Hello Monroe Families!
First and foremost, we are so grateful for the parents who helped honor our incredible classified staff with a beautiful charcuterie board—your kindness and support mean the world to us, in particular Kerry, Brenda, Jill, April and Ben. Also, thanks to all the staff and students that played a key role in helping make it a caring and supportive week for our classified staff with all the signs and pennants that were so well thought out!
A huge shout-out to our amazing band for their outstanding concert performance last night! Their dedication and talent were on full display, and we couldn’t be prouder. We also want to celebrate the students in the school play—your inspiring performance truly captivated the audience and we’re looking forward to the evening showings tonight and tomorrow night (7pm)- thank you to everyone who made these events such a success and Mr. Dillow and Mr. Newbold in particular for leading the way.
As we continue building a strong and focused learning environment, we could use your help reminding students to get to class right away and keep moving in the hallways. Every minute counts, and being on time sets the tone for success. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home. Thank you for all you do to support our Monroe community!
Lastly, In today’s digital age, social media plays a huge role in our children’s lives. As parents, it’s important to set healthy boundaries while staying informed and engaged. Join us for a social media event titled Empowering Parents, Navigating Boundaries & Social Media. We hope you can join us April 16, 6-7 pm @ Monroe (see below for details)
Have a great weekend…GO MUSTANGS!
Join Us for Monroe’s School Play!
Come support our talented Monroe students as they take the stage tonight and tomorrow at 7:00 PM! Doors open at 6:30 PM, so arrive early to grab a great seat.
Admission:
$5 per person
$15 per family
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a fantastic performance and cheer on our amazing students! See you there!
WEB Crew: it’s time to choose the new WEB Crew for 2025-26! This new group will be Monroe's 21st WEB Crew!
WEB stands "Where Everyone Belongs", and is a transition program where 8th graders mentor/guide incoming 6th graders. Interested 7th graders apply in March to be WEB Leaders for next fall (2025), when they will be 8th graders.
Seventh graders will hear more about WEB in their math classes on Thursday, March 6 from this year’s 8th grade WEB Leaders. They can get applications that day in class or from the Main Office.
The real job of WEB Crew is to help make the incoming 6th graders feel connected & comfortable as they join Monroe. On the first day of school, WEB Leaders are in pairs and go through a series of activities with their group of 8-10 6th graders. WEB Crew sets the tone for Monroe school culture to the 6th graders, on day one. Our WEB Leaders also have regular monthly visits doing fun activities with a 6th grade Connect (Advisory) class, to keep the connection going.
WEB Leaders are expected to be "role models" as 8th graders and have cumulative GPAs over 2.0, as well as being compassionate and friendly. They do not have to be “cheerleaders,” but should be able to lead a group of 6th graders, even if they are a little shy. Our hope is to have WEB reflect the diversity of our student body, so this is NOT only about grades, though it plays a part. WEB Leaders will do 2 days (about 10 hours) of training in August (dates TBA), before school starts, to prepare to lead on the 6th graders' first day of school.
Applications will be available starting Thursday, March 6, and require a parent/guardian signature. Applications are due on or before Tuesday, March 18 at 3:50pm. (Sooner is better—we can only choose about 40-45 from a list of as many as 60-100 applicants!)
**The new WEB Crew list will be posted at the end of the day on one of the first days back AFTER Spring Break.
Spirit Week: March 17th - March 21st!
☘️ Monday – Sheldon Irish Spirit Day (Wear green, shamrocks, or anything festive!)
😴 Tuesday – Pajama Day (Comfy and cozy all day!)
🧢👕👖Wednesday – Monochromatic Day (Dress head-to-toe in one color!)
🎤 Thursday – Dress Like a Celebrity (Channel your inner star!)
👯 Friday – Twin Day (Match with a friend!)
Coffee w/ the Principal: coffee with the Principal March 12th, 8:30 AM! Informal and casual setting to check-in before winter break! Free coffee provided!
