Family Newsletter 10/21
This week, our school community is grieving the loss of our dear friend and art teacher, Amy Samson. Amy’s passion for the arts and her dedication to our students touched the lives of so many, and her absence will be deeply felt by all of us. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and students during this incredibly difficult time.
In response to this loss, we are focused on supporting our students as they process their emotions and navigate their grief. Inside this week’s newsletter, you’ll find important information about resources available to both students and families, including counseling services and opportunities for community support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your child is in need of additional support.
We are here for each other as we honor Amy’s legacy and come together as a community in this time of sorrow. If you feel so inclined to donate to the GoFundMe setup for her children, please follow this link. Please know that this is completely discretionary. Thank you, North.
DISTRICT CALENDAR


| IMPORTANT INFO | ||
| Wednesday, October 23 | Family Choir Night | |
NEHS HIGHLANDER STUDENT NEWS
Mental Health Resources for Students, Families, + 4J StaffNavigating the complexities of grief and mental health can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. Below is a list of services designed to offer holistic, wraparound support for mental health and grief—providing professional help, community connection, and tools for healing.
Printable Resources:
Self Care Planning
Tips for Supporting Children Who Are Grieving
Tips for Coping with Fear After A Death
What to Say Instead
JED You Can Help A Student (if they have thoughts of suicide related to this death)
Additional resources:
Dougy Center Grief Support and Resources
(includes most of the above printable resources and many more)National Assoc. Of School Psychologists, Addressing Grief Guidance
ParentPlace.Care (adult resource/support)
Student Mental Health Resources are available here
In an emergency:
Call 911 or and request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response or CAHOOTS
Call/text 988 the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Go to the closest emergency room for support
Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 to connect with support
Trevor Lifeline LGBTQIA+ Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386
In employee benefits — services for 4J employees and dependents:
4J Wellness Clinic: Should mental health concerns arise in your appointment, the provider can refer you to Cascade Behavioral Health with decreased wait-time to see a provider (Cascade also has strong bereavement services).
Employee Assistance Program: From here you can learn more and get access to mental health resources.
-
Depending on insurance benefits selected by the employee:
Kaiser Permanente has mental health resources and providers that can be accessed online or via the KP app.
Moda has mental health resources and providers that can be accessed through their member dashboard.
Student Mental Health Resources are available here.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
IB Registration is Underway
IB Registration is underway! If your student is a junior or senior, please talk to them about IB testing this year. Students can earn between 4-12 college credits per IB subject they register for, totaling between $1000-4000 in college tuition savings! Exams costs $103 per test, but families who qualify for SNAP benefits and other federal income assistance are exempt from the fee. Please ask your student for the yellow registration form they should have received in their IB classes, or click here for a PDF copy. Payment can be made by cash, checks payable to North Eugene High School, or online with a credit card via Schoolpay. Please make sure to return forms to Joni de Saint Phalle in the front office by November 4, 2024. SENIOR NEWS - CLASS OF 2025
The Class of 2025 is selling Willamette Valley Pies for the Thanksgiving Holiday this year to raise money for ther Senior Grad Night! If you would like to order a pie or two for your Thanksgiving holdiay feast, please locate a senior to place your order!
Seniors, extra order forms are in the main office if you still have not recieved yours. All completed order forms are due on October 30th with the money for your orders (cash or checks only as Willamette Valley Pie Co. does not take electronic forms of payment). Please make sure your money envelope and order forms have your name and phone number on them. Please turn your money and order forms into the school office and ask them to put your items in the Senior Grad Party box on October 30th. No late orders wil lbe accepted. If you have any questions please send an email to kblinens@gmail.com for assistance.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
4J COMMUNITY NEWS
Neurodiversity Family Support Night
Hello Wonderful & Dedicated Parents, Grandparents, Extended Family, Caregivers, Educators, Administrators, Board Members, Coaches and Community Members,- Adult programs for people with Developmental Disabilities from Yoga to social groups to trips in the community and outside (like to the coast) all based at Hilyard Community Center.
- City of Eugene Recreation Inclusion Services for anyone using the River House, Peterson Barn, Amazon Community Center, and Campbell Senior Center for classes or trips to get accommodations so they can participate fully.
Neils Pasternack, Michelle Dunn & Max Irving (NEHS) presenting on: 4j Unified PE classes where kids with a range of physical, social, and cognitive abilities participate in PE together.
**Michelle Dunn is an Adapted Physical Education Specialist K-12, Nationally Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE)
**Adapted PE Services 101 Did You Know? ... ODE has Adapted PE services listed in PE Participation ORS 329.496. Section 5. a-b
Sean Graninger - Assistant Director for Intramural Sports and Youth Camps - University of Oregon, PE & Recreation
Springfield City Recreation Program - WIllamalane will provide materials about their inclusion program.
![]() |
![]() |
Eugene Halloween Downtown
NEHS Swag Store - NEHS Booster Club

Additional settings for Safari Browser.





