Team Keeps Protective Eye on 4J Schools
4J’s team of campus safety monitors continue to keep a protective eye on 4J schools as the program nears the end of its fifth school year.
Two safety monitors are assigned to all the schools in each of 4J’s four high school regions: Churchill, North Eugene, Sheldon and South Eugene. They as well as a lead daytime safety monitor stay busy throughout the school day, monitoring hallways, cafeterias and playgrounds; helping administrators enforce school rules, including the recently enacted “bell-to-bell” student cell phone ban; and serving as mediators to help resolve disputes among students. Safety monitors also assist law enforcement with investigations and serve as first responders when schools activate the district’s incident response protocol.
Many students are as familiar with the safety monitors as they are with their teachers. Outfitted in their dark blue polo shirts and baseball caps, they maintain a regular and steadying presence in hallways and on the grounds throughout the school day.
“What truly stands out is their balance of kindness and firmness,” said Leila Schuck, administrator for the Fox Hollow campus. “They approach students with care and understanding while maintaining clear expectations, which contributes greatly to a positive and safe campus environment.”
A critical job of safety monitors is to build positive relationships with students that pays dividends both for academic success and school safety. Familiarity with students who need extra encouragement can help monitors usher them to class. Familiarity with a monitor can help students who need someone to turn to if they observe or hear concerning behaviors or potential threats.
Guy Okili Da Graca, a safety monitor for the Churchill region since the program started, said that relationship-building starts with something as simple as learning the student’s name.
“Calling them by name means a lot to them, it makes them feel valued, recognized and it simply strengthens relationships,” he said. “The secret is to find the right balance between love and accountability.”
The safety monitor program emerged after 4J ended its contract with the Eugene Police Department, which for years had staffed sworn police officers at schools. In June 2020, the school board voted not to renew the district’s contract with EPD, a decision that came in the midst of nationwide protests against police brutality.
The first safety monitors began working at schools at the start of the 2021-22 school year. They are certified through the state as unarmed private security professionals and must maintain certifications for automated de-escalation training, external defibrillators, CPR, first aid and suicide intervention.
Brian Young, principal at Cal Young Middle School, said the safety monitors assigned to his school, Jen Ewing and Will Rogers, provide vital supervision and support of students.
“Their positive attitudes and willingness to support in any way possible makes working with them an honor and pleasure,” he said.