Oregon schools closing for rest of March • 4J providing grab-and-go meals March 16–20

Our city, our state and much of the world are now dealing with an unprecedented public health crisis. Since the COVID-19 coronavirus first emerged in the U.S. and then in Oregon, Eugene School District 4J has made preventative changes and kept our schools open and healthy for as long as recommended by state and local public health authorities. That recommendation has now changed.

All 4J schools will close beginning Monday, March 16, a week before our scheduled spring break, at the request of Oregon Governor Kate Brown. Schools plan to resume classes on Wednesday, April 1. Friday, March 13 is already scheduled as a staff work day when 4J students are not in school.

“This is a trying time for our community,” Governor Brown says, “and I am reluctant to increase the burden on families who are already struggling to adapt to and stay healthy during this crisis. However, we are left with little choice in light of school districts’ staff capacity and operational concerns. I want to thank all of the teachers and school employees who have worked hard to keep our schools open until now.”

Schools provide vital support to our communities and this closure will have a major impact on our families. Because of this, we do not take this decision lightly. Extending spring break will be a hardship for many families who rely on their schools for meals and a safe place for children to be during the day, as well as for education.

Free grab-and-go meals available to youth 18 years of age and under.

Dates: Monday–Friday, March 16–20 (plan in development for March 30–31)

Hours: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Locations:

– Arts & Technology Academy, 1650 West 22nd Ave. (by the gym)

– Awbrey Park Elementary School, 158 Spring Creek Dr. (back cafeteria door)

– ECCO, 200 N. Monroe St. (lobby)

– Holt Elementary School, 770 Calvin St. (cafeteria door)

– Howard Elementary School, 700 Howard Ave. (front door)

– South Eugene High School, 400 East 19th Ave. (cafeteria door)

available to youth 18 years of age and under. Monday–Friday, March 16–20 (plan in development for March 30–31) 11 a.m.–12 p.m. – Arts & Technology Academy, 1650 West 22nd Ave. (by the gym) – Awbrey Park Elementary School, 158 Spring Creek Dr. (back cafeteria door) – ECCO, 200 N. Monroe St. (lobby) – Holt Elementary School, 770 Calvin St. (cafeteria door) – Howard Elementary School, 700 Howard Ave. (front door) – South Eugene High School, 400 East 19th Ave. (cafeteria door) Childcare providers that are located on school campuses will not be open during the school closure.

This is a temporary closure and we will not be providing distance learning at this time.

There are many decisions yet to be made, including whether these days will be made up at the end of the school year or by other schedule changes.

During the break, we encourage everyone in our community to follow recommended practices by avoiding large gatherings, washing hands frequently, and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing. Those experiencing fever, flu or cold symptoms should stay at home until well after they are symptom-free without the use of medication. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult with your healthcare provider.

We will continue to monitor this very dynamic public health situation and will provide updates during this extended break. We look forward to being able to return to our normal school routine, with our students and staff healthy and ready for learning.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this challenging time for our schools and our community.

Learn more

Read the news release from the Oregon Department of Education

More information about coronavirus COVID-19