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Chávez Elementary School

Cheetah Chat for 10/20/25 - Safety Drills, Trick or Treat the Playground, Halloween Info, Principal's Jog-a-Thon and More

Posted Date: 10/20/25 (1:53 PM)

Dear Chávez Families,

We are off to a beautiful start this week here at Chávez.  Students and staff are enjoying the glorious fall weather and colors on our trees around campus.

I wanted to let you know that we will be conducting all our safety drills this week and next. Each drill will be reviewed in the morning by the classroom teacher.  For students who have been at Chávez, the drills are all the same.  This week we will do a fire drill (evacuate), secure drill, lockdown  drill and practice clearing the playground.

Information about all our drills can be found HERE


Principal Kevin's One-Man, Month-Long Jog-a-Thon Starts Soon!

I am at it again, planning a month of running to support projects that benefit kids at our amazing school, Chavez Elementary.

Funds from this one-man, month-long jog-a-thon will support upgrading our playground equipment, community based art experiences and student recognition projects.

Thank you for  considering sponsoring me any amount per mile for a month-long run-a-palooza ( yes...... I used palooza) and committing to support our learners.

I believe pledges per mile are more engaging, than flat donations for the kids who will follow along on progress. As the month unfolds, kids will get to run with me, meet up at school for weekend runs and more.

Pledges being made through October 31st.  Running starts November 1st and goes through the end of November.

At the end of the jog-a-thon, I will share a 'schoolpay' link for payments so the funds flow directly into our district accounting system earmarked for this project. Payment can also be made by check at that time.

Thanks for being awesome.  Please share this as you see fit.

Make a pledge HERE

Share this link with anyone you think may want to make a pledge to this fundraiser.

An Important Note about Halloween this Year at Chávez.  
With increased focus on our instructional priorities and the challenges that halloween costumes can pose in terms of appropriateness and students being able to engage at school, we are not allowing students to wear costumes to school on Halloween.  We know that this is a disappointment to some.  Please know that we have other events throughout the year to celebrate and connect with our Chávez Family.

Here are some family friendly Halloween events around town.

https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/event/trunk-or-treat!-at-oakway-center/59686/

https://www.eugeneymca.org/halloween-party

https://www.kendallgivesback.com/event/halloweeneugene/

PACK hosting a Trick or Treat the Playground
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
event on Thursday, October 30th, where students will be able to wear their costumes and play games. This event is from 5:30 to 7:00 and  students must come with an adult.

PACK is looking for volunteers to run simple games (already planned) for kids to play and win prizes.

PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP HERE


Affinity Groups Starting at Chávez
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. I’d like to take a moment to share that we are establishing them for our 4th and 5th grade BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.    Affinity groups are spaces where students can connect with peers who share similar backgrounds or experiences. These groups are vital as they provide support, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage open dialogue about identity and culture. 

BIPOC is an acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.  Our BIPOC Affinity Group is for our black, indigenous students of color, where they can recognize and celebrate their diverse backgrounds, enhancing their academic performance and overall well-being. When students see their identities reflected in the school culture, they are more likely to thrive.

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual. The “+” represents other identities and allies of the community. Our Rainbow Alliance, an affinity group for LGBTQIA+ students will create a safe space for them to express themselves, find community, and promote inclusivity. Our group is about promoting kindness and acceptance, of self and others. When these students feel safe and accepted, they are more likely to engage in school activities, build meaningful relationships, and succeed academically.
Creating a safe and supportive climate not only benefits BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students but enriches the entire school community, promoting understanding, empathy, and collaboration among all students.

These groups are optional and open to 4th and 5th grade students.  Meetings will take place during lunches every other Wednesday.  Our Rainbow Alliance will be lead by Maria Ball and our BIPOC Group by Karla Mercado-Severiano.


If you have questions about these groups or do not want your child to participate, please email or call me.

With gratitude, 

Principal Kevin
541-790-5342
gordon_k@4j.lane.edu