4J Parent News
November 2023, Volume 1
Good evening everyone,
First, I wanted to take time during my comments to respond to recently expressed concerns regarding changes made in our efforts to re-organize certain functions of the district. Specifically, strong feelings were shared from staff and members of the community about the changes to the district’s Equity Department. In speaking with folks after hearing those comments, it became clear to me the changes we made left some to question, if not fear, we were possibly turning our back on the equity work that needs to be done in all aspects of this district. For that, I offer a sincere and unconditional apology. Most importantly, I want to state that I hear you when you say those changes need to be re-visited; I hear you when you state that the district’s commitment to equity should not be muted in any way; and I hear you when you say you feel those changes resulted in a less than full-throated commitment to equity in our district. I want to be clear that turning our backs on the equity work before us was not my intention. I also want to be clear that my intentions are less important than the impact our changes have had on members of the school district community.
Clearing the Air at Schools
With the recent passage of a No Idling policy by our school board, we are advancing our commitment to reducing environmental pollutants for the safety of our students, staff and community at large.
What does this mean for you? When you're waiting to drop off or pick up your students at school, you'll need to turn off your car's engine. During extreme weather, we encourage you to arrive close enough to the start and end times so that idling will not be necessary. The policy also applies to all school buses as well as other district and delivery vehicles.
This action may seem small, but it can make a big difference in reducing student and staff exposure to air pollution at our schools. Thank you for not idling!
The students were joined by district leaders and industry partners in 4J’s Future Build program for the housewarming at the new residence off Northwest Expressway on Wednesday, November 1. Over the last two years, more than two dozen 4J students helped build the 1,600-square-foot, three-bedroom home on a lot that 4J purchased for Future Build. The program provides students on-site job training and a boost in helping them land a good-paying position in the construction trades after graduation, while providing needed low income housing in the community.
Joel Delgadillo, who worked on the home last year as a senior at North Eugene High, said it was rewarding that his labor has helped a family in the community. “You take into consideration that I had a little part in that or I built this,” he said. “It’s nice knowing that someone else is going to enjoy it now.”
Welcome, New Student Board Representatives
Our newest student board representatives have begun their service on the Eugene School Board.
Congratulations to:
- Churchill: Eli Salerno & Sheridan Schilling
- North Eugene: Parker Anderson & Brianna Stratton
- Sheldon: Carmen Gonzalez Valle
- South Eugene: Nellie Schmitke-Rosiek & Rory Young
- International High School Program: Mellanie Mack
The 4J school board believes that hearing from students is a critical component to quality decision-making as they lead and set the direction for the school district. Student board representatives provide a report at the beginning of each school board meeting on the happenings at their schools and issues they want to bring to the school board's attention.
Welcome, new school board representatives! We appreciate your service to help make our district more welcoming and supportive of all students.
Town Hall Focuses on Neurodiversity, Disability Access
A town hall for 4J students and families focused on neurodiversity and disability education access will be held on Thursday, November 16, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Churchill High School.
There will be separate student & parent group discussions and an opportunity to provide feedback and comments. Food, childcare and ASL & Spanish interpretation will be provided. Questions? Contact Jené Conrad at conrad_j@4j.lane.edu.
Join us for this important conversation about education access and inclusion. Parents and students—your voices and experiences matter!
Super Insights: New Podcast Episode Out Today
The sixth episode of Super Insights, our podcast featuring Superintendent Andy Dey, dropped today. The podcast gives listeners an in-depth look at the major programs, priorities and issues for our district.
The new episode focuses on 4J's NATIVES program. NATIVES, which stands for Native Americans Towards Improved Values in Education and Society, provides tutoring, mentorship and culturally relevant activities for 4J students who are tribal members.
Have questions for the superintendent? Submit your questions, and he will answer those questions in a future episode. In addition, we welcome topic suggestions for future episodes.
2022-23 School Profile Reports Available
Each year, the Oregon Department of Education publishes At-A-Glance School and District Profiles for every public K–12 school and district in Oregon. The profile reports provide a broad snapshot of the demographics and performance of an individual school district or school.
School profiles include data on school enrollment, class size, student and teacher demographics, teacher retention, and other details from the 2022–23 school year.
Please note: Due to a technical issue, the staff data in the reports are not accurate. Corrected reports will be published when they become available.
IN THE NEWS
- Good As Gourd: The pumpkin patch is brought to Gilham kindergartners ahead of Halloween
- Onward, Highlanders: North Eugene girls soccer team finishes undefeated in league play; faces Silverton in 5A state tourney quarterfinals on Saturday
- Academic All-State: Learn about some of the 4J high school teams finding success in the classroom as well as on the field
- Toys for Tots: 4J families with children in need from ages 0-13 years old have until November 24 to request a toy from well-known holiday program
- Drop, Cover & Hold On: McCornack Elementary students participate in earthquake safety drill during Great American Shakeout
Join The Team, Apply for 4J Jobs
BEST Program Site Coordinator • Bilingual Educational Assistant • Bilingual Spanish Teacher • Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Coaches • Elementary School Secretary • Jewish Student Union Program Coordinator • NATIVES Program Tutors • School Psychologist • Spanish Immersion Teacher • Special Ed Educational Assistants • and more!
