Hello Monroe Families!

I hope you’re all enjoying this amazing weather—it’s starting to feel like spring in Oregon! With the sunshine and warmer days, there’s an extra boost of energy around campus and the key is harnessing positivity. As we move through the week, let’s keep encouraging positivity, kindness, and school pride. 

As we head into Classified Appreciation Week (March 3-7), at Monroe we’re lucky to have 20 incredible classified staff members who are true all-stars! They are the MVPs of our school—showing up every day with dedication, teamwork, and a winning attitude. Whether they’re making sure our hallways and classrooms are game-day ready, serving up fuel for our students in the cafeteria, assisting with tech, or keeping everything running behind the scenes, they bring their A-game to support our school community. This week, let’s give them the championship recognition they deserve—high fives, shoutouts, and maybe even a victory lap of appreciation! You can honor them signing up HERE. Also, for those on social media you can see HERE. 

Have a great weekend…GO MUSTANGS! 

Golden Apple Awards: SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION! Nominate a valued 4J employee or volunteer for our annual Golden Apple Awards at 4j.lane.edu/goldenapple.

Who do you appreciate? An inspiring teacher? An encouraging classified employee? An administrator who leads by example? An amazing volunteer who gives their all? Now is the time to recognize their contributions. Employees also can be nominated for the new Apple Seed award for early-career staff, the Lifetime Achievement award or the 4J Spotlight award (for individuals or teams). Submit a nomination by March 23. And please help spread the word! 4j.lane.edu/goldenapple

April 11/18 change: grading day has been moved from April 18th to April 11th (no school). See updated at-a-glance calendar HERE. 

Track and Field at Monroe: this is a great opportunity to join 120+ students every year at Monroe! We have an amazing team coached by skilled and awesome coaches! Please see a few details below and we will follow-up with more communication next week:

• See link HERE to register. 

• See the LINK  for the Sports-Pre Participation Examination (including Physical Examination form for those that need it as having an updated Physical on file is REQUIRED as they are good for 2 years). 

• Pay the $100 participation fee separately through SchoolPay which is linked here. Or please reach out about the track participation waivers! We do not want fees to get in the way of anyone participating.

• Email Stephanie at plascencia_s@4j.lane.edu with questions as she is our Track Coordinator. 

• Track practices will begin Monday, March 3, and will take place Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 5:20 PM during the season(Wednesday practices will take place from 3:00 PM - 4:20 PM).

Parent and Family Survey: Please take a few minutes to complete our Parent and Family Survey—your insights help us create the best possible experience for our students and families.  Thank you for being such a valuable part of our school community!

Screen Sense: NEW! Internet Safety Video Series. As part of our district's ongoing commitment to student safety and well-being, we’re excited to introduce SCREEN SENSE—a five-part video series created in partnership with the University of Oregon. The 3-minute videos are designed to help families navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and support safe, healthy internet use for school-aged children. Watch the series: 4j.lane.edu/internetsafety

 Topics:

 Online Risks

 Healthy Online Relationships

 Healthy Internet Use

 Cyberbullying

 Digital Contracts

While adults are the intended audience for this video series, they are appropriate for all ages.

Min Yasui Student Art Contest: The 2025 Minoru Yasui Student Contest is an art contest for youth in grades 5th – 12th. Students can express their thoughts about the prompt in a visual art piece and artist's statement. Submission Deadline: March 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Guidelines: https://www.minoruyasuilegacy.org/student-contest-requirements

2025 Theme: Human Rights Activism that Inspires

ELA Family Survey, New Curriculum: please take a moment to provide feedback on the new English Language Arts curriculum. Your feedback is so valuable! 

Riverview Center for Growth: see the link HERE for more information on Youth Peer and Family Peer Support available. This is available to 4J students and/or caregivers who need support with school attendance and engagement. Help is provided to meet individual goals and there are opportunities for collaborative problem solving within families through a 6 week course (meals provided). Reach out to the school directly or the individuals on the flier linked above. 

Free Collaborative Problem Solving classes for 4J families are starting soon!  

Parents can register here: bit.ly/4j-rcg

Space is limited! All are welcome! 

Some spaces are reserved for families or caregivers of youth who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness. 

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6-Week In-Person Class:

Location: Sheldon High School

Time: Dinner at 6:00PM, Class from 6:30PM to 8:00PM 

First Class: Wednesday, March 12th

No class: During Spring Break on March 26th

Last class: Wednesday, April 23rd

Incentives: Gift cards for attendance:

     Week 3: $25 gift card for attending weeks 1-3

     Week 6: $75 gift card for attending weeks 1-6

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6-Week On-Line 4J Class:

Location: Online Zoom meeting 

Time: Class from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

First Class: Wednesday, April 16th

Last class: Wednesday, May 21st

Food/Incentives: Gift cards will be emailed or mailed after each class attended. 

     Weeks 2-6: Food gift card delivered before class

     Week 3: $25 gift card for attending weeks 1-3

     Week 6: $75 gift card for attending weeks 1-6

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What is Collaborative Problem Solving? 

Collaborative Problem Solving (C.P.S.) is an evidence-based method for addressing parenting challenges and managing behaviors. This approach is non-punitive, emphasizes collaboration, builds essential skills, and strengthens relationships. 

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/cpsbasics

Best,

Stephanie Plascencia

Office Manager 

Monroe Middle School

perez_s@4j.lane.edu

Phone: (541)790-6324