McCornack Family Week at a Glance

                                                                                   September 8-12,  2025

This Week:

Coming Soon:

McCornack Parent/Family Handbook:  We strongly recommend families review and reference this handbook (Spanish) which is full of important information about McCornack.  Please click on this link once you have read/reviewed the Handbook.

Welcome to our McCornack school community! The Parent/Family Handbook is here to help us all understand the guidelines, procedures, and shared values that keep our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone. We kindly ask that you take some time to read through the handbook together, so we can all be on the same page and work towards a wonderful school year.

By signing this form, you’re showing your support for our community’s efforts to create a positive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. We’re grateful for your partnership in making our school a place where everyone feels valued and respected.

Thank you for being a part of our school family.

8:00 a.m. outside supervision available for McCornack students

8:00-8:20 a.m. - ALL students breakfast in the cafeteria

• All kindergarten students enter at the cafeteria door 

8:20-8:30 a.m.  - Outside entry doors open for all students to go to classrooms 

• Kindergarten students are guided by teachers from the cafeteria

• 1st-5th grade breakfast students exit the cafeteria and enter though their outside entry doors

8:30 a.m. - All students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. must enter through the main office

8:35 a.m. building-wide video announcements, daily intention/affirmation and mindfulness activity

3:00 p.m. dismissal (M, T, TH, F); 1:45 p.m.(Wednesdays)

Student Meals: Breakfast, lunches, and some snacks are provided to students at no charge.  Food and drink may also be brought from home.  Families are asked to communicate with the classroom teacher about any allergies in the class.  Food and drinks should be in packaging that is easily opened by the student.  Please try to send snacks like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain crackers, and cheese, as these provide the energy and nutrients children need to focus and grow. Please avoid processed snacks high in sugar and salt (chips, candy, cookies), which can lead to energy crashes and interfere with learning time.  If able to do so, families are encouraged to send healthy snacks for classrooms.

New Fencing: We are pleased that our new fencing is set to be completed prior to the start of school.  The gates will be on timers so students and families can access property for arrival and dismissal. They will be locked while students are on campus and programs are in session. There will also be access to the playground in the evening, once students are off campus, and over weekends. Exact timing will be shared with families/community soon!

Standard Response Protocol: The safety and security of your child are our top priority.  McCornack, along with all 4J schools, is working with the "I Love You Guys" Foundation to follow Standard Response Protocol (SRP).  For the next five weeks, we will use this Family Week at a Glance, to educate families about each response. Learn more about the Standard Response Protocol at https://iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html      

EVACUATE:  Evacuate is called when there is a need to move people from one location to another for safety reasons.   Students and staff are directed to move in an orderly fashion to a safe area.

Food and Drink Items: Breakfast, lunches, and some snacks are provided to students at no charge.  Food and drink may also be brought from home.  Families are asked to communicate with the classroom teacher about any allergies in the class.  Food and drinks should be in packaging that is easily opened by the student.  Please try to send snacks like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain crackers, and cheese, as these provide the energy and nutrients children need to focus and grow. Please avoid processed snacks high in sugar and salt (chips, candy, cookies), which can lead to energy crashes and interfere with learning time.  If able to do so, families are encouraged to send healthy snacks for classrooms.

Personal Items from Home:  To help us keep learning as our main focus and prevent distractions in the classroom, toys, stuffed animals, fidgets, games, and other non-instructional items from home must stay at home. These items can often shift a student's attention away from lessons and activities, making it harder for them and their classmates to learn. If needed to support the individual need of a student, we will provide the item/tool at school.  The only exceptions are when these items are specifically part of a classroom activity, reward, or project (i.e. classroom PJ and stuffy reward day).

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices: Personal electronic devices are allowed before and after school.  Personal electronic device" means any portable, electrically powered device that is capable of making and receiving calls and text messages and accessing the internet independently from the school's network infrastructure. This does not include a laptop computer or other device required to support academic activities. Cell phones and all personal electronic devices (including smartwatches*) must be put away and turned off before entering the building.  Students using personal electronic devices will have their device taken away for the remainder of the day. For a second offense, the device will be taken away and a parent or guardian will need to pick it up from the office. A third offense will lead to a drop off/pick up plan and/or ban of the device for the remainder of the academic term. Bringing these devices to school is discouraged due to possible loss or damage, and the school is not liable for lost or damaged electronics. 

