Howard Staff

STATIC BUILDING RESOURCES (HERE EACH WEEK)

Teacher Professional Development Unit (PDU) Tracking

Teachers, the LINK TO THIS TRACKING PDU SHEET – All staff, please feel free to access this to help track your professional development units (PDU’s) when it’s time to renew licensures. This is here to help you easily compile the hours you need to report when processing renewal.

Student Attendance Concerns Reporting

Teachers, please remember to report student attendance concerns HERE. Our front office team will follow up with families. Thanks!

Meeting Agendas and Notes from this past week:

LINK TO HOWARD SHARED GOOGLE DRIVE HERE  – To streamline access of information. The link to our Howard shared Google drive will remain here as a static feature on the blog each week. In this drive is a folder titled, ‘Meetings/Teams,’ which houses all the important meeting agendas and notes from various teams past and present. This week’s meetings included the following below. Please go to their respective team folders within the ‘Meetings/Teams’ folder to review the notes. Thanks!

• Meetings this past week, May 13th-17th, included:
  • PBIS Meeting, 5/14
  • Certified Early Release, 5/15 – Slide Deck

PTO Request for Funds

Teachers, our PTO wants to help you and your students! If you have a particular lesson, unit, or project you want to enrich and could use some additional funds to fulfill it, please fill out the request form from the PTO → LINK TO FORM! It is SUPER rare that the PTO denies funds to teachers, so please access this resource. The PTO appreciates you!

ARTSPARK (LANE ARTS COUNCIL) AND OSAS TESTING SCHEDULES (Email, 4/23):

Here is the LINK TO THE ARTSPARK AND OSAS TESTING SCHEDULES. A BIG THANK YOU to Jennifer Dillon and Cyria Wisner for putting this schedule together! It was no easy feat! If you have questions, please let us know. We will have a one-page reference of the schedule in the near future. Thanks!

Monday Morning Announcements this Week, May 20-24:

SPECIAL NOTE THIS WEEK: The family of a particular student requested a special shout-out that included the Road Runner to boost our student’s spirits after undergoing a complicated surgery. This family request was happily honored.

STAFFING UPDATES:

​​We have some updates to announce in regards to certified staffing for next year!

As communicated Friday, LUPE CALLIHAN, is transitioning to 4th grade for next year. That email also inquired if there was anyone interested in teaching 5th grade next year.

Both KERRI SORIERO and BRYAN VARGA expressed interest in moving to 5th grade next year, and I’m happy to report I’m granting the request! Please join me in congratulating them on their transitions!

As a result of this, CRYSTAL THOMAS, will be transitioning to Kerri’s 3rd grade position instead of fifth grade next fall. She expressed interest in making this move after being involuntary moved to 5th grade as a result of the closed kindergarten section. Please join me congratulating Crystal on her transition as well!

NOAH NEUHAUS has communicated he is resigning at the end of this school year. He will be relocating to California with his wife in pursuit of exciting new opportunities. Please join me in thanking Noah for his service to Howard, and congratulating him on his new endeavors! We will be posting for Noah’s 5.5 hour EA position as soon as possible. For next year, these hours will be utilized to support first grade instruction, as well as provide supervision for recesses. Please encourage interested candidates to apply! 

Our STUDENT SUCCESS COORDINATOR position is scheduled to close soon. I will begin screening candidates for that position, and hopefully we will hold interviews soon. Our PRESCHOOL PROMISE LEAD TEACHER and FOURTH GRADE VACANT TEACHER positions should post soon. Please encourage interested candidates to apply! 

TIMELINE AND TOPICS FOR END-OF-YEAR MEETINGS

Here is the list of remaining meetings this year, and the proposed agenda and action items. Please review the list and let me know if you believe there is anything pressing that needs to be addressed before the end of the year. I am trying to limit meeting and honor everyone’s time as much as possible. Thanks!

Tuesday, 21st CERTIFIED – TBD:

• SCIP updates?
• Leadership positions for next year (updates to district plan?) Feedback on positions and teams this year
• Meeting Schedule input for next year

Wednesday, 22nd CLASSIFIED Staff Meeting

Wednesday, 29th CERTIFIED PD Create Class Lists

Tuesday, JUNE 4th CERTIFIED: Spring 100% data meetings

Wednesday, 5th ALL STAFF (OPTIONAL):

• Building schedule drafts review and input
• Calendar for next year
• Certified Continue Class Lists if not at optional meeting

Wednesday, 12th: NO MEETINGS (Finalize Class Lists)

Some Exciting SCIP Data to Celebrate!

We have done well raising the bar in regards to our focal groups identified in our School Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP) for both major behavior referrals and reading instruction (as measured by winter EasyCBM benchmark data). It was interesting to note the increase in MINOR referrals, particularly among our white students (see below). HERE IS A LINK TO THE SCIP.

HERE IS A LINK TO SPREADSHEET DATA pulled from Synergy, Hoonuit and SWIS used to calculate the comparisons outlined below. Please note, there is a slight discrepancy in data from all three of these systems. The data on the TOP IN GREEN is THIS YEAR (23-24), and the data on the BOTTOM IN RED is LAST YEAR. THERE ARE AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT! GREAT WORK!

While there has been a recent delay of major referral data entry, it is only fairly recent and the data comparison should be relatively correct as the data pulled for the SCIP last year was run in April. Running the data in mid-May this year, and running the comparison should be accurate.

BEHAVIOR:

2023-2024

2022-2023

Behavioral Referrals (% of students with 1 or more major referrals): Our data was relatively consistent across racial groups, but there’s a clear gender disparity in major referrals. Major referral data improved from 2022-23 to 2023-24.

• Overall: 5% of females and 20% of males have one or more major referrals
• Overall: 8% of females and 18% of males have one or more major referrals

• White Females: 5%, White Males: 18%
  • 8/156 white females. 34/190 white males
• White Females: 8%, White Males: 18%

• Hispanic Females: 8%, Hispanic Males: 17%
  • 4/53 Hispanic Females. 8/47 Hispanic Males.
• Hispanic Females: 7%, Hispanic Males: 20%

• Multi-Racial Females: 2%, Multi-Racial Males: 17%
  • 1/43 Multi-Racial Females. 6/36 Multi-Racial Males
• Multi-Racial Females: 10%, Multi-Racial Males: 21%

• Native American Males: 0% Native American Females: 0%
  • 3 males enrolled. 2 females enrolled.
• Native American Males: 17% (only 1 female enrolled)

SWIS Referral Data (1 or more majors and/or minors)

• 57% of McKinney Vento students (11 of 19 students)
• 65% of McKinney Vento students (15 of 23 students)

• 47% of 504 students (9 of 19)
• 50% of 504 students (8 of 16 students)

• Significant difference (increase) in white students (43% – 150/346) compared to students of color (26%), multi-racial students (27%), historically underserved (33%), Hispanic (27%) as compared to last year, 2022-2023 (below).
• Little difference in white students (27%) compared to students of color (25%), multi-racial students (22%), historically underserved (28%), Hispanic (29%)

In short, major referrals mainly decreased or maintained, while minor referrals increased. Minor referrals should be an area of focus for next year, 2024-25.

READING Data from Hoonuit (imported from EasyCBM).

2023-2024

2022-2023

1. Winter ‘23-’24 EasyCBM Reading Risk Levels (Low Risk = likely reading at grade level)

• • 56% of all students & 56% of white students scored in the “Low Risk” category
  • 75% of Black students scored “Low Risk” 
  • 49% of Hispanic students scored “Low Risk”
  • 30% of SPED and 43% ELL students scored “Low Risk”

2. Winter ‘22-’23 EasyCBM Reading Risk Levels (Low Risk = likely reading at grade level)

• • 50% of all students & 50% of white students scored in the “Low Risk” category
  • 42% of Black students scored “Low Risk” 
  • 34% of Hispanic students scored “Low Risk”
  • 30% of SPED and ELL students scored “Low Risk”

This is great, steady improvement! It will be exciting to see the spring data!

4J SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY:

The 4J Elementary School Climate Survey is now open.  It is the same as the one we used last year, which took on average 6 minutes to complete. Please have students complete it before the end of May.

These are the links. I’ve also included the QR CODES LINKED HERE  as well.

* English: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/4jclimateelementary

* Spanish: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/4jambienteprimaria

Thanks.

BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINE MATRIX WEEKLY DRILL DOWN

This week, we are focussing on the specific behaviors listed on page SEVEN (8) of our district’s Discipline Matrix document LINKED HERE. Examples to responses to these behaviors are linked in the supporting documents. As always, focusing on our tier 1 PBIS supports, including our curriculum resources (Second Steps) and making ample time for morning meetings involving relationship building and class discussions help mitigate these behaviors.

ASSET-BASED APPROACH TO EDUCATION:

As we approach the process of creating class lists in the coming weeks, it’s important to remember all the positive attributes our students possess. An asset-based approach to education, also known as strengths-based teaching, focuses on the strengths and potential of students, rather than what they lack. This approach is a response to the deficit-based models of education that used to be the norm. Asset-based teaching considers students’ unique strengths and differences as resources that can help them meet learning goals. For example, faculty might consider students’ cultural background, relationships, sense of community, language practices, and diversity of thought. This approach aims to create lifelong learners who are grounded in their education and knowledge, and more confident in developing themselves. Research also shows that the asset-based model can help students transition into higher education more easily.

An asset-based approach can help create an equitable environment that enriches the learning experience for all students. It contrasts with the more common deficit-based style of teaching, which highlights students’ inadequacies.

We will be approaching our class building for this next year from an asset-based approach. In this coming week, be compiling positive information about students to bring to our Wednesday, May 29th early release time. This can include what skills the students has, positive peer connections (good friends), affinity groups, interests, etc. Let’s have these in the forefronts of our minds before considering other factors that may been interpreted as deficits.

HERE IS A LINK TO MORE ABOUT ASSET-BASED LANGUAGE.

FINAL LIBRARY CHECKOUTS AND RETURN DATES:

Schedule for end of year in library:

• May 20-24 (next week): last week for students to check out books
• May 28-31 (week of Memorial Day): books get returned. All library sessions WILL run this week.
• June: No library lessons or checkout sessions; students stay with you. ***Library inventory***
• Teacher checkouts: Return your library checkouts by June 10

Please let us know if a student, small group, or your class is working on a special project so we are aware.

In June, to fill those lesson/checkout times, we can loan you (if you let us know ahead of time)*:

• A set of picture books to read to your class
• Board games, card games, STEM-related magnetic building blocks, marble runs (can be used in Story Cove or your classroom)
• the Story Cove – use the giant building blocks
• Makerspace books (origami, escape room, optical illusions…) to have in your class.

*Notes: Any loaned items may need to be returned after your class period so they’re available to other classes. Books may be dependent on where we are in the inventory process. Please reserve with us (by email) if you want to use the Story Cove.

FINAL INSTRUCTION DAY FOR ELD:

I can’t quite believe the end of the year is coming so fast. (Well, on some days I do!)

Usually we pause ELD classes for the year at the beginning of June, so our students can enjoy all your special activities, and so we can take care of paperwork. This year, all 4j ELD teachers will be holding conferences at the end of the year as well. The last day of ELD classes will be Friday, May 24th. 

I’ll be meeting with families from 8-4, and on Zoom in the evenings as needed. I will do my best to maintain my usual Howard schedule, especially my availability for crossing guard. However, since I need to meet with families at my other school as well, I may sometimes need to adjust schedules. 

Please let me know if you have concerns or accomplishments you’d like me to share with specific families.

FINAL INSTRUCTION DAYS AND TIMELINE FOR TITLE 1:

Title will also be winding things down as the school year nears its end.  We have important dates for you!

June 4: Last Day of Title Groups

June 7: Title Updates prepared and hopefully delivered to you

June 10: BOOK GIVEAWAY! (*This will be in Room 26 this year)

June 11: BOOK GIVEAWAY!  (**There will be a schedule to follow when we get closer to the day). 

Reminder: When To Send Students to the Health Room (Eden email, 5/14)

Please don’t send kids to the health room that simply say “I don’t feel well.” Most of the time, these students should stay in class and are just looking for a break. The health room is for students who are vomiting, bleeding, have a head injury, or otherwise NEED to see a nurse. If they are just looking for a break, please give them a break in your classroom or send them to the nest. It would help a lot if you could ask some basic triage questions before sending students to the health room (have you eaten today? do you need to use the bathroom? do you need a break?)

I’m reattaching this poster that I shared earlier in the school year. Feel free to print it out and put it on the wall in your classroom. As much as we actually love seeing kids in the health room for first aid, John and I need to be available for things like diabetic emergencies, seizures, falls off the play structure, etc. Plus, when John and I aren’t there, you’re actually sending kids to Becky and Elizabeth to care for (shout out, thank you both!!)

LINK TO HEALTH ROOM POSTER HERE

Thanks for your help!

DISTRICT INFORMATION

Science: Packing & Storing Your Kits – Classroom Teachers

Guidelines on Packing up Kits and Resupplying Kits before Break:

• Request materials for restocking kits sooner than later using the Materials Request form and BEFORE you pack it away.
• Here is the link to order materials >>>  Materials Request Form. You can also always find the link on the Science HUB and in my email signature!  
• Inventory Sheets should be located in drawer #1 and in the “FOSS Unit Planning Tools and Resources” links for each module on the Science HUB
• If you have a parent or volunteer packing up your kit, please take the time to make sure they know how to inventory and put things away. It will save you time in the long run. 
• Heads Up! Kits that are stored outside of the classroom often get mixed up and misplaced over summer break when the cleaning crew moves them. Check with your team or admin on the best way to store your materials over the break if you do not store them in your room. 

REMINDER

KITS REMAIN IN THE BUILDING.  PLEASE RESTOCK YOUR KITS BEFORE PACKING UP FOR THE SUMMER.

Common questions around packing up and storing Science Kits:

Can I wait & restock the kit next year? 

Kits should to be restocked before you store them away so they are ready to go for you or the teacher who uses them next year. It also allows us to order more supplies & inventory over the summer. If you wait until next school year, the inventory could run low or out. 

Where do we send my kits at the end of the year?

Kits are checked out to grade levels and are to be stored in your building. Please do not store kits in outdoor spaces or where they can be destroyed by the elements or animals. It is best to not store kits more than 5 boxes high with the heaviest on the bottom. Surplus kits will be collected in the fall. If you have a surplus of kits, please let me know. All kits should stay put in buildings.  

I need to do my inventory but do not have an inventory sheet.

The inventory sheets are located in drawer #1 & on the Science Hub under “Tools and Resources.”

I have some broken equipment, what should I do?

Fill out the Materials request Google Form and send the broken item Bailey Hill.

What do I do with the zip-ties?

The zip ties serve two purposes. 1.) They indicate that the kit was inventoried, restocked and is ready to store. 2.) It keeps the drawers from sliding open. 

Do you have advice on getting the kits ready to store? 

Make sure all the permanent materials are clean and dry & take the time to put the materials back into the correct drawers. Fill out the inventory sheet and request refills/replacements using the Google form found on the Science HUB. PLEASE DO NOT REORGANIZE OR CONSOLIDATE KITS. Zip tie the drawers once the kit is restocked and ready for storage. (Pull expired seeds and do not restock-that will happen next year.) 

How should I store the teacher and student books? 

The Investigation guides and teachers resource books go back into drawer #1 and the student books go back into the book boxes. Store them with the kits.

What are the Kit Copy Numbers and different colored stickers all about?

Each grade level has an assigned color . (Purple-K, Green-1st, Blue 2nd, Yellow 3rd, Pink 4th, Orange 5th) and each kit has a copy number. Store copy numbers together so that materials do not get mixed up and the next teacher has a complete set.

Can I just send you my kit and have you restock it for me?

Unfortunately, no. We do not have the staffing or space as in years past which is why it is done at your site. 

Maggie Frassetto Cline

Elementary Science & K-12 Climate, Energy & Conservation Specialist

COOPERATING TEACHER INTEREST FORM

Every year 4J licensed professionals host over a hundred university students from a variety of university licensure programs from around the state and country. We believe that hosting can be a valuable experience and would encourage you to consider this opportunity for the 2024-25 school year.  Hosting a licensure candidate can be a rewarding experience as you help them get a positive start on their career, foster a collaborative mentoring relationship with an eager partner willing to assist you and learn from them as they work to apply their ideas, new learning tools and current education research to their practice.

There are two requirements to qualify as a cooperating professional.

1.) Must be at a contract level status. Have taught with 4J or in Oregon for 3 or more years.

