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Family Newsletter - Week of 3/17

Posted Date: 03/18/25 (09:19 AM)
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Hello North Eugene families,

We have one more week of school before Spring Break. Thank you for your continued support.

Go Highlanders!

DISTRICT CALENDAR



IMPORTANT DATES




March 24 - March 31
Spring Break - NO SCHOOL

NEHS HIGHLANDER STUDENT NEWS  

Highlander Spring Art Show in Honor of Amy Samson
Dear Highlander Families,
 
Our Eugene 4J district was shaken last October with news of the passing of Amy Samson, a beloved art teacher at North Eugene High School. Amy was killed in a car accident on the morning of Oct. 15 while driving to school.
 
Amy taught art at North since 2022, and taught art and language arts at Arts and Technology Academy (ATA) from 2015 to 2022. She began teaching in the Eugene School District at North in 1999.
 
Those of us who knew Amy - students and faculty alike - are still dealing with the loss. Now, thanks to a generous $2,000 donation from the North Eugene Retirees' Association (NERA), a scholarship has been established in Amy's name to honor her memory. The money will be used to fund a scholarship(s) for a North senior(s) with a demonstrated passion for art. The scholarship will be awarded this spring.
 
We are soliciting additional money for the scholarship fund in the hopes of expanding it to serve more students. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. 

Contributions to the Amy Samson Scholarship can be made in three ways:
  1. Checks can be sent to North Eugene High School, 250 Silver Lane, Eugene 97404, Attention Joni De Saint Phalle, finance clerk.
  2. Cash can be brought to Catherine Moran in the NEHS College Career Center. 
  3. Venmo = @Catherine-Moran-16 
Amy was known for her passion for teaching and connecting with students throughout her 4j career. By contributing to this fund, we can carry on her spirit of giving to the students of 4j.
 
Thank you for your generosity.

---------------------------------------------

A scholarship in Amy Samson's name and memory has been established for one Class of 2025 senior this year thanks to a $2,000 donation from NERA. All seniors are invited to apply. Students must submit three pieces of art (painting, ceramics, fiber arts, photography, digital art, etc.), write a short essay and personal statement, and include a letter of recommendation from a NE staff member.  (See attachments)   Scholarship Info here - please share with your students!


Deadline to apply is Monday, April 14th. Artwork and applications will be submitted to the College Career Center.


All contestants will have their artwork displayed for one week during the Spring Art Show, April 21-25, in the library. 


A selection committee will choose the winner and the decision will be shared in early May. 


State Testing is Upon Us - April 9

OSAS State Testing Day is coming up on Thursday, April 9! This day is an important opportunity for students to complete required state assessments.  

Under Oregon law, a parent or student age 18+ may opt out of Oregon’s annual statewide math and language arts assessments by submitting an opt-out form, which can now be completed online. Exemptions from the English language proficiency or science tests may also be requested based on a student’s disability or religious beliefs.  

Opting Out of English Language Arts and/or Math State Assessments  
- Online Form: Submit the opt-out form online in your preferred language. You will have the option to receive a copy via email. Once submitted, your child will not be able to take these assessments unless a written request is made to revoke the opt-out.  
- Paper Form: Download, print, and sign a paper opt-out form in your preferred language. If you choose this option, the completed form must be returned to the school office.  

For more details or to access the opt-out forms, visit https://4j.lane.edu/testing-opt-out

Important District Schedule Changes in April
The District has reached an approval for our schedules during the weeks of 4/7 and 4/14. We have made changes to the district calendar and are attaching a screenshot of what those weeks will look like.
 
