Information for parents and guardians from Eugene School District 4J
Un mensaje para los padres y guardianes del Distrito Escolar de Eugene 4J

• Gilham Gala: Celebrate the north Eugene school's bond-funded expansion on Sept. 29

• On Track for Success: Sign up! 4J foundation holds fun run to support students

• High Holy Days: District policy seeks to balance school, religious observances

• Care Solace: Free access to care coordination service through end of school year
• Middle Mentors: Help a middle schooler, sign up to be a mentor today

• Work With 4J: Serve local youth and community by applying for a job today

Gilham Elementary School has grown! Let's celebrate the completed expansion and renovation of 4J’s largest elementary school on Thursday, September 29. The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting, self-guided tour, remarks from district leadership and cookies—our small way of saying thank you to the voters, community members and neighbors who made this important project possible.

The bond-funded expansion project provides the growing student population with the space they need to learn, socialize and play. Thank you, 4J community!

It’s almost time to lace up your sneakers and run in support of 4J’s students.

The Eugene Education Foundation will hold its inaugural On Track for Success fundraising run on Sunday, Oct. 23, at Alton Baker Park. There will be both a 5K and a .4 mile fun run.

You can sign up individually to benefit all 4J schools or get your school’s fundraising off to a running start by registering with your school’s team.

EEF will distribute all proceeds as classroom grants that benefit the academic learning and social growth of 4J students. EEF is a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.

We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

In the coming days, 4J’s Jewish students, staff and families will observe their faith’s two holiest holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Two years ago, Eugene School District 4J broadened its policy accommodating students’ religious observances, to assist students in our religiously diverse community in avoiding conflicts between important academic and school-related events and major holy days.

The policy prohibits schools from scheduling important events that can’t be made up on major religious holidays except in limited circumstances. For other events, teachers and other school staff are required to consider religious holidays, and to inform students and parents of plans in advance. In the classroom, if a student misses an assignment, test, quiz or final exam review due to a major religious holiday, teachers will provide a meaningful opportunity and reasonable time to make up for the missed work.

Parents and students continue to be encouraged to communicate their need for religious accommodation to their school.

More information about the district policy on religious observances as well as a calendar of major religious holidays can be found at https://www.4j.lane.edu/calendars/religiousholidays.

It's OK to ask for help. Eugene School District 4J is committed to the wellbeing of our students, staff and families. To help provide an additional layer of care and address the need for mental health care and substance abuse treatment, the district began providing students, staff and their families access to Care Solace in March 2021 on a trial basis. The service was in demand, so the district recently extended free access to cover the 2022–23 school year.

Care Solace is a confidential care coordination service that families can access online at caresolace.com/eugene or by phone at 888-515-0595 in any language and at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can make a difference in the life of a middle schooler for as little as 30 minutes a week.

4J is seeking mentors for local middle school students to help students improve their self-esteem, social skills and ability to make and keep lasting friendships with their peers.

It’s a way to give extra support to a teen or tween who may be facing challenges—kids who are living in poverty, are homeless or in transitional housing, are having a hard time at home or at school, or just need another caring adult in their lives. Most schools have students on waiting lists.

Training and regular check-ins provided. Interested individuals must pass a criminal background check to be considered for the program. Sign up today!

Thank you for your commitment of a brief investment of your time each week that can make a world of difference in the life of a student.

Teachers & Licensed Specialists: Athletic Trainer • Fifth Grade Teacher • Registered Nurse Pool • School Psychologists • Special Education Teacher

Classified Staff: BEST Site Program Coordinator • Bus Driver • Educational Assistant: Awbrey Park, BEST After-School Program, Camas Ridge, High School Extended Day Program • Special Ed Educational Assistant: Spring Creek, Yujin Gakuen • Electrician • Equipment Operator • General Laborers • Groundskeeeper • Management Assistant • Middle School Secretary • Plumber Specialist • Senior Groundskeepers

Coaches: Swimming

Substitutes: Athletic Trainers • Bus Driver • Bus Aides • Custodians • Educational Assistants • Food Workers • Speech and Language Specialists • Teachers • Technology Support Specialists

9/29 Gilham Expansion Grand Opening
9/30 Hispanic Heritage Celebration

10/12 School Board Meeting

10/14 No School

10/19 School Board Meeting

11/2 School Board Meeting

11/9 No School: Elementary & Middle Only — Parent/Teacher Conferences

11/10 No School

11/11 No School: Veterans Day

11/16 School Board Meeting

11/24–25 No School: Thanksgiving Break

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