital expenditures of money school systems use to fund internal improvements. In 2006, the ASD Bond Committee focused a bond proposal on major renovations for AHS, allocating $21 million for the school. The bond was placed on the general election ballot and cost Ashland property owners about $2 per $1,000 of assessed property values (this is how bonds generate funding). The funding replaced AHS’s roof and rebuilt the gym and theater.

This year, the ASD Bond Committee is beginning to initiate a new bond. The purpose of the committee is to inform the school board and district of what needs to be improved in Ashland public schools. On November 30, approximately 25 members of the committee met to discuss the latest provisions for the bond. The committee is primarily composed of School Board and City Council members as well as teachers. The meeting began with a discussion as to when the bond should go on the voter ballot. Currently, the bond is set to be voted on by the public in the November 2018 election. The committee will begin assessing whether there is enough time to present the bond to the school board, and create a political campaign before the November ballot. If not next fall, the bond will be voted on in the May 2019 election to be decided by the voters of Ashland.

“The most important thing people should know is that the only way to fund capital projects in schools is through bonds. Most other states fund improvements through state funding, whereas Oregon depends solely on bonds in order to make large capital improvements,” reported School Board member Eric Strong. The November 30 meeting also focused on school security improvements within the bond. A guest lecturer discussed the importance secure schools; therefore, physical infrastructure will be emphasized to improve safety for lockdowns and other campus measures.

The ASD Bond Committee will view the next school improvements through a lens of enhancing security. They will also work to campaign for the bond in the community through awareness and education. With these goals in mind, the committee will continue to meet throughout the year until they have created a bond that is feasible and effective.

A Literary Over Analysis of the Powerful Piece of Literature: “All I Want for Christmas”

by Jade Bromley Carey uses repetition of the chorus, especially the line “all I want for Christmas is you” to emphasize her desperation to see this person. It’s the most repeated line, showing her fixation and determination. In the chorus she addresses the subject of her song, asking them to make her wish come true by being there.

[Intro] I-I-I don’t want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don’t care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you, oooh [Verse 1] I don’t want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don’t care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don’t need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won’t make me happy With a toy on Christmas Day

The lines “I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree” and “Santa Claus won’t make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day” represent the commercialization of Christmas and how her desperation to see her lover outweighs any desire for material goods. The gifts and things aren’t fulfilling or what she truly needs.

[Hook] I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you (you, baby)

It feels like Carey is standing still in time. She is “just gonna keep on waiting “underneath the mistletoe,” hoping that the one person she wants will find her and kiss her. She uses the mistletoe to ground her as she watches Christmas happening all around. This somber grounded theme contrasts with the upbeat and cheerful music.

[Verse 2] Oh, I won’t ask for much this Christmas I won’t even wish for snow I’m just going to keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe I won’t make a list and send it To the North Pole for Saint Nick I won’t even stay awake to Hear those magic reindeer click

The tone shifts with the lines “Oh, I won’t ask for much this Christmas. I won’t even wish for snow,” showing that she is now willing to let go of the immaterial joys of Christmas.

She’s willing to give up snow and the excitement Christmas because without her love what’s the point of it all? She goes on to ask what more she can do. She’s all out of things to give up, all out of Christmas wishes to bargain with.

[Hook] ‘Cause I just want you here tonight Holding on to me so tight What more can I do?

Baby, all I want for Christmas is you (you, baby) The world around her is joyful, and she can see the Christmas season pass her by yet she fixates on the one thing she wants—the one thing more important than Christmas.

Her fixation suggests an unhealthy, obsessive mental state.

It can be assumed that she is still talking to Santa in the verse “Oh, I don’t want a lot for Christmas. This is all I’m asking for. I just wanna see my baby, standing right outside my door.” But in the next stanza she returns to addressing “her baby,” acknowledging that they are the only person who can make her wish come true. The song ends with the longing being portrayed throughout the song. Her baby isn’t there and without them neither is her reason for existence.

[Bridge] Oh, all the lights are shining So brightly everywhere And the sound of children’s Laughter fills the air And everyone is singing Her narration changes with the line I hear those sleigh bells ringing Santa, won’t you bring me the one I really need? “Santa, won’t you bring me the one I really need?” Whereas throughout most Won’t you please bring my baby to me? of the song she is talking to her lover (or talking about them) and the things she’d give up to be with them again, [Verse 3] here she directly addresses Santa Claus Oh, I don’t want a lot for Christmas like a call to a higher power. It’s her final This is all I’m asking for plea to have the one she loves with her I just want to see my baby on Christmas.

