Upcoming Events
Tuesday, February 21st, 5:30pm, Board Meeting in Library
Thursday, February 23rd, 6:00pm, 4th Grade Play
Friday, February 24th, Middle School Dance
Thursday, March 2nd, 5:30pm, Author's Night
Friday, March 3rd, No School
Monday, March 6th, No School for K - 5 (Conferences), Regular Schedule 6 - 8
Thursday, March 9th, Diversity, Equity, Belonging Presentation by Dion C. Jordan
Administrator's Message
Greetings Village School Community!
Here we are, the end of February and spring is in sight…but not quite here yet! The February doldrums or winter blues are a real thing, caused by shifts in our circadian rhythms as shorter days and less sun shines on us. This can cause us to feel a little less motivated or a little blue as the winter wears on. One way to combat this is to get outside in the morning and let some natural light fall on your face. Andrew Huberman says that “Viewing sunlight in the morning causes ~50% increase in circulating cortisol, epinephrine and dopamine. These leverage healthy increases in energy, immune system function and mood.” Cortisol often gets a bad rap these days as a stress hormone that we want no part of, but in reality, cortisol serves many purposes– it helps us feel energized and alert, helps support metabolism, helps us manage inflammation, and more. It’s only in times of overproduction that cortisol causes more harm than good. A small dose of cortisol, epinephrine, and dopamine in the morning can get you feeling more motivated and energized for the upcoming day.
Another benefit of getting up and letting the sun shine on your face in the morning and getting energized is that you might get to school a little earlier! We’ve been noticing a little spike of tardy students and wanted to remind you all that the second bell rings at 8:25am. If your student is not in the classroom by the second bell, you (or they) will need to stop in the office for a pass to class, even if the classroom door is still open. Pressing the teacher by squeaking through in the seconds after the bell rings becomes stressful, so please be mindful of that and stop by the office when you hear the second bell.
We appreciate you and stay warm these next few days!!
Sincerely,
Roz, Shannon, and Andy
Annual Giving Campaign
Improve Theater Facilities at The Village School We are approaching the end of February and are looking to raise funds for the new screen projector and sound board. We have purchased the new wireless stage microphones, installed the new stage lights, and in a few weeks, the new blinds. The most expensive items, the new screen and projector, are awaiting more donations. We hope you will join us in our efforts to Improve Theater Facilities at The Village School.
We have raised just over $4,000 towards our campaign of $20,000. We are already seeing some great improvements for your experience in our theater. Please help us take the final few steps to complete the campaign!
Donations may be made in the office or at ANNUALGIVING.US
Winter Weather
As the colder, winter weather continues, here is some information on how Village School will let families know about closures or delays.
When hazardous weather is a concern, decisions regarding schedule changes are made in the early morning, before school, when current weather conditions can be assessed. Village School follows the district (4J) when making decisions, although there may be instances where we will declare a closure, even if 4J does not.
How To Find Out: If there is a change in the school schedule, it will be announced through our school phone message system, normally before 6:30 a.m.
Delayed Starts and Early Dismissal: The district generally will avoid delayed starts and early dismissal due to weather. However, it is possible that unpredictable or sudden weather conditions will require such a decision to be made. Delayed start times will not alter school dismissal times.
Parent Choice: On any day when inclement weather is a concern and school is in session, families are encouraged to consider road conditions in their areas and make their own decisions based on safety. Please call your school if your child will be absent. Parents’ individual decisions about school attendance for this reason will be honored.
If you are concerned about the weather and have not received a phone call by 6:30 a.m., check the 4J website, radio or TV for information about closures, delays or snow routes.
Middle School Dance
Author's Night
On Thursday, March 2nd the Village School will be having Author's Night. This will be a Title sponsored, grades 1-5 event. We will have a pizza supper along with a 20 minute, all-ages presentation by Merrill Watrous, before dispersing to the classrooms to listen to the young authors read their masterpieces. We are in need of 6 volunteers to help Toña serve pizza, and to assist with clean up. Please reach out to chrissy@eugenevillageschool.org if you are available and interested. Thank you!
Counselor's Corner
For the next few months the Counseling Corner will focus on the different strengths that students will explore in the Sources of Strength curriculum. Today’s focus is on Generosity.
Generosity can look a lot of different ways. Acts of kindness towards others and ourselves both big and small, can positively impact how we feel about ourselves.
Village School students get to practice generosity throughout the year. The whole school participates in the Walk-a-Thon where they are raising money for various organizations in our community. On May Day the younger grades spread joy in our neighborhood by placing flowers on peoples doors. These are a few of the many things students do to practice generosity.
Ask your child who they were kind to today or who was kind to them.
Volunteering!
Village School families are asked to contribute and record at least 40 hours of volunteer work at the school each year, and single parent households are asked to contribute 20 hours. It is this support that allows us to offer such strong programs with limited financial resources. We also welcome grandparents and other relatives to volunteer in your place!
More opportunities to volunteer are coming up! Be sure to watch your email, the Village Voice and the Village Vine for messages from Parent Council, your class coordinator, your child's teacher and the Village School Kitchen, to see the volunteer needs that are coming up for you to enjoy.
If you haven't filled out your volunteer paperwork yet, please stop by the office to pick up a packet.
Another way to contribute to our school community is by attending Parent Council Meetings! Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March14th at 5:30 PM. We are still holding these meetings by Zoom so they are easy to attend (even while making dinner or folding laundry) and every parent and guardian's voice is valued in decisions about what Parent Council funds are used for, events that are held and collaborations with departments and teachers at the Village School!
We adore our volunteers! Village School would not be what it is without you. Thank you so much for making Village School the incredible community it is!
Don't forget to sign in to HelpCounter and report your hours so we can see the amazing contributions from our Village School Families. If you
Health Reminders
It has come to our attention that some children have been coming to school sick. Please take a look at the poster below to see what our current policies are. Thank you.
February Menus
3rd Grade Happenings
3rd graders had a full and exciting week, presenting their shelter projects to the school and families, enjoying a cozy pajama day, and working on OBOB!
Shelter Projects
PJ Day
OBOB
4th Grade Happenings
4th grade has been very busy rehearsing for their upcoming play!
On a sunny morning, some students had an impromptu and delightful rehearsal outside. The play will be based on Norse mythology, and they will have two showings--one for the whole school, and one for friends and family on Thursday at 6:00pm.
Student Book Recommendation
Written by Sagan, fourth grade
Book title: The Magic Treehouse: Midnight on the Moon by Mary Pope Osborne
This book is a (genre): fantasy
Why I liked this book: It is exciting and informative.
Summary: A brother, age 8 and sister, age 7 go to the moon to look for a mouse constellation.
Village School Lunch Diaries
Sandwich Day
Yumm Bowl Day
Parent Council
The next Parent Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 14th at 5:30pm!
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!
Community Bulletin Board
Nisse’s Dream is the story of a young man named Nisse who must retrieve his family’s stolen cow from Neem the Queen and her greedy pack of bumbling trolls. On his journey he finds friendship and encouragement from a loyal dog, a pompous bear, and a magical blue witch who just happens to be his mother in disguise. Complete with magic tricks and a “troll ballet” Nisse’s Dream is a delightful addition to the world of children’s music and theater..
Performances at the Richard E. Wildish Theater
February 24, 25 at 7 p.m.
February 25, 26 at 2 p.m.