2.) Receive approval from the building principal or supervisor.

Additional information and details about the process will be provided to those who express an interest by completing the google form linked HERE.

TIME TO REGISTER FOR LETRS (Email for Katie Stiles)

It is time to register for LETRS!  This is something many of you have been anticipating and looking forward to.  LETRS has been said to be the best professional learning teachers have engaged in and a missing link to what many of us wished we had learned in college.  LETRS is for novice and veteran teachers alike.  The professional learning is supported by funds from United Way and the Early Literacy Grant.

We are shifting to offer LETRS once a year, beginning the course at the end of June/ beginning of July. We will no longer offer a winter cohort.

In order to register for Volume 1 or Volume 2, you must attend one of the informational sessions below.  We are not able to offer alternative meetings, so please plan to join one of the options below that works best for your schedule.

All meetings are held via zoom. You do not need to register or sign up to attend, just hop on zoom.  Meetings will last no longer than 30 minutes. 

For more information about LETRS talk to your colleagues or check out the website.

*If you are currently enrolled in LETRS Volume 1, you must finish by June 30 with a passing rate of 80% in order to register for LETRS Volume 2.  If you started LETRS Volume 1 in December and will not be done in time, please do not stress, you can start LETRS 2 in June 2025.

WEEK OF APRIL MAY 20TH-24TH

Monday, May 20th

• IPBIS Meeting at 2:45pm in the Nest

Tuesday, May 21st

• 2:45pm – Certified Staff Meeting in the Library (TBD)

Wednesday, May 22nd

• 9:00am – FOG
• 1:30pm – Classified Staff Meeting in the Library

Thursday, May 23rd

• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings

Friday, May 24th

• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners Drawing

WEEK OF APRIL MAY 27TH-31ST

Monday, May 27th

• NO SCHOOL – MEMORIAL DAY
• Miles on Memorial Run (5K, 10K, 15K) at Alton Baker Park

Tuesday, May 28th

• 2:45pm – PBIS Tier 1 Meeting in the Nest

Wednesday, May 29th

• 9:00am – FOG
• 11:50am – Fearless Flock Student Leadership Team meeting in Room 27
• 1:30pm – Certified Professional Learning in the Library
  • Creating class lists for 2024-2025

Thursday, May 30th

• 11:15am – Rainbow Alliance Group in room 19
• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners
• 5:30pm – Golden Apple Awards at ATA! Come support our nominees!!

Friday, May 31st

• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners Drawing

• SAEBRS spring screener closes

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Super big thanks in advance to our classified staff, PTO and a few other organizations for rallying to show incredible support and thanks for our teachers this week! You all so super deserve it! The fun activities and treats are listed in the weekly calendar section below, but wanted to share a couple items here:

• We have a school-wide staff game that is OPTIONAL for all staff to participate in this Thursday and Friday! There will be PRIZES for those who win! It’s called “ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE” and the description can be found LINKED HERE. Simply, you’ll need to hone your Rock, Paper, Scissors skills to win big! 🙂
• Also, Friday is “Favor Friday!” Teachers will receives tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday to write specials favors they’d appreciate folks completing for them on Friday, 5/10! Please don’t hesitate to fill out your favor tickets, teachers! We’re all willing to help fill your bucket and take something off your plate! 

We hope you all enjoy the week! You’re all amazing! Just watch this video below and hear that from our students themselves!!

Please do share this with students so they may enjoy seeing themselves and their peers celebrating all of you!

Monday Morning Announcements this Week, May 6-10:

STATIC BUILDING RESOURCES (HERE EACH WEEK)

Teacher Professional Development Unit (PDU) Tracking

Teachers, the LINK TO THIS TRACKING PDU SHEET – All staff, please feel free to access this to help track your professional development units (PDU’s) when it’s time to renew licensures. This is here to help you easily compile the hours you need to report when processing renewal.

Student Attendance Concerns Reporting

Teachers, please remember to report student attendance concerns HERE. Our front office team will follow up with families. Thanks!

Meeting Agendas and Notes from this past week:

LINK TO HOWARD SHARED GOOGLE DRIVE HERE  – To streamline access of information. The link to our Howard shared Google drive will remain here as a static feature on the blog each week. In this drive is a folder titled, ‘Meetings/Teams,’ which houses all the important meeting agendas and notes from various teams past and present. This week’s meetings included the following below. Please go to their respective team folders within the ‘Meetings/Teams’ folder to review the notes. Thanks!

• Meetings this past week, April 29th-May 3rd, included:
  • Certified Early Release PL, 5/1 – LINK
  • Site Council Meeting Notes, 5/2 – LINK

PTO Request for Funds

Teachers, our PTO wants to help you and your students! If you have a particular lesson, unit, or project you want to enrich and could use some additional funds to fulfill it, please fill out the request form from the PTO → LINK TO FORM! It is SUPER rare that the PTO denies funds to teachers, so please access this resource. The PTO appreciates you!

ARTSPARK (LANE ARTS COUNCIL) AND OSAS TESTING SCHEDULES (Email, 4/23):

Here is the LINK TO THE ARTSPARK AND OSAS TESTING SCHEDULES. A BIG THANK YOU to Jennifer Dillon and Cyria Wisner for putting this schedule together! It was no easy feat! If you have questions, please let us know. We will have a one-page reference of the schedule in the near future. Thanks!

NEW BUILDING INFO THIS WEEK

Staffing Updates

CLASSROOM UPDATES:

Sarah Schiltz will be leaving at the end of the year to relocate with her fiancé to Canada! Please join me in wishing her and her new husband-to-be well in their future endeavors! Barring any possible forthcoming internal movement, we will be posting for a 4th grade position as soon as possible.

SPECIALIST UPDATES:

Kim Reinhardt has accepted a position at the district office as a MTSS Specialist. Please join me in congratulating her on her new position. We will be posting for the Student Success Coordinator position as soon as possible.

Katherine Phoenix, currently a classroom teacher at Family School will be joining us as our 1.0 Music Teacher this coming school year. Kimberly Melby, a previous music teacher at South Eugene High School, will be joining us as our 0.3 hour music teacher, and also the 0.7 music teacher at Spring Creek Elementary. Please join me in welcoming both of them to Howard, and thanking both Lauren Scott and Bridget Calhoun for all their hard work this year as they embark on new journeys as well.

Artist in Residency starting this week (ArtSpark – Lane Arts Council)

Our ceramics Artist in Residency is beginning this coming week. We are in need of a few things for the lessons to be successful:

-Old shirts for student smocks.

-Cart with wheels and shelves.

-Paper box lids.

Artist Provided Supplies                             School Provided Supplies
       1.Clay                                                                 1. Cart with wheels and shelves

2. Clay boards-one per student                    2. Paper ream box lids-2 per class
3. Glazes                                                            3. Shelf storage
4.   Tools                                                            4. Document camera
5. Charged microphone (hangs from neck)
6. 1 photocopy of diagram per student (attachment)
7. Copy of schedule w/grade, teacher’s name, # of students 

Teachers: Can you please take care of the following items listed below
1. Allow artist use of document camera with a dongle attachment for plugging in laptop to show previous student project examples

2. Allow use of a microphone that hangs from neck.

3. Availability of shelf space in the classroom to store projects

4. Collect two (2) lids from paper ream boxes for each classroom for storing and transporting projects. Please make sure to use the box LIDS because regular boxes take up way too much room at the studio where I fire pieces and they tend to be adamant about economizing space. These boxes must be labeled with the teacher’s name and room number. 

5. Arrange the classroom either in 5 tables or 5 desk groups (desks pushed together to form a maximum of 5 “islands” or grouped desks) on the last 2 class sessions 

6. Remind students to bring smocks for kids to work in, although it’s not mandatory

Just a quick side note – I share frustration these material requests were only shared with us mere days before this project was set to begin. In no prior communication was it ever mentioned we would need to provide materials. This feedback is being very clearly relayed. We could have been accumulating items well in advance. Thanks, everyone, for ongoing flexibility with this.

Pacific University Math InstructionObservation Request

​​Dr. Steve Rhine from Pacific University would like to observe a couple math instruction lessons incorporating technology to help update and refine the math methods classes at Pacific. Please let Charlie know if you’re willing for him to come and observe sometime in the next week or two. Great opportunity to help improve the instruction for future teachers! Thanks, all!