*Students may NOT wear smartwatches even if in “airplane mode” during the day.

Math and Reading Assessments: The Eugene 4j School District administers both Reading and math assessments to each of our students three times a year—fall, winter, and spring. Students scoring below the 20th percentile may be recommended, by the building-level team, to receive instructional interventions in reading and/or math. Students receiving interventions will have their progress monitored during regular intervals. At our school, all students receive 90 minutes of reading instruction and 70 minutes of instruction in the area of mathematics, each day. Parents/guardians will be notified if their child is recommended to receive additional reading and math instruction.

School Supplies for the 2025/2026 School Year: 

For the 25/26 School Year, we are asking families for a $35.00 donation. This covers almost everything needed for students for the YEAR :-) Please visit the link to donate online Supply Donation Link

We are also seeking donations of the following items:

• Large bottles of hand sanitizer

• Kleenex

• Wet wipes

• Ticoderoga pencils

• Reams of white printer paper

• Non-perishable snack food

Thank you for all donations big and small

If your child is in need of a backpack, we have plenty in stock here at McCornack.  Come by the office to pick one out! 🙂

Library Corner: Welcome back! ~ I am so excited to have readers return to the library! Look back here for updates and inside scoop for all the library happenings. Click on the image below for our first library newsletter of the year:

Jasmine Castigliano

McCornack Elementary Librarian

Kindergarten Smart Start: 

Sept. 3–12, 2025
 All Students Attend: Sept. 3 & Sept. 8-10
 Only Last Name A–L: Attend Thursday, Sept. 4
 Only Last Name M–Z: Attend Friday, Sept. 5
 No Kindergarten Sept. 11 & 12 (parent/teacher conversations)
 Regular school schedule begins on Monday, Sept. 15

Student Transportation Plans: Please click HERE to complete a very quick survey FOR ALL McCORNACK STUDENTS to let us know how your child will come and go from school each day.  Thank you! 

 My Ride K-12 App for 4J Bus Transportation: 

The 4J School District uses My Ride K-12 by Tyler Technologies. To find your student's bus pickup and drop-off times and locations, sign up for a My Ride K-12 account. Download it today to get up-to-date route information and more! Wondering if your student is eligible for 4J bus service? Check out: 4j.lane.edu/transportation

--> For instructions on how to register for My Ride K-12, please see these instructions 4J_My Ride K-12 User guide.pdf (English), Ride K-12 User guide SPANISH, or visit 4j.lane.edu/busroutes.  Frequently asked questions

To add your student to your My Ride K-12 account, you'll need to enter:
 Student's birthday in this format: mm/dd/yyyy
 Student's student ID number: XXXXXX (contact student’s school for this information)
 Name of Student's school

If your student is eligible for bus service, but not assigned a bus route in My Ride K-12, you can use the message center in My Ride K-12 to request bus service for your student(s). See 4j.lane.edu/busroutes for information about My Ride K-12, or send an email to transportation@4j.lane.edu please include: Your student’s name and student ID number (see above). For bus eligibility information, visit 4j.lane.edu/transportation.

Alternative Transportation Options
 LTD Bus Passes: All 4J students can get a free LTD bus pass. Schools will hand out passes at the start of school. For LTD routes and schedules, visit ltd.org or call 541-687-5555.
Active Transportation: Need help planning a safe walking or biking route? Contact 4J Safe Routes to School at saferoutes@4j.lane.edu or 541-790-7539.

Contact Us
 For more information or help, reach out to  4J transportation staff:
 Website: 4j.lane.edu/transportation
 Email: transportation@4j.lane.edu
 Phone: 541-790-7474 (Monday-Thursday 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) 
 After-Hours Emergency: 541-341-6256

We look forward to a safe and smooth school year for your students!

