Good Evening Jefferson Families,

The Jefferson School District Board of Directors, in an effort to address recent budget concerns expressed by the State of Oregon as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, approved four (4) furlough days for district staff through the end of the school year. These furlough days will take place one day each week through the end of the school year, beginning May 22nd. While the elementary and middle schools will take their day on Fridays, the high school will be adjusting its dates based on graduation preparation and other determining factors. Please know that teachers will be reaching out to their students with instructions related to their office hours. 

Though these days will be furloughed, the district still recognizes some essential services that are provided to families and students. A select few employees will have their furlough days adjusted in order to fulfill these services.

The following service will continue to be provided:

• Meal delivery and pick up 

Thank you for allowing us to continue to serve you. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Brad Capener, Superintendent

Jefferson’s Got Talent

Jefferson School District wants to celebrate all of our talented students.  Please submit a 2-4 minute video showing off your talents.  We will compile all of the videos and post our very own episode of Jefferson’s Got Talent! on social media and the school website.  The submission deadline is May 29, 2020.  

Categories:

Literary:  Write and perform a 2-4 minute original poem or short story.

Music and Dance: Play an instrument, sing a song, do a dance or put it all together and make a music video.  Can be anything you want.

Film:  Write, act and film your own original short film.  Each submission should be no longer than 4 minutes.

Misc:  You have a talent you want to share...are you an amature magician, stand up comedian, or a juggler?  Show us what you can do.

Jefferson School District will give out a Best in Show prize for each category and the audience will vote for their favorite videos and we will recognize the audience favorite in each category.  The talent show and voting will be posted on June 8th and prizes will be given out on the last day of school on June 10th

Rules:

1. Pick a category and create a video
2. All videos must be clean and appropriate for an all ages audience
3. All videos should be less than 4 minutes
4. All videos will be screened by principals for appropriateness.
5. Start each video by introducing yourself, your title and what category you are submitting for:

Hi my name is Chris Shaw and I am a 5th grader at Jefferson Elementary

This Poem is called Social Distancing and I am submitting it in the category of Literature.

Submit your video to the school principal and title your email Jefferson’s Got Talent!

chris.shaw@jefferson.k12.or.us

Dear Jefferson Families,

Do you ever grow weary of not going out to eat, keeping six-feet apart in public, wearing a mask to the market, working from home, and trying to support your child with their education at home? As a father of three and a superintendent, I can admit to a good measure of weariness on all fronts. I want it to be over! I want to get back to normal! I miss the kids and going into schools every week. I lead with this because I know and can relate to how challenging this is for you. It’s tough and getting old. 

Across the schools, we are seeing a decrease in engagement across grade levels. Teachers are sensing the weariness. In addition to weariness, we know that anxiety and depression are ever-present in some students and that some are struggling with isolation, doing school at home without peer interaction and in-person teacher support, worries about getting sick, etc. We know too that it’s difficult to work from home and oversee the education of your children, especially for those in the primary grades. 

Distance Learning presents challenges for us all. But I want to take this opportunity to briefly connect with you and say a few words, hopefully, of encouragement.

First - You’re amazing! You are taking on a new level of support for your child’s education and we are so thankful for your efforts. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Everything you do to support makes a difference. Whatever that is, is good. 

Second - we have several weeks to go. We can do this together! We’ve got this! Please help us keep your child engaged in learning. Encourage them and reassure them. 

Third - feel free to give us your constructive feedback. Reach out to your child/children’s teacher and do two things: 1) tell them how awesome they are. This is really hard and they too need encouragement. 2) tell them how it’s going. If the work is too hard or not engaging, can you provide us with some ideas on how to connect with your child? What would make it easier in the next month?

This is the first time we’ve had to teach this way and we are continually adjusting. Your feedback and partnership is really important because we want to get this right! We want to engage your student/s and make these next weeks enjoyable. I have provided a few tips on how to help your child be successful. I also included links to a few articles on supporting the mental health of your child during this time.

Fourth - if your child is struggling emotionally, please reach out for help. Our counselors are available and there are many resources available to you. (Available via this link is information from ODE for addressing for Mental Health and Social Support)

Keep up the great work, Jefferson families. Your support for your child’s education is amazing!

TIPS:

Patience, understanding and reassurance 

• Reward positive behavior and validate feelings often
• Include choice in your child’s learning 
• Encourage keeping in touch with friends
• Encourage healthy diet, and regular exercise and stretching 
• Stick to existing routines 
• Participate in household activities 
• Set gentle but firm limits 
• Encourage discussion of thoughts, feelings and experiences with friends and family. 
• Follow children’s need for information, and encourage them to ask questions. 
• Provide short, accurate answers 
• Encourage time for creativity and expression 
• Limit media exposure 
• Address any stigma, misinformation or discrimination

 Sincerely,  Superintendent Capener