4J Parent News
June 2023, Volume 1
New Communications Platform, Websites Coming Soon
Our district will be launching a new school-to-home communication tool called ParentSquare to start the new school year. Information will shared in a single place and can be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text, depending on your preference.
The unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with our district. New websites for our district and schools will accompany this launch that provide modern designs, enhanced navigation and improved accessibility.
We'll provide more information as the new platform and websites are ready to go live. In the meantime, the video below provides a brief overview of ParentSquare.
Program Showcase: Simply the BEST
4J's BEST after-school program has cared for and supported students for nearly a quarter-century. Each year, the program provides several hundred of 4J's highest-need students with extra support to help them both achieve academic success and build up their self-confidence so they can grow into safe, healthy and contributing adults.
"Usually when you hear it’s an after-school program, people maybe think it's daycare," said Josh Harvey, the program's coordinator at Chávez Elementary School, while speaking to more than 50 4J leaders and program supporters at the program's showcase event at the school on May 23. "But these kids get social-emotional learning, academics and a safe place after school hours. It’s been a really cool program to be a part of.”
The program, which currently operates at four elementary schools on an invitation-only basis as well as Kelly Middle School, is paid for through an Oregon Department of Education grant. Staff are working to renew the grant and continue the program for another five years. Plans are underway to expand to up to two more elementary schools next year.
Thank You, 2023 Retirees
Last week, we held a party for a different Class of 2023! 4J staff gathered to recognize this year's 52 retirees during a well-attended event at the district office.
There was food, music, camaraderie, a fun photo booth, words of appreciation from Superintendent Dey, and plenty of memories shared with our retirees, who have provided more than a 1,000 years of combined service to our community's children and the 4J school district.
Congratulations, retirees! We wish you good health and lots of fun in retirement.
Volunteers, We Want You in 2023–24 School Year!
There will be many ways you can make a different as a volunteer serving our schools during the coming school year. Volunteers provide essential assistance to our students, helping in classrooms, mentoring middle school students, and reading to elementary students to help develop their literacy skills, among many different tasks. Many volunteers work 1–3 hours per week; others help intermittently.
It will soon be easier to become a 4J volunteer. As of June 17, the Oregon Department of Education no longer will require COVID protocols for volunteers, such as proof of vaccination or valid exemption. Candidates still must undergo and pass a background check.
Simply contact the school or program where you would like to volunteer to discuss your interests and what volunteer opportunities are available. Thank you for your interest in supporting students and schools with the gift of your time!
👀 IN THE NEWS
• Source of Strength: Sheldon junior recognized with 2023 Peer Leader Award for mental health podcasts
• Senior Stroll: KLCC interviews seniors returning to elementary schools for celebratory grad walks
• ECCO Art Walk: Students showcase their art at downtown gallery
• Incredible Swing: Sheldon softball team wins 6A title with wildest of reversals
• GRAD-itude: North Eugene senior shows appreciation for caring office assistant; share your own videos
• Professional Grade: Spring Creek students learn about future opportunities during CTE-focused college and career fair
Join The Team, Apply for 4J Jobs
