Upcoming Events
Sun, November 8th - Virtual Día de los Muertos Ofrenda went live online (go look!)
Tuesday, November 10th - 6:30-7:00 pm - Principal Tea (Zoom)
Wednesday, November 11th - No School, Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 17th, 6:30 - 8:00 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Wednesday, November 18th, 5:30 - 6:30/7:00 pm - Parent Council Meeting (Zoom)
Tuesday, November 24th, 6:30-7:00 pm - Principal Tea
Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27 2020 - Thanksgiving
2020/2021 Calendar (Please see the end of this post for more details)
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope you had a pleasant weekend. The crisp and clear fall weather is perfect for taking a walk by oneself or with a small group of family and friends.
Here at The Village School one of our favorite holidays to celebrate is Dia de los Muertos. It has come and gone, but you can still enjoy the virtual ofrenda. Under the guidance of Maestra Sarah members of our school community contributed photos and words about the people (and some pets) that were dear and important to them. Even if you didn’t contribute to this ofrenda it is heartwarming to watch and it only takes four minutes.
Speaking of the holidays be sure to take extra caution and be certain to follow all the protocols even when you are with your closest friends and family. The spread of COVID-19 is on the rise and this is happening most often when people gather together and don’t follow the safety protocols. Here is a link to Governor Brown’s recommended choices on how to manage our behavior when gathering for the holidays. Together we can act properly to reduce the spread in Lane County.
Another holiday this week is Veteran’s Day. There is no school on Wednesday, November 11. As a nation we can take a day to honor members of all branches of the military that have served, whether in time of war or peace.
Lastly, our school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee will hold its first evening meeting on November 17, 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Please send a message to Becky and me if you are interested in joining this committee.
Stay healthy and thank you for all that you do to keep our school community healthy and vibrant.
Principal, Bob Kaminski
Village School Needs a Licensed Contractor
As reported last Spring, we completed several painting improvements to hallways, the Commons and the Gym. This Fall, we are working on upgrading the heating system in the lower wing and the roofing to the breezeways. The new roofing will include skylights to brighten the dark outdoor walkways.
We also are working on getting permits approved for the Howard Ingber Outdoor Classroom that was part of our Annual Giving Campaign a few years back. At this stage, we are looking to find a licensed contractor to oversee the construction. It would be ideal, though not mandatory, if this contractor can work with volunteers because several handy folks have expressed interest in helping out. If you are interested in bidding on the project, or know someone who is, please contact Andy Peara: apeara@eugenevillageschool.org. He can share the plans and answer any questions.
Village School Kitchen News
Our kitchen assistant, Señor Oso, was excited to see his friend Farmer Tom make a delivery to our school today. Tom owns and runs SLO Farm which is close to Mt. Pisgah. SLO stands for Seasonal, Local and Organic, three important qualities to consider in your food choices when possible! Today Tom delivered jars of his apple blackberry sauce. We hope you all enjoy this special treat in your food bags this week.
Toña Aguilar The Village School Eugene, Oregon w - 541-345-7285 c - 541-510-8604 taguilar@eugenevillageschool.org
Dia De Los Muertos!
Thanks to Maestra Sarah for pulling together a slide show and video of remembrances of departed loved ones and beloved pets submitted by our students.
Check out the video here! and slideshow (below)
Our beautiful 2019 Village School Dia del los Muertos ofrenda.
Parent Council
Parent Council will be having our second meeting of the school year on Wednesday, November 18. Please send questions and ideas about the current school year and how we can support our school community to parentcouncil@eugenevillageschool.org.
Zoom link:
The notes from our last meeting can be found here.
Our focus for the November 18 meeting will be 3 points:
1. How to build community and engagement through CDL time.
2. The mental health of our middle schoolers.
3. Examining the needs of the elementary grades.
Every Village School parent and guardian is a part of Parent Council - you do not have to be a class representative to attend meetings or to contribute ideas. Every parent is invited to Parent Council meetings when they occur. We hope you will soon be able to come meet with other caring and committed parents who want to share ideas, build our school community, and contribute to the vitality, growth, and evolution of OUR VILLAGE SCHOOL!
Engage with us on Facebook!
The Village Vine is a collective community forum for the Parent Council which includes all families of the Village School. This is a place for sharing information regarding our school and respectful discussion in support of our children and in support of each other as parents. This is a space to connect and build OUR VILLAGE community. There are some new and adjusted guidelines that will be posted in the group so be sure to make sure to check those out! Please feel welcome to post and share in that spirit. We are currently looking for Moderators and an Admin who can help support the rules and guidelines of the Village Vine. Click the link to be added to our group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/thevillagevine
Social Emotional Support
Self-Regulation is an important skill for children and adults alike! This list is aimed at students in a live classroom but can be adjusted to help children who find themselves upset, sad, or unfocused during their zoom classes and during other activities at home. Maybe even adjust things like "ask a teacher for a class responsibility" to helping a parent with a job around the house! That benefits everyone!
Ophelia's Place Fall 2020 Online Activities & Workshops
Ophelia’s Place is excited to share that our activities and workshops for girls and girl-identified youth ages 10-18 are accessible online! All OP activities are run on Zoom, and facilitated by OP staff and volunteers. When you register, you will receive the meeting link and information you need to join. All events are free of charge, but donations are welcome.
Orientations are required for all girls participating in Ophelia’s Place activities. Orientations are with both a girl and her guardian, and must be completed prior to service. To register for an activity or book an orientation, call at 541-284-4333 or email info@opheliasplace.net.
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, and turn it into the office. Extra copies are available in the office.
Part of 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 received a direct certification letter from the school district that lists your student(s) eligibility, please turn that into the office instead of the free and reduced lunch application.
Contact Tristin in the office for details at office@eugenvillageschool.org
Free Comcast Internet Essentials - RULE CHANGE
The Village School is partnering with Comcast to provide 6 months of free Internet Essentials services to Village School families that
qualify for free and reduced lunches under federal guidelines,
live in an area served by Comcast
Previously, you could not be an existing Comcast/Xfinity customer, but this condition has been lifted.
Please contact support@eugenevillageschool.org for more information.
Another resource that might be helpful to families is free cell phone service (for those who qualify). It is called Lifeline phone service through Assurance Wireless. Those who qualify will receive a free Android smartphone that can text, access the internet, etc. There is no charge for the phone or service. https://www.assurancewireless.com/lifeline-services/states/oregon-lifeline-free-government-phone-service
Supply Contribution Forms
Be sure to get your supply contributions to Tristin soon! This contribution covers art supplies and other class needs that every student enjoys. If you are able to contribute more than the suggested $80 amount it will go a long way toward providing supplies for all Village School children.
Supply Contribution Form. You also can make your contribution online here
Calendar
Please check the full calendar for the dates for future events. We have updated the calendar through the end of the 2020-21 school year. Due to the delayed start, Winter break starts later than usual, and that the Monday after Spring break is a school day.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020 Veterans Day (No school)
Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27 2020: Thanksgiving
Monday, December 21, 2020: Winter Break Begins
Tuesday, January 5, 2021: School Resumes
Monday, January 18, 2021: MLK Day (No school)
Monday, February 15, 2021: Presidents Day (No school)
Tuesday, February 16, 2021: Grading Day (No school)
Friday, March 5, 2021: Grades K-5 Conferences (Regular schedule for grades 6-8)
Monday, March 22, 2021: Spring Break
Monday, April 5, 2021: School Resumes
Friday, May 7, 2021: No School - Prof Development Day (No School)
Monday, May 31, 2021: No School - Memorial Day (No School)
Thursday, June 17, 2021: 1/2 Day Last Day