The C day before grading allows students to connect with all of their teachers before grading day and it also maintains that we will not need to re-order the A/B sequence for the rest of the year. 
The Testing day on 4/18th is a HALF DAY. Students will be released at 12:30pm. We are trying to give as much advance notice to parents that this is a half day and that buses will not be running an early schedule. They will be running a regular transportation schedule. Further Testing Day details will be forthcoming

Apply for North Scholar
COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER NEWS
The Eugene Police Department’s Cadet Program offers students the chance to gain firsthand experience in law enforcement while developing leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence. Through a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, mentorship, and even police ride-alongs, cadets get a real taste of what it’s like to work in the field. The Cadet Program meets once a week on Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 8pm at the Eugene Police Department. 
Cadet Program Requirements:
  • Age: 15-20 years old
  • Education: High school student (grades 9-12), high school graduate, or GED program graduate, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Background: No arrests or convictions that would disqualify them from working as a Eugene police officer
  • Driver’s License: Must have or be able to get a valid driver’s license or instructional permit and maintain a good driving record
  • Background Check: Must pass a background investigation and interview
The Cadet Program is currently accepting applications through March 31st. Applicants will take a written test during the first week of April, with interviews scheduled for April 6th. Any applications submitted after March 31st will be considered for the next cycle in the fall. Please visit the website below for more information and to apply!
The application for the 2025 Young Women's Fire Camp hosted by the Eugene Springfield Fire Department is now live! 
YWFC is open to all female-identifying youth between the ages of 15-19 and is completely free to attend. This year’s camp is being held June 23rd - 27th from 8:30 – 5:00.
During this exciting camp, attendees will build confidence and leadership skills and explore Fire and Emergency Medicine Services as career options. Participants will spend the week engaging in hands-on activities related these careers, but most importantly, they will also learn about themselves and build connections with others. Our camp personnel support attendees as they participate in new and challenging activities in a safe, supportive environment. The camp focus is on mentorship, providing strong role models, and building grit and resiliency. YWFC is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience and we hope you will be able to share the information about this year’s camp with the youth in your arena.
Below is the link to the City of Eugene website, where you will find more information, a short video, and the participant on-line application. Attached you will also find a printable flyer and application to post or share.

Please note applications are due by May 1st, 2025.  All applicants will be notified of their participation status by May 6th, 2025. 
  

Volunteer Opportunity- Eugene Public Library Book Sale!

Greetings! Now is the time we would like to invite students to volunteer for the April Book Sale - especially students looking to earn service hours.

Attached is a flyer with a QR code to a Google sign-up form. After they sign up, they will be sent a link inviting them to volunteer for a particular shift.



4J COMMUNITY NEWS

Safe Routes to Schools

Do you or your child want to learn how to ride a bike?

Join 4J Safe Routes to School and partners at either or both of these all-ages, free, learn to ride a bike events coming up. Helmets and bikes will be provided, or bring your own. 

  • Saturday, April  29 from 5pm to 7pm at 4J Ed Center (200 North Monroe St, Eugene, OR)
    • Flyer and Facebook Event coming soon! 


Remember, these events are free and are for people of ALL AGES who do not yet know how to ride a bike!


NEHS Swag Store is Live!
You can always find drawstring bags,NE Logo water bottles, and pens/pencils/stickers in the front office for a great deal…we now have an online store that is open 24/7 365 for your convenience. Check us out! and let’s see the North Colors! 

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN 

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION! Nominate a valued 4J employee or volunteer for our annual Golden Apple Awards at 4j.lane.edu/goldenapple.

Who do you appreciate? An inspiring teacher? An encouraging classified employee? An administrator who leads by example? An amazing volunteer who gives their all? Now is the time to recognize their contributions. Employees also can be nominated for the new Apple Seed award for early-career staff, the Lifetime Achievement award or the 4J Spotlight award (for individuals or teams).

Submit a nomination by March 23. And please help spread the word! 4j.lane.edu/goldenapple


Screen Sense - NEW! Internet Safety Video Series

NEW! Internet Safety Video Series. As part of our district's ongoing commitment to student safety and well-being, we’re excited to introduce SCREEN SENSE—a five-part video series created in partnership with the University of Oregon. The 3-minute videos are designed to help families navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and support safe, healthy internet use for school-aged children. Watch the series: 4j.lane.edu/internetsafety

 Topics:

 Online Risks

 Healthy Online Relationships

 Healthy Internet Use

 Cyberbullying

 Digital Contracts

While adults are the intended audience for this video series, they are appropriate for all ages.


Senior Grad Party Fundraiser - Wednesday March 26!