4J Parent News

August 2024, Volume 1

Information for Eugene School District 4J parents and guardians

In this message

• Around the Corner: Ready for the new school year? This checklist will help you prepare

• Work for 4J: Serve local youth and the community — apply for a job at 4J today!

Parent/Guardian Checklist: Get Ready for School!

We're revving up for a new school year, and we can hardly wait for it to start!

Wednesday, Sept. 4: First day of school for Kindergartners and students in grades 6 and 9
Thursday, Sept. 5: First day of school for grades 1–5, 7–8, and 10–12 (all grades attend)

While kids are packing their backpacks, planning first-day outfits, and enjoying the last week of summer, here are some things you can do now to get ready for your student’s first day.

Mark Your Calendar: School begins just after Labor Day and ends in mid-June. See the full calendar for winter break, spring break, and other days when students will be out of school. Look for a mailer from 4J that includes a tear-out school calendar you can keep for future reference. NEW! Our district has adopted a two-year calendar for the first time so you can peek ahead to important dates during the 2025–26 school year. School calendars

Kindergarten Smart Start: If you have a kindergarten student, familiarize yourself with the staggered start schedule, allowing for smaller classes and time to connect with families. This schedule allows teachers the opportunity to understand your child’s unique strengths as well as their academic and social needs from the very beginning of their K–12 journey. Kindergarten Smart Start schedule

Review School Start & End Times: 4J schools have consistent calendars, schedules, and early release days, so that students get enough and equal learning time, families experience consistent school schedules, and staff have coordinated collaboration time. Remember: Early release days are on Wednesdays. Your school will provide you with information about its class bell schedule. School start and dismissal schedules

Update Emergency Contacts: Does your school have your current phone number and email address so we can reach you during an emergency and keep you up-to-date about what is happening at school? Be sure to add your cell phone, designated as a mobile number, so you can receive important information via text message. Update your contact information and emergency contacts in ParentVUE (middle and high school students) or with your school office (elementary students). Check information in ParentVUE

Register for ParentSquare: ParentSquare allows you to receive important information and alerts from your student's classroom and school. Registering allows you to set your notification preferences, among many benefits. Remember to register using the email address you provided your school. Register for ParentSquare

Make Your Bus Plan: Use My Ride K-12 to identify your student's bus pickup and drop-off times and locations, get up-to-date route information and more! For instructions on how to register for an account and add your student, visit 4j.lane.edu/busroutes. And don't forget: All students ride free on Lane Transit District. Get a free LTD bus pass from your school office. School bus eligibility | Register for My Ride K-12 | School bus stops & times | Walking, biking route assistance | Students ride free on LTD

Check School Supply Lists: The district is providing standard school supplies for elementary schools again this year. Some elementary schools also may suggest that students bring a personal backpack and water bottle. For middle and high schools, please refer to the school supply lists. 2024–25 school supply lists

Eat for Free! All 4J students can eat breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2024–25 school year. New! 4J high school students can pick up free and convenient PM Power Up meals after school on their way home or while in transit to an after-school activity. Families don’t need to do anything to receive free student meals; there is no sign-up or income verification process. School meal menus, allergens, and nutritional information

Check Up on Student Health: Make sure you’re on track with required immunizations and medical examinations (including sports physicals)—available for all students from 4J’s school-based health centers. Mental health support is also available. If your child has any special health issues, contact with your school before classes begin. Contact your child's school nurse if you have questions. Student health information | School-based health center appointments | Mental health resources

Get Current on Immunizations: To attend 4J schools, students must have a complete and up-to-date record of vaccination, medical or nonmedical exemption, or immunity documentation for every immunization required for the student’s grade. Vaccines are available at 4J's two school-based health centers as well as at health care providers’ offices, pharmacies, and Lane County Public Health (541-682-4041). NOTE: Oregon is experiencing a measles outbreak. The MMR vaccine is safe and two doses is 97% effective in preventing measles. Immunization information | 4J health centers

Be Safe, Feel Safe, Bookmark SafeOregon: To help students feel safe and be safe, 4J schools are offering the SafeOregon tip line as another way to report any student or school safety concern. The tip line is always open and tips can be submitted anonymously. Learn more: www.safeoregon.com Submit a tip: Online | Email | Apple iOS app | Android app

Follow Us on Social Media: Get social with 4J—stay on top of what's happening in the school district and see great photos and news from our schools. Facebook | Instagram

Other Questions: Contact us

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Accounting & Travel Specialist • Behavior Consultant • Building Behavior Support Assistant • Bus Aides • Bus Drivers • Coaches • Custodial Maintenance Coordinator • Educational Assistants • Food Service Assistants • Human Resources Generalist • Leaves Program Manager • Middle School Secretary • MTSS Instructional Coach • School Psychologist • School Psychologist Intern • Security Services Program Coordinator • Teachers • and more!

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