4J Educator
April 2024, Volume 1
Colt Gill Appointed Interim Superintendent
Colt Gill is completing his first week as 4J's interim superintendent, following his unanimous appointment by the school board late last month.
A lifelong resident of Lane County, Colt Gill brings nearly three decades of experience in K-12 education to his new role, most recently as a director of the Oregon Department of Education. He served as superintendent for the Bethel School District for nearly a decade, after serving as an elementary school teacher, technology coordinator, school principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and assistant superintendent.
As 4J's interim superintendent, Mr. Gill will focus on laying a solid foundation for 4J’s future by supporting the school board in living its values; facilitating policy development; and, most critically, assisting in the hiring and on-boarding of the district’s next permanent superintendent, while ensuring students remain at the heart of all of 4J’s work together.
Mr. Gill is an alum of the University of Oregon, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1988, followed by a master’s degree in education policy and management in 1998.
Congratulations to Our Golden Apple Awards Nominees!
4J staff and volunteers make a difference in the lives of students every day, exemplified by the 191 outstanding employees and volunteers nominated by parents, students and colleagues for the 2024 Golden Apple Awards.
The full list of this year's nominees is available on the 4J website. Each nominee will be celebrated in short videos posted on 4J's Facebook and Instagram pages each week. Please take a moment after watching the short videos to share your appreciation for these nominees by posting or liking a comment. Congratulations to all our nominees!
Want to Teach? Apply Now for Grow Your Own Program
Are you a 4J employee who wants to teach? Our district is here to help.
4J's Grow Your Own Program is accepting applications through this Friday, April 5. Candidates accepted into the program will receive financial assistance and other support. The program is a collaborative partnership among 4J, Pacific University, University of Oregon, Bushnell University and Lane Community College.The program is open to current 4J employees only.
Our district is committed to investing in those professionals who in turn desire to invest in 4J students, and are committed to working in our district. Additionally, 4J is committed to diversifying our teaching workforce by actively recruiting and retaining our employees.
Questions? Contact Chemika Bolden, Grow Your Own Program administrator, at bolden_c@4j.lane.edu.
Standard Response Protocol Refresher: SECURE
Note: We are republishing this item due to an error in the prior 4J Educator.
Our district currently employs the Standard Response Protocol as an important part of our emergency response procedures. The protocol comprises five key actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Below are some important reminders regarding the Secure action. (The first key action, Hold, was featured in a prior staff e-newsletter; the remaining three key actions will be featured in future editions.)
SECURE! GET INSIDE. LOCK OUTSIDE DOORS
What to do?
Ensure all outside doors are securely locked and closed; there shouldn't be any doors propped open. Promptly guide everyone indoors, including students, staff, and volunteers, and verify that no individuals remain outside. Account for all individuals and resume regular activities within the building. It's crucial to maintain a sense of normalcy while remaining vigilant.
When to call a Secure?
In response to threats or safety concerns outside the school building. This may include instances such as criminal activity in the vicinity, the presence of aggressive animals, or any suspicious activity observed nearby.
Donate Blood During April 10 Drive
The Bloodworks NW Bloodmobile will be parked at the Ed Center on Wednesday, April 10, from 11 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Make an appointment at this link to schedule a time to donate. It's fast and easy. You'll walk away with the knowledge you helped save a life — and with a yummy cookie, to boot.
Employee Discount at the Downtown Athletic Club
The DAC is offering a deal for 4J employees. Our district has partnered with the Downtown Athletic Club for a discounted rate: $120/month for individuals, and $179/month for families (two adults). Each child ages 14–24 can be added for $18/month, while children 13 years of age and under can be added for free.
This month, 4J employees can receive a 50% discount on the enrollment fee —$50 instead of $100—and the month of April is free. Three-day trial memberships are now available. Questions? Contact your benefits coordinator.