BEHAVIOR DISCIPLINE MATRIX WEEKLY DRILL DOWN

This week, we are focussing on the specific behaviors listed on page SIX (6) of our district’s Discipline Matrix document LINKED HERE. Examples to responses to these behaviors are linked in the supporting documents. As always, focusing on our tier 1 PBIS supports, including our curriculum resources (Second Steps) and making ample time for morning meetings involving relationship building and class discussions help mitigate these behaviors.

Please note, that while some offenses may possibly warrant in or out of school suspension, there are links to separate, supplemental documents to provide guidance on determining whether that disciplinary course of action is warranted.

May and June Potlucks:

These are the dates for the upcoming Potlucks. Your “group” may choose a theme, or not. It’s totally up to YOU!

Please let me know if I’ve missed someone or some employee group! Can’t wait to see what you all will come up with!

May 22- Green Wing, up and downstairs – First and Fourth Grade, Preschool Promise and Title 1.

June 5- EVERYONE ELSE: Front Office, PE, Music, Cafeteria staff, Custodial, Library, Counseling, Speech, Tech Wizard, Instructional Coach….who am I forgetting?

Direction Service 2024 Client Resource Guide

Please find the attached 2024 Direction Service Client Resource Guide. We publish this guide each year containing activities, camps, community supports, educational supports, and employment programs that families of youth with disabilities can access. Feel free to share it with your staff or others who may find it useful. You may also print additional copies to share with your families.

A copy of the Client Resource Guide can also be found on the Direction Service website at https://www.directionservice.org/familyresources

Spring Upbeat Survey

This is a friendly reminder to complete the spring Upbeat staff culture survey. You should have received a link to the survey directly from Upbeat. If for whatever reason you did not receive a link to the survey, please let me know.

As you know, we are always trying to improve our culture and workplace. We have previously reviewed the fall results and developed a plan of action for the remainder of the year and leading into the fall. This survey will help us collect areas of strength and room for growth with our plans. It is important to note that the survey results are presented anonymously to school, department and district leadership. Please answer each question as honestly as possible so we can direct any school, department district-wide improvements.

Thank you to those who have already completed the survey!

SAEBRS Spring Screener Open (REMINDER)

Also, please remember the window for this spring screener is open. Directions for how to access and complete the screeners, as well as 2nd-5th graders to complete their self-evaluations, are in the previous week’s bulletin.

ABBY’S PIZZA DISCOUNT COUPONS FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS!

There are a BUNCH of Abby’s discount coupons available in the front office! Please feel free to take some, and use them as incentives for students in your classrooms! We gave out several to the Beep Beep drawing winners on Friday afternoon. Big thanks to Howard parent, Abbie Stillie, for providing these! 

DISTRICT INFORMATION

May Heart of Teaching Curriculum Updates (Erin G. email, 5/2)

Linked here is our May issue of The Heart of Teaching. As a reminder, it’s your spot every month for updates, tips, and guidance for our curricular materials and other information and opportunities related to instruction. Our goal is to reduce the number of emails you receive and put all the information you may be looking for in one place. You can always find our updates and other resources on the 4J Learning Hub.

Included in this month’s issue:

• Resources for Oregon STEM Week
• May 8th Rock + Roll to School Day
• Great Body Shop Unit 9 overview
• Info about the new 2nd grade universal TAG screening tool
• Math Parent Voice survey opportunity
• Lesson links for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz
• Resources for Asian American and Pacific Islander and Jewish Heritage months
• ELA Updates about decodable readers coming soon and print orders for next year

As we head into Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to thank you for the amazing work you do every day across our district. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and we appreciate you!

4J Safe Routes to School – Has a grant from EEF to buy bikes for students whose bikes are stolen from school or who simply need a bike – ideally for     school transportation, but that’s not a requirement. The same grant also provides u-locks and helmets to give away to students. 

Please share the information with your staff so that anyone can make a request via this form: https://forms.gle/NgbQWBSVH9tneu7a8 

Also, if you could include the message at this link requesting bike donations in your next school communications. We are able to give away as         many bikes as we do because of the donations that Shift Community Cycles receives and refurbishes.

WEEK OF MAY 6TH – MAY 10TH

Teacher Appreciation Week!

Fun activities and treats for each day are listed in PINK

Monday, May 6th

• Charlie is providing CINNABON cinnamon rolls for staff (there will be a gluten-free option too). 🙂 There will be enough for all staff
• BJ’s Steakhouse will provide pizzas and salad mid-day (enough for teachers only). Thanks Tami Berge for arranging this!
• 2:45pm – IPBS Meeting in the Nest

Tuesday, May 7th

• Title team doing something fun – Non-food related.
• 2:45pm – Equity & Inclusion Leadership Team Meeting

Wednesday, May 8th

• The RISE Organization is bringing bagels and coffee in the AM, and PTO is doing a NACHO BAR. Both will be in the Lounge!
• 9:00am – FOG
• 12:15pm – Latinx Student Union for 4th/5th grades
• 1:30pm – No Meeting: Time to complete SAEBRS screeners and spring Upbeat Surveys
• 6:00pm – PTO meeting in the Library

Thursday, May 9th

• The Yellow Wing is preparing fun Salty & Sweet treats!
• ALSO, Schoolwide Staff Game, “Another Day in Paradise” begins! Game Rules LINKED HERE
• 8:10am – Howard Safety Team Meeting
• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings

Friday, May 10th

• “Favor Friday” and PIZZA will be delivered by PTO during all lunch break periods.
• Tickets for Favor Friday will be delivered earlier in the week, Tues or Wed.
• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners drawing

WEEK OF APRIL MAY 13TH-17TH

Monday, May 13th

• Spring EasyCBM window opens
• 1:50pm – Fearless Flock Student Leadership team meeting in room 27
• 2:45pm – Attendance Team Meeting

Tuesday, May 14th

• 11:15am – AAPI meeting in room 19
• 2:45pm – PBIS Tier 1 meeting in the Nest

Wednesday, May 15th

• 1:30pm – Certified Professional Learning in the Library

Thursday, May 16th

• 11:15am – Rainbow Alliance meeting in Room 19
• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings

Friday, May 17th

• 8:45am – FIRE DRILL
• 10:30am – Haylee from Horace Mann cooking grilled cheese in the lounge until 12:30pm
• 11:45am – Black Student Union in room 27
• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners drawing

Thank you, Howard teachers!!!

STATIC BUILDING RESOURCES (HERE EACH WEEK)

Teacher Professional Development Unit (PDU) Tracking

Teachers, the LINK TO THIS TRACKING PDU SHEET – All staff, please feel free to access this to help track your professional development units (PDU’s) when it’s time to renew licensures. This is here to help you easily compile the hours you need to report when processing renewal.

Student Attendance Concerns Reporting

Teachers, please remember to report student attendance concerns HERE. Our front office team will follow up with families. Thanks!

Meeting Agendas and Notes from this past week:

LINK TO HOWARD SHARED GOOGLE DRIVE HERE  – To streamline access of information. The link to our Howard shared Google drive will remain here as a static feature on the blog each week. In this drive is a folder titled, ‘Meetings/Teams,’ which houses all the important meeting agendas and notes from various teams past and present. This week’s meetings included the following below. Please go to their respective team folders within the ‘Meetings/Teams’ folder to review the notes. Thanks!

• Meetings this past week, April 8th-12th, included:
  • 4/15 – IPBS Tier 2/3 Team
  • 4/16: Certified Staff Meeting – LINK TO SLIDE DECK
  • 4/17: Certified Professional Learning – LINK TO SLIDE DECK

PTO Request for Funds

Teachers, our PTO wants to help you and your students! If you have a particular lesson, unit, or project you want to enrich and could use some additional funds to fulfill it, please fill out the request form from the PTO → LINK TO FORM! It is SUPER rare that the PTO denies funds to teachers, so please access this resource. The PTO appreciates you!

Monday Morning Announcements this Week:

Here is a LINK an interesting and informative article with some useful strategies for supporting our students struggling with behavior:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/restorative-communication-classroom

Behavior Discipline Matrix Weekly Drill Down

This week, we are focussing on the behavior flow chart on page four of our district’s Discipline Matrix document LINKED HERE.

