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Writer's pictureChrissy Barry

Village Voice - Volume 22, Issue 2

Updated: Sep 16, 2022


Upcoming Events

  • Wednesday, September 14th, 5:30pm Parent Council Meeting (Zoom)

  • Wednesday, September 21st, All School Meeting at the Village School! (Please mark your calendars for this!)

 

Administrator's Message


Greetings Village School Community!!


We’re off with a spark and a whizz!


We were so excited for the first day of school this year. So much has gone into creating & resetting spaces, decluttering, learning new roles, and reorganizing. It has been truly inspiring to see all the teachers and support staff showing up, organizing picnics and work parties, writing emails, planning, asking questions, getting ready, and finally welcoming the students back. There’s not really anything like the feeling of pride from being a part of a dedicated team and working toward the meaningful goal of helping young people become the best that they can be.


This week contained a lot of great events for Village School students. To name a couple, Sarah Lewenburg and Denise Huebner organized a fantastic “Recess and Building Rodeo,” in which teaching and support staff (Dan Cordova, Logan Flores, Frédérique Chateau, Meridith Kidder, Sally Grimsrud, Rebecca Macemon, Brett Jacobs, Molly Bautista, Chrissy Barry, Jennifer Sellers, Tristin Beach, and us, Roz and Shannon-what a crew!) re-introduced students to the three school wide rules-Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful. You will be seeing signs up around the school with these rules and more area specific expectations in the coming weeks.


Next, Toña, the kitchen staff, and volunteers pulled off the first lunch of the 2022/2023 school year in grand style. Greek pasta salad replete with basil and tomatoes, and a world famous salad bar. We’ve missed that salad bar and fabulous lunches over the last few months!


Last, we all watched as the eighth grade class welcomed their first grade buddies into the beginning of their eight year cycle through the Village School grades. Always such a sweet celebration, this year was no different. Cheers to everyone who made this possible! Welcome, first graders and families.


Also, a special shout out to Molly Bautista, whose library was torn asunder as the carpets were replaced. She’s been methodically reorganizing and re-cataloguing hundreds of books in preparation for classes to return to their scheduled library hours. Thank you, Molly.


A few reminders to parents from admin:


  • The Free and Reduced meal application. Actually this can be done online:

This application requires your student's 4J district ID#, and which we emailed to everyone. We need all families to return this form. The number of families that qualify under the federal income threshold is keyed directly to the amount of funding we receive to retain Title I staff. They are indispensable in providing reading and math support and are part of our cadre of caring educators on campus. Please fill out this application, even if you think you don’t qualify. If you do not qualify for free meals, payments can be made in the office or at schoolpaymentportal.com

  • Volunteer & Parent Support Survey – We want to know your interests! Lending a hand will be different this year: ALL are welcome to volunteer. Please turn in proof of vaccination or a vaccine exemption form in the office prior to volunteering.

  • Supply Fee -- The supply fee is important to help provide the unique materials our students use in their school work.

  • After School Education Program -- Please see the description below for this fall's complimentary offerings.

  • All School Meeting -- Wednesday, September 21st at 5:00 pm is our All School Meeting (Back to School night). We are asking that all family members attend. Free childcare will be provided. Please gather in the Commons at 5:00pm to meet staff, get to know one another, and to kick off our first whole school meeting!


Lastly, we’d like to apologize for the challenges with the online free and reduced application and the online meal payment system snafu this week. Be reassured, we are working with the system provider and will hopefully have this up and running very soon.


We are so excited to be back!



 

Rose Ceremony


On Friday we held our Rose Ceremony, which is a beloved tradition in which 8th Graders welcome the incoming 1st Graders with a rose, and walk together under the rainbow bridge. All of the grades were present to observe this heartwarming ceremony, along with family members and staff, and there were more than a few misty eyes in the audience.



 


Free Covid Testing


The first day to turn in voluntary Covid tests will be the morning of 9/13 (Tuesday). If you have kits, please bring your tests in and drop them off with our wonderful volunteers Katie and David in front of the Office.


You can still sign up for Free Opt-in Testing through U of O and OHA!

The Village School has joined other schools in a program that makes weekly testing available to our students! U of O has partnered with Oregon Health Authority to provide free, voluntary COVID-19 testing kits to children attending participating K-12 schools.


Use the link below to opt-in:




 


 

Health and Safety Announcement



August 17, 2022

Revised quarantine and isolation guidelines for Village School

  1. If a STUDENT or VOLUNTEER tests positive for Covid, regardless of vaccination status: Isolate for 10 days. Return to school on day 11 if symptoms are resolved, and fever-free for 24 hours without medication. No testing required.

