4J Parent News
April 2024, Volume 2
New 4J School Websites Launched
Have you noticed your school new website? We hope you like what you see! The websites feature improved accessibility and functionality, responsive web design so you can view it more easily on your mobile device, and a more modern and attractive interface. It also integrates with ParentSquare, the district's school-to-home communication tool. (New to ParentSquare? Check it out: 4j.lane.edu/parentsquare)
We recognize that adjusting to new websites may come with its challenges, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to improve our school-to-family communications with a unified platform.
You're Invited: Golden Apple Awards & Retiree Celebration, May 30
The 2024 Golden Apple Awards celebration will be held on Thursday, May 30, at ... drumroll please ... Arts & Technology Academy!
Mark your calendar for the event, with a reception starting at 5:30 p.m., and the program beginning at 6 p.m. All are invited. There will be music, food and a great program to celebrate our 191 nominees recognized for educational excellence, announce winners in the numerous categories, and celebrate the careers and accomplishments of this year's 4J retirees.
The complete list of this year's nominees is available on the 4J website. Each nominee will be celebrated in short videos posted on 4J's Facebook and Instagram pages each week. Please take a moment after watching the short videos to share your appreciation for these nominees by liking or posting a comment.
Congratulations to all our nominees and retirees. We look forward to celebrating you on May 30!
Introducing 4J Community Transition Program
We are excited to announce that beginning this fall, the programs 4J offers to our 18-to-21-year-old students with disabilities—Connections and Community Living Program—will merge into one comprehensive program named 4J CTP (Community Transition Program). The primary location will be a centralized, accessible hub at the Lane Community College building in downtown Eugene. All the services and enrichment opportunities we provide students will continue with additional offerings.
4J CTP is the result of a collaborative visioning process over the winter involving input from staff, students, parents, administrators and state transition experts, and is in alignment with best practices. We are excited to offer an even more robust and inclusive program to our post-high school students with disabilities. As we get closer to the start of the school year, we will hold a meeting for families to learn more about how the new program will operate for their students.
Whooping Cough on the Rise in Lane County
County health officials are investigating several reported cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in our community involving various age groups. Some cases have had no known exposure to pertussis, which raises concerns about community spread.
Pertussis spreads rapidly, and some county residents are underprotected due to declining immunization rates over the past several years. Families are encouraged to contact their pediatrician or doctor if they have questions about their child's or family member's immunization against pertussis, or if their child or family member may be exhibiting symptoms of pertussis.
Early symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:
- Runny or stuffed-up nose
- Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°)
- Mild, occasional cough (babies do not do this)
- Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing), and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and young children
Join Us for Welcome to Kindergarten Event
Let’s start your incoming kindergartener’s first year of school with a splash! Families of incoming kindergartners are invited to our free Welcome to Kindergarten event on Friday, April 26, from 5-7 p.m., at River Road/Camino del Río Elementary School, 120 W. Hilliard Ave. Meet other families; complete your kindergarten enrollment packet; enjoy outdoor activities, games, storytelling; participate in a raffle; and more.
Interested in joining us? Be sure to fill out this short online form so we know you’re coming. We looking forward to seeing you there!
Thank You, 4J Volunteers
In recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 15-19), we want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who contribute thousands of hours each year to support 4J schools and our students. Learn how you can help: 4j.lane.edu/volunteers
Our students see firsthand how the community values public education by having volunteers present each day. Our staff appreciates the partnership that volunteers provide in our daily work. We simply could not do what we do without you. Thank you so very much!
In The News
- Prom Prep: North Eugene High School students find wonderful attire during third annual prom dress giveaway
- Higher Education: Students, staff marvel at solar eclipse through protective glasses provided by Eugene Education Foundation
- Running With Purpose: Kelly Middle School class organizes 4J's first Relay for Life with students raising more than $1,400 for cancer research and related programs
- Ripe for Restoration: Students, volunteers work together to restore Chávez Elementary School's garden honoring school's namesake
Join The Team, Apply for 4J Jobs
Audit Manager • Bilingual Educational Assistant • Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Coaches • Custodian • Elementary School Principals & Assistant Principals • High School Principals & Assistant Principals • Japanese Immersion Language & Culture Teacher • Jewish Student Union Program Coordinator • Middle School Principals & Assistant Principals • NATIVES Program Tutors • Physical Therapist • Plumber Specialist • Registered Nurses • Route Planning Coordinator • School Psychologist • School Psychologist Intern • Spanish Immersion Teacher • Special Ed Educational Assistant • and more!