Upcoming Events
Tuesday, November 17th, 6:30 - 8:00 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (Zoom)
Wednesday, November 18th - Wednesday, December 2nd - Statewide Freeze (See Principal's Message)
Wednesday, November 18th - 5:30-7:30 PM - Board Meeting (Zoom)
Thursday, November 19th, 5:30 - 6:30/7:00 pm - Parent Council Meeting (Date changed to Thursday!) (Zoom)
Tuesday, November 24th, 6:30-7:00 pm - Principal Tea
Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27 2020 - Thanksgiving
Tuesday, December 1st - 6:30-7:00 - Principal Tea
Wednesday, December 16th - Parent Council Meeting
Monday, December 21, 2020: Winter Break Begins
2020/2021 Calendar (Please see the end of this post for more details)
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
There are a few things I want to celebrate even during the Statewide Freeze that Governor Brown put in place for all citizens last Friday, and takes effect for many businesses this Wednesday, November 18, and extends to at least December 2. Governor’s press release, Here.
First, we will continue our Comprehensive Distance Learning program as usual. As I have said many times, we long for the day to meet face-to-face on campus, and yet it is worthy to note the effort the teaching, kitchen, and office staff have made to offer the best educational experience, good food, and community support during this pandemic. Also, contacting the school office by telephone, email or appointment takes on a new sense of urgency. This is how we’ve been operating but now it is even more critical to reduce face-to-face meetings. They can occur by appointment only for critical issues that can’t be handled by phone or online.
Second, our staff and parent community have made it a priority to study and learn about important issues for our time. One committee brings research and activities on the subject of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to our staff on a regular basis. Another committee, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), studies anti-racist curriculum materials and all matters of inclusion and delivers their findings to our school community. These are both works-in-progress and will follow a cycle of continuous improvement. Our school community may be required to meet remotely, but we are taking this opportunity to fill our time when not managing the school or teaching students or connecting with parents to do research and development in critical areas.
Here are upcoming evening events they may be of interest:
There is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee meeting this Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 - 8:00 PM (Zoom). Interested in attending? Please send an email to Becky and me.
Our board meeting is Wednesday, November 18, beginning at 5:30 PM (Zoom). The school community is invited and there is always a place on the agenda for public comment.
The next Parent Council meeting is Thursday, November 19, 5:30 - 6:30/7:00 PM (Zoom).
The involvement of our school community to reach common goals is obvious. I am grateful for the quality of work and attention to critical issues our staff and parents bring to our school. We may be physically restricted in movement, but we are active in exercising our ability to research, analyze, and expand upon our shared values at The Village School.
Sincerely,
Bob Kaminski
Principal
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
Greeting Village School Families!
Today we received a delivery of 1,300 pounds of organic green cabbage from Camas Swale. Farmer Jonah let us know that he planted this variety specifically for kraut making. So let's make some sauerkraut, shall we? Village School Parent and Nutritional Health Coach, Meg Orion, will be offering an on-line workshop for Village School families this Saturday at 10:00. Learn to make your own kraut at home! Children are encouraged to attend. Watch for the invitation link in your weekly kitchen email. We will also post a link for the class on the Village Vine.
From Sweet Leaf we received one of their specialty crops - yacón. Yacón is a perennial tuber from South America which looks like a potato, grows like a Jerusalem artichoke, and tastes a bit like a pear. We look forward to hearing how your children like them.
Make your children (or have them make you) a special treat this week with this dessert recommended by Hazel (4th grade) and Miles (7th grade) using foods from their food bags: Vanilla Bourbon Bread Pudding Hazel and Miles used maple syrup instead of sugar and soaked the raisins in water instead of bourbon. Yum!
Toña Aguilar The Village School Eugene, Oregon w - 541-345-7285 c - 541-510-8604 taguilar@eugenevillageschool.org
Parent Council
Parent Council will be having our third meeting of the school year at 5:30 on Thursday, November 19 (The date has been changed). 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 19 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 to 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
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-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
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