The Applegater

Applegater Summer 2018 23 NEXT GENERATION Next Generation features school news and updates and the talents of our local students. All schools in the Applegate Valley are encouraged to submit news, art, writing, photography, and any other creative pieces to gater@applegater.org. Ruch School PTO announces lively annual fundraising event Applegate and Williams schools For rates and other information, contact: Ron Turpen 541-601-1867 ronaldaturpen@gmail.com Next deadline: August 1 Advertisers! Ruch Outdoor Community School (ROCS) PTO is excited to announce the Night in the Valley fundraising dinner to be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at Valley View Winery, 1000 Upper Applegate Road, in Ruch. is signature event brings together hundreds of community members to support our one-of-a-kind school nestled in the beautiful Applegate Valley. The evening includes a no-host cocktail hour, catered dinner, and spirited live and silent auctions, plus an enticing dessert auction—all to benefit the school. Craig and Amber Hamm, owners of Ruch Country Store, have been central supporters of the event for over 10 years. "My wife and I feel it is very important to invest in the community and our young people," says Craig. "It's a great feeling to know we are part of that and giving to the programs inside the school through this event. Plus, it's fun!" Craig has a special place in his heart for the school—in his 20 years as a local business owner he has watched students come into the school, grow up through the school, and then come back to our community as successful adults with careers. "If I had an opportunity to go back to grade school, I'd choose Ruch!" said Craig. Night in the Valley attendees will be treated to an unforgettable evening under the stars at one of the premier wineries in the Applegate Valley, while making a tremendous difference in the lives of students at this unique school. e auction features beautiful art made by Ruch School students, certificates for unique experiences like paragliding rides, and wonderful local wine. After dinner, guests will vie in a dessert auction where the highest bidder, quite literally, takes the cake! ROCS is a K-8 public school that offers outdoor education connecting students with the environment and their community. It's a small-school alternative to the traditional school, featuring smaller class sizes, a four-day school week, personalized learning, and opportunities in the arts, music, and athletics. Attendees and donors of ROCS Night in the Valley auction make this possible. Night in the Valley events provide funding for music programs, fine arts instruction, athletic equipment, the latest technology in the classroom, and countless field experiences that allow students to learn through doing. Be a part of making things happen at ROCS, and don't miss this amazing evening. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the school at 541-842-3850. To donate, email ruchpto@gmail.com. Stacie Grier • ruchpto@gmail.com PTO President Ruch Outdoor Community School Applegate School news May was a busy month for students—they participated in field trips, assemblies, track events, and a canned food drive. Fourth and fifth graders visited Table Rock during a field trip sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service. When Hidden Valley High School (HVHS) Future Farmers of America students brought animals to school, Applegate students got to ride horses, pet a rabbit and a miniature pony, and enjoy the antics of goat kids. All students were treated to a "Japan on the Road" presentation through the Japan- America Society of Oregon. Students are taught about Japan's geography, weather, food, etc. ere was a presentation by Southern Oregon University's drum group for the student body. HVHS sponsored a track meet for fourth and fifth graders, and Applegate School's annual Track and Field Day took place on May 31. A canned food drive for the school's Family Advocate Closet that was held in May will culminate in a Water Balloon Challenge for the food drive winners. Sixth graders and their teachers participated in the outstanding Outdoor School program at Pacifica. While attending school in a beautiful outdoor setting over three days, students experienced hands-on learning with experienced Outdoor School staff. Students were housed in Pacifica's Cedar Center Great Hall. Eighth graders had several events at HVHS in May: a Freshman Preview on May 15, an Open House on May 22, and a day for each of the eighth graders to shadow a high school student on May 30. Working on graduation speeches and preparing posters for display at their Moving On Ceremony kept the eighth graders busy at the end of May. Kindergarten Kickoff on May 3 held the promise of a wonderful new group of Applegate students in September. e school's library will be moving to a new room in June. On May 19, Serve Grants Pass, which has helped Applegate School in the past with painting and general cleanup, painted the room that will serve as the library's new home and helped with other tasks, such as cleaning out blackberries and clearing the cross-country path. A big thanks to these generous folks from Serve Grants Pass! In June, several events will take the spotlight. On June 5, the middle school drama class will present Lucky Dollar Private Eye. Dress rehearsal will start at 1 pm, and the main production is scheduled for 6 pm. A field trip to Pacifica for K-3 students is planned for June 7. Eighth graders are looking forward to their two-day trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Washington on June 7 and 8, with stops at the Portland Zoo, the University of Oregon, and the state capitol. On June 11, Applegate School will hold the Moving On ceremony for graduating eighth graders. e event will begin at 6 pm. On the last day of school, June 13, several events will take place. e day will begin with ceremonies for student awards and volunteer recognition. Beginning at 11:30 am, the rest of the day will be devoted to fun. Williams School news Forty-five community volunteers from Serve Grants Pass came to Williams School on May 19 to paint and clean up the campus. e Williams community is sincerely grateful for this generous help! HVHS held an all-district track meet for fourth and fifth graders on May 25. e participants had a fun experience meeting and competing with students from other district schools. ey are grateful to the high school for sponsoring the event. On May 23, Williams School held a tea at 12:45 pm to celebrate all the volunteers who help make the school run smoothly. Williams School Strings concert is scheduled for June 6 from 6 - 8 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door. e Moving On and Awards ceremonies for Williams School students will be held on June 13. A new custodian is on duty at Williams School. Ron Murphy, from Fort Vannoy, has taken on the duties, and the staff is super excited to have him as part of the Pioneer Family. Jean Hall • jhall@juno.com Applegate School Please support our advertisers and shop local!

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