  2. If a STAFF MEMBER tests positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status: Isolate for 5 days and return to work on day 6 with 2 consecutive negative tests, and wear a mask at all times until day 11. Or, isolate for 10 days and return to work on day 11 without testing.

  3. If a STUDENT, STAFF or VOLUNTEER is exposed to Covid outside of the home regardless of vaccination status: Advise family to watch for symptoms. Strongly recommend that student or staff member masks for 10 days after exposure and test for COVID 5-7 days after exposure.

  4. If a STUDENT, STAFF or VOLUNTEER is exposed to Covid within the household, regardless of vaccination status: The exposed student or staff member quarantines during the first 5 days of the infected family member. Return to school/work on day 6 if symptom free. Required rapid testing at school on days 6 through 10. Strongly recommend that the student or staff member wear a mask on days 6 through 10.

 


Village School Guests & Volunteer Vaccination Protocol

Fall 2022


This year, everyone is welcome and encouraged to volunteer on campus, regardless of vaccination status.


Our health and safety policy for volunteers is as follows:

  1. Volunteers who are vaccinated against Covid-19 must have a copy of their vaccination card on file in the office.

  2. Volunteers who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 must fill out an exemption available in the office or here: MEDICAl exemption form or RELIGIOUS exemption form.

  3. Volunteer protocol must be followed for all school organized activities, including any off-campus field trips that are planned and sponsored by the school.

 

Volunteering is Back!


As we work toward reuniting our Village School community, more opportunities to volunteer are coming up! Be sure to watch your email, the Village Voice and the Village Vine for messages from Parent Council, your class coordinator, your child's teacher and the Village School Kitchen, to see the volunteer needs that are coming up for you to enjoy.


One of the ways to contribute to our school community is by attending Parent Council Meetings! Our first meeting of the school year is on Wednesday, September 14th at 5:30 PM. We are still holding these meetings by Zoom so they are easy to attend (even while making dinner or folding laundry) and every parent and guardian's voice is valued in decisions about what Parent Council funds are used for, events that are held and collaborations with departments and teachers at the Village School!


Don't forget to sign in to HelpCounter and report your hours so we can see the amazing contributions from our Village School Families

 

How to keep children safe during

Drop off and pick up at

The Village School


*We require students in grades K-3 to be walked to their classroom door by a parent or guardian. Parking is available on 35th ave, Glen Oak Dr, Knob Hill Ln, and Donald St.


If you’d like to drop off your 4th-8th grade student please follow these guidelines:


1. Approach the school from Donald Street. This reduces two way traffic on 35th Ave.

2. Use Drop-Off zone for Drop off only. (At the curb near the stairs leading to the school)

3. Always park in the correct direction and on the correct side of the street.

4. Do not park on the wrong side of the street. Do not stop cars in the middle of the street.

5. Have children exit on Curb side of car, not the street side

6. Please say your “goodbyes” before you stop and avoid lingering



 

The Village Kitchen

Greetings from The Village School Kitchen!


It has been so lovely to see all the shining faces of students and staff again! We also had the pleasure of reconnecting with some of our favorite farmers and local delivery folk as we began filling our walk-in cooler, freezer and pantry shelves with lots of yummy goodness. Blueberries from Upriver Organics, radishes, parsley and cilantro from Horton Road Farm, salsa from De Casa, extra virgin olive oil and Oregon grown black beans from Hummingbird Wholesale and beautiful heirloom tomatoes donated by a Village School family's farm. Thank you Ryan and Flora for sharing your bountiful harvest!

Many children and even a parent showed up for our sit down breakfast in the Commons last week. Breakfast is served from 8:00-8:20 every school day. If your child arrives after the first bell they must go directly to class first so they are not tardy. If they need food they can let their teacher know and we will take care of them. We will always provide food to every child that is hungry! If you would like to sit and eat breakfast with your child, please swing by the office first to purchase a breakfast ticket. We do not take money in the cafeteria. If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please check in with their teacher first and also purchase a lunch ticket in the office. If you have any questions about our unique food service program or would like to be a part of our fun kitchen scene by volunteering with us, please reach out to me at: taguilar@eugenevillageschool.org or 541-510-860 Warmly, Toña Aguilar

September Breakfast and Lunch Menus are now available to view!


 


Free and Reduced Lunch

Please Check and See If You Qualify!


The new free and reduced lunch income requirements have been significantly expanded so please apply, even if you think you may not qualify!


