Dear Monroe Families,

Thank you for a great first week back after Spring Break! The sun has been shining, and it’s been wonderful to see students and staff back together. This week, we focused on resetting, reengaging, and reconnecting in classrooms and across campus after the long break.

As we look ahead, next week is the final week before mid-term grades. Please take time to connect with your student about their progress—check grades in Canvas, review any missing assignments, and encourage them to reach out for support. When in doubt, connecting directly with the teacher is always a great first step.

A huge shout out to our 20+ Student of the Month winners recognized for showing Integrity- doing the right thing when no one is watching. It was great to have so many families there to support—this is what makes Monroe such a special Community. We wrapped up the celebration with a spirited student vs. staff volleyball game…and yes, the staff pulled out the win! 

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Have a great weekend! See below for other relevant updates- have a great weekend…GO MUSTANGS! 

• Site Council Coffee 4/15: Join us for coffee and casual conversation with our school’s Site Council. It’s a chance to stay up to date on what’s happening at school, ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other parents and staff. Together, we’ll talk through school initiatives and ways you can get involved and help as your schedule allows. Hope you can join us starting at 8:15 am, ending at 9:15 am in-person. Free coffee! 

• State Testing: It is that time of year where we are preparing for OSAS state testing. We would like to make you aware that students will be testing from May 4th through May 21st. This year, students will be completing their testing in their respective core classes. Please note that testing is not an all-day event. Students will only test during specific class periods. For example, science tests will take place during their science class period (only 8th grade), ELA tests during their ELA class period (all grades), and math tests during their math class period (all grades). Outside of these testing sessions, students will follow their normal daily schedule and participate in regular class activities. If you would like your child to opt out of testing, you may pick up a form in the front office or visit the 4J website to print out the required sheet. To help your child’s school efficiently plan for the administration of tests, please submit this form to your child’s school at least a week prior to the first day of testing. For students who enroll after the statewide testing window begins, you are encouraged to submit the form within 2 weeks of enrollment. This form is only valid for the current school year. Please also be aware that students who opt out of testing will not be sent to a different location. They will remain in their regular classroom and will be expected to work on any missing assignments. Once they are caught up, they will be provided with an opt-out packet of work to complete during testing times. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Registrar and State Testing Coordinator Sydney Bakos, at bakos_s@4j.lane.edu or at 541-790-6323

• 8th grade Annual Permissions forms: 8th Grade Parents: If you received an email from our registrar, Sydney Bakos, about a missing permission slip for the walking trip to Sheldon, please send it as soon as possible. Starting next week, any students with missing permission slips will be sent home with the form to be filled out. Students can’t attend without one—thanks so much! Please email to bakos_s@4j.lane.edu or turn it into the front office. 

• U of O Volleyball Camp: See HERE. Camp will take place July 20–23 in Matthew Night Arena, and is designed for 3rd–7th grade students of all skill levels. This camp focuses on creating a fun, positive environment where kids can: Learn volleyball fundamentals, Build confidence and teamwork, Stay active and engaged over the summer. Campers will receive instruction from our coaching staff and student-athletes, making it a memorable and inspiring experience for young athletes in our community.

• Parenting virtual groups: see HERE for English and HERE for Spanish versions. Parenting Healthy Preteens FREE virtual groups for parents of 4th – 6th graders. We have a new group starting in a few weeks! We truly appreciate your support in connecting families to resources that promote positive parenting and community engagement.

• 8th Grade End of Year Events & Communication At-a-Glance: see HERE for up to date information about all things 8th grade. It’s a working document so please check it consistently and we’ll communicate directly if key dates change. 

• 8th Grade LifeTouch Photos: On April 14, Lifetouch Photos will be on campus to take the 8th grade panoramic photo as well as individual photos for families and students who would like to order them.  Stay tuned for order information next week.

• STEM Learning Opportunity for 8th graders: Summit Education: 2026 Summer Programs. Summit Education organizes virtual summer programs for high-achieving STEM students. In 2026, students have the opportunity to apply to the following programs: 

• Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF): SSF empowers the next generation of STEM leaders by helping students explore a wide range of STEM fields and career pathways. Students also build leadership and life skills, learning from 50+ mentors from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. The program requires a flexible 10–15 hours per week, allowing students to attend alongside other summer commitments. 

• Summit Research Scholars (SRS): SRS provides students with a comprehensive foundation on how to get started with research. Students learn key research methods and technical skills, including literature review, research design, Python, data science, and statistics, and create their own original research proposal. The program emphasizes applying research to create real-world impact. 

Applications for Summer 2026 programs are now open! Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information, please visit www.summiteducation.org. 

• Nutrition Services: see updated newsletter from our fantastic Nutrition department here . 

• Expectation Reminders: we have been seeing more drinks come into the building the last few weeks. PLEASE help us by not allowing them to bring them to school. If we see drinks we will ask students to finish them out front (in the morning), dump it out, or put it in their locker if not opened. If offenses are repeated we will follow our school discipline process. The only drink allowed during school hours is WATER. Thanks for helping our school stay clean! 

• Sheldon Colleens Dance Team Info Night: Sheldon Colleens will hold an informational meeting on May 19th, 6 pm, in the Sheldon Library.  Meet the coaches, learn about the tryout process, and understand practice commitment to be a part of the program.  This meeting is MANDATORY for students interested in pursuing a spot on the Colleens team.  See flyer for complete information here . 

• K-7 Flag Football: Next Level Sports and the University of Oregon are partnering to offer a great opportunity for a k-7 youth football opportunity.  Starting April 12, they will be hosting Flag Football inside Autzen Stadium and the Moshofsky Center.  This program is meant to be inclusive and fun for all.  Follow this link to learn more!. 

• Ultimate Frisbee: see attached fliers! Contact Eric Rosenfeld, Executive Director of EVU 206.321.0504 | eric@evultimate.org | evultimate.org

• Food for Lane County: community resources HERE. If your family is seeking assistance, reach out to our office directly and we will collaborate to support as our community is able.

Best,

Holly Campbell

Substitute Office Manager 

Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:15

**If you need to reach the secretary desk Monday or Tuesday, please email Stephanie Plascencia, plascencia_s@4j.lane.edu

Stephanie Plascencia

Office Manager 

Monroe Middle School

plascencia_s@4j.lane.edu

Phone: (541)790-6324