Standing right outside my door [Hook] Oh, I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true Baby, all I want for Christmas is...

[Outro] Youuuu You, baby Youuuu All, all, all, all Youuuu

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Check out the Featuring: What Christmas means to me – Stevie Wonder Rogue News Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry Holiday Playlist Last Christmas – Wham!

Winter things – Ariana Grande on Spotify!

I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Jackson 5

He’s Smart Where It Counts

by Marcus Mullen

STUDENT FEATURES

Math Team is one of many great academic clubs offered at AHS, providing a pleasant environment for students who want to compete in local math competitions, or “Math Meets.” In recent years, the AHS Math Team has been one of the most competitive math teams, often ranking first or second in the valley for team competitions. A member for 3 years, Julian Rice has consistantly done well at math meets. Because of his advanced intellect, Rogue News asked member Julian Rice a few burning questions that only a member of math team could answer.

Q.How do feel about the term ‘mathlete’? Q. Other than the number, what’s your favorite type of pie? Why?

“I think referring to us as any type of athlete is silly. We really don’t put as much effort in as actual athletes. Athletes do a lot more, whereas we have like 5 meets a year.”

Q. What’s your favorite part about participating in Math Team?

“Well I enjoy a lot of math, especially the math that we do at meets because it’s more interesting and challenging.”

“Definitely strawberry rhubarb pie.

It’s quite good and fruity.”

Q. What’s the perfect ratio of chips to salsa?

Q. What’s your favorite number and why?

“It’s not a scoop or a dab, more of a dip… About five grams of salsa per normal size chip.”

“Probably 2 and 5 because they’re nice numbers. I like 5 because it was my old number in baseball when I played, and 2 is really easy to work with in math problems.”

Forward Focus: AHS Students’ 2018 Resolutions

by Alex Franklin and Gemma Coster Iyla Wells

Taylor Marbeiter New Year’s Eve signifies the end of a year but, more importantly, it offers the chance to start anew with renewed purpose and original experiences. Taylor Marbeiter, a junior at AHS, believes in the power of a fresh start. She sees the beginning of a new year as a chance “to see everyone do bigger and better things.” To commemorate the occasion, Marbeiter plans to celebrate by having a party with a group of her friends.

In the upcoming year, Marbeiter willfully endeavors to do more things for herself, such as reading more books, exploring different music scenes and figuring out the art of making coffee. Her main occupation of baby-sitting leaves little room for free time, so she takes advantage of what little time she has by reading mystery novels and watching documentaries.

Every January, Americans across the United States anticipate the New Year with fireworks, resolutions and unique traditions. Iyla Wells, a junior at AHS, is no different. Wells plans to celebrate the New Year with a festive gathering of friends and family that will include food, games, and watching fireworks.

In the approaching year, Wells aspires to meet new people by broadening her social circles and going outside of her comfort zone. She is optimistic about making new friends through a variety of school clubs and activities. Wells also aims to establish a regular work-out routine that will help her stay fit and healthy. Outside of school, Wells is employed at Taco Bell, serving customers and greeting people, which gives her further opportunity to interact with a variety of people.

Benjamin Lewis

Connor Gilliland For Connor Gilliland, a freshman at AHS, the upcoming New Year presents a clean slate and ample opportunity to pursue ambitious goals and create new memories. In the Gilliland household, it is a tradition to go on a family hike or see a movie, and watch the New Year’s countdown on television while drinking warm apple cider.

In the New Year, Gilliland resolves to go to the gym more often in order to improve his performance in basketball, football and swimming.

He intends to accomplish this by acquiring a calendar and outlining an exercise schedule. Outside of sports, Gilliland wishes to read more books, specifically fiction and comic books, which he readily takes pleasure in. In addition, he desires to play a bigger part in the community through participating in an assortment of community service opportunities.

Benjamin Lewis, a sophomore basketball player and a jazz band participant, doesn’t typically make New Year’s resolutions. However, studies show that weaving in an enjoyable activity into your resolution can raise the odds of following through with it. That’s why Ben has set personal goals for himself to get out and mountain bike more in 2018. Not only that, but he plans to ride up the mountain to the start of the trail, rather than shuttling up in a car. This way, he will get a good workout and a rewarding ride down the mountain. As for his basketball season, he aims to go to the gym more often to get ahead of the game. Ben plans to accomplish these goals by setting regular times on the calendar to motivate him.

