4J Educator
January 2024, Volume 2
4J's Graduation Rate is Up!
The graduation rate for the Class of 2023 was 80.9 percent — the second-highest in our district’s history — only surpassed three years earlier, when the state temporarily modified graduation requirements due to the pandemic.
Some student groups demonstrated notable gains in their graduation rates. Students with disabilities, who receive special education services, increased 3.5 percentage points to 62.8 percent, while the rates for students from economically disadvantaged households and who are homeless also improved.
The on-time graduation rate for students enrolled in ECCO went up substantially, jumping more than 16 percent from the prior year and more than 24 percent when compared to the Class of 2019 four years ago.
The upward trajectory of 4J's graduation rate represents progress and demonstrates the dedication and resolve of our educators and students. Much work remains, including closing opportunity and achievement gaps that persist, as they do across Oregon and the United States. We continue our work to ensure every 4J student graduates high school on-time and has the knowledge and skills to find success as adults.
Winter Weather Appreciation
We are grateful for your understanding as our community navigated the hazardous weather conditions and power outages that presented significant challenges for many of our families and staff.
I want to take a moment to express gratitude for the dedicated efforts of those within our district, partner agencies and beyond. Whether you were dealing with power outages, navigating tree damage, or providing care to family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, the true commitment to community displayed last week was inspiring.
Acknowledging that decisions regarding school closures and schedule adjustments are never universally embraced, I am appreciative of those who voiced their gratitude for the considerate manner in which the district navigated this unusual weather event. We also take into account the constructive feedback from those who believe there is room for improvement. We are committed to continuous learning and enhancement.
- Dr. Andy Dey, Superintendent
If you did not receive school closure staff texts, please follow these instructions.
Special Education Job Fair, Feb. 10
As a student-centered district, we are looking for highly motivated individuals who have a calling to work with a special population of students. Please share!
Special Education Job Fair, Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m.–noon
4J Education Center, 200 N. Monroe St.
• JOB OPENINGS for 2024–25: School Psychologists • School Psych Interns • Speech Language Pathologists • Special Education Teachers • Occupational Therapists • Nurses
• APPLY ONLINE: www.schooljobs.com/careers/laneedu, then
• SCHEDULE: Email scroggins_s@4j.lane.edu for an interview time. In-person & zoom interviews are available. *Walk-ins welcome!
We have full and part-time opportunities for soon–to–be education graduates, veteran teachers, or for folks exploring other jobs in education!
Oregon School Board Recognition Month
January is School Board Recognition Month—a great time to share our appreciation of these dedicated individuals who volunteer their time and energy to help lead our public schools and prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world. We appreciate their commitment to serving our students, staff, families and community. Thank you today and every day!
Board to Discuss Tax Levy Renewal Measure
The 4J school board is initiating discussions to seek voter approval in May to renew our local option levy, which plays a crucial role in financing the day-to-day operations of our schools. The current levy funds the equivalent of about 200 teachers.
This would not be a new tax or a tax increase, but a continuation of the five-year levy that has been providing additional money to help pay for school operations since 2000. Voters have overwhelmingly renewed the levy four times, most recently in 2019. The levy renewal would provide another five years of local funding to help maintain school days, student programs, staffing levels and class sizes to the extent possible. More information will be shared as the school board begins its discussion.
Reminder: Weigh in on Proposed Two-Year Calendar
Catch the 4J Budget Roadshow!
Superintendent Andy Dey and Finance Director Matt Brown are on the road again to present information to staff on our district's budget process.
The 30-45-minute presentation is intended to provide you with a high-level review of the ins and outs of our budget and how it's prepared and adopted each year. Attendance is optional. All presentations begin after school (around 3:45 p.m.).
Attend the session that works best for you. If this is outside your normal work hours, let your supervisor know if you'd like to arrange for trade time.
Remaining presentations:
• Tuesday, January 30 — Kennedy
• Thursday, February 8 — Madison
• Tuesday, February 13 — Monroe
• Tuesday, February 20 — Roosevelt
• Wednesday, February 28 — Spencer Butte*
(*This session begins shortly after 2:30 p.m. due to early release.)
There will be time for questions after each presentation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Email Security Upgrade Underway
Our technology department will be rolling out a multi-step account login process for our Zimbra email system to the next group of users.
If you are included in this group, you will receive instructions via email in the next few days. Please follow the instructions to support the enhanced security method going live the week of February 12. Future groups will be identified at the end of February and throughout March until all staff are enrolled.
Questions About Gym Benefit? Don't Sweat It
Our benefits team has scheduled a webinar to provide more information about the gym benefits offered through 4J's new partnership with Active&Fit Direct. The Zoom presentation will be from 5–6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1. You can sign up online here.
Active&Fit Direct members pay $28 a month for a standard membership, which gives you access to more than a dozen participating gyms in the Eugene/Springfield area and thousands of guided workout videos without having to sign a long-term contract. BONUS: The enrollment fee ($28) is waived through Feb. 29 using the code STARTSTRONG.
The program also offers discounts of 20–70% at premium gyms in the area, including Orangetheory Fitness, Club Pilates and F45. These gyms cost more than $28 monthly, and the enrollment fee waiver doesn't apply.
To access the benefit, visit this webpage and log in using your 4J email address. The webpage also has information about other 4J wellness initiatives, including yoga, Walker Tracker challenges and wellness webinars. If you need assistance, reach out to your benefits coordinator.
Super Insights: Conversation with Lane Arts Council
Discover the latest episode of Super Insights, Superintendent Andy Dey's podcast giving listeners deeper insight into our district, featuring our partnership with Lane Arts Council.
Dr. Dey talks with Ben Minnis, Lane Arts Council's education coordinator and artist-in-residence Andrea Dipalma Yansane to share how the partnership works and the many benefits that students and staff receive from it. This is part one of a two-part series focusing on the value of arts education.
Have an idea for the podcast? Submit your questions/topic suggestions for Superintendent Dey.
Icy Conditions? Walk Like A Penguin for Safety
Many of us got practice walking on ice last week when Mother Nature turned our community into one giant ice rink. This short and cute video offers great advice on how to avoid slips and falls when conditions get icy.
Be sure to:
- Point your feet out slightly and shuffle your feet or take short flat-footed steps
- Go slowly and extend your arms to your sides for balance
- Need to carry something? Place it in a backpack to keep your arms free
- Wear sturdy footwear with good ankle support and slip-resistant soles
