Eugene School District 4J

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

• Wednesday, Sept. 3: First day of school for kindergartners and students in grades 6 and 9
• Thursday, Sept. 4: First day of school for grades 1–5, 7–8, and 10–12 (all grades attend)

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

• Mark Your Calendar: School begins just after Labor Day and ends in mid-June. See the full calendar for winter break, spring break, and other days when students will be out of school. Our district has adopted a two-year calendar, so you can peek ahead to important dates during the 2026–27 school year, as well. School calendars
   
• Ready for Kindergarten Smart Start: If you have a kindergarten student, familiarize yourself with the staggered start schedule, allowing for smaller classes and time to connect with families. This schedule allows teachers the opportunity to understand your child’s unique strengths as well as their academic and social needs from the very beginning of their K–12 journey. Kindergarten Smart Start schedule
   
• Review School Start & End Times: 4J schools have consistent calendars, schedules, and early release days so that students get enough and equal learning time, families experience consistent school schedules, and staff have coordinated collaboration time. Remember: Early release days are on Wednesdays, including on Sept. 3, the first day of school for kindergartners and students in grades 6 and 9. Your school will provide you with information about its class bell schedule. School start and dismissal schedules
   
• Update Emergency Contacts: Does your school have your current phone number and email address so we can reach you during an emergency and keep you up-to-date about what is happening at school? Be sure to add your cell phone, designated as a mobile number, so you can receive important information via text message. View your contact information and emergency contacts in ParentVUE and contact your child’s school to update, if needed (middle and high school students); or call your child’s school office to check your information and, if needed, update (elementary students). Check information in ParentVUE
   
• Register for ParentSquare: ParentSquare allows you to receive important information and alerts from your student's classroom and school. Registering allows you to set your notification preferences, among many benefits. Remember to register using the email address or cell phone number you provided your school. Register for ParentSquare
   
• Make Your Bus Plan: Use My Ride K-12 to identify your student's bus pickup and drop-off times and locations, get up-to-date route information and more! For instructions on how to register for an account and add your student, visit our website. Students are not automatically registered for bus routes. If you do not see stop times and location through the My Ride K-12 app, please call 541-790-7474 for assistance. And don't forget: All students ride free on Lane Transit District. Get a free LTD bus pass from your school office. School bus eligibility | Register for My Ride K-12 | School bus stops & times | | Students ride free on LTD
   
• Consider Biking or Walking to School: 4J and the city of Eugene encourage families to get to school without driving. Think your elementary student might walk, bike or bus at least some days? Sign up at at this website for free gifts, maps and other support for your active and shared travel! Walking, biking route assistance
   
• Check School Supply Lists: Now's a great time to check the lists found on the school website of your child’s school and purchase the pencils, pens and other classroom supplies. Some 4J schools may ask parents to donate money for school supplies purchased by the school and distributed to classrooms in lieu of a list. Please note: 4J is no longer able to provide free school supplies for elementary school students due to the end of one-time federal funding made available for that purpose. List of school websites
   
• Eat for Free! All 4J students can eat breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2025–26 school year. 4J high school students can stop in for a free and convenient PM Power Up meal after school or while in transit to an after-school activity. Families don’t need to do anything to receive free student meals; there is no sign-up or income verification process. Familes who need an income eligibility certification to qualify for free and reduced fees can request one by contacting their child’s school. School meal menus, allergens, and nutritional information
   
• Get Current on Immunizations: To attend 4J schools, students must have a complete and up-to-date record of vaccination, medical or nonmedical exemption, or immunity documentation for every immunization required for the student’s grade. Vaccines are available at 4J's two school-based health centers as well as at health care providers’ offices, pharmacies, and Lane County Public Health (541-682-4041). NOTE: Oregon is experiencing a measles outbreak. The MMR vaccine is safe and two doses is 97% effective in preventing measles. Immunization information | 4J health centers
   
• Be Safe, Feel Safe, Bookmark SafeOregon: To help students feel safe and be safe, 4J schools are offering the SafeOregon tip line as another way to report any student or school safety concern. The tip line is always open and tips can be submitted anonymously. Submit a tip: Online | Email | Apple iOS app | Android app
   
• Follow Us on Social Media: Get social with 4J—stay on top of what's happening in the school district and see great photos and news from our schools. Facebook | Instagram
   
• Other Questions: Contact us 

We look forward to seeing you and your child very soon!