4J MESSAGE RE: SCHOOL CLOSURE 3/17/2020

A message to parents and guardians from Eugene School District 4J

ACTUALIZACIÓN IMPORTANTE DE CORONAVIRUS
ESCUELAS CERRADAS HASTA EL 28 DE ABRIL
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IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 

Oregon Schools Closed Through April 28

Dear 4J families,

This evening, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced an extension of the statewide school closure to help prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.

The Governor’s new order means that schools will be closed for students for six weeks, until April 28, unless the closure is extended or lifted by the Governor.

This news, while surprising, is a possibility that our district has been preparing for since before the initial closure order last week. District-level teams are working to develop plans to enable our 4J teachers to provide supplemental instruction to all students equitably and accessibly. In the meantime, in the coming days we will share some optional learning resources and supports available for families.

We know that this is a trying time and that the closure of our schools is a tremendous challenge for families. We are making some immediate changes to help families and to support staff and community health during this extended closure: 4J schools and offices are closed to the public and staff are working remotely. Free meals will continue to be provided during spring break and beyond.
Schools and District Office Closed

Eugene School District 4J schools and district offices are closed to the public until further notice. We appreciate your understanding as we adjust to these unprecedented changes and seek to support our students’, families’ and community’s health and well-being.

School Meals Available During Spring Break

Free grab-and-go meals will continue to be provided during the extended closure, including next week, during the scheduled spring break. Breakfast and lunch are available to-go for all students and all youth 18 and younger at several sites across the district. Families are invited to choose the location that is most convenient for you, regardless of where you live or attend school.

When: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where:
• Arts & Technology Academy, 1650 West 22nd Ave.
• Awbrey Park Elementary School, 158 Spring Creek Dr.
• ECCO, 200 N. Monroe St.
• Holt Elementary School, 770 Calvin St.
• Howard Elementary School, 700 Howard Ave.
• South Eugene High School, 400 East 19th Ave. (in back, by cafeteria)

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.

For 4J students experiencing mental health concerns and needing support, mental health services are available at 4J school-based health centers, 541-790-5227 (closed during spring break) or Lane County Behavioral Health, 541-682-7253.

For students in immediate crisis, resources available 24/7 include:

15th Night is also offering 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 providing phone or virtual services.
Student Healthcare

School-based health centers at Churchill and North Eugene high schools are open through Friday to provide healthcare to 4J students. (They will be closed for spring break.) The clinics 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

Self Care and Prevention

Public health recommendations include washing hands frequently, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, keeping away from people who are sick, and avoiding gatherings. People with higher risk of serious complications—people over 60 and those with pre-existing cardio, respiratory and immune conditions—are especially urged to stay home and take other precautions.

People experiencing fever, flu or cold symptoms should stay at home until 3 days after they are symptom-free without the use of medication. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider.

Helpful suggestions for talking to children and youth about coronavirus COVID-19 have been provided by the National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses.


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
• Comcast Internet Essentials (free or low-cost internet access)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Food for Lane County (food pantry sites and information)

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)

 

Coronavirus Information

 

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