WILLAGAZETTE
January 22, 2025
News From The Principal
It's Cooooold Outside!
Dear Willagillespie Families,
Brrrr! It's a little chilly this week (and probably next week too!), so it seems like a good time to remind families to make sure that students come prepared for the weather! Warm coats, shoes or boots, gloves and hats are the basic essentials that are needed to keep kids warm and ready for recess. And pro tip: Make sure to write your child's name in their coat...our lost and found has a lot of jackets that look very similar.
If you are in need of a warm coat for your student, please contact the office at 541-790-7100 and let us know. We'll do our best to get something to keep them cozy this winter.
Also, we are still seeing a lot of speeding traffic and unsafe driving in front of the school (on the Willagillespie Road side of the school), and in the church parking lot which some of our parents use to pick up students. Please drive slowly, and pay close attention to children using the crosswalks and sidewalks along Willagillespie Road.
Thank you, and as always, go Eagles!
Sheila Minney
Principal, Willagillespie Elementary
SCHOOL NEWS!
UPCOMING DATES
- January 22nd - PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM
- January 30th - Decades Spirit Day!
- January 31st - NO SCHOOL Grading Day
- February 2nd - NO SCHOOL Planning Day
- February 5th - No Cook Night Out at Chipotle!
- February 17th - NO SCHOOL Presidents Day
Spirit Days Are Back!
We are super excited...you might even say we're in great spirits!...because we are bringing Spirit Days back! Our first Spirit Day is on Thursday, January 30th, and we want you to dress up in fashions from your favorite decade! Maybe you always wanted to be a Disco Doll from the 70's, a Gangster from the 20's or a King or Queen from the 30's (the 1730's that is!). Anything goes! (As long as it's school appropriate, same rules as for Halloween, nothing scary, gory, violent or culturally offensive...let's make this fun for everyone!)
We can't wait to see what your favorite Decade is!
Winter Weather Info
Winter weather is on its way! Here is some key information families need to know.
When hazardous weather is a concern, decisions regarding schedule changes are made in the early morning, before school, when current weather conditions can be assessed.
Decisions are made districtwide and are the same for every 4J school.
Our main concern is the safety of our students and staff. We also believe students and families are best served when schools are open. We will always do our best to make the best decision possible, taking into account all of the factors.
NO NEWS = NO CHANGE
If there is a change in the school schedule or bus routes, it will be announced in several ways, all normally before 6:30 a.m., including:
- Check the district website: Information will be posted on the homepage.
- Follow 4J social media: A notice will be posted on the following social media channels:
- Local news media will share closure or delay information on their websites and broadcasts.
- Text / Email messages: The district will send messages to families via ParentSquare. Check your contact info and notifications settings in your ParentSquare account.
NO NEWS = NO CHANGE. If there is a change in the school schedule or bus routes due to inclement weather, Eugene School District 4J will announce the change. On days when school is in session and on the regular schedule, DO NOT expect the district to make an announcement.
Snow Routes: Parents of students who ride school buses that sometimes use snow routes have been informed of what to do when snow routes are in effect. Snow route information is available on the My Ride K-12 app. New to My Ride K-12? Check out the 4J Parent/Guardian User Guide.
LTD buses may also be delayed or detoured when there is ice or snow on the ground. Detour information will be posted on the LTD website, and publicized to local news media.
Delayed Starts and Early Dismissal: The district generally will avoid delayed starts and early dismissal due to weather. However, unpredictable or sudden weather conditions may require such a decision to be made.
Delayed start times will not alter school dismissal times. If the delayed start occurs on a Wednesday, early release times will be the same as if there was no delay.
Parent Choice: On any day when inclement weather is a concern and school is in session, families are encouraged to consider road conditions in their areas and make their own decisions based on safety. Please call your school if your child will be absent. Parents’ individual decisions about school attendance for this reason will be honored.
*Be aware: It is impossible to guarantee text message delivery 100% of the time, and your alert may be delayed or blocked. If you are concerned about the weather and have not received a text alert by 6:30 a.m., check the 4J website, radio or TV for information about closures, delays, or snow routes.
PTO NEWS
Join Us For Our Next PTO Meeting!
Our next PTO meeting is on January 22nd at 6:30 PM and we would love to see you there! Join us to find out how you can get involved in our school community. We love making a difference and would love to have you there!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Soulful Stories
B.L.A.Q. Youth is proud to announce our inaugural story-time program, Soulful Stories which will be a series of interactive read-aloud events for youth in public spaces during the 2025 year.
Soulful Stories is a read-aloud session that celebrate literacy and culture. Youth and families are invited to join us on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Tsunami Books for an exciting read-aloud event featuring the book Patchwork Prince by a special guest reader!
Youth will be able to:
- Engage in dialogue around the book content and themes
- Create a craft connected to the storyline
- Receive a copy of the book
- Enjoy a healthy snack
Parents/guardians will receive a resource guide to support at home learning and literacy development to continue engagement with the book beyond the event.
We encourage parents/guardians to sign-up in advance especially if they want to secure a copy of the book for their home libraries. We are also offering these events in a hybrid setting, for those who may not reside in Eugene proper but still want to access the activities and learning. Our organization is also able to provide "gas cards" for those wanting to attend but reside outside of city limits.
Thank you in advance for sharing this opportunity with the youth and families in your community and network. The attached pdf and image can be shared along with the following link for registration:
About Us
Email: serra_d@4j.lane.edu
Website: www.willagillespie.4j.lane.edu
Location: 1125 Willagillespie Road
Phone: 541-790-7100
Facebook: https://facebook.com/willagpto