Major Referral Reminder

Just a quick reminder, if you’re completing a major referral where there was an altercation between one or more students (a perpetrator and victim(s)), then you must complete the second small strip of paper where you log the victim’s name. We’ve been missing a few of these here and there. This is also a reminder we can only write the name of the student who is receiving the referral on the referral. We can’t write the victim’s, or any other participant engaged in the offense, on the referral. Just list those students as ‘student.’ For example, ‘Charlie hit another student in the face.’ We omit the other student’s name, and if they are merely a victim, write it on the small second page strip. If the other student retaliated and got into a fight with Charlie, then that student also gets a referral, and each of us are listed as victims on each other’s respective small second sheets. Hope this makes sense.

You CAN write the victim(s) name(s) on a sticky note if the little strip of paper is not attached. We just need the name(s) of the victim(s) to be able to enter it into Synergy. Thanks!

Grade Level Data Team Meetings, 4/25 (Jen email, 4/19)

Next Thursday, April 25th, will be our last round of grade-level data team meetings. 

At this meeting, we will look at current data from your in-class instruction and make a plan for finishing the year triumphantly! Please bring any assessments, or other artifacts: unit assessments, writing samples, spelling inventories, fluency tests – anything that can be used as a data point to show growth in any area you would like to focus on for the last few weeks of school.

The schedule will be the same as last time. Please have plans ready for subs.  GLDT schedule

Community Day, 4/26 (Email from Bryan V. 4/17)

Building Schedule Reflection and Input for Next Year

We are at that time of year when we begin drafting concepts of schedules for next year. LINKED HERE is our district’s instructional minutes guidelines based on ODE’s guidance. Please take a few minutes to review it, and with it in mind, please provide feedback on this year’s schedule in the SURVEY LINKED HERE. It is anonymous, but knowing which grade level you teach or if you are a specialist is helpful in knowing how we can best improve our instructional time. As always, we only have a finite amount of time and not every schedule will be perfect, unfortunately, but we will do our best.

Thanks so much for the feedback and input!

Survey about overnight 5th grade Outdoor School for next year, spring 2025:

We are in the very early planning stages for 5th grade Outdoor School next year. LINKED HERE IS A SURVEY to see which staff members are willing to chaperone a MULTIPLE OVERNIGHT 5th grade Outdoor School trip next year. This is for ANY STAFF MEMBER. If you are interested, please complete the form. Also, if you want it expressly known you do NOT want to chaperone a multiple night overnight trip, please let that be known. Lastly, to be clear, this survey has nothing to do with day trips. Only overnight trip input at this point. Thanks!

DISTRICT INFORMATION

Cooperating Teacher Interest Form (Email 4/18 from Chemika Bolden)

Every year 4J licensed professionals host over a hundred university students from a variety of university licensure programs from around the state and country. We believe that hosting can be a valuable experience and would encourage you to consider this opportunity for the 2024-25 school year.  Hosting a licensure candidate can be a rewarding experience as you help them get a positive start on their career, foster a collaborative mentoring relationship with an eager partner willing to assist you and learn from them as they work to apply their ideas, new learning tools and current education research to their practice.

There are two requirements to qualify as a cooperating professional.

1.) Must be at a contract level status. Have taught with 4J or in Oregon for 3 or more years.

2.) Receive approval from the building principal or supervisor.

Additional information and details about the process will be provided to those who express an interest by completing the google form linked HERE.

STEM Training for Elementary Teachers

The Lane STEM Team would like to announce a great summer opportunity for K5 teachers in our county: a 4-day paid workshop on ELA-Science integration. Dara Brennan, TOSA from Springfield is leading this workshop based on her successful experience in her district, and bringing it to the rest of Lane County.

When: July 15 to July 18 Where: Lane ESD Stipend: $1200

Check out the flyer here. Please share with any of your teachers that you think might be interested.

This is the link to the application form: https://forms.gle/o4SCqdTxxzPKBStc8. This application closes May 1.

Feedback Requested on Social Studies Curriculum (Email 4/18 from Sarah Knudsen)

How has it been going with the new social studies materials and lessons? We are currently in the process of refining and expanding the suite of social studies materials that were sent out earlier this year, and we would like your feedback! Let us know what has gone well, what has been a challenge, and suggestions to make it even better. Please share your ideas in this brief survey. Thanks!

EARTH DAY, 4/22 (Resources Email 4/19 from Tana Sheppard)

Earth Day is next Monday! 🌎🌏🌍  Let’s celebrate her all week by taking some actions at home, in the work place and with students. There are themes for each day put together by 4J Climate Justice students, as well as an Earth Day Shift pledge. You may like to include this info in student/family/staff communications. 

Here are some links to help you get the Earth Week celebration started:

 4J Celebrates Earth Day site

 Earth Week actions page   

April’s Eco Experience Newsletter 

Note: The massive amount of info below is all available in this document with information for each day.  

🌎🌏🌍

And, in case you’d rather not access the doc…read on…

Below are some short blurbs for each day of Earth Week with hot links for your emails/newsletters/websites/announcements.

Introduction to Earth Week:

Every year April 22nd marks Earth Day; the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement; a day set aside to honor, celebrate and take action for our one precious Earth. The 4J Climate Justice team has put together a week of Shifts and a small collection of resources for teachers to use with students to bring awareness to Earth Day and small shifts we can all take to make a big impact for our planet. 

4J Climate Justice Students invite people like you and me to make small shifts for big impacts to help Planet Earth. Shift to a new green habit!  

There are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint-meatless meals, rethinking waste, conserving water, reducing and reusing items, getting outside and more! All living things are connected and we all share Earth as our home. When we make shifts to greener habits, it makes the world a healthier place to live. Stay tuned this week for daily actions to help our Earth. Visit the 4J Earth Week Actions to learn more.

Take the pledge and make a commitment to reducing personal waste! Let’s Shift together, People!

Monday’s Shift: Small shifts, big impacts.

Meatless Monday-Save Water and Land by planning a meatless meal, eating at least one meatless meal a week, figure out your food footprint with the impact calculator, read more about Meatless Mondays.

Take the pledge!

For every burger skipped, you can save enough water to drink for the next three years. Meatless meals are nutritious and delicious…Give it a try!

Tuesday’s Shift: Small shifts, big impacts. 

Trashy Tuesday-Reduce your waste by reducing what you need, choose reusable over single use items, Love Food Not Waste-start curbside composting, Eat Smart, Waste Less, Recycle Right

Take the pledge!

Trash: noun, discarded matter; waste. As humans we live in a world of convenience and disposability. Many of us don’t think about what we will do with items we buy and use at their end-of-use-life and where these items will end up when we throw them “away”.  Where in the world is away? Most items, unless we plan for them, that place called “away” is usually the land fill. We can make choices about the items we purchase, accept and how to dispose of them in more environmentally friendly ways.

Wednesday’s Shift: Small shifts, big impacts. 

Water Wednesday-Conserve and protect water by always using cold water unless you need hot, don’t leave the tap running, take shorter showers, run full loads of clothes/dishes, water outdoors only when needed, always use a reusable water bottle, pick up litter to keep waterways clean

Take the pledge!

Did you know 70% of Earth is water and only 2.5 % is fresh water? All the water we have is all the water we will ever have. In our area, we rely on the McKenzie river for our drinking water. Water is a precious natural resource that all living things need to survive. It is a first food. Water is life.

Thursday’s Shift: Small shifts,  big impacts.

Thrifty Thursday-Save money and the planet by buying second hand items, hang clothes to dry, choose reusable items, repair instead of replace, eat your leftovers, shower less, say no to things you don’t need, shop local

Take the pledge!

Thrifty: adjective, (of a person or their behavior) using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. When we have a thrifty mindset, it not only keeps money in our wallets, it helps us reduce, reuse, repair, rethink our consumer choices.

Forest Friday-Get outside and love our planet by walking instead of driving, go plogging, make a tree friend, take a hike, smell the flowers, sit by a river, climb a butte, ride a bike, plant a tree, watch an insect, listen to the birds sing.

Take the pledge! 

In Eugene we are lucky to have multiple areas to wander and be outside in natural spaces. Whether it’s right in your neighborhood or a trail nearby, take a moment to get outside and get to know a tree. Is there a tree in your yard or on your street that you love? A tree you always notice on a hike? A tree you’ve read about, but haven’t visited? Get to know that tree. Lean against its trunk, feel its bark, follow its roots with your eyes, look high into its branches and inhale its gift of oxygen…thank a tree today.

