Upcoming Events
Thursday, Feb 24th, 6:30-7:30: 1619 Project Book Club (Zoom)
Friday, March 4th: Conference Day. No school for k-5, Regular school day for 6-8
Administrator's Message
Dear Village School Families
With the recent drop in the temperature we are reminded that the first day of Spring is still about four weeks away. We hope all of you can find a way to remain warm. The idea of warmth has multiple meanings. It is not only the physical feeling of warmth but also the good feelings we share with others. It could simply be a wave of one’s hand to a neighbor. Or it could be going that extra mile and providing a home cooked meal for someone that is in need of extra love and kindness.
Let’s continue to find opportunities to share warmth with others. For example, at one of our recent staff meetings at school we opened with a verse. It is a tradition, particularly in the primary and intermediate grades at a Stiener inspired school to start the day with a verse. Here is the verse we used among the staff in attendance. You may find another place to share it and spread warmth.
Verse For America
May our feeling penetrate
To the center-point of our hearts
And seek, in love, to unite itself
With human beings of like goal
And with spirit beings, full of grace,
Who Strengthen us from realms of light
And illuminate our love
While gazing down
On our earnest, heart-felt striving.
Rudolf Steiner, 1923
With warm regards,
Bob, Sue, Shannon and Andy
Job Openings
Open right now: Recess supervisor
(11:40 to 2:00 daily)
Duties: Work in teams of 2-3 staff supervising students on the playground during mid-day recess. Qualifications: Ability to communicate effectively with student volunteers, co-workers and school staff. Proven ability to manage and oversee large groups of children Ability to be on feet 100% of time and move quickly over various terrain. Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs. Willingness to get CPR training Background check required Complete Covid vaccination records Starting Wage: $12.75 - $14.21 Hourly, depending on experience.
Open April 5th: Handwork Assistant
(Mondays: 1:15-2pm) & (Weds: 1:15-2:45pm)
Duties: Assist classroom teacher by working with students individually or in small groups with hand crafts. Qualifications: Experience working with children and adults in a positive manner Knowledge of Waldorf Handwork curriculum including skills in knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch and various other needle work as well as classroom management skills a plus Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs. Willingness to get CPR training Background check required Complete Covid vaccination records Starting Salary Range: $ 13.02 – $14.56 per hour
The Village School Kitchen
Fourth grade student, Gwen, picks up her breakfast bag and looks forward to her photo being on our kitchen collage board which will be updated soon!
1619 Project
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Book Study
The Parent Council is sponsoring a book study of the text The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story created by Nikole Hannah-Jones and the New York Times.
The project which led to the book, sought to reframe the United States history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of the U.S. historical narrative.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 24th, 6:30 to 7:30 PM. It has been proposed there will be six group sessions that will be held every two weeks via zoom. The group will read three chapters in preparation for each meeting. Each chapter is an essay so a person may attend all six sessions consecutively or the sessions their schedule will allow. The goal is to make a welcoming environment for all that want to attend all or in part.
When conditions permit the group will consider when to shift to in-person meetings. A limited supply of the book is available for check out at the school office.
“A Word of Warning” From NY Times Magazine
People interested in participating in the book discussion please consider the following cautionary statement.
There is gruesome material in these stories, material that readers will find disturbing. That is, unfortunately, as it must be. American history cannot be told truthfully without a clear vision of how inhuman and immoral the treatment of black Americans has been. By acknowledging this shameful history, by trying hard to understand its powerful influence on the present, perhaps we can prepare ourselves for a more just future. That is the hope of this project.
Health and safety
NEXT STEPS
The indoor mask requirement and other COVID protocols are still in place and will continue until further notice.
Over the next few weeks our Health and Safety Committee will work with our local health authority to determine the best course of action.
Please continue to reinforce all health and safety protocols. The omicron variant has recently peaked in Lane County. We must keep our guard up so the most vulnerable members of our community remain safe. We want to keep as many students as possible in school.
TIPS FOR FAMILIES
Any changes in mask requirements could lead to increased time away from school due to quarantine and isolation protocols.
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated, speak with your personal physician, if it is right for you, consider using the time between now and March 31 to get vaccinated or boosted.
Maintain health and safety protocols, including wearing masks indoors for now
Keep your students home and tell the school when they are not feeling well, have been exposed to the virus or are positive for COVID.
Test your student if they’ve been exposed or have any symptoms, even mild ones.
Please contact your child’s physician for any specific questions about their health.
Counseling Corner
Cultivating Healthy Habits: Sleep
“Children who get enough sleep have a healthier immune system, and better school performance, behavior, memory, and mental health.” -HealthyChildren.org
Check out this article for healthy sleep habit tips - Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?
March Parent Council Meeting and Heart of the Village
Heart of the Village Postponed
In past years Heart of the Village has been one of our most successful fundraisers, but most importantly, it is one of the key ways that the school is able to come and work together to create an event that showcases the skills and talents of our children and the generosity and contributions of our community.
This year is different, of course, but we would love to discuss ways that we could celebrate while staying safe. If you would like to be a part of this discussion, please send an email to the Parent Council! In the meantime, Heart of the Village has been removed from the calendar. Be sure to change your calendar and keep an open heart and clear eyes while we find a way to put something back on our schedule.
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!
Don't forget to sign in to HelpCounter and report your hours so we can see the amazing contributions from our Village School Families
Monthly LGBTQ+ and Allies Gathering!
Sarah Maxwell and her family are "hosting" a monthly gathering at Tugman park, the first Sunday morning of each month at 10:00 am, at the picnic tables on the Hilyard side of the park. The meetings are open to all LGBTQ families & allies, with the simple mission of just building community.
There is no need to RSVP or commit to bringing anything. Since Village School is continuing to mask outdoors for playtime, our group will be doing the same. Students of all ages and their families are welcome and encouraged to join in! The dates of the gatherings are Sunday, 10:00 am on Mar 6, April 3, May 1, and June 5.
Library News
Thank you to the Village School Parent Council who provided the funds for the library to purchase new books by BIPOC authors.
Here is the list of new additions:
Firebird: How Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird by Misty Copeland and Christopher Meyers
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
JoJo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley
Stuntboy, In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds with drawings by Raúl the Third
The Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen
The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away by Ronald L. Smith
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens
Molly Bautista, VS Librarian
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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