4J Educator
February 2024, Volume 3
Super Insights: New Podcast Episode Available
The newest episode of Super Insights, our podcast featuring Superintendent Andy Dey, is now ready for your listening pleasure. On this final day of Black History Month, two members and the advisor of Churchill High School's Black Student Union talk about celebrating Black excellence and culture.
Super Insights podcast gives listeners an in-depth look at the major programs, priorities and issues for our district. Happy listening! Submit your questions / topic suggestions for Superintendent Dey.
A Big Thank You to Our Classified Employees
Next week, Classified School Employees Week, we recognize the work of our dedicated classified colleagues for the instrumental role they play each and every day in helping our students, schools and district flourish.
These nearly 1,100 hardworking, impactful employees take care of our school buildings, drive students to school, greet them as they arrive, cook and serve them healthy meals, and support their learning in the classroom and beyond. Classified staff members are vital members of our team, whatever their specific role, in supporting our school district’s mission to prepare our students for success in college, careers and life. Please join us in thanking a classified employee this coming week.
Apply Now for Summer Jobs
Applications are open for summer job opportunities, such as supporting incoming kindergarteners, students receiving special education, and other summer learning and enrichment programs.
Current classified and licensed employees can apply for these positions using a streamlined process. For K-8 programs, all you have to do to apply is complete and submit this online form. The application deadline is Saturday, March 9. Applications will receive an email response regarding their status by Friday, March 15. Detailed job descriptions and additional instructions can be found here.
Summer will be here before you know it. We appreciate your consideration in joining one of our programs to help students during the long break. Questions? Email seal@4j.lane.edu.
Tickets on Sale for EEF's Annual Gala
Let's help Eugene Education Foundation continue to support 4J students! Join us at EEF's Annual Gala on Thursday, March 21, from 5:30—8 p.m. at the Ford Alumni Center. Tickets are on sale now for the foundation's biggest fundraiser of the year.
The event features a live auction and keynote address by Dr. Laura Lee McIntyre, dean of the University of Oregon's College of Education. Craig Smith, who served on 4J's school board and EEF's board of directors, will be honored for his many years of community service. There will be a live auction with exciting packages to bid on.
Share Your Thoughts: Emergency Preparedness Survey
Our district has contracted with the University of Oregon’s Institute for Resilient Organizations, Communities, and Environments to review our district's safety and emergency management program. In addition to reviewing plans and procedures, the UO is seeking feedback from our staff. Please take a few minutes to complete the anonymous survey by Thursday, March 7.
Standard Response Protocol Refresher: HOLD
Our district currently employs the Standard Response Protocol as an important part of our emergency response procedures. The protocol comprises five key actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Below are some important reminders regarding the Hold action. (The other four key actions will be featured in future editions.)
HOLD! IN YOUR ROOM OR AREA. CLEAR THE HALLS.
What to do?
Clear the hallways by leading other students into your classroom, and continue business as usual, and remain until the “all clear” is called.
When to call a Hold?
During medical emergencies, student altercations, unauthorized intrusions (an unauthorized individual or suspicious activity observed within the school premises), or for unforeseen threats (a concern or hazard that requires immediate containment and assessment, such as a hazardous spill or unexpected environmental concern).
- There's two remaining Unified Basketball game nights: North Eugene at Sheldon, Friday, March 8, 6–7 p.m.; and South Eugene at Churchill, Thursday, April 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. The game joins athletes (students with developmental and intellectual disabilities) with partners (students who are neurotypical) for an evening of competition, teamwork and sportsmanship. Admission is free.
- Our district will offer one final showing of "The R-Word," a documentary film that explores the history of the word in making the case about why the conversation surrounding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities needs to change. The showings are open to the public: Thursday, March 7, 6–8 p.m., Broadway Metro Cinema, 888 Willamette St. in downtown Eugene.
- SAVE THE DATE! The second annual Strength in Neurodivergence Festival will be held on Friday, March 15, from 5–8 p.m., at Sheldon High School, 2455 Willakenzie Road. Students and families can celebrate neurodivergence, connect to community resources, and enjoy fun activities, music and food. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Four Years in the Making: 4J Leap Day Trivia
Today is Leap Day, an extra day typically added every four years to keep the seasons in sync with our calendar thanks to Earth's orbit around the Sun actually takes slightly more than 365 days; 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to be precise.
It's a rare person who's born on February 29. Did you know?
- Out of 4J's roughly 3,600 current employees, just one was born on February 29.
- Out of 4J's roughly 16,000 current students, just eight were born on February 29: three in 2016 (8th birthday), two in 2012 (12th birthday); and three in 2008 (16th birthday).
- Of the seven (of 32) 4J schools with a Leap Day student enrolled, North Eugene High School is the only school with two students enrolled.
Sign Up for Expanded Gym Benefit, Fees Waived
All 4J employees and their spouses/domestic partners can now take advantage of discounted gym memberships through the district's partnership with Active&Fit Direct.
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 June 30 using the code STAYSTRONG.
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.
