4J Parent News

Information for Eugene School District 4J parents and guardians

• Golden Apple Awards: Meet the winners announced during May 30's big celebration

• School Schedules: Middle and high school students will see changes starting this fall

• Mental Health Month: Learn how connecting with nature can improve sense of well-being

• Upcoming Events: Learn about First Friday, Unified Kickball games and kinder registration

• Last Day of School: Friday, June 14 is a half-day for elementary and full day for middle & high
• Work for 4J: Serve local youth and the community — apply for a job at 4J today!

We had so much fun celebrating 4J excellence in education during the Golden Apple Awards and Retiree Appreciation Celebration last night, Thursday, May 30 at Arts & Technology Academy.

The 2024 Golden Apple Award winners are Vanessa Crane (teacher/licensed staff), Denisa Taylor (administrator/ supervisor), Corey Rusco (classified staff) and April Colgrove (volunteer). Judy Davies, a longtime second-grade teacher at McCornack Elementary School, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Michelle Dunn, 4J's adapted physical education specialist, received the inaugural 4J Spotlight Award. All 191 Golden Apple Award nominees as well as members of this year's class of retirees also was recognized during the hour-long program.

Thank you, Principal Dana Brummett (McCornack Elementary) and Principal Sun Saeteurn (Monroe Middle) for being excellent masters of ceremonies! Special thanks also to Arts & Technology Academy for hosting, select members of ATA's Advanced Band for their opening performance and our Nutrition Services staff for providing delicious treats.

Middle and high schools are revising their school schedules starting this fall.

The new middle school schedule will expand to seven class periods from the current six-period school day, while retaining the advisory/flex period. The start and end times of each school day will not change, including the early release time on Wednesdays. Driving this change is our goal to make sure students continue to have access to a variety of supports, including academic interventions, clubs and activities, while also meeting state requirements for physical education.

The new high school schedule will eliminate the C day on early-release Wednesdays, returning to alternating block periods of 75 and 90 minutes. The advisory/flex period will be retained. Start and end times, including early release on Wednesdays, will remain the same. By eliminating the C days, schools will have created longer class periods, reduced transitions, and ensured a more balanced and reliable schedule throughout the year.

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 -- so we're highlighting resources and initiatives aimed at fostering positive mental health.

This week, we focus on the importance of Mother Nature to reduce stress, improve mood and boost resilience. There's more than one reason it's called the Great Outdoors. To help get outside more, start small (even a short walk is beneficial); block out time for outdoor activities; and leave behind your phone, smart watch or other technology to immerse yourself in the experience. More tips can be found on 4J website.

Our district will hold its first-ever Unified Kickball event this Saturday, June 1, starting at 9 a.m, at Sheldon High School's football field. Unified teams from each of 4J's four high schools will play at least two games, followed by a pizza lunch. All fans who attend will have the chance to take pictures of the players and teams after the game.

Teams consist of athletes (students experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities) and partners (students who are neurotypical) to create a genuine inclusion opportunity for all players on the team to play together.The event is free. Can't wait to see you there!

Do you, a family member or a friend have a child who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1? Now it's easier than ever to register a kindergartner with 4J's new drop-in registration program.

Stop by our district office at 200 N. Monroe St. from 3:30–6:30 p.m. on the dates below for assistance completing the kindergarten registration paperwork and get answers to any questions you have. The sooner you register, the better prepared we can be for next year's kindergarten class. We look forward to seeing you!

Drop-In Kinder Registration: Mon., June 10 | Wed., July 10 | Tues., Aug. 6

The school year will conclude on Friday, June 14, a day later than originally planned due to school closures caused by the ice storm in January. It will be a half day for elementary students and a full day for middle and high school students.

For 2024-25 and 2025-26 calendar information, please visit: 4j.lane.edu/calendars.

Administrative Assistant • Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging • Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Classroom Teachers • Coaches • Communications Director • Custodial Maintenance Coordinator • Elementary School Principals & Assistant Principals • Equipment Operator • High School Principals & Assistant Principals • Human Resources Director • Mental Health Specialist • Middle School Principals & Assistant Principals • NATIVES Program Tutors • Ninth Grade Transition Coordinator • Occupational Therapist • Plumber Specialist • Jewish Student Union Program Coordinator • School Counselor • Senior Groundskeeper • School Psychologist • Special Education Teacher • and more!

6/5 School Board Retreat

6/7 No School (Elementary): Grading Day

6/7 International High School Graduation

6/8 North Eugene High School Graduation

6/8 South Eugene High School Graduation

6/10 Sheldon High School Graduation

6/11 Churchill High School Graduation

6/12 ECCO High School Graduation

6/14 School Make-Up Day; Last Day of School

(Half day for elementary students; full day for middle and high students)

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