Water Weekend: Did you know 70% of Earth is water and only 2.5 % is fresh water? All the water we have is all the water we will ever have. Water is a precious natural resource that all living things need to survive. It is a first food.  Water is life.  Take some time this weekend to reflect on your personal water usage and ways you may be able to conserve and protect this life giving resource.

Take the pledge! 

FYI: Climate Justice Team “bio” written by high school students and teachers:

The Eugene 4J Climate Justice Team is comprised of high school students, K-12 teachers and support staff across Eugene School District 4J. We are working together for a better future in climate education, to address the issue of climate change for long term impact. This group is dedicated to formalizing climate change education (CCE) across all subject areas and age groups in Eugene 4J and beyond. The team was formed in January 2019 at the first ever 4J Climate Education Summit as a response to the call for action by 4J students and the 4J School Board Climate Resolution of May 2019. Team membership is voluntary and all 4J folx are invited to join and take part in this work.

Enjoy your week-end…and remember, small shifts, make big impacts for our planet.

Upbeat Survey, Spring Edition!

The window for the spring Upbeat Survey will open up May 1-10. I will make sure time is allotted for staff to complete this survey within this timeframe.

Let’s Race: Run Miles On Memorial for Free

WEEK OF APRIL 22ND-26TH

Monday, April 22nd

• 8:45am – Black Student Union in the cafeteria

Tuesday, April 23rd

• 2:45pm – PBIS Tier 1 Team meeting in the Nest

Wednesday, April 24th

• 9:00am – Front Office Group (FOG)
• 1:30pm – Classified Staff Meeting in the Library
• 3:30pm – Life Skills Meeting in Room 1

Thursday, April 25th

• Grade Level Data Team Meetings
  • 8:00 – 8:40: 3rd Grade
    8:45 – 9:25: Kindergarten
    9:35 – 10:15: 1st Grade
    10:20 – 11:00: 4th Grade
    12:45 – 1:25: 2nd Grade
    1:45 – 2:25: 5th Grade
• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners” Activity
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings

Friday, April 26th – Community Day!

• • 8:40am – Community Day Awards Assembly
  • 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners” Drawing

• • 5:00pm – District Kindergarten Event at River Road Elementary

WEEK OF APRIL 29TH-MAY 3RD

Monday, April 29th

• 2:45pm – Attendance Team meeting in the Nest

Tuesday, April 30th

• No Meetings

Wednesday, May 1st

• • (SAEBRS spring screening window opens through end of May)
  • 9:00am – FOG
  • 12:15pm – Latinx Student Union for 2nd/3rd
  • 1:30pm – Certified Professional Learning in the Library
    • Unpacking and reviewing SPED Inclusivity Survey Data

Thursday, May 2nd

• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings
• 3:35pm – School Site Council meeting in the Library

Friday, May 3rd

• 1:50pm – Beep! Beep! Winners drawing

STATIC BUILDING RESOURCES (HERE EACH WEEK)

Teacher Professional Development Unit (PDU) Tracking

Teachers, the LINK TO THIS TRACKING PDU SHEET – All staff, please feel free to access this to help track your professional development units (PDU’s) when it’s time to renew licensures. This is here to help you easily compile the hours you need to report when processing renewal.

Student Attendance Concerns Reporting

Teachers, please remember to report student attendance concerns HERE. Our front office team will follow up with families. Thanks!

Meeting Agendas and Notes from this past week:

LINK TO HOWARD SHARED GOOGLE DRIVE HERE  – To streamline access of information. The link to our Howard shared Google drive will remain here as a static feature on the blog each week. In this drive is a folder titled, ‘Meetings/Teams,’ which houses all the important meeting agendas and notes from various teams past and present. This week’s meetings included the following below. Please go to their respective team folders within the ‘Meetings/Teams’ folder to review the notes. Thanks!

• Here are the links to the slide decks from meetings the week of April 1st-15th:
  • Equity & Inclusion Leadership team meeting, 4/2
  • Classified Upbeat Data – LINK, 4/3 meeting
  • School Site Council, 4/3

PTO Request for Funds

Teachers, our PTO wants to help you and your students! If you have a particular lesson, unit, or project you want to enrich and could use some additional funds to fulfill it, please fill out the request form from the PTO → LINK TO FORM! It is SUPER rare that the PTO denies funds to teachers, so please access this resource. The PTO appreciates you!

Monday Morning Announcements this Week:

Big congratulations to our Golden Apple Award nominees!

It’s exciting we have FIVE Golden Apple Award nominees to celebrate this spring! Congratulations to teachers Katie Gates, Allison Kreider, Lisa Perkins, Kim Sullivan, and parent volunteer, Adrianne Quackenbush! Thanks for your amazing hard work and dedication and hopefully many of us will be in attendance with you at the award celebration event in May! Congrats and thank you again!

Upbeat Survey Data Action Items (Certified) and Resources

At our recent certified meeting where teachers reviewed their fall Upbeat survey data, it was determined that the section on School Safety & Order was the most critical to begin actively addressing now in order to better improve our overall school climate, culture, and ultimately student and staff well-being. After all, our morale, and work-place environment deserves to be positive, just as much as we strive to create that for our students and families.

The LINK HERE will take you to a typed version of the posters teachers created, but specifically for that section of the Upbeat data. Repeated themes are highlighted on the sheet. Big thanks to Candace for typing these up!

While problem-solving, there was an ask for a list of different consequences we can implement with students for specific inappropriate behaviors. Linked below are several of these building and district resources. They are pretty robust, and would constitute considerable professional development by themselves. In the coming weeks, I will include portions of these documents as focus areas here in the bulletin. This way we can chunk it out over time. We will also review and focus on them a bit this spring, and more in-depth in the fall. I encourage everyone to glance through these when you have a few moments to spare.

LINK TO 4J DISCIPLINE MATRIX

LINK TO 4J DISCIPLINE FLOWCHART FOR TEACHERS (HOWARD)

LINK TO RESTORATIVE CLASSROOM PRACTICES

Please remember, the first and best way to be proactive about our school climate is building positive relationships with students. We should be holding morning meetings, using our district adopted curriculum, Second Steps, and incorporating Conscious Discipline. Yes, these strategies will not work for all students, but they will work for a vast majority, and therefore are worth doing.

Letter Sent to Families Friday, 4/5

In our continued effort to improve school climate, culture and overall behavior, the following letter was sent to families Friday, April 5th in response to an uptick of incidents regarding the N-word being used at school. This will be an important step in an our unified effort to ensure all students are feeling welcomed, included and that they belong here at Howard. Our response to our school safety data from the certified Upbeat survey needs to happen at every level of our building, and as we work together this spring in this work on school climate, we will also be planning for our focuses next fall. Please continue to implement morning meetings – I would encourage they take place daily. Also, Second Step lessons should be a priority.

Lastly, but most importantly, let’s please be mindful and proactive about how we’re caring for and supporting our students of color here at Howard. Let’s be very thoughtful about how we’re ensuring our students’ safety and creating a caring learning environment for them.

Subject: Important Message Regarding Language Use at Howard Elementary

Dear Families of Howard Elementary School,

I am writing today about a concerning issue regarding the use of the N-word by some students at our school. It has come to our attention that some students are using this word, some casually, influenced by music, movies, video games and social media, and some with harmful intent towards students of color and others.

I want to emphasize that the N-word is never acceptable and that we are actively addressing this and making it a learning opportunity. We understand that children are exposed to various sources using this language including social media, movies, music and peers.  We believe in the ability of our students to uphold the expectation that this word is not to be used.

Thank you for your support in reinforcing this essential message with your children. Words are powerful and make an impact on the climate here at Howard.  In working with students here, we have open dialogue about language, communicate with families when this language is used, and engage in restorative practices. Together, we strive to support students in having empathy and respect for all and know their role in creating a school community that is inclusive and welcoming.

With Gratitude,

Principal Jett

FYI – the letter above has also been sent to Chavez and Adams Elementaries this year. Those school, in two separate Eugene regions, are also seeing an uptick in this type of heinous language.

April Attendance Incentive Results – Did we Raise the Bar? (Email from last week):

Partial Solar Eclipse, Monday, 4/8 (Email from last week):

Several of you have inquired about what we’re doing regarding the partial solar eclipse this next Monday, April 8th. There isn’t a current plan, but here is what I will share:

We are not doing anything as a school to watch this partial eclipse. If teachers want to make a viewing project out of the event and engage students is constructing safe viewers like a pinhole camera to view the partial eclipse, I’ve included a few links below on how to make them below. This is a TEACHER CHOICE, and not an obligation.