Sincerely,
 4J Transportation Services Department

PTO Executive Board Slate of Candidates:  Our nominating committee has prepared the following slate of candidates for the 2025-26 PTO Executive Board. Please review the list and look for an opportunity to vote for the slate in mid-September. Thanks for your input!

President - Sydney Mills

Vice President - Eleesia Keuhn 

Secretary - Alex Hailey

Treasurer, - Chelsea Mills

Ways and Means Coordinator - Anna Shea 

Volunteer Coordinator - Mary Phelps 

ParentSquare:

In fall of 2023, 4J adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called ParentSquare. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with their school and 4J district.

Get Started: Log in to ParentSquare TODAY!

ParentSquare provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to:

• Send and receive school and class information

• Share pictures and files

• See calendar items

• Sign up to volunteer

• Schedule parent-teacher conferences

• and much more . . . all in one centralized place!

Parents—Getting Started Video

All district and school, grade level and classroom information will now be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text, depending on your preference. For even more convenience, download the ParentSquare app (available for free on the Apple/Google app stores for iOS and Android devices).

Operation School Bell:  Operation School Bell is a community program that provides

students with the opportunity to shop at Fred Meyer for clothing. Families who would benefit from this program will have the opportunity to sign up on a space available basis.  Please contact the front office at 541-790-5800 to be added to the list.

Come Join the Unicyle Club at McCornack!!

Click HERE to learn more!!!

Safe Routes To School: Make school travel fun!

As we start the school year, consider options for the school commute. Walking, biking, skating, scooting, busing, or carpooling all support health, learning, safety, and the environment. If driving is the only option, try parking a few minutes away and walking the rest. It avoids parking lot stress and gives you extra time to connect with your child.

• Do you think your elementary student might walk, bike, or bus at least some days? Sign up at tinyurl.com/eugene4J for free gifts, maps and other support for your active and shared travel!

• Click here for general tips on safety and route planning for active travel to school.

• Visit your school office to request a free Lane Transit District annual pass for your student. It's usable year-round and is not just for school travel.

• All ages, free, learn-to-ride a bike event for not-yet-riders, Tues, Sept 30th, 4:30-6:30pm, 4J Education Center, 200 North Monroe St. 
  Flyer here. Facebook event here.

• Free Confident Cycling For Families Class!  New Date!

Tuesday, October 14th, 6-7:30 pm

Adams Elementary School - open to all families

Pizza for dinner! 

Sign up here for our fun and informative Confident Cycling for Families class if you'd like to bike with your student, but could use some expert advice on safety and more.

LTD Bus Passes for Students: Do you need a bus pass for your child?  You can request one by sending an email to Julie Whittlesey @ whittlesey_j@4j.lane.edu

YMCA Before/After School Care: The YMCA offers before and after school care here

at McCornack. At this time, the McCornack programs are full, and if you are in need of

care, we encourage you to get on their waitlist. FOR MORE INFORMATION:

youth@eugeneymca.org / 541-686-9622

K-12 Accident Insurance:  Click HERE for more information. Click HERE to view detailed coverage information

McCornack String Academy: Registration for McCornack String Academy is now OPEN! Dear Friends at McCornack Elementary –

We are pleased to announce that SA1 registration is now available!

Click HERE to learn more.

Click HERE to fill out the interest form.

Warmly,

 ESYO Teachers and Staff

 --
Eugene-Springfield Youth Orchestras (ESYO)

541-484-0473 (office)

541-579-4606 (cell)
esyorchestras.org/

 Registration is open for String Academy at many Eugene schools for the 2024-25 - spread the word! (and click here to sign up)

Dear B.L.A.Q. Youth Families & Community,

SOULFUL STORIES
 When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 12:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
 Springfield Public Library, 225 5th St., Springfield, OR 97477

A vibrant reading celebration for youth and families featuring Kicks in the Sky by C.G. Esperanza!

Event Highlights:

•  Read-Aloud session

•  Hands-on craft activities

•  Snacks provided
   FREE book for every child

•  Resource Guide for parents
  
  

Register today to reserve your spot:  Soulful Stories Registration Link