Happy New Year, NEHS families! 💛

We hope you had a restful, cozy, and meaningful winter break—and that the new year is off to a gentle start. As we head into our first week back, we’re excited to reconnect, re-establish routines, and move forward together into 2026. Our first day back to school for students is Tuesday, January 6, 2026. 

This time of year is all about easing back in, setting intentions, and remembering that progress happens one day at a time. Thank you for your continued partnership, care, and support of our students and school community - we’re so glad to be back with you.

Go North! 💥

DISTRICT CALENDAR

NEHS HIGHLANDER STUDENT NEWS

Friendly Reminder: Cell Phones in the New Year

Dear Families and Students,

We are writing to share advanced information about updated districtwide expectations for student use of personal electronic devices (PEDs), including cell phones, smartwatches, and personal earbuds.

Beginning January 1, 2026, Eugene School District 4J will implement Board Policy JFCEB and Administrative Regulation JFCEB-AR, aligned with statewide guidance issued through a Governor’s Executive Order and Oregon law.

Implementation Timeline

• January 6th-9th,  2026: A learning and calibration phase focused on clarity, practice, and shared expectations.

• January 12, 2026: Full implementation, with consistent application aligned with the Administrative Regulation.
  
  

For additional details, including answers to common questions, please review the Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) Family FAQ, available here:  FAQ LINK HERE

What This Means at Our High School

During instructional day, personal electronic devices are expected to be off and away—powered off and not visible or accessible unless explicitly authorized within  an official cell phone accommodation. 

Students will be required to pack or park devices:

• Pack: Devices are stored in backpacks or lockers and remain there for the instructional day.

• Park: When directed by staff, devices may be placed in a designated classroom or school storage area for a set period of time.
  
  

At the high school level, storage expectations are set schoolwide by administration and do not rely on individual classroom systems.

Device use for health needs, or documented accommodations will continue to be supported. Students may communicate with families through school systems when needed.

Our school’s specific storage procedures: North Eugene is going to PARK Personal Electronic Devices in cell phone hotels. In between classes, during passing periods, and within non-instructional time, students are expected to PACK their devices in their backpacks. Devices must remain powered off and stowed away during the instructional day. 

This update reflects a districtwide and statewide effort to create consistent, supportive learning environments.

For more information, please visit our district website. This page will be under construction in January and will be updated as additional guidance and resources become available.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact: Ricci Huling, Principal, 541-790-4500

You may also email the district at PED@4j.lane.edu.

Warmly,
Ricci Huling, 

Principal

Wrestling Wins for NEHS!

Highlander Graduation Guide

Dear Parent/Guardian: Our school is participating in the Student Health Survey (SHS), a survey sponsored by the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division and the Oregon Department of Education. The survey asks about health risk behaviors of students in grades 6, 8 and 11. The survey will be conducted online in the classroom and includes questions about student health and safety, mental and behavioral health, school climate and culture, and risk and protective factors. Taking the Student Health Survey poses minimal risk to your child, who may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable answering some of the questions. Survey procedures have been designed to protect your child's privacy and allow for anonymous participation. If your child is not comfortable answering a question, he or she can leave it blank. While we encourage all students to participate, the decision to participate is voluntary. You may opt to send a refusal for your child’s participation. Your child will have the chance to refuse at the time of the survey. There will be no action against you or your child if your child does not participate. 

COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER

The OSAC Scholarship is now open! 

Seniors should be working on the application now! Due March 2nd. Details here!