4J Parent News
May 2024, Volume 1
Bringing Awareness to Mental Health
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of mental well-being. Our district understands that promoting mental health goes beyond a single month—it's a daily commitment. Our schools strive to create environments of connection, belonging and learning, where students and staff feel supported and valued.
However, supporting mental health isn't limited to the school setting. We want to empower families with ideas for promoting mental wellness outside of school. Throughout the month we will be highlighting resources and initiatives aimed at fostering positive mental health. Join us as we prioritize mental health awareness and work together to create a supportive and compassionate community.
Kindergarten Smart Start Schedule Announced for Fall
We’re excited to welcome our youngest students to the start of school through the Kindergarten Smart Start program this fall. The staggered start allows for smaller classes and time to connect with families, giving teachers the opportunity to understand your child’s unique strengths as well as their academic and social needs from the very beginning.
Based on staff and family feedback, we have adjusted the schedule for fewer no school days, while still allowing our educators to get to know the new students in a smaller group setting. Kindergarten Smart Start will help ensure a successful and personalized introduction to school for each student and a smoother start for all students.
Proposed 4J Local Option Levy on May 21 Ballot
This month, residents of Eugene School District 4J will have the opportunity to consider the 4J local option levy. If passed, property owners would pay the local option tax for an additional five years. The levy would continue to provide an estimated $25 to $29 million per year to fund 4J school operations and maintain the current tax rate.
The levy currently provides about $25 million per year, 10 percent of the school district’s operating budget. The local option levy has allowed 4J schools to maintain a level of educational opportunities that would not be possible if state funding levels were the district’s sole source of revenue. The levy would continue school funding equivalent to about 205 teachers or 32 school days each year.
If passed, property owners would continue to pay $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, but the tax would last another five years, until expiring in 2030. If the measure does not pass, school operations would not be funded as proposed, and the current local option tax of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value would not continue. The current tax expires in 2025.
Roll With It: National Bike+Roll to School Day is May 8
Bike, skateboard, scooter, or walk, skip and jump to school on Wednesday, May 8 to celebrate national Bike+Roll to School Day!
Get out, get physical and enjoy an adventure on your journey to school. It's the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to improve physical and mental health, create a healthier environment, promote safer streets, make friends and have fun!
4J schools are working with the district's Safe Routes to School program to organize events with raffles and prize giveaways. These schools will provide details directly to their families. If you are interested in helping organize an event at your school, please email saferoutes@4j.lane.edu or call 541-516-0887.
Reminder: Shape the Future of Math Education
Our district is adopting a new math curriculum for grades K–10. We are gathering information to help inform our next steps and future planning. Toward that end, we want to hear from parents and guardians about their experiences related to math instruction in 4J, and their hopes for their student as it relates to the subject. We encourage you to fill out this short online survey by Friday, May 17, to help empower our young mathematicians!
State Testing Opt-Out Forms Available
Under Oregon law, a parent or student age 18+ may opt out of Oregon’s annual statewide math and language arts assessments by filling out an annual opt-out form provided by the Oregon Department of Education. Exemptions from the English language proficiency or science tests may also be requested based on a student’s disability or religious beliefs. Opt-out/exemption requests are only valid for the school year in which they are completed.
In The News
Feliz Cumpleaños: Students at Kelly Middle School celebrate Mexican national hero with traditional music, food and dance
- Jolt of Jog-A-Thons: Rain and shine, 4J students raise money for their schools by sprinting, jogging and walking laps
- Disc Jockeys: Instructors help North Eugene High School students take the reins in learning disc golf during P.E. classes
- World View: Dozens of 4J middle schoolers learn about diplomacy, global affairs by participating in Model UN at University of Oregon
Join The Team, Apply for 4J Jobs
Adaptive Physical Education Teacher • Assistive Technology Specialist • Audit Manager • BEST Site Program Manager • Bilingual Educational Assistant • Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Classification & Compensation Program Administrator • Coaches • Custodial Maintenance Coordinators • Elementary School Principals & Assistant Principals • Equipment Operator • General Laborer • High School Principals & Assistant Principals • Human Resources Generalist • K–12 Curriculum Administrator • Jewish Student Union Program Coordinator • Middle School Principals & Assistant Principals • NATIVES Program Tutors • School Psychologist • School Psychologist Intern • Senior Groundskeepers • Van Driver • and more!