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Thanksgiving Abroad: AHS Student Brings Dinner to Denmark

by Barritt Reynolds

Experiencing American Customs: Exchange Student’s First Thanksgiving in America

by Taylor Kelly-McMahon and Will Burgess

It was 5 AM. Sitting in the middle of my host famAside from Christmas and something she found strange movies back in Brazil buildily’s kitchen floor, I urgently whispered into my the 4th of July, Thanksgiv- about Thanksgiving was the ing anticipation for the holiphone as, from across the world, my dad tried to ing is one of America’s most fact that so many people eat day. She had never had stuffexplain to me how to cook a turkey. This is how my popular holidays. It holds a in the late afternoon “It’s ing before but she really liked first and only Thanksgiving in Denmark began. place in the hearts of Ameri- called Thanksgiving Dinner, it. Luana had a great ThanksWhen I had casually mentioned that I could make cans as a nationwide tradition and you eat in the afternoon; giving and hopes to visit Thanksgiving dinner for my host family, I had of spending time with your it’s strange.” Over all she loved America again to participate. imagined 4 people, some hardy mashed potatoes family, watching the Macy’s it.

Senior Karolay Castedo Meand gravy, and a modest turkey. I had not predicted Thanksgiving Day Parade, or Melissa Aura di Corrado drano from Bolivia told us that I would have to pull out all the stops. But when All the food and the my host mom confided that a few friends would faces were lit up by an be invited to dinner as orange glow coming well, making our party of 4 a party of 9, I suddenly from the thin candles realized that I didn’t know in the middle of the as much about cooking as I thought. But being the table. This is what the spirited exchange student Danish would call true I was, I told my host mom, “that sounds great!” I felt “hygge.”

Luana DSR. - Karolay M. - Maja C. - Yozzabhad S. - Melissa C. the strong need to repay them for all the kindness and love they had given me in the past months. afternoon football and most from Italy stated that her fa- the same thing the other By 8:00 am, my host dad, sister and I zoomed importantly eating a huge vorite Thanksgiving dish exchange students said, off to the local “Netto,” with the objective of buying Thanksgiving meal with lots was the sweet potatoes and “Thanksgiving is like a tradiour Thanksgiving groceries. Mille, my 12-year-old of Turkey, Mashed potatoes marshmallows that her ex- tional Christmas from home sister, enthusiastically skipped down the aisles, past and Pumpkin Pie. It is a Holi- change father made. “I was without the presents.” Her the “leverpostej”(liver paste), “rugbrød”(rye bread) day, although loved, that we first thanksgiving was specand “skyr” (strained yogurt) as we gathered all of Americans take for granted, tacular, even though there Thanksgiving was were no new foods to her, the needed ingredients. After paying for the food, and expect most other counwe drove through the overcast Danish weather to tries to celebrate as well. a holiday that she she enjoyed the spread. Her arrive at our cozy, candle-filled home.

