Hello Highlander Families,

Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend—don’t forget to spring forward and set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night. The longer days and extra sunshine are a welcome sign that spring is on its way.

Next week also kicks off state testing for our juniors, so we appreciate your support in helping students arrive rested and ready to do their best.

Across campus, spring is already bringing a lot of energy. Spring sports are underway, activities and events are filling the calendar, and students are getting involved in all kinds of great things happening at North.

With Spring Break just around the corner, it’s a good time to stay on-track and finish strong over the next couple of weeks.
Have some fun, enjoy the longer days, and stay focused, Highlanders! 🌷☀️🏫

Go North! 💥

DISTRICT CALENDAR

NEHS HIGHLANDER STUDENT NEWS

Oregon State Testing Coming Soon for Juniors next week!

Oregon State Testing (OSAS) for 11th Grade Students
North Eugene 11th grade students will be participating in the Oregon Statewide Assessments (OSAS) over the next several weeks. These statewide tests help teachers and schools understand how students are doing academically and where we can continue to grow and improve.

There are also benefits for students. Strong scores on these assessments can sometimes allow students to skip college placement tests and even some entry-level college classes—no matter when they begin college, even if they take a gap year.

The results also help North Eugene teachers better understand our students’ strengths and areas for growth, and provide a broader snapshot of student learning for our community.

Testing Schedule

🧪 Science
March 10–12

➗ Math
Week of March 16 (exact testing days will be shared with students soon)

📚 ELA (English Language Arts)
April 13–16

Families who would like to learn more about the assessments or access opt-out forms can visit the district website or check the family newsletter for additional information.

Thank you for helping ensure students arrive rested and ready to do their best during testing.
Find more info (including Opt-out forms) here at the district website

NEHS Choir & Band Fundraiser @ Cafe Yumm!
Enjoy some Cafe Yumm on Wednesday, March 11th from 4pm-7pm.

Thank you for supporting our choir and band students as we push across the finish line to fund our exciting Disney Performance Trip this spring break!

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
• PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BRING A FULLY CHARGED LAPTOP FOR THIS TEST

📖 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: 
March Madness is NOW!
Sign up now to be part of the fun. Whether you're playing or cheering from the sidelines, this is one of North’s favorite traditions. Don’t miss out—get your team registered!

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.

🎓 The Latest Edition of the Highlander Grad Guide is LIVE!
Seniors and families — the newest edition of the Highlander Grad Guide is now available. Be sure to check it out for important updates, timelines, and reminders as we head toward graduation.

📌 View the guide here
Stay on top of key dates and action items as we celebrate the Class of 2026 and the exciting months ahead!

Food Pantry is Open Thursdays 8a-9am
Stop by the Pantry! 🥫✨
Swing through Thursday mornings between 8–9 AM to check out different offerings in the pantry. Items rotate, so you never know what you might find — snacks, staples, and other helpful goodies for students and families.
First come, first served — see you there, Highlanders! 🛒

A Small Request from North Eugene
As cold and flu season continues, classrooms across campus are going through supplies quickly. In past years, items like tissues, hand sanitizer, and masks were easy to keep stocked, but with tighter budgets it has become more challenging.

If your family happens to have extra supplies at home and is able to help, we would greatly appreciate donations of facial tissues, hand sanitizer, or disposable masks for classrooms.

Items can be dropped off at the front office, and we’ll make sure they get to classrooms that need them.
Thank you for supporting our students and staff and helping keep our Highlander community healthy!

IB Exam Calendar - May
Families and students have been asking about the IB Exam schedule for this May, especially since we have over 140 North juniors and seniors testing this year. We’re sharing the calendar here so everyone can review the dates and plan ahead.

Please take a moment to look over the schedule to note your exam days and times.

👉 View the IB Exam Calendar here: IB Exam Calendar
If you have any questions about specific exams or scheduling, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help.

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. 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

2. 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 attached to this post 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

Greetings High School Staff from the Friends of the Eugene Public Library!


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. Community Reporting & Neighborhood Resources
North Eugene families may find these local community resources helpful for staying informed and connected.
Eugene Police Department – MyPDConnect

EPD offers an online reporting tool called MyPDConnect, which allows community members to report certain non-emergency incidents online, including theft, vandalism, fraud, identity theft, or anonymous tips. Reports can be submitted from a mobile device, and you can also upload photos or videos to support your report.
Using online reporting helps reduce call wait times and allows officers to focus on emergency calls.
Reporting Community Concerns
The City of Eugene also provides an online reporting option for concerns such as illegal camping, hazards in public spaces, or other neighborhood issues.
River Avenue Navigation Center – Community Feedback
The River Avenue Navigation Center is inviting neighbors to connect, ask questions, and share feedback about their work in the community. Families can submit anonymous feedback or access updates through the QR code and contact information on the attached flyer.
These flyers include QR codes and links to access each resource.
As always, if an emergency or crime is in progress, please call 911.

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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!