4J Parents News
November 2023, Volume 2
Building Bridges: 4J Welcomes First-Ever Ombuds
We're pleased to introduce 4J Ombuds Mr. Talatou Maiga! As our district's inaugural ombuds, Talatou will provide impartial and confidential conflict resolution services to the 4J community. He officially joins 4J on December 1.
Talatou (pronounced TAL-ah-too) earned a PhD in Education, Culture and Society & Conflict Resolution and Mediation from the University of Utah. He has served as ombuds and coordinator of conflict resolution at Utah Valley University since 2017 and a mediator for Utah State Courts since 2012. He previously taught high school for 10 years. Talatou sees his new role at 4J as a continuation of his lifelong mission to "build bridges between people and cultures."
Talatou, who is originally from Mali in West Africa and speaks five languages, said his goal is provide a safe, confidential space for people to bring forth their concerns and discuss their options. “I believe there is no conflict or misunderstanding that can’t be solved if two parties can agree to sit down and discuss the issues in good faith," he said.
Talatou will serve as a resource independent of 4J's district office and schools, and will adhere to the principles and standards of the International Ombuds Association. Contact information for Talatou will be available in December. Welcome!
Apply Now: Five Seats Open on 4J Budget Committee
The district is accepting applications for candidates interested in serving on 4J's volunteer budget committee. There are five openings on the committee. The application period closes Thursday, November 30.
The budget committee reviews annual budget proposals to ensure that the district is planning to spending money in furtherance of district goals.
Applicants must reside within school district boundaries and must be registered to vote. They can not be district employees, but they don’t need to have students enrolled in 4J schools. Budget committee members are volunteers and aren’t paid for their service.
Walk Celebrates Civil Rights Icon
Hundreds of 4J students, staff and families across the district participated in the third annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Tuesday, Nov. 14. The walk honors the civil rights icon who, at age 6, was the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans on that day in 1960.
One of the largest gatherings was at the Lane Education Service District's Westmoreland campus on 18th Avenue, where students from several 4J schools gathered before walking to school, many carrying signs that they had made in class honoring Ruby Bridges.
At Willagillespie Elementary School, students participated in classroom activities to learn more about Ruby's courageous act and the continuing struggle for civil rights. Near the end of the school day, all students participated in an indoor parade. Many held the signs and artwork they had created in class as they walked around the school and passed through the gym where the school choir sang “We Shall Overcome” and other songs.
“Even 63 years later, our students can show that together, small steps can make a big impact on their community in the name of inclusion and social justice," said organizer Matthew Monson, an instructional coach at Willagillespie.
Neurodiversity Town Hall Cancelled
A town hall to be held this evening, Thursday, November 16, for 4J students and families focused on neurodiversity and disability education access has been cancelled. We are looking at later dates, after winter break, to hold this event. Thank you for your continued interest and support. Questions? Contact Jené Conrad at conrad_j@4j.lane.edu.
Oregon Ag Board Lunches at North Eugene High
North Eugene High School had some special guests for lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The 10 members of the state agriculture board ate with students as part of their meeting, held in Eugene this month. After lunch, 4J staff detailed our district's in-house school meal program that partners with 22 local farms to provide locally grown and produced foods, and scratch cooking. Since July 1, 4J has purchased 57,386 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables from farms in Oregon!
ODA board member Elin Miller was impressed with 4J's meal program and the warm welcome from the students. "We're excited this is happening and connecting agriculture and farmers to schools," she said.
Super Insights: New Podcast Episode Today
The seventh episode of Super Insights, our podcast featuring Superintendent Andy Dey, dropped today. The new episode focuses on supports for special education students and efforts to provide inclusive educational services.
The podcast gives listeners an in-depth look at the major programs, priorities and issues for our district. Submit your questions / topic suggestions for Superintendent Dey.
In The News
- State Runner-Ups: North Eugene girls soccer team concludes fantastic season
- Going the Extra Yard: Four 4J teachers score $1,200 grants at Duck football game
- Toys for Tots: 4J families in need can request holiday toys by Nov. 24
- Sock It To 'Em: Twin Oaks students collect socks for Eugene Mission
Join The Team, Apply for 4J Jobs
Bilingual Spanish Teacher • Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Coaches • Educational Assistants • Medicaid Coordinator • NATIVES Program Tutors • Plumber Specialist • Preschool Promise Lead Teacher • School Psychologist • Senior Systems Administrator • Temporary Workers • and more!