If you have not yet done so, take a moment to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Our school’s Title I funding is based on the number of qualified households we have, so it is crucial that everyone see if they qualify. If you do not qualify for free meals, payments can be made in the office or at schoolpaymentportal.com.


If you qualify via direct certification (ie, food stamps), you should have received a letter confirming eligibility for free meals. Please let us know if you have not received this letter.


Contact Tristin in the office for details at office@eugenvillageschool.org


 

Staff Spotlight

Betsy Priddle - Title I Instructional Assistant


Title I-A is a Federal educational program that offers extra support to students in Math and Reading. We are lucky to have several amazing staff members who are here for our students, including Betsy!


Betsy was born and raised in Canada, and then left the generous rain of Vancouver to move to the Pacific Northwest when she fell in love with the ocean, sunshine, and mountains of Oregon. She received degrees in both Chemistry and English before pursuing a degree in teaching. She also has a PhD in Self Esteem and Reading Achievement! Early in her career, Betsy worked at the Moss Street Children's Center with young children, and found she truly enjoyed this work. She taught upper elementary and middle school students for 6 years, and came to the Village School after a long stint at Creslane Elementary School in Creswell, running the Title I Reading Program.


Betsy's passion is helping children who need extra support in Reading, which is her area of expertise. She adores working at the Village School, as it is a school where every child who needs help gets it. She says it is also a beautiful place to be in general, with incredible staff, a stellar Title I team, plus a fantastic healthy lunch program, which the staff get to enjoy alongside the students.


Some fun facts to know about Betsy is that she was an avid scuba diver for years, and is passionate about the ocean. She also lives a life that is steeped in music, connecting with her children, walking, and as a current Board member of the Kutsinhira Cultural Group, which brings Zimbabwean Marimba and Mbira music to Eugene. Kutsinhira Center rents a space here at the Village School!


We're so lucky to have her warmth, and welcoming personality at the Village School.




 

Parent Council


The first Parent Council Meeting of the year will be on September 14th at 5:30pm!

Please join us and send questions and ideas to parentcouncil@eugenevillageschool.org.


The notes from past meetings can be found here.


Every Village School parent and guardian is a part of Parent Council - The Virtual Parent Council Meetings are open to all parents and guardians on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

You can also engage with Village School families on the Parent Council Facebook page, The Village Vine!



 

All School Meeting


Back-To-School Night is Wednesday, September 21

We are asking that all family members attend. Free childcare will be provided starting 5:00pm. Please gather in the Commons to meet staff, get to know one another, and to kick off our first whole school meeting!


**Please pay special attention to the times for different meetings**


The schedule is as follows:


5:00-5:55 - 3rd, 4th, 5th grade meetings, held in each classroom

6:00-6:45 - All School Meeting for parents of all grade levels, held in the Commons

6:45-7:45 - 6th, 7th, 8th grade meetings, held in each classroom

**Childcare is provided starting at 5:00**


 


After School Enrichment


The Village School

After School Enrichment Program

Fall 2022 [September 26th - December 9th]


Dear Village School Families,


We are pleased to announce that the Village School will be offering the first 10 week session of complimentary after-school enrichment classes beginning the week of September 26 through December 9 for grades 1 - 8. Class size is limited to 12 students so please fill out the registration form as soon as possible to ensure a position.


Please click the following link and fill out one form for each Village School child in your family that is interested in attending the After School Enrichment Program. https://forms.gle/3XqziUcymyAXWY2F6

Please contact Rachel Burk-Bayer bayer@eugenevillageschool.org if you are unable to access the form on-line.


Enrichment classes offered:

  • Nature Yoga and Theater/ Cara Bryton - Grades 1-5, Mondays, 3:15 - 4:15 (Library) Join Ms. Cara (past Kindergarten assistant teacher at Village School) for "Nature Yoga and Theater" class using the Children's Animal cards we will explore poses, movement, art and play to create a short story to be shared at the end of the session. Children with the desire to use their imagination are encouraged to sign up!

  • Ceramics / Donica Beath-Bigongiari - Grades 3- 8, Tuesdays 3 & 4, Wednesdays 5 & 6, Thursdays 7 & 8, select one day only. 3:15 - 4:30 (Spanish Room) In the Ceramics class students will explore hand building techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab; as well as using wooden, plaster, or paper moulds, and Sgraffito. Students will have the opportunity to make pots, cups, tiles, shakers, monsters, and sculpture.

