Upcoming Events
Administrator's Message
Dear Village School Families,
We have two important messages for you, one from a global perspective and another from a local perspective.
Eastern Europe
We are sure you’re aware of the conflicts in Eastern Europe. Although those events are occurring halfway around the world, they may have ripple effects on our community.
Families with relations in Ukraine or Russia may be worried for loved ones’ safety.
Families with loved ones in the U.S. military may be anxious about what lies ahead.
Families with prior exposure to war may experience increased stress or anxiety
We hold all those impacted in our thoughts. Please know that our teachers and staff stand ready to offer support to our students. If you have any questions about how to talk to your children about scary or unsettling matters, please consider these resources:
A succinct one page from Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at St. Vincent College, Talking with children about difficult things in the news
A piece from NPR, What to say to kids when the news is scary
From the Child Mind Institute, Helping children cope with frightening news
Health and Safety Committee
Our second important item is The Village School Health and Safety Committee has worked tirelessly on a safety message in three parts:
New Village School Covid protocols effective March 7, 2022,
Frequently asked questions, and
Health and Safety Committee Guidelines.
Please see the article immediately below.
We are thankful for the grace and kindness shared by members of our school community as we support one another during these times of rapidly changing health conditions as well as the difficult times some of us are experiencing directly or indirectly. With careful, deliberate steps we are slowly increasing the level of interpersonal activities for our students and families. We always stand ready to lend a helping hand. Send us an email, or if you prefer, make a direct phone call to a school administrator.
With warm regards,
Bob, Sue, Shannon and Andy
Announcement from the Health and Safety Committee
As a school, we want to ensure the safety and wellness of our students and staff. We prioritize equity in making decisions. We place a high value on creating the conditions where students may attend in-person learning with as few disruptions to the rhythm of their day as possible. We are dedicated to allowing our students to play, learn, and enjoy being with their peers. We are taking measured steps to resume the activities that make The Village School unique, such as festivals, field trips and parent meetings. Together we will gradually reconnect those interpersonal relationships and reestablish those in-person meetings and school wide celebrations.
Updated Village School Protocols, Effective March 7, 2022
Please keep in mind that while the State is lifting the mask mandate as of March 12, 2022, schools are still allowed to make their own local decisions on health and safety matters. At times our decisions may be more conservative than what is mandated by state or county authorities, but our mitigation policies can never be less restrictive.
Beginning March 7th, masks will be optional during outdoor recess and outdoor structured learning activities for all students and staff. *Please note: Anyone (regardless of vaccination status) who has been infected or exposed must wear a well-fitting mask around others, including outdoors, during the 10 days after initial exposure, positive test, or symptom onset.
Children will be allowed to play, learn, and socialize without distancing restrictions, both indoors and outdoors, except in cases of very close contact. (For example, a knot of children climbing together, creating a huddle and other close contacts of multiple children)
There will be no change to mask requirements for parents/guardians at drop off and pick up times. Please continue to wear a mask on campus at all times.
There will be no changes to our indoor masking policy at this time, for students, staff, volunteers, and families.
There will be no changes to snack and lunch protocol. Students will eat snack outdoors and should remain stationary and 6’ apart while eating. Lunch seating arrangements will stay the same. Kindergarten will continue eating outdoors with 4-6’ of distance between students.
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
Grades 4/5 Teacher (for 2022-23)
Qualifications: Either Valid Oregon Teaching License or Waldorf Teacher Certificate
Minimum Bachelor’s Degree
Demonstrated ability to interact with children and adults in a positive manner
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Commitment to arts-integrated education and familiarity with Waldorf education
Willingness to get CPR training
Willingness to attend Waldorf education trainings
Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs
Salary Range: $41,653 - $64,011, depending on experience and education. Additional variable compensation included. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, PERS and defined contribution pension, and lunch from our healthy kitchen.
The Village School Kitchen
Our kitchen's chimichurri is always a popular addition to our wonderful meals!
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, March 10th, 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.
Drums for the Music Program
Big thank you to Jon Bilenki for the generous loan of a drum kit for the Village School music program! Our students can't wait to get a chance to make some noise!
March Parent Council Meeting
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
Sewing Enrichment
Sewing enrichment students show off their projects!
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.
