4J Parent News
April 2023, Volume 2
Former North Eugene High School Building Send-Off
Join us from 5–9 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, to walk the halls and say goodbye to the building where 4J students and staff have learned, worked and connected since 1957.
Take a trip back in time by visiting classrooms decked out in each decade of NEHS's history so visitors can connect with fellow alumni and share stories. Concessions, stickers and commemorative T-shirts also will be sold at the event.
An assembly at 6:30 p.m. will feature the pep band, cheer and dance teams, and bagpipers. At 7:30 p.m., the drama department will host a special alumni night for their spring production of The Addams Family. You can learn more and buy tickets here.
The new, state-of-the-art North Eugene High School building, located next door to the old high school building, will open this fall. Look for information to come about a grand opening this fall.
New HEPA Filtration Systems for Classrooms
Ensuring the health and safety of students and employees in our school buildings and classrooms is a top priority for 4J.
With that in mind, our district has applied to receive portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration units from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for each room that is used as a classroom in 4J. However, the exact number of units we may be awarded is unknown as OHA is taking orders from all K–12 school districts in Oregon and demand may exceed the available supply.
We'll keep you updated as more information become available.
4J Students Love Food, Not Waste
In nearly all 4J school cafeterias, students are lining up to help out the planet.
As of Earth Day (April 22), 28 of 4J’s 32 schools have implemented a food waste diversion program. Students have been taught to dispose of their uneaten or unfinished food into a special bin as they leave the cafeteria. The food waste is collected by Sanipac and is processed into compost by Rexius instead of being sent to the local landfill, where it can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, as it decomposes.
In the first five months of this school year, students have diverted 20,000 gallons of food waste—enough to fill a swimming pool!
“It’s going well,” said Tana Shepard, a teacher on special assignment who leads 4J’s climate, energy and conservation initiatives through an education partnership with EWEB. “The kids are really proving to the adults that they can do this, and that they really do care.”
The final four schools should have their programs online by the end of the school year.
REMINDER! Roll With It: National Bike+Roll to School Day is May 3
Bike, skateboard, scooter, or walk, skip and jump to school on Wednesday, May 3 to celebrate national Bike+Roll to School Day!
Get out, get physical and enjoy an adventure on your journey to school. It's the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to improve physical and mental health, create a healthier environment, promote safer streets, make friends and have fun! Need help with safe route planning? Email saferoutes@4j.lane.edu.
4J schools are working with the district's Safe Routes to School program to organize events with prize giveaways and will provide details directly to their families. If you are interested in helping organize an event at your school, please email saferoutes@4j.lane.edu or call 541-516-0887.
Off & Running: TrackTown USA Kids Club
The TrackTown USA Kids Club is off and running with the arrival of another outdoor season of track and field. The free membership program is open to students in grades K–8 and valid through the end of the year.
Members receive a welcome packet, membership card, birthday gift, exclusive ticket deals, early access to register for special events, and exclusive opportunities to interact with track and field athletes. All club members will receive an official 2023 TrackTown USA Kids Club passport to receive exclusive event stamps and autographs throughout the track and field season at Hayward Field.
Join The Team, Apply for 4J Jobs
Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Coaches • Campus Safety & Security Monitors • Curriculum Administrator: MTSS • Director of Human Resources • Elementary School Secretary • Equipment Operator • Evening Custodians • Grow Your Own Program Administrator • Head Coaches • HVAC Refrigeration Technician • Plumber Specialist • Registered Nurses • Seasonal General Laborers • Special Education Teachers • and more