However, as it turns out we would see in mov- favorite food was the turThe cooking process consisted of me stumbling are only 1 of 7 countries who key and mashed potatoes. ies back in Brazil. Thanksgiving wasn’t unusual around the kitchen, doing everything in my powcelebrate Thanksgiving (The er to produce something edible. I sifted through others include Germany and to Medrano, she loved eatthe family recipes that my mom had sent me and Canada). Since only 7 couning a large meal and getting picked out my favorites. I converted all of our tries celebrate Thanksgiving, like Marshmallows and Sweet stuffed, leading her to want American measurements to metric units with my most people from around the Potatoes? Seriously? But he to celebrate Thanksgiving for trusty iPhone calculator; our dimensional analysis USA have never heard of it said it was going to be good. many years to come. unit in chemistry had finally paid off. I asked my It was a weird combination For Yozzabhad Sirikuptkes host dad for help cooking the turkey, and realized for me, but I liked it.” Not (Putt) from Thailand, the “Thanksgiving is there was a perk to having 2 dads. The more turkey surprisingly potatoes and pie best Thanksgiving dish was wisdom the better. Mille became my trusty potato turned out to be the big hits the Turkey. He explained that like a traditional peeler and apple pie decorator. After 8 hours of hecof the holiday, but for di Cor- Thanksgiving is very similar Christmas from tic preparation, we finally got the food on the table. rado the thing that stood out to New Years in Thailand, but home without the the most about the holiday not like any other holiday in As the guests arrived and sat down, I looked out presents.” on the dinner I had made. All the food and the wasn’t the food, but the tra- his country. When we asked if faces were lit up by an orange glow coming from dition itself. “I laughed a lot he would take the Thanksgivthe thin candles in the middle of the table. This is while making the Turkey and ing tradition back to Thailand what the Danish would call true “hygge.” An indeand never experienced it. At I loved giving thanks. My ex- he said “Yes definitely!” scribable cozy, comfortable feeling that comes from AHS we were able to talk to change family said that they In fact most of the students the heart as you sit, talk, eat and drink with loved 5 exchange students who had were thankful to have me agreed that they wanted to ones. As the dinner continued, I suggested that we never experienced Thanks- here. It was nice.” share Thanksgiving with their go around the table and say what we were thankgiving. They were asked them According to Luana Ga- families when they got back ful for to follow the American Thanksgiving tradiabout their prior knowledge briele Da Silva Riberio from to their countries. Thanksgivtion. When it got to me I was overwhelmed with a of the holiday, along with Brazil, home cooked Turkey ing was a success this year. deep sense of contentment which I felt in the very some questions about the fa- was her favorite dish from her pit of my stomach. I was so thankful to have been mous Turkey dinner. first Thanksgiving this year.

Students agreed able to meet this family and live abroad, and still Maja Christensen from Riberio told us that Thanksthat they wanted have a supportive group of family and friends back Denmark told us that her fa- giving is similar to a Brazilhome. I was thankful to live in a place where I have vorite dish was pecan pie, and ian Christmas dinner routine, to share Thanksgivconsiderable rights as a woman, and of course, “hyshe loved the stuffing and po- sharing thanks and eating a ing with their famigge!” Our festive night ended with all of the Danish tatoes. “The only Holiday like divine meal with her family lies when they got guests saying to me, “tak for mad”; a danish postthis is Christmas because of and loved ones, so Thanksgivback to their dinner saying that means “thanks for the food.” I the food, but there’s nothing ing wasn’t much of a surprise countries. answered with an expected “Det var så lidt,” meanelse like it in Denmark.” Al- to her. Thanksgiving was a ing “it was so little.” though she loved the holiday, holiday that she would see in 10

The Holiday Woes of a High School Senior*

by Daniel Noonan

*This should be read in a British accent

Dear Santa,

I anticipate that you would expect this correspondence to be initiated with the sole purpose of proposing the gifts with which I would like to be adorned this Christmas. That is not the case. You see I have some existing grievances in relation to the fulfillment of my requests last year that must be addressed in order for me to feel content imparting upon you my list for this Christmas. If you recall correctly, though it is possible your age makes that difficult, I requested that your little minions make me a toy train, a remote control car, and a baseball bat and glove. Unfortunately when I arose, put on my robes, and descended my staircase to the Western Yellow Pine under which my gloriously wrapped gifts lay, I found socks. SOCKS. You buffoon, what 16 year old desires socks for Christmas? I am, to this day, absolutely livid. You fat oaf, are you incapable of reading? Is your eyesight so intensely perverted that you believed I called upon you to bring me socks with candy canes on them? I hate candy canes! They are so rich and sweet, they are absolutely incompatible with my delicate palate and having them on my socks is no better. I’d wager that Mrs. Clause finds you painstaking and detestable you bumbling snow person. Thou art unfit for any place but hell where all your snow and precious baubles would melt and wash away. With that aside, though I hope you have been reminiscing on your transgressions, I find it necessary to write this letter to remind you not to ruin my Christmas this year, like you did my last, and to bring me what I deserve, or else you and your damn reindeer will be on my naughty list, and those on my naughty list don’t get such a menial punishment as coal.

Happy Holidays, Daniel Noonan P.S: Don’t expect me to be so kind as to leave your plump buttocks some milk and cookies when you come down my chimney. To be honest you could lose the weight.