Otherwise, it will be a normal day and we’ll repeatedly message in advance to not look directly at the sun. Even though the moon will be partially blocking the sun, we will not be able to witness this with the naked eye.

It’s possible, some students may bring their own glasses, but these aren’t to be shared with anyone. We’re not going to engage in arguments over borrowing glasses. Just to be clear too, we will continue going outside for recess if the weather permits.

Lastly, a message was sent to families about this asking for their help in repeatedly messaging it isn’t safe to look directly at the sun.

Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks!

Resources:

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/

https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/projection

District Risk Team Inspection, 4/9

Our district Risk team is scheduled to conduct the preventive yearly building inspection at our schools on April 9th from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. No action is needed on our part. Just keeping you in the loop.

Teacher Work and Prep Day, April 12th

Just a reminder that staff are expected to report to the building and be available to colleagues on these days. With this Friday, as a Midterm Grading Day (for secondary) and the following for elementary: 

• 3.75 hours of Language Arts Planning Time and 3.75 hours of Strategic Family Outreach
  • A priority may be reaching out to our SCIP focus group students’ families about improving attendance, for example.

• Life Skills Teachers will earmark 15-30 minutes to meet with the Life Skills EAsafter their EA Pathway Training (April 12 scheduled from 8:30-11:30am) to share the approved Process and Procedure for Assisting Students with Toileting. If questions, arise during the conversation with the EAs – Life Skills teachers can email questions to their Della and Angela.

DISTRICT INFORMATION

April Heart of Teaching Newsletter

Linked here is the April edition of The Heart of Teaching. Included in this month’s newsletter is:

• Links to the math curriculum we are currently reviewing
• Link to slide decks from Monday’s PD
• Social Studies PD opportunities
• Info about workbook ordering for Fundations next year
• And much more from PE, TAG, Health, Library, and other subjects

If you haven’t visited the Elementary Learning Hub lately, don’t forget to check it out! You’ll find lots of resources created just for your grade level.

Thank you,

Erin Gaston

Elementary Curriculum & MTSS Administrator

Exciting Math Opportunity – Deadline April 19th

Hello Elementary Teachers,

Are you passionate about data literacy for students? Looking to find more real-world applications to use in your math classrooms? The Lane ESD STEM Hub K-5 data reasoning project is perfect for you! We’re inviting elementary school teachers to join us for a 4-day Summer Institute focused on the 2021 Oregon Data Reasoning standards, June 24 – June 27 at Lane ESD. $1400 stipend and lunch provided to participants who attend the full institute. Space is limited – apply here before Friday, April 19.

We have about 20 teachers from 4J already working our team and excited to have more participants this summer. Let me know if you have questions.

Thank you,

Jamie Tait

District Elementary Math Specialist

Spring Walk and Roll to School Day

The Walk and Roll to School Day is coming up on May 8th and if we want to participate, we can sign up here for event and planning support, prizes and promotional materials.

It would be great to have a CHAMPION ORGANIZER for a simple event. Prizes could be handed out at the May Community Day assembly at the end of the month!

Please let Charlie know if you’re interested in spearheading our participation! 🙂

Participation could be as simple as informing students and families that May 8 is Spring Walk & Roll to School Day or it could include organized walking or biking groups or even having the buses do a remote drop-off with a chaperoned walking group from there. Let us know what you would like to do when you fill out the form. Creative ideas are welcome and any amount of participation is wonderful as it encourages students to be active, have fun, and come to school ready to learn.

Thank you for signing up early, even if you don’t have a complete plan, as it gives us time to order prizes and send them your way, as well as to provide help with planning and staffing events, if needed. Please do indicate in the form or by emailing mazze_s@4j.lane.edu if you’re interested in the group walk from a bus drop-off to an alternative location, as we did quite a bit of this pre-covid and can offer a lot of support to help things run smoothly. 

Safe Routes to School Communication To Share With Families, Students and Staff in April communications (English and Spanish versions below): This Google Doc contains all the information, including flyers for the events on April 19 and May 4 to copy and paste and include in your modes of communication.

WEEK OF APRIL 8TH-12TH

Monday, April 8th

• 2:45pm – Attendance Team Meeting

Tuesday, April 9th

• Fifth grade to Outdoor School, Day One
• 11:15am – Asian Pacific Islander Student Union in room 19
• 2:45pm – PBIS Tier 1
• 2:45pm – Literacy Leadership Team

Wednesday, April 10th

• Fifth grade to Outdoor School, Day Two
• 9:00am – Front Office Group (FOG)
• 1:30pm – Certified Professional Learning: Wit & Wisdom
• 6:00pm – PTO Meeting 

Thursday, April 11th

• Fifth grade to Outdoor School, Day Three
• 8:10am – Safety Team Meeting
• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners” Activity
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings

Friday, April 12th – NO STUDENT CONTACT DAY

• 3.75 hours of ELA Planning, and 3.75 hours of Strategic Family Outreach

WEEK OF APRIL 15TH-19TH

Monday, April 15th

• 1:50pm – Fearless Flock Student Leaders meeting in room 27
• 2:45pm – IPBS

Tuesday, April 16th

• 8:45am – FIRE DRILL
• 2:45pm – Certified Staff Meeting in the Library

Wednesday, April 17th

• 9:00am – Front Office Group (FOG)
• 12:15pm – Latinx Student Union 4th/5th in room 8
• 1:30pm – Certified Professional Learning (TBD)

Thursday, April 18th

• 11:15am – Rainbow Alliance in room 19
• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners” Activity
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings

Friday, April 19th

• PTO Popcorn Day
• 11:45am – Black Student Union in room 27
• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners” Drawing

STATIC BUILDING RESOURCES (HERE EACH WEEK)

Teacher Professional Development Unit (PDU) Tracking

Teachers, the LINK TO THIS TRACKING PDU SHEET – All staff, please feel free to access this to help track your professional development units (PDU’s) when it’s time to renew licensures. This is here to help you easily compile the hours you need to report when processing renewal.

Student Attendance Concerns Reporting

Teachers, please remember to report student attendance concerns HERE. Our front office team will follow up with families. Thanks!

Meeting Agendas and Notes from this past week:

LINK TO HOWARD SHARED GOOGLE DRIVE HERE  – To streamline access of information. The link to our Howard shared Google drive will remain here as a static feature on the blog each week. In this drive is a folder titled, ‘Meetings/Teams,’ which houses all the important meeting agendas and notes from various teams past and present. This week’s meetings included the following below. Please go to their respective team folders within the ‘Meetings/Teams’ folder to review the notes. Thanks!

Meetings this past week included:

• All Staff Meeting on 3/13 about staffing
• PTO on 3/13
• Optional followup up meeting about staffing on 3/14

PTO Request for Funds

Teachers, our PTO wants to help you and your students! If you have a particular lesson, unit, or project you want to enrich and could use some additional funds to fulfill it, please fill out the request form from the PTO → LINK TO FORM! It is SUPER rare that the PTO denies funds to teachers, so please access this resource. The PTO appreciates you!

Monday Morning Announcements this Week:

We also have a BONUS video this week!

Please share this fun recap of our Title 1 Family Reading Night and Bike Repair Event with our students.

Important Note about Individual Student Records:

This is in response to some recent observations where students in our school are walking with, transporting, or handling other students educational records. Please know, that at NO TIME should any student be in possession of another’s student’s educational record of any kind. When this occurs, it is a breach of student confidentiality.

If there is an incident, for example, involving inappropriate student behavior, please notify support staff so the student(s) involved can receive prompt  intervention. An office disciplinary referral should be written AFTER the event and transported to the office by a staff member. It can then be processed in the front office. A student should not under any circumstances transport another student’s referral to the office, and certainly shouldn’t precede the student intervention.

Thank for ensuring the confidentiality of our students records. We can review and refine more details about referral processes at future staff meetings.

TAMALES! (Email From Elizabeth, 3/11):

If you are interested in having tamales for a quick snack during your spring break, please sign up for tamales! The sign up sheet is underneath the mail boxes. $25 per dozen!

