In this message:
• Face Coverings: Update on face masks at school, sports and events 
• Provide Input: Survey on needs, priorities for federal funding open until May 31
• Vaccine Clinics: COVID shots available at no cost each Wednesday & Friday
• ACE Awards: Celebrate outstanding educators in virtual ceremony June 3
• Get Involved: Job openings, upcoming events and more 

Update on Face Masks at School

Students and staff will continue wearing face masks during school hours for remaining days of the year • Masks are now optional in some circumstances like outdoor high school sports and graduation  

Dear 4J families, 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have released new guidance regarding face coverings for schools and school-related activities. The changes allow school districts to opt to loosen some requirements at sports activities, outdoor events, and for fully vaccinated adults when students are not present. ODE and OHA have been clear that individual school districts may continue to require masks universally at all times.

After careful consideration, Eugene School District 4J will be loosening some face covering requirements, under certain circumstances. 

There is no change for students during the school day. 

Students will continue wearing face masks during the school day, both indoors and outdoors, including during recess, PE, arrival and dismissal times. 

With school ending in three weeks, each cohort of students has just a few more school days on-site. Staying the course with face masks during outdoor activities provides our students and staff with needed consistency and predictability, and the least amount of disruption to learn and adapt to new protocols in the limited time remaining. 

Our district has also had few COVID-positive cases and virtually no school spread with face masks and other health and safety measures in place. We want to finish the school year strong and healthy. 

There are changes for high school sports outside the school day. 

• Outdoor sports and events outside the school day: Face masks are now optional for all participants, including student athletes, coaches, spectators. This also applies to events such as high school graduation ceremonies. All physical distancing and capacity restrictions still apply, until there is a change in state rules on these measures. 

• Indoor sports outside the school day: Face masks are optional for student athletes and coaches who are fully vaccinated and have verified their vaccination status. Face masks remain required for all spectators, and for any athletes and staff who have not provided proof of full vaccination status. 

There are changes for staff only when they are not around students.

School staff will continue wearing masks around students during the school day, indoors and outdoors. Starting next week, face masks will be optional for staff working outdoors only when no students are present, and indoors only when no students are present and the staff member has been verified to be fully vaccinated. 

People are considered to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving their second vaccine dose. 

Everyone—students, families and staff—should feel comfortable and welcome to continue wearing masks in circumstances where it is optional, such as graduation ceremonies. Please be courteous and respectful of others and their choices in these circumstances. Thank you for your continued support.

Federal Funding Priorities Survey Due May 31

Input on ESSER funding invited from families, staff, community 

Eugene School District 4J expects to receive additional federal funding and wants your input on the best ways to use it to support students as we recover from the pandemic.

The district is grateful to be eligible for these one-time funds to invest in critical areas to help students safely return to school on-site five days a week in the fall, and to address our schools’ and students’ needs emerging from the pandemic.

Parents, students, staff and community members are invited to provide input on needs and priorities for this temporary funding. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts on this investment in our students’ learning and well-being.

Vaccines Available By Appointment & Walk-in

COVID vaccines for anyone age 12+ every Wednesday and Friday

All Oregonians age 12 and older are now eligible to get a free COVID-19 vaccine. Getting vaccinated is a voluntary and vital opportunity to support the health of our families, schools and community.

4J is hosting Lane County Public Health to provide vaccine clinics at 4J schools, open to students, families, staff and other community members. Advance appointments are available, or community members can drop in to get their shot.

When: Every Friday, 4–6 p.m.
Where: North Eugene High School Glass Lounge, 200 Silver Lane

Appointment or walk-in: While appointments are encouraged and will reduce wait times, walk-ins also are welcome at LCPH vaccine clinics.

Parent consent: Youth under age 15 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian or bring a signed consent form.

Make an Appointment • Consent Form • More Information

2021 ACE Awards Ceremony to Honor 4J Staff

Award nominees will be honored and champions named on June 3

Eugene School District 4J staff make a difference in the lives of students every day. In a show of immense appreciation, a record 180 outstanding employees have been nominated by parents, students and colleagues for the 2021 ACE Awards.

Champions will be named in three categories: teacher or licensed specialist, classified employee, and administrator or supervisor. Each champion will receive a $250 grant from the Eugene Education Foundation for the 4J school or program of their choice.

Please join us on Thursday, June 3, at 6 p.m., as we celebrate all of the ACE nominees and name the champions with a live audience—from a distance.

ACE Awards Ceremony
Thursday, June 3 at 6 p.m.
Watch live on facebook.com/4Jschools