Family Newsletter 3/30
Posted Date: 03/29/26 (04:30 PM)
Hello Highlander Families,
Welcome back! We hope Spring Break brought some rest and time to recharge — we’re excited to have students back in the building.
A quick reminder: no school Monday. We’ll return Tuesday with an A-Day Advisory schedule.
We’ll also have Portrait Masters on campus for photo retakes, so students can take advantage of that opportunity.
Looking forward to a great week back — here’s what’s happening at North ⬇️
Go North! 💥
DISTRICT CALENDAR
NEHS HIGHLANDER STUDENT NEWS
Special Advisory MessageThere will be no school on Monday, March 30.
All students are expected to attend school on Tuesday, March 31, which will be an Advisory Day.
Advisory lessons are an important part of our school program, and attendance is required for all students.
🎓 Seniors: Advisory attendance is especially important during the final months of the school year, as critical graduation information, timelines, and expectations will be shared. Seniors are expected to attend all advisories through the end of the year.Thank you for helping us ensure students stay informed and on track.
Forecasting for the 2026–2027 school year
Forecasting for the 2026–2027 school year begins next week and will take place during upcoming Advisory lessons.
Students will be exploring course options, learning about pathways, and selecting classes for next year over the following dates:
📅 March 31 – Curriculum Guide review and course exploration
📅 April 8 – Elective Fair Sign Ups
📅 April 16 – Elective Fair
📅 April 21 – Course selection begins
📅 May 5 – Course entry into Synergy (final step)
We encourage families to talk with your student throughout this process — ask about classes they’re considering, their interests, and their plans for next year.
You can also review the Curriculum Guide together here:
👉 nehs.4j.lane.edu/curriculumguide
This is an important opportunity for students to make thoughtful choices about their academic path, and your support makes a big difference.
📸 Photo Retake Day + New Vendor - 3/31
We’ve heard feedback from students about this year’s school photos—and we agree, it’s time for a refresh.
We’re excited to introduce a new, local Oregon-based photography company, PortraitMasters, for our upcoming Photo Retake Day.
This is a great opportunity for students to:
- Retake their school photo
- Update their student ID
- Purchase optional spring photos
👉 Order photos here: https://orders.portraitmasters.volumephoto.io/2026-january-july/north-eugene-high-school/north-eugene-high-school-fall-retakes-2026
📅 Tuesday, March 31 during the school day
We’re also exploring PortraitMasters as a long-term partner for future school photography needs, and we’re excited to see how this goes.
As always, thank you for your flexibility and support as we continue improving the student experience at North Eugene.
Extra Time to FOCUS!
To help students prepare for midterms, we are offering two additional FOCUS sessions on:
📅 April 1
📅 April 8
These extra sessions are a great opportunity for students to catch up, get support, and finish strong heading into midterms. We encourage all students who could use a boost to take advantage of this time.
Attention incoming North Eugene 9th Grade Families!
On Tuesday April 7th we are inviting all incoming families to our 8th Grade Preview Night at North Eugene High School!
When: Tuesday April 7th 6:00pm - 8:00pm (Tours from 5pm)Where: North Eugene High School Gymnasium
Who: Any family with an incoming 9th grader
Why: To learn more about our academic programs, learn more about clubs, sports, and affinity groups, and to meet our administrators, teachers, and the 9th grade team!
You will also hear our band and meet our cheer squad! Short tours will be given between 5 and 6pm, and snacks will be offered.
April 9 is Testing Day and HALF DAY SCHEDULE
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 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.
Counselor Contact Information
If you have questions about testing day, please contact your counselor:|
Miguel Garcia, 9th-10th grades, last name Lo-Z (541) 790-4539 garcia_m@4j.lane.edu |
Joy DeMoss, 11th-12th grades, last names A-La (541) 790-4535 demoss_j@4j.lane.edu |
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Aura Solomon, 11th-12th grades, last names Le-Z (516) 441-4533 solomon_a@4j.lane.edu |
Joni Sherman, 9th - 10th grades (541) 790-4534 sherman_jo@4j.lane.edu |
Oregon State Testing is Happening in Classrooms!
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.
📚 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.
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BRING A FULLY CHARGED LAPTOP FOR TESTING DAY
Find more info (including Opt-out forms) here at the district websiteIB 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.
Senior Panoramic Photo is April 21
As we head into the final weeks of April and May, it’s really important that you are attending Advisory regularly. This is where you’ll get key graduation updates, reminders, and support to make sure everything is completed on time.
📸 Senior Panoramic Photo – April 21
Make sure you’re there — this is a once-in-a-lifetime photo you don’t want to miss!
We also want your input 👇
👉 Complete the survey to vote on a theme for the photo: [link]
Let’s stay connected, stay on track, and enjoy these final moments together 💛 #ClassOf2026
🥞 Seniors ~ Don’t Miss Senior Breakfast!
One of the best traditions of senior year is coming up! Senior Breakfast is a chance to celebrate together, share some laughs, and kick off the final stretch of the year with your classmates.
Make sure to sign up using the Google Form so we know you’re coming and can plan accordingly.
👉 Be sure to also check the Highlander Grad Guide for the latest updates, deadlines, and everything you need to know as graduation gets closer. The Grad Guide is a living document, so check back often for new information.
