Happy March, Highlander families —

We’re stepping into a new month with momentum as we head toward spring. March always brings a mix of hard work, activities, and opportunities for students to stay engaged both in and out of the classroom.

Please take a few minutes to review the calendar and important updates below so you don’t miss anything. Thank you for continuing to support your students and our school community — we’re grateful for you.

Let’s make it a strong month at North. 🌱❤️

Go North! 💥

DISTRICT CALENDAR

NEHS HIGHLANDER STUDENT NEWS

Oregon State Testing Coming Soon for Juniors
OSAS testing coming soon to 11th grade students 

Find more info (including Opt-out forms) here at the district website

LSU Dance is coming March 14

Come support our LSU Dance/Fundraiser. Come enjoy dance lessons,support latin voices-one ticket at a time💃

The Dance is OPEN TO ALL NEHS STUDENTS - everyone is welcome!
📅 Saturday, March 14th
⏰ 7:00pm - 11:00pm
🎟️ $7 

💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽💃🏽🕺🏽

April 9 is Testing Day

   Testing Day is Thursday, April 9. This is a required attendance day for all students. Special lessons and activities are planned for all grade levels, and the day will follow an early release schedule.

Please see the specific instructions for your grade level below:

🎓 11th Grade: SAT Registration

The SAT is an optional college entrance exam offered for free during the school day. Students must "opt-in" to participate.

• Action Required: Click here to register for the SAT
• Deadline: Monday, February 16
• Cost: Free

📖 10th Grade: PreACT

All 10th graders are automatically registered for the PreACT to help prepare for college and career pathways.

• Action Required: None. Registration is automatic.
• More Info: 6 Ways PreACT Helps You (PDF).

This day is an early release day.
This test is provided, for free, by the Oregon Department of Education. It is an opportunity for all 10th graders in Oregon to take a college entrance practice test, helping us see that your child is on track for college and career readiness.
 
With the PreACT, you and your child can get useful information to help guide them to choose the right high school courses, think about ways to work on areas for improvement, and continue discussions about their college and career interests.  
To learn more about the test, see the infographic, 6 Ways PreACT Helps You, or call your school office.

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Counselor Contact Information

If you have questions about testing day, please contact your counselor: 

Wrestling Wins!
Congratulations to junior Juno Trudell,  junior Hank Engelmann, and freshman Mae Butler on qualifying for the 2026 State Wrestling Championships! These North Eugene standouts will compete Feb 27 & Feb 28 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, OR.

🚨 Traffic Safety Reminder — Silver Lane & Bike Lane Parking
Families, please remember not to park in the bike lane and to slow down when driving on Silver Lane during drop-off and pick-up. These areas must remain clear for student safety.

Police have been actively patrolling and are issuing tickets (not warnings) for bike lane parking and speeding.
We appreciate your help keeping our students, cyclists, and neighbors safe — thank you for being mindful and planning a little extra time. 💛

COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER

Dear Seniors and Families,

It is officially "Scholarship Season." This is the most critical time of year for seniors to secure funding for their future education. To help you navigate the many opportunities available, we have broken down the most important ones below. Note that state-level deadlines are approaching quickly! (Files attached below)

1. The OSAC Scholarship (One Application, 600+ Awards)

The OSAC application is Oregon’s "common app" for scholarships. By filling out this single application, your student can apply for over 600 different scholarships at once.

• Best for: Every senior! There are awards for specific hobbies, majors, and even specific high schools.

• Early Bird Deadline: Feb 17, 2026 (Enter to win a $1,000 Early Bird award!)

• Final Deadline: March 2, 2026

• Apply Here: Oregon Student Aid (OSAC)

2. The Ford Family Scholars Program

This is one of the most generous scholarships in the country. It is designed for students with financial need and strong character, covering up to 90% of a student’s unmet college costs. 

• Best for: Students with financial need who are leaders in their community or home. Also, for students planning on attending college in Oregon.

• Deadline: March 2, 2026 (Due strictly by 5:00 PM)

• Apply Here: The Ford Family Foundation

3. SELCO Community Credit Union Scholarship

SELCO is awarding twenty $3,500 scholarships to local students who are community-minded and motivated to take the next step.

• Deadline: March 31, 2026

• Apply Here: SELCO Scholarship Application

4. Airport Rotary Foundation Scholarship ($2,000)

This is a local scholarship specifically for North Eugene High School seniors. Because this award is limited to a small group of local schools, our students have a significantly higher chance of being selected!