Art & Music in the Courtyard: We take great pride in providing a warm, welcoming, and caring environment for our students, as well as robust opportunities for students to discover their passions, and develop into thriving high school students. Art and Music have become vital and distinct parts of our school’s DNA. Often, it is Art and Music that keep students engaged and excited about learning and being at school each day. Sometimes, these classes are the only thing that keeps a student coming to school at all. The Arts provide a place to foster creativity, express emotions, and explore individuality, creating strong and well rounded community members. Many students find a sense of belonging in Art and Music, which is such a vital part of navigating adolescence.
With demands and opportunities like art supplies, instrument repairs, music festivals and competitions, the need is always greater than the available finances. Funding these programs well and equitably, at a school where 47% of our student population qualify for free-reduced lunch, is a perpetual challenge; a challenge, together we can overcome. Additionally, Monroe is the second largest middle school in 4J (500+ students) and each year over 50% of our students are enrolled in our Art and Music programs!
We are excited to share an incredible opportunity to partner with our upcoming Art & Music in the Courtyard event, which will be held on May 30, 2025. This event brings together our community to celebrate the arts and raise vital funds for three important causes:
Music Program – Funds will help purchase and repair instruments, provide necessary equipment such as stands and sheet music, and support field trips for band competitions.
Art Program – Donations will help us acquire supplies, curriculum materials, and fund enriching field trips for our students.
Families in Crisis – We provide support to students and families in need by offering clothing, shoes, food, gift cards, and assistance with rent or utilities.
Our goal this year is to raise $15,000, and we believe that, with your support, we can make this vision a reality. Your business can participate by:
Becoming an Event Sponsor: Sponsorship opportunities range from Bronze ($250), Silver ($500), Gold ($1,000) and Platinum ($5000). Sponsors will receive recognition in our event promotions, social media, and at the event itself.
Donating Silent Auction Items: We are seeking gift baskets, products, services, or other contributions for our silent auction.
By contributing, your business will not only make a lasting impact on our students and families but also receive recognition as a valued supporter of our Monroe community.
We would love the opportunity to collaborate with you to make this event a success. Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back and support the arts, education, and families in need. We truly appreciate your generosity and partnership- reach out with questions!
I Love U Guys Practice Drill: we will have a SECURE drill at the end of FLEX on Tuesday at 9:26 am. A few reminders we will be sharing with all students:
Connect Lessons: see HERE for the great content we’ll be covering next week!
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: students are able to sign up for track until March 21st!
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!
Music: March is Music In Our Schools Month! Please join me in celebrating the 40th annual Music In Our Schools Month! Every March, school music programs highlight the lasting positive impact of music education on the academic, personal, and professional growth of students here in Oregon. Music education has the power to shape the way our students understand themselves and the world around them. Here at Monroe we are so lucky to have Mr. Dillow leading our music program and inspiring our students through music every day! I encourage everyone in the Monroe community to reflect on how music has impacted their lives and celebrate Music In Our Schools Month throughout March!
Empowering Parents, Navigating Boundaries & Social Media: Explore valuable insights into navigating the digital world with your children, learning practical tips for healthy online boundaries, understanding the impact of social media on young minds, and discovering strategies for guiding responsible digital choices. Join us for a concise presentation by Ophelia's Place that equips you to foster a positive digital experience for your child.
WHEN: Wednesday April 16, 6-7 pm
WHERE: Monroe Middle School, 2800 Bailey Lane Eugene, OR 97401
HOW: RSVP HERE preferred but can also just show up!
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
Student Drop Off: Please let your students know that once they are dropped off ON CAMPUS/IN THE PARKING LOT, they cannot leave campus to get food, drinks, etc. It’s our responsibility to supervise them once they are here to ensure their safety. As a family you can make arrangements about this off campus as needed if they are seeking to get food or drinks in the morning with peers.
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
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