Hello Families!

We hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. These are unprecended times in our school community .... in the world. As you are aware Governor Brown cancelled all K-12 schools through March 31st. The plan in the Eugene 4J School District is for students to return to our schools on Wednesday, April 1st. I will attempt to keep you posted with information, opportunities and community resources through this Family Newsletter and on our Facebook page.

Twin Oaks Food Pantry: We have a Food Pantry at Twin Oaks. The Twin Oaks Christian Church donated bags and bags of food earlier in the school year. The food they donated is kid friendly. There is no reason for us to store this food if our families have a need. We will be opening the pantry on Wednesday, March 18th from 11:00-1:00 in the school cafeteria. If we have food left, we will open the pantry next week as well. Please share this information with others.

Spring Cleaning - Many of us are preparing to do some "Spring Cleaning". Please consider donating children and/or youth sized sweats and leggings. Our students often need a change of clothing. At this time our supply is very small.

Wanted: Kid/Youth Books: If your family has an opportunity to sort through your bookshelves during this break from school, Twin Oaks will gladly accept all children/youth books you would be willing to donate. We will be filling our Free Little Library as well as free libraries throughout our community during these days that children are not at school. Please drop off books in the bin by the front door of the school. You can also email taylor_d@4j.lane.edu for pick-up. Encourage your child to read everyday!

Best regards,

Ms. Denisa Taylor

Dear 4J families,

We want to share some important information regarding the statewide school closure from March 16–31 and how it will impact 4J students. We understand the hardship this school closure will be for many families, especially those who rely on their schools for meals and a safe place for children to be during the day, as well as for education. To help ease the strain, the district is offering free meals to-go from several sites and our school-based health centers will remain open next week.

School Meals

Free grab-and-go meals will be available for all students and youth 18 and younger at several sites across the district next week. Families can choose the location that is most convenient for them, regardless of where they live or attend school.

Student Healthcare

School-based health centers at Churchill and North Eugene high schools will be open next week to provide healthcare to 4J students. The health centers can bill private insurance and the Oregon Health Plan, and will also provide treatment for those unable to afford medical care. Please call the clinics to schedule appointments. Churchill: 541-790-5227 • North Eugene: 541-790-4445

Mental Health & Social Services

HOOTS (Helping Out Our Teens in Schools), a community partner that provides mobile crisis response support to 4J and other high schools, will offer mental health support by phone for high school students, families and staff while schools are closed. Staff are able to provide short-term counseling, resource referrals and Oregon Health Plan signup. Available weekdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at 541-246-2342.

The White Bird Crisis Line will continue to be accessible 24/7 by phone at 541-687-4000. 15th Night will also be continuing to offer support and resources for unhoused youth and those working with them via phone and text at 541-246-4046. Many other social services in the area are also working on providing phone or virtual services.

School Activities and Events Canceled

Teaching and learning: The district has created a task force to develop plans for potential student distance learning in the event of an extended school closure. We are not implementing distance learning during the school closure in March.

Parent meetings: Parent meetings scheduled during the school closure, including IEP meetings and conference calls, will be rescheduled.

Athletics: Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has suspended all athletics and activities effective immediately.

4J facility use: All facility use by student activities and outside groups is halted, including childcare programs.

Self Care and Prevention

During the break, we encourage everyone in our community to follow recommended practices by washing hands frequently, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, staying home when sick, and avoiding large gatherings. Higher-risk individuals—people over 60 and those with pre-existing cardio, respiratory and immune conditions—are especially urged to avoid large gatherings, limit close contact, keep away from others who are sick, and take other precautions.

People experiencing fever, flu or cold symptoms should stay at home until well after they are symptom-free without the use of medication. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.

Other Resources

Coronavirus COVID-19 information:
• Eugene School District 4J (4J)
• Lane County Public Health (LCPH)
• Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Coronavirus COVID-19 questions:
• Lane County Call Center — call 541-682-1380
• Oregon 211 — call 211 or text 898211

Resources for financially impacted families:
• Unemployment Benefits and COVID-19
• EWEB Customer Care
• NW Natural Customer Care
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Food for Lane County — Food Pantry Sites

Managing stress and talking with children about coronavirus:
• Talking to Children About Coronavirus COVID-19 (NASP/NASN)
• Talking With Children About Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMHSA)
• Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMHSA)

Next Steps

We will continue to monitor this dynamic public health situation and provide updates during this extended break. We all hope this closure will be successful in helping to combat the coronavirus. We look forward to being able to return to school with our students and staff healthy and ready for learning. Thank you for your support and understanding during this challenging time for our schools and our community.

IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

ACTUALIZACIÓN IMPORTANTE DE CORONAVIRUS
Si prefiere información en español, favor de ver este pagina web.

Eugene School District 4J • 200 N. Monroe St. • Eugene, OR 97402 • USA • www.4j.lane.edu

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