Let’s finish the year strong, Class of 2026! 🎓
Class of 2026 Checklist
As we begin the final stretch toward graduation, we want to make sure all seniors are on track for a smooth and stress-free finish.
Each senior is responsible for completing their Graduation Checklist, which includes:
✔ Uploading transcripts to Xello (CCC #106)
✔ Clearing fines (including parking fees)
✔ Returning library books and textbooks
✔ Completing cap & gown pickup
✔ Submitting diploma name card (#109)
✔ Returning school-issued technology
👉 Students can check their status here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1N6A6ahA1HuDeEXzEvwD37wDb4Cc8rT3RGg0QEN0LxXE/edit?usp=sharing
Important to know:
- Students will still be able to participate in the graduation ceremony
- However, diplomas will be held if any of the above items are not completed
📅 Senior Checkout Week: May 11–15 (during lunch)
We will be working directly with seniors during lunch all week to help them complete their checklist, clear items, and prepare for graduation.We strongly encourage students to begin taking care of these items now to avoid last-minute stress.
Thank you for your support in helping our seniors cross the finish line! 🎓
PROM 2026 💭
Prom is coming up on May 9 at Wheeler Pavilion!
Theme is DREAM TIME
🕗 8:00–11:00 PM
🎟 $35 per ticket
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Tickets go on sale April 1 at lunch in the Commons and may also be purchased at the door.
Students can also use the QR code to purchase tickets.
NORTH REGION COMMUNITY NEWS
Design Arts Apprenticeship
The Design Arts Apprenticeship pairs Lane County middle and high school students with a professional designer for 25 after-school hours over a 10 week period for a FREE, direct, hands-on learning experience. In small groups, students will work alongside their mentor to understand the profession, explore specific ways to approach design, and begin creating their own project, resulting in an end of term showcase where all students will have the chance to present their work to the public.
There are programs in Comics and Manga, Digital Illustration, Printmaking, 3D Printing, Costume Design, Multimedia Design, Biomimicry, Product Design, Architecture, and Zine Making.
NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY.
If you or your students are interested in applying for the Spring 2026 term of the Design Arts Apprenticeship, applications are now open until April 6th with a virtual kick-off April 13th.
The Design Arts Apprenticeship pairs Lane County middle and high school students with a professional designer for 25 after-school hours over a 10 week period for a FREE, direct, hands-on learning experience. In small groups, students will work alongside their mentor to understand the profession, explore specific ways to approach design, and begin creating their own project, resulting in an end of term showcase where all students will have the chance to present their work to the public.
There are programs in Comics and Manga, Digital Illustration, Printmaking, 3D Printing, Costume Design, Multimedia Design, Biomimicry, Product Design, Architecture, and Zine Making.
NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY.
If you or your students are interested in applying for the Spring 2026 term of the Design Arts Apprenticeship, applications are now open until April 6th with a virtual kick-off April 13th.
Kodomo no Hi festival
Yujin Gakuen is hosting our annual Kodomo no Hi festival on Friday, April 10th, from 5:00-7:00 pm! This event is open to the public, and we are looking for volunteers to make the event a success. Volunteer shifts will be available in 30-minute increments from 3:00-8:00pm (this is a no school day so early arrival is also ok!). Community service hours can be earned so feel free to sign up for multiple shifts if you can!
When: Friday, April 10, 2026
Where: Yujin Gakuen Immersion School, 2855 Lincoln Street, Eugene, OR
Sign-Up: https://volunteersignup.org/MARYY
Prior to the event, an email with day of specifics will be sent out to volunteers. We are working on having snacks available to all our volunteers as a thank you for working the event.
If you want to help with any volunteer spots, but cannot commit to the full time slot, please sign up anyway and let us know your availability at volunteercoordinator@yujingakuenpto.com
If you cannot volunteer, we would still love to see you at this wonderful community event celebrating Children's Day!
Thank you for your support!
YG PTO
Junior Families—we need you!
Junior guardians help chaperone the current class' Grad Night to earn a $1,000 jump‑start for the Class of 2027 celebration! It’s a fun way to get involved, meet other families, and see what Grad Night is all about.
When: Sat, June 6, 9:30PM–2AM (volunteers arrive between 7 & 8PM; late shift ends ~3AM)
Where: MacArthur Court, UO
Let us know what hours you can volunteer here: https://forms.gle/Ug6PDfQcbjpDEM1w5
🚲🔧 Bike Repair Day at North Eugene! 🔧🚲
Got a bike that needs a little love? Bring it to North Eugene High School on Wednesday, April 8 for our Bike Repair Event!
Whether it’s a quick tune-up, flat tire, or something a little bigger — we’ve got you covered. Come get your bike rolling smoothly just in time for spring riding. 🌷☀️
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📅 Wednesday, April 8
📍 North Eugene High School
⏱️2:30pm-4pm
Free, helpful, and a great way to get ready for the season — we hope to see you there!
#NEHS #HighlanderPride #BikeRepair #SpringReady #RideOn
KidsFIRST Series from the YMCA
The Y will be hosting an incredible 5-part series facilitated by KidsFIRST beginning April 13th. Not a Number from Love 146 is an interactive child trafficking and exploitation curriculum designed to provide youth will information and skills in a manner that inspires them to make safe choices.
We are offering this series completely free for youth, ages 12-18. Registration is required, but we are hoping to get youth to attend from all areas of Eugene.
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