• Award Amount: $2,000 (Renewable for up to $5,000 total over 4 years).

• Eligibility & Priorities:

  • GPA: Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

  • Financial Need: Intended for students from lower-income households.

  • Priorities: Priority given to First-Generation college-bound students and Students of Color.

  • Location: Must attend a college, university, or trade school within the State of Oregon.

• Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026.

• How to Apply: Download the Application PDF Here or pick up a physical packet in the College Career Center

• Action: Submit your completed packet (including essay and certified transcript) to Catherine in the College Career Center.

Summary of Important Dates

NORTH REGION COMMUNITY NEWS

Modern Square Dancing
Modern square dancing isn’t what most people expect — and that’s exactly the point.
A new Beginning Modern Square Dance class launches in Springfield on Monday, February 16, offering a fun, social way to move, laugh, and meet people. Today’s square dancing uses clear instruction, and an inclusive, welcoming format designed for brand-new dancers.

Casual clothing. Just show up ready to try something different.

Instruction is led by Randy Dibble, a nationally respected square dance caller known for patient teaching and high-energy classes. The first class is free, making it easy for students to try it out with friends.

Modern square dance is fast-paced, interactive, and community-focused — a great fit for students looking for connection, movement, and something genuinely fun to do off-screen.

What: Beginning Modern Square Dance Class
When: Mondays starting February 16, 7:15–9:15 pm
Where: 2095 Yolanda Ave., Springfield

Cost: First class FREE, Ages 10-18 $3 per class, 19 years and older $5 per class

Partner Required: No

Experience Required: None

Students and young adults are especially encouraged to attend.
For details or questions, call or text 503-908-9965.

Learn to Ride a Bike

Learn to Ride a Bike

Do you or your child want to learn how to ride a bike? For those learning, start with balancing and gliding without pedals or training wheels. Some will learn to pedal in one session, while others may need more practice to reach that final goal. Join Safe Routes to School, the City of Springfield, the City of Eugene, Willamalane and Shift Community Cycles for this fun event with free bike checks. This event will take place inside the Bob Keefer Center.

You don’t need your own bike or helmet to participate, but please bring a helmet and bike if you have one. Contact christina.lundahl@springfield.k12.or.us or albee_b@4j.lane.edu with questions. 

Senior Grad Night Registration is Open!

Registration is Open The countdown is ON for North Eugene High's Class of 2026! Not only for graduation itself, but for the NEHS "all night" Grad Night Party. Grad Night is a long-standing tradition as a safe, sober, FUN final celebration amongst classmates, made possible by NEHS families. Register your Senior today so they can join the fun!

WHEN: Saturday, June 6th (graduation night) CHECK IN TIME: 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm PARTY TIME: 10:00 pm – 2:00 am WHERE: MacArthur Court, University of Oregon WHO: Class of 2026, NEHS Students only Why would my Senior want to attend? This party is going to be epic! Every corner of Mac Court will be filled with activities, games, prizes, food, and drinks, all chaperoned by NEHS families. There will be a  Laser Tag Battle Arena (fog machines, effect lights, the works!), a dance party hosted by a live DJ, a  Casino  with professional dealers, a Mocktail bar  with signature beverages, delicious food from North Eugene's own Corndog Co., Volleyball & Basketball in The Pit,  candy & treats  in just about every flavor, a photo booth with all the bells & whistles, online Trivia competitions, and much more! Feel like you already need a break? There will also be a calm corner with crafts, board games, or just as space to relax between activities with a beverage. The icing on the cake: every Senior will leave with gifts or prizes! Take a turn in the  CASH TORNADO  swirling with money & prize tickets, at the prize wheel with everything from coupons for free ice cream to gift cards, enter to win a  raffle gift basket (get your tickets from the tornado, prize wheel, or casino games!), and Grand Prizes announced throughout the night. This unforgettable night of fun, friends, and memories is made possible thanks to our amazing Senior families. The cost to attend? 2026 Grad Night will be optional donation only — no set fee, just whatever you’d like to contribute to keep the party going. Every gift helps make Grad Night legendary! CLICK TO REGISTER Are you a parent who'd like to get involved? Fundraising and planning for Grad Night are in progress now, and more volunteers are needed. Any amount of help makes a difference, so please get in touch: Email: nehsseniorgradnight@gmail.com Facebook: 2026 NEHS Grad Night You can also donate directly (tax deductible) by clicking here!