YG Family Newsletter- February 2nd, 2023

Posted Date: 12/12/2023

Takumi Kato- Internationally Renowned Taiko Drummer at YG 

Early this week, YG hosted a world renowned taiko drummer. Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis introduced Takumi Kato and his family who recently moved to the United States with a dream of performing 1,000 times in 50 states across the U.S. in 5 years. Takumi is a prominent professional taiko drumming player who seeks to share the beauty of Japanese Taiko to promote cultural exchange and friendship.

We were honored to host Takumi and his family for this special performance. The Register-Guard reported on this presentation with a short video. If you would like to view the article, click here.

Below our more photos from Takumi’s experience at Yujin Gakuen.

Ryoma, Takumi, Sogen, Kocho Sensei, Yamato, and Izuna.

No School- February 3rd, 2023

Hi YG families! As a reminder, we do not have school tomorrow, February 3rd.

We hope you enjoy the long weekend!

February 14

We recognize that many students look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day, and many schools have a tradition of bringing cards or candy to school to celebrate friendship. For Yujin Gakuen, we are asking parents NOT to purchase anything to bring to school. In order to maintain equity, students will use materials provided by the school, or donations, to celebrate friendship in the classroom. Teachers will reach out to their families if they need anything. If you have any questions, please contact Kocho Sensei at (541) 790-4640.

Electronics Recycling Competition (ERC)

Our school will be participating in an electronics recycling competition! The Lane County schools that recycle the most pounds of “e-waste” will win. E-waste examples include: microwaves, TVs, printers, old cords and cables, cell phones, computers, and audio/visual equipment. Please, no plastic, non-electronic items such as toys or vacuums.

Our donate box will be in the front of school during the week of March 20th – 24th.

Popcorn Fridays

YG is participating in Popcorn Fridays!

It is a quarter per bag, with max 4 bags per student. Teachers will collect money and a total number of bags.

The 5th graders will be collecting the money and the order sheet around 9:00 AM. Popcorn will be delivered to students right before school is out.

Eugene Math Festival 

The University of Oregon is hosting the Eugene Youth Math
Festival on February 25th- organized by Maria Nemirovksaya.
As some of you may know, it’s a half day of problem-solving puzzles and
hands-on math activities, held annually on the UO campus, and it is back this
year after a few years off due to COVID!

If you are interested, here’s the link with more information:

https://blogs.uoregon.edu/mathfestival/

School Choice

School Choice is here for the 2022-2023 school year! 

4J School choice information and program updates are available on the School Choice website at www.4j.lane.edu/schoolchoice.

If you know anyone who would be interested in learning about Yujin Gakuen, please let them know about our tour and meeting schedule. Potential parents and their children are also invited to attend our Oshogatsu event on Thursday, Jan 19th, 5:30-7:30pm.

If you have any questions, please contact Tamar Moyse at schoolchoice@4j.lane.edu or leave a message at 541.790.7553.

Volunteer at Yujin Gakuen

Many of our parents asked what steps they need to take to volunteer at school. Please see the links below or visit the 4J webpage “Volunteer in the Eugene District 4J.”

As a parent or guardian, you may wonder how you can get involved in your child’s education. One great way to do this is by volunteering in the Eugene District 4J schools. Volunteering offers many benefits for both you and your child. It’s a great way to meet other parents and get to know the teachers and staff at your child’s school. It can also be a fun and rewarding way to spend some time with your child.

If you’re interested in volunteering, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll need to complete a background check. You can find more information about this on the 4J website. You’ll also need to complete a mandatory training session. Once you’ve done these things, you’ll be ready to start volunteering.

So why not give it a try? Volunteering is a great. See the links below to get started or visit “Volunteer in the Eugene District 4J.”

Volunteer Application and Guidelines

• Volunteer Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
• Volunteer Application
• About Background Checks for Volunteers

Substitute Job Opportunities for Eugene School District 

Do you know someone who would be interested in subbing for the Eugene School District?

• Click here to search job opening for the Eugene School District!

Wondering About Winter Weather?

How to know if schools are closed or delayed • No news = No change 

Learn More | Text Messages | Staff Info

When winter weather makes conditions hazardous, schools may be closed or delayed or buses may use snow routes. The school district decides early in the morning whether there is a need to change the school schedule or bus routes. These decisions are made districtwide and are the same for every 4J school.

How to find out if there is a change: 

• Text message from the district* (if you are not currently receiving occasional text messages with important information from 4J, learn how)
• Check the district website, www.4j.lane.edu
• Follow 4J on social media: Facebook, Twitter @4Jweather & @4Jschools
• Tune in to local radio and television news stations

If there is a school closure or other change, the school district will announce it before 6:30 a.m. If schools and buses are on their regular schedule, there will NOT be an announcement.

Parents of students who ride school buses that have alternate snow routes have been informed of what to do. Snow route information is available on the snow routes page.

If school is in session, families are encouraged to consider road conditions in their areas and make their own decisions based on safety. Parents’ individual decisions about school attendance will be honored.

*Note: It is impossible to guarantee text message delivery 100% of the time, and it is possible your alert may be delayed or blocked. If you are concerned about the weather and have not received a text alert by 6:30 a.m., check the 4J website, social media, radio or TV for information about closures, delays or snow routes.

• Learn more
• Snow routes
• Information for staff
• Información en español

Virtual Film Screening

WHAT:     Virtual screening of LIKE
WHEN:     February 6-13, 2023
WHERE:   Link to follow
WHO:       4J students, families & staff
MORE INFO: 4j.lane.edu/2022/12/theupstanders/

Eugene School District 4J is pleased to present a virtual screening of the film LIKE. LIKE breaks down why we find social media so irresistible, examines who is controlling whom, and gives viewers the tools to pivot to a more balanced and contented relationship. It features Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, including the co-creator of the ‘LIKE’ button, experts in brain science, and teenagers.

Medical and science experts explain the behavioral changes that come from chemical effects on the brain. But the 49-minute-long LIKE does not leave you with a sense of fear and foreboding. 

The core of the documentary is built around the kids and teens interviewed, and the empathy that they build with their audience as they look honestly at their usage and dependence on these tiny devices, consider the good that can come from and be transmitted via social media and rethink the relationship to one where they are much more aware and in balance.

4J families also have the opportunity to watch the film online. Students are encouraged to watch and have conversations with their parents regarding the topics.

LIKE is the third film in 4J’s four-film series presented this school year to help spur conversations about important social issues faced by today’s youth.

To watch the LIKE trailer and learn more, visit www.thelikemovie.com