Holiday Puzzler

by Maisie Roberson

Across: 1. Dutch children put these wooden shoes in front of their hearths or windows, filled with hay and carrots for Sinterklaas’ horse, instead of stockings, in hopes that presents or sweets will replace the hay and carrots in the morning 3. These are people many wish to be with during the holidays 5. The opposing force to Santa Claus; Santa’s opposite in Germany, with many variations across Europe 6. A type of Jewish pancake traditionally made from potato 10. There is a Christmas song about these roasting over an open fire 12. A type of seasoning such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg 13. The eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt 15. Often decorated during the holidays with lights and ornaments to celebrate Christmas 18. A warm, chocolate drink that many kids like to drink after playing in the snow, and is good with marshmallows, whipped cream and peppermint sticks 19. The first name of the miser in Charles Dickens’ famous Christmas novel 21. An Islamic holiday observing the birth of the prophet Muhammad that took place from November 30 to December 1 this year 24. Typically made of apples, this beverage is traditional in the fall and winter, especially when served warm with cinnamon 25. Ribbons make these on presents 26. A parasite that grows on Oak trees that gets hung in doorways during the winter for couples to kiss under 29. A large, celebratory meal 31. A dessert, often associated with the holidays, made with butter, rum, candied fruit, and nuts 33. The red-nosed reindeer

36. The man credited with giving children gifts at Christmas, most likely originating from the Norse god Odin after Christianity took over in areas previously dominated by Vikings 38. A winter dessert traditionally served with lemon sauce 39. Definition: cheery and lively, (of an occasion or season) characterized by festivity and rejoicing 40. A popular winter sport that involves poles 41. Cheery, twinkling decorations that adorn houses, trees, and businesses 42. The company that created the current American version of Santa commonly seen today 43. This is often considered to be at the hear of the holiday season, and is why charitable donations increase in December Down: 2. These are exchanged during the holidays among family and friends

3. A Christmas song sung in Spanish, written in 1970 by the Puerto Rican singer and songwriter José Feliciano 4. An archaic term for Christmas 5. A secular African American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1 7. These get sent in the mail to loved ones far away, and make shipping services very busy during the holiday season 8. A nine-branched candelabrum used in the celebration of Hanukkah 9. The Christian holiday based on pagan traditions celebrated in winter 10. A religious folk song; songs typically sung around the holidays, especially Christmas 11. A lightweight apparatus used for coasting downhill over snow 14. Yuletide; Christmas, commonly used as a refrain in carols and on cards 16. Traditional decoration placed on the top of a Christmas tree 17. What bad children get in their

stockings 20. A time when many celebrate and make resolutions 22. Traditionally hung on doors, and often made of evergreen boughs 23. The winter bane of drivers 27. An activity involving frozen bodies of water and sharp, specialized shoes 28. A traditional Jewish game 30. The shortest day of the year in winter and the longest day in summer 32. This winter activity requires snow, a hill, and a toboggan 34. This a plant with shiny green leaves and bright red berries 35. He tried to steal Christmas in Dr. Seuss’ picture book 37. A type of cookie made during the holiday season and decorated with icing 40. Often depicted in flakes, this is often hoped for by children wanting school canceled; this white substance is necessary for a number of winter activities/sports 11

Answer Key: Across: 1.Clogs 3.Family 5.Krumpus 6.Latke 10.Chestnuts 12.Spice 13.Hanukkah 15.Tree 18.Hot Cocoa 19.Ebenezer 21.Mawlid 24.Cider 25.Bows 26.Mistletoe 29.Feast 31.Fruitcake 33.Rudolph 36.Santa Claus 38.Gingerbread 39.Merry 40.Skiing 41.Lights 42.Coca Cola 43.Giving Down: 2.Gifts 3.Feliz Navidad 4.Yule 5.Kwanzaa 7.Packages 8.Menorah 9.Christmas 10.Carol 11.Toboggan 14.Noel 16.Star 17.Coal 20.New Year’s 22.Wreath 23.Ice 27.Skating 28.Dreidel 30.Solstice 32.Sledding 34.Holly 35.Grinch 37.Sugar 40.Snow

You’ve heard of elf on the shelf, now get ready for...

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1 Parowski on a House Key 2 Roschers on toasters 3 Cork on a fork 4 Huard on a skewer 5 martin on a carton Wolff on a wolf 7 Lebo on a skiboat 6

photos by Uma McGuire and Taylor Kelly-McMahon

photoshop by Jackson McRae

art by Kip Parowski