  • Bookbinding - Printmaking / Frederique Chateau - Grades 6 - 8, Wednesdays, 3:15- 4:45 (6th grade class) Get ready to make fabulous one of a kind prints and showcase them into your own handmade books! This creative class will introduce students to several forms of printmaking, including carving and reduction techniques for block printing, stamping using found objects and recyclables, and cyanotype printing. Using traditional bookbinding techniques, the students will then design and stitch their own journal and make an accordion fold book to showcase their prints. Each class will offer a journey for the artists to experiment with new techniques and materials, explore the various elements of art and composition, and cultivate their artistic expression.

  • Seeing, Feeling and Reimagining/ Frederique Chateau - Grades 1 & 2, Thursdays 3:15- 4:45 (6th grade class) This 10-week workshop offers a journey for students to cultivate their unique artistic expression through new ways of seeing and expressing the world around them. The young artists will explore the building blocks of art (shapes, lines, colors, values and textures) and a variety of techniques using different art mediums such as paint, pastels, pencils and paper collage. The beginning of class will include a quick art history introduction of a famous artist or art movement and their work. We will also have a chance to explore seasonal themes as a source of inspiration. Art can get messy and students are encouraged to dress appropriately.

  • Marimba: Taught by Chris Halaska. Enrollment is by invitation only. If you are invited to participate and would like to join please fill out the registration form.

  • Bricks, Machines, and Computers/ Dan Cordova - Grades 6 - 8, Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:30 (Basement/Computer Lab) Motivated participants in Bricks, Machines and Computers will ground their ideas, push back on limits and invent machines using the power of Lego Mindstorms and the creativity that is grown in a collaborative environment.

  • Fun With Music / Jennifer Sellers - Grades 1 & 2, Fridays, 3:15 - 4:15 (Music Room) Join Ms Sellers after school on Thursdays to explore rhythm, movement and melody in our new “Fun with Music” offering! We will play an assortment of instruments, sing and dance and learn!


Important Information:

  1. Please fill out an enrollment form for all Village School students in your family that want to participate in the After School Enrichment Program.

  2. Class size is limited to 12 students and may be subject to lottery. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

  3. We will notify you prior to the first class meeting whether your child has been accepted into the desired class(es), or placed on the waitlist, through email, or text message provided on the registration form. Please respond when you receive the notification to confirm your child’s enrollment.

  4. We require commitment to active participation. Attendance is required. More than one absence may result in removal from the class.

  5. Programs are funded by grants from the Oregon Department of Education.


Follow this link to register: https://forms.gle/u493nnhtJJnv8XZe7

Follow this link for a schedule: ASEP Fall Schedule 2022


Questions:

The registration form has a box for questions; however, feel free to direct questions to Rachel Burk-Bayer at bayer@eugenevillageschool.org, or call or text (805) 975-7778.



 

Help Wanted


Substitute Teacher & Substitute Educational Assistant


Duties: Serve as substitute teacher or substitute classroom assistant.

Qualifications: Experience working with groups of children. Knowledge of Waldorf curriculum a plus.

Teachers require Valid Oregon Teaching License:

[Main lesson (K-8), Movement/PE, Spanish, Music, Handwork]

Instructional Assistant (BA and fingerprint background check required) Willingness to get CPR training Background check required Complete Covid vaccination records Salary Range: $24 per hour for Teachers, $15 - $18 per hour for Assistants

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Benefits include our healthy lunch service, PERS coverage.




Kitchen Assistants

Duties: Serve as a part time FTE Kitchen Assistant, working 3 - 5 days per week.

Qualifications: Knowledge of basic sanitary guidelines.

Knowledge of basic dish washing machine operations.

Ability to communicate effectively with student volunteers, co-workers, and school staff.

Requires standing or walking, 100% of the time.

Occasional environmental exposures to cold, heat, water.

Must be able to transport 35 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds on occasion.

Requires a current Oregon Food Handler's card and a current finger print based, Background Check.

Wage: $15 per hour

Schedule: 10 - 15 hours per week from Monday - Friday, 164 days per year from Sept - June.




Contracted Nurse for Diabetes Care

The Village School is hoping to contract with a nurse agency for lunchtime diabetes support. Please call (541) 345-7285 for more information.

 


LTD Passes Available!


The Village School has worked with 4j and LTD to make touchpasses available to Village School students!


Fill out the form below to sign up and provide permission for your Village School student to have a card. Then come into the office to have a card assigned to your child!



If you have a child that does not attend Village School, please contact their school to see if they have touchpasses available for students. We are only able to provide passes to Village School Students.



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