OBOB Pizza Party for Students Who Participated, 3/18 (Email from Debbie last week):

PTO has generously agreed to pay for a pizza and cookie party for all students who participated in OBOB this year (I am defining that as participated in battles). The link for the list is below, but wanted you to have this for your calendar.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c5OW94e6Mvt81lNDXS4A_6HlWn8aERfgmfXVlmLp-CM/edit?usp=sharing

We will hold the party in the cafeteria at 1:15-1:45 on Monday, March 18th. We will be able to honor our OBOB team at that time (and celebrate where they ranked at Regionals). Appreciate everyone’s flexibility!

Community Day Awards Assembly, 3/22 (Email from Bryan V):

This is a reminder that we will be doing our Road Runner Assembly next Friday on March 22nd at our normal time of 8:40 – 9:10ish!

Everything will be like normal, 2 awards per class. Please keep it to 1-2 sentences, otherwise, I will read the first sentence if you would like to write more, its’ fine. If you have any questions, please let me know!

VECTOR Training Due, 3/22!

Just a gentle reminder that the second round of VECTOR training is due this Friday, 3/22. Time has been allocated previously on various days throughout January and February to allow completion of these important online learning modules. This is a professional expectation to complete. Thanks so much, everyone, for ensuring these are completed by the Friday deadline.

APRIL 1st PD, (Email from Erin on 3/11):

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our last PD/Planning Day for this school year. Below are links and additional information about April 1st based on your role.

• K-5 Teachers & Coaches should preview the sessions linked below and sign up for your choices for the day.
• All other licensed staff have PD with your job-alike peers. You do not need to sign up for any sessions. 

Please connect with your PD leader if you have any questions.

K-5 Classroom Teachers and Instructional Coaches

All K-5 teachers and instructional coaches will meet at Howard Elementary from 8:30-1:00 to engage in choice professional learning. Please read through the session offerings linked here and sign up here for your 3 sessions by Wednesday, March 20. Sessions are capped and some sessions may fill up quickly. ALL attendees are required to attend the Math Adoption and Visioning session. We are offering it three times during the event, so please choose the session time that best fits your selected schedule. (Language immersion teachers at CI, YG, and Charlemagne – please use the link below for Other Licensed Staff as you have specialized PD on April 1st)

All Other Licensed Staff:

Your teachers leaders and admin have designed PD opportunities for you that align with your role. Please review the PD Sessions for All Other Licensed Staff linked here for your plan for the day and reach out to your PD leader if you have any questions. This includes: SPED, ELD, Title, SSCs, PE & Music teachers, librarians, counselors, language immersion teachers, preschool staff, school psychs, OTs, and PTs. 

Educational Assistants:

Title EAs, ELD EAs, and BBSAs will attend PD with Title Teachers, ELD Teachers, and SSCs. All other EA groups will receive information at a later time about options for their time that day…

April 1 PD for SPED EAs – Student Services Department has scheduled Professional Development on Monday, April 1st for our Special Education Assistants. We will be showing the “R Word” in the auditorium at Churchill High School and are very excited to offer this showing to our staff! The “R-Word” unravels the history and lasting effect of this word through the lens of the sibling experience, captivating animation sequences, and self-advocates speaking truth-to-power, ultimately making the case for why the conversation surrounding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities needs to change.

The schedule for attendance is as follows:

• 8:30am-10:00am- All Elementary Sped EA’s showing and discussion

When not in the “R Word” showing, please finish your vector training at your school location. In the afternoon, you should be in your classroom using this time to collaborate with your classroom teacher.

New Core Boards in the School and on the Playground:

I’m excited to announce we’re going to be installing some new Core Boards around the school and on the playground! If you are not sure what Core Boards are, they are communication boards focused on core words — a small number of words that make up about 70-90% of what we say.  AAC core boards combine pictures and core vocabulary words to support communication. They are modeled and demonstrated during Word of the Week segments of the Monday Announcement videos.

Core boards may benefit many students, including students who are nonverbal, whose verbal speech is limited, whose verbal speech is hard to understand, and students with language disorders.  

Access: Placing core boards in high traffic areas around our school gives all students access to this tool.

Awareness: Core boards raise awareness among all students and staff about the many different ways people communicate.

Inclusion:  when AAC is accessible to students and understood by teachers and peers, students who use AAC are more easily included in school activities.  We are showing our AAC users that they belong! 

Here is a link to a one-page info sheet about core boards: LINK

Here is also a link to an informative video – LINK

Everyone, we can ALL model using core boards! Model your own thoughts and ideas!  This shows students how they could use the core board to communicate (expressive language) and helps them understand your message (comprehension). Teach all students about the many different ways that people communicate.

Thanks!

DISTRICT INFORMATION

Science orders Due this week : Teachers, our big Spring Living Materials order is due this week-Thursday, March 14th.  See this document → Life Science Update  for more information. Any orders placed after March 14th, will have limited delivery dates.

Heart of Teaching Newsletter: Linked here are the March updates for all things curriculum and instruction. We greatly appreciate you including it in your weekly communication. 

Parent Math Survey: As per our requirements, we are seeking parent input around math instruction in 4J. The parent survey will go out in the district parent news today, but we would also appreciate it if you could include it in your next parent communication. You are welcome to copy and paste the blurb below:

• We are in the process of selecting new math curriculum for Kindergarten through 10th grade. The adoption team is looking for your input and feedback on math instruction to help inform our process and better support families and guardians. We thank you for taking a few minutes to provide your perspective. (Survey linked here)

Our 4J Grow Your Own Program (Pathway to Teacher Licensure)!

The application is NOW OPEN!  The application window is from March 1, 2024 – April 5, 2024. To learn more about the Grow Your Own Program and 4J’s commitment to providing pathways to licensure please visit the Grow Your Own webpage by clicking HERE. To apply for the Grow Your Own program click HERE. If you have any questions you can reach out to: Chemika S. Bolden

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS Nominations:

Eugene School District 4J proudly presents the Golden Apple Awards (formerly ACE Awards)— a chance for you to nominate that outstanding staff member or volunteer who makes a difference in your child’s education.

Whether it’s an inspiring teacher, a caring education assistant, an empathetic counselor, a welcoming school secretary, an encouraging bus driver, an attentive custodian, a principal who leads by example, or a volunteer who tirelessly supports school activities, now is the time to shine a spotlight on their dedication and passion.

Nominate today and let’s show our appreciation for those who help our children grow and thrive. To learn more and nominate a 4J employee or volunteer, visit 4j.lane.edu/goldenapple. The nomination deadline is March 31st. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact 4J Communications at info@4j.lane.edu.

WEEK OF MARCH 18TH-22nd

Monday, March 18th

• 1:50pm – Fearless Flock Student Leadership meeting in room 27
• 2:45pm – IPBIS meeting in the Nest

Tuesday, March 19th

• 1:45pm – Fire Drill
• 2:45pm – Certified Staff Meeting:
• 2024-2025 STAFFING PLAN DUE TO DISTRICT LEADERSHIP BY MIDNIGHT

Wednesday, March 20th

• 1:30pm – Certified Professional Learning in Library: Unpacking UPBEAT Survey Data

Thursday, March 21st

• 11:15am – Rainbow Alliance student meeting in Room 19
• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners”
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings

Friday, March 22nd – COMMUNITY DAY

• 8:40am – Community Day & Awards Assembly
• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners” Drawing

SPRING BREAK!!!

WEEK OF APRIL 1ST-5TH

Monday, April 1st

• District PD day (Schedules above) 

Tuesday, April 2nd

• 2:45pm – Equity & Inclusion Team Meeting

Wednesday, April 3rd

• 11:50am – Fearless Flock Leadership Group
• 12:15pm – Latinx Student Union for 2nd/3rd graders in room 9
• 1:30pm – Certified Professional Learning in Library: Unpacking Inclusive Beliefs Survey Data

Thursday, April 4th

• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners”
• 2:45pm – Grade Level Team Meetings
• 3:35pm – School Site Council

Friday, April 5th

• RELAY FOR LIFE with Kelly Middle School and Yujin Gakuen Elementary
  • 9:00-9:30 Howard and YG Kindergarten + 1st grade
    12:30-1:20 Howard and YG 2nd grade + 3rd grade
    1:25-2:15 Howard and YG 4th grade + 5th grade
• 1:50pm – “Beep! Beep! Winners” Drawing