4J Educator
September 2023, Volume 2
Message from the Superintendent
Hello Everyone,
There’s no doubt we are off and running in a brand-new school year. Thanks, so much, for everything you have done to get the year started right for all of our students and for each other. It’s quite the undertaking to welcome back 16,000 students and thousands of staff to our schools each year. That the year has started so well is a testament to your hard work, talent and dedication.
It definitely feels as though we have started this year on a more solid footing than in recent years. We return with the lowest educator-to-student ratio and fewest vacant positions in our schools in some time. My hope is that you benefited from efforts to dedicate time for planning and collaboration during in-service and will similarly experience protected time on our early release days to plan for the needs of your students and collaborate with building teams to deliver what you know they need.
Having had the pleasure of visiting schools in the first weeks of the year, I was reminded how great it is to hear the sounds of teaching and learning and the beginnings of new relationships as tangible reminders as to why we all chose a career in education. When reflecting on the importance of relationships in our work, I am reminded that one of my top priorities as superintendent is to keep an open line of dialogue with you throughout the year to hear what’s working and what needs to be improved in our buildings.
As part of that ongoing work, I am planning to convene advisory committees with stakeholder groups over the course of the year. My intention is to hear your comments, suggestions and questions as well as collaboratively process challenges as they arise. My aim is to encourage an open and honest conversation with you so we can work together to continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for our students in a work environment that promotes professionalism and a sense of supportive belonging amongst staff.
If you are interested in serving on the committee, please apply here. I look forward to connecting and hearing your thoughts.
As always, thank you for your service to our students, families and 4J community. None of this would be possible without you.
Andy
Newest Classroom Additions: Air Purifiers
Students weren't the only new arrivals to our classrooms to start the school year. Each room used as a classroom and each gymnasium has been equipped with a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration unit — provided at no cost by the Oregon Health Authority — to help ensure cleaner air.
If you have a unit in your classroom or school, please be aware of the following:
- Place unit farthest from any existing wall-mounted ventilation equipment
- Turn on the air purifiers in the morning and off when you leave at the end of the day
- The system has four run levels. Use your discretion in determining the level to use
- Units came with a three-year supply of replacement filters, which will be distributed three times a year: winter, spring and summer break
- There is currently no identified funding to replace broken units or purchase additional filters
- The online user manual can be downloaded here
4J's Paid Leave Program Reminder
Tax deductions for Oregon's family leave program have resumed with the start of the school year. Your monthly paycheck again will reflect the required state tax deduction for the program. (The state tax deductions began in January but were not collected for the July and August paychecks as our district was working to select an insurance company — The Hartford — to administer benefits. )
As a reminder, anyone needing information about the program should contact The Hartford at 1-888-301-5615. You also may visit our website for general questions or send inquiries to hr_paidleaveor@4j.lane.edu. Thank you.
Apply Now for Eugene Education Foundation Grants
4J educators can now apply for grants provided by the Eugene Education Foundation.
The application period for the 2023–24 school year closes Friday, October 13. Please note that the foundation will revert back to a spring grant cycle, so it will accept applications for the 2024–25 school year this spring. Please plan your requests accordingly.
Every year, the foundation awards grants for school- and district-level projects and programs that provide access to an equitable and excellent education, foster a sense of belonging, and provide opportunities for every child to reach their greatest potential. Individual grants are available up to $5,000 for teachers/school staff and up to $10,000 for districtwide programs.
To learn about this year's funding priorities and/or apply, visit EEF's website.
Message About Technology Security Changes
The following message is from Steve Menachemson, director of 4J’s Technology Department:
Several changes have been made to improve system security, including on our computers, tablets and other end-user devices. Additional security controls will be implemented this year.
We understand that these protection measures are not necessarily the most convenient and may add additional steps for logging in or accessing data. However, these changes are necessary both to meet cybersecurity insurance requirements, as well as to keep our data and district safe at a time when ransomware and extortion threats are more common. Our district is committed to doing what we can to mitigate these threats.
Moving forward, we will communicate proactively as deployment windows are identified, prepare staff with the necessary information and documentation to walk through these changes, and, of course, be available to provide support.
Recent Cybersecurity Changes:
- Device admin level access was removed: Instructions can be found here to install or update software. Contact the helpdesk at 541-790-7777, if additional support is needed.
- Software security on all 4J-owned computers is being expanded
- Access to the App Store has been restricted. Please check the Managed Software Center on Mac or the Software Center on Windows PC, as this will contain the most common software we all use. Apps for 4J-owned iPads and iPhones should be checked for approval and then are installed remotely. Please submit a ticket for iPad/iPhone app install requests. Requests for instructional software not yet approved can be made here after reviewing the approved list here.
Future Security Enhancements
- Multi-factor authentication — October
- 4J account password reset – Annual
- Mandatory cyber security training — Annual
- New VPN deployment — October
- Migration from Zimbra to Google Mail — To Be Determined
Super Insights: New Podcast Episode Released
The third installment of Super Insights, our new podcast featuring Superintendent Andy Dey, is now available!
The podcast gives listeners an in-depth look at the major programs, priorities and issues for our district. The latest episode focuses on 4J's new Office of Student Well-Being and its work to support the mental and emotional health of our students. The first episode introduced you to Dr. Dey and the second episode focused on 4J's new high school schedule. Look for a new episode every other Thursday.
