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Eugene School District 4J

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Administrators' Memo Home

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    As we move through the school year, ongoing events and challenges continue to impact our students, staff, and communities.

    These external pressures can find their way into our schools, making it more important than ever to foster safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments.

    When difficult situations arise, we must be prepared to respond with care and clarity. A joint team of educational leaders from across Lane County has developed a resource to support district leaders and staff in addressing issues that affect our ability to create and maintain positive learning spaces.

    This guide reinforces the principle that harm is defined by its impact, not intent. By prioritizing the experiences of those affected, school leaders can more effectively address and mitigate harm, fostering a more understanding and supportive environment.



     

    1. The Full Guidance: Creating Safe, Inclusive and Welcoming Learning Spaces in times of Societal Change
    2. A Quick Guide for District and Building Administrators
    3. Creating Safe, Inclusive & Welcoming Learning Spaces

Administrators' Memo

Dear Colleagues,

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate all that you have done to support our students, families, and each other. This memo serves as an important touchpoint to provide updates and clarity as we continue refining and implementing policies that impact our work.

Our hope is to establish a rhythm where this Administrators’ Memo is sent at both the beginning of the school year and again in mid-February. As we engage in ongoing reviews and revisions of policies and administrative regulations, we recognize that mid-year updates are essential to ensuring you have the information you need to implement these changes effectively. Many of our policies are evolving to better align with our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success. This mid-year memo is an opportunity to keep everyone informed and supported as we move forward together.

For those of you who have been part of 4J for many years, we hope this time of year brings a sense of familiarity—a return to what you know, where you feel confident in your work and supported by those around you.

For those of you who are newer to the district, we hope this message provides clarity, encouragement, and a deeper connection to the 4J Way—our collective commitment to supporting every student, every colleague, and every family with intentionality and care.

Thank you for all you are doing. Every day, your actions, words, and interactions convey to our students and colleagues that they are valued and cared for. When we hold students to high expectations, they must also feel—without question—that they are loved, that they belong, and that they are cherished in our schools and programs.

Each of us in 4J carries the incredible responsibility to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where our students and staff can reach their dreams. This work is profound. It is meaningful. And we are grateful you have chosen to be part of it.

Reclaiming the 4J Way

Many of us have heard the term 4J Way before. At times, it has been used to describe frustrations—slow responses, unclear decisions, bureaucratic hurdles. But let’s not define ourselves by challenges. Instead, let’s reclaim the 4J Way as the best of who we are and who we strive to be:

  • We are student-centered. Every decision we make considers the greater good for every student.
  • We surround one another with love. For our students, for each other, and for the community we call home.
  • We enter every space with care and curiosity. This allows us to move toward hope, solutions, and continuous improvement.
  • We are weathermakers. We don’t accept storms of negativity or doubt—we set the climate of trust, optimism, and resilience. Even when we don’t have all the details about a decision or event, let’s trust in one another’s best intentions. Let’s lead with hope.
  • We lift each other up and serve as critical friends. Instead of confronting one another, we carefront—offering support and challenge in equal measure, because we believe in one another and in our shared mission.

As members of the 4J family, let’s continue reclaiming the 4J Way. The ideas above are just the start—each of us can add our own intentions and commitments. Together, we will bring this to life in our schools, for our students, and in our community. And it will make a difference.

Thank you for serving with us. Thank you for choosing 4J.

Finally, this memo includes important updates for you, as well as critical information to share with staff, students, and families as we continue to implement evolving policies and administrative rules. Please take the time to review these updates carefully.

With deep appreciation,

(Name or title)