4J Educator
September 2023, Volume 1
New High School Schedule is Here
It's here: After months of planning and implementation, we start the new school year with a new high school schedule.
The new schedule for students in grades 9–12 is built around four 90-minute classes a day, with students attending their first four of the eight classes their enrolled in during the semester on Mondays and Thursdays ("A" days) and the other four classes on Tuesdays and Fridays ("B" days). Students will attend all all eight of their classes during shorter, 30-minute periods on Wednesdays (“C” days), which fall on the new early-release day.
Our Commitment to Prevent Racial Harassment
Our policy prohibiting racial harassment signifies our unwavering commitment toward creating a safe and respectful educational environment, irrespective of circumstances. Policy ACC categorically prohibits racial slurs, derogatory language related to race or ethnicity, offensive symbols, and actions conveying hostility or negativity based on these factors. This commitment isn't merely lip service; it is a pledge to prevent and prohibit all forms of racially harassing conduct within our district. The aim is clear: ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, feels secure and respected in our educational community.
The policy outlines the necessary steps our staff will take to prevent racial harassment and to protect students experiencing racial harassment and bias. We will investigate fully all reports of harassment, follow all steps outlined in this policy, communicate with all parties involved, and, most importantly, educate all students to ensure an environment of respect.
Not only does the law require non-discrimination for all protected classes, but it is our mission to promote equitable learning opportunities for all students, especially for historically underserved groups. Our students have a right to be inspired, dream, and engage in a learning environment that grants equitable access for all students, free of discrimination and harassment.
A Note About 4J's Paid Leave Program
Our district has paying benefits for qualifying life events under Oregon's new paid family leave program.
The program allows employees to take paid time off for some of life’s most important moments, including the birth of a child, caring for yourself or a family member while seriously ill or injured. In addition, it can be used to look after yourself or a family member after experiencing harms such as sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking.
4J has selected The Hartford to manage benefits for district employees under the Paid Leave Oregon Program. It's important that 4J employees apply for benefits through The Hartford only, and not through the state-managed program. An application filed with the state program will result in a denial and a delay in receiving benefits.
Call 1-888-301-5615 or visit its website to reach The Hartford. General inquires about the 4J program can be sent to hr_paidleaveor@4j.lane.edu. Additional details about Paid Leave Oregon can be found here.
Super Insights: Next Podcast Coming Thursday
The next episode of Super Insights, our new podcast featuring Superintendent Andy Dey, will drop Thursday.
The podcast gives listeners an in-depth look at the major programs, priorities and issues for our district. The new episode will focus on the new schedule for high schools.The first episode introduced you to Dr. Dey, who is beginning his second year as our district's chief executive after a long career as a teacher and 4J administrator.
Important: Open Enrollment for Benefits Underway
It's that time of year again!
Open enrollment for employee health insurance is mandatory this year, meaning you must log into your MyOEBB account now through September 15 to make new elections for benefits, with coverage effective Oct. 1—Sept. 30, 2024. Failure to do this will result in loss of health insurance benefits, beginning Oct 1. You already should have received an enrollment packet from the Oregon Educators Benefit Board and a postcard from 4J in the mail.
Enrollment for health insurance and flexible spending will be online only — no paper forms will be accepted. Find important links on the open enrollment page on 4J's website. Computer help sessions will be offered at the Ed Center on Sept. 7, 12 and 14, from 4–6 p.m. These sessions are for technology assistance only and not intended to assist with decisions on open enrollment elections. Please contact your benefits coordinator for one-on-one assistance or help with plan choice.
