Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Cheetah Chat for 1/13/2026 - PACK Social, Traveling Backpack, Movie Night, Winter Weather and TECH Tips and More
|
|
Dear Chávez Families,
Thank you for an amazing first week back with kids after the winder holiday. We spent time last week reconnecting with classmates, growing our community and getting back the routines that make our work here so impactful. I am grateful for the staff here and the passion they bring for high quality, engaging instruction, connecting ideas and making learning meaningful and relevant for all our learners.
Enrollment season for next year is right around the corner. If you have a friend or neighbor with a kiddo entering kindergarten next year, please encourage them to give us a calls we can plan accordingly.
Have a beautiful rest of the week.
With gratitude,
Principal Kevin
PACK Social January 20th 5:30-6:30
Join us for Hot Chocolate and Connection on January 20th at Chávez. Hear about some of the great things happening at Chávez and connect with other Chávez families.
Childcare provided.
Kinder, 1st, & 2nd Grade Families January 27, 2026 from 6:15-7:00 in the Chávez Library
Chávez Elementary Title One Program Presents:
K-2 Traveling Backpack Program Information Night
We will have a short presentation for Kindergarten, First and Second grade families about:
The best way to teach children how to read based on brain science
Characteristics of dyslexia
How parents can help their children gain critical language skills in just 10-15 minutes a day with the Traveling Backpack program
How K-2 families can sign up for the Traveling Backpack program
Childcare will be provided for children ages 3-11.
Interpretation will be provided if requested by Jan. 16.
Look for a flyer in your child's backpack with more details about this event.
For questions or to request an interpreter email Alice at williamson@4j.lane.edu
|
When winter weather hits, schools may be closed or delayed or buses may use snow routes due to snow and ice. The school district decides early in the morning whether there is a need to change the school schedule or bus routes. These decisions are made districtwide and are the same for every 4J school.
How to find out if there is a change:
- Email or text message sent to you from the district
- Check the district website at 4j.lane.edu
- Follow 4J on social media: Facebook and Instagram
- Tune in to local radio and television news stations
If there is a school closure or other change, the school district will announce it before 6:30 a.m. If schools and buses are on their regular schedule, there will NOT be an announcement.
Parents of students who ride school buses that have alternate snow routes have been informed of what to do. Snow route information is available on the snow routes page.
If school is in session, families are encouraged to consider road conditions in their areas and make their own decisions based on safety. Parents’ individual decisions about school attendance will be honored.
Learn More
Winter Weather Information
Snow Route Information
|
In her recent book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, psychologist Jean Twenge offers a practical guide for families navigating the "digital wild west." Twenge, who has spent years researching how smartphones and social media affect mental health, argues that we don't need to ban technology entirely, but we do need to put the "brakes" on how much it controls our lives.
The book is written to help parents and kids reclaim their time, sleep, and face-to-face friendships. Here is a summary of the 10 rules she suggests for a healthier, happier life online and off.
The 10 Rules Summary
- You Are in Charge: Parents should feel confident setting firm rules. Technology is a tool, not a right, and it’s okay for parents to have the final say on what apps are used.
- Delay Smartphones and Social Media: Twenge suggests waiting as long as possible (ideally age 16 for social media) before giving kids full access. A basic "flip phone" for safety is a better first step.
- Create Tech-Free Zones and Times: Keep phones out of certain places, like the dinner table and bedrooms. This ensures family time stays focused and sleep stays protected.
- Use Parental Controls: Don’t feel bad about using software to block dangerous sites or set time limits. It’s a helpful way to enforce rules without constant arguing.
- Encourage Real-World Freedom: Instead of digital "freedom," give kids more real-world independence. Let them walk to the store, bike to a friend’s house, or run errands on their own.
- Talk About Online Risks: Have honest conversations about things like "digital footprints" and cyberbullying. Remind kids that once something is posted, it’s permanent.
- Model Good Tech Habits: Kids watch what their parents do. If you want your kids to put their phones away, you have to be willing to put yours away too.
- Prioritize Sleep: This is one of the most important rules. Devices should be turned off and stored in a central charging station (not the bedroom) at least an hour before bedtime.
- Time is a Precious Resource: Every hour spent scrolling is an hour taken away from hobbies, sports, or hanging out with friends. Help kids find activities they enjoy more than their screens.
- Be Firm but Flexible: You don't have to be perfect. The goal is "balance." It's okay to have extra screen time on a long car ride or a sick day, as long as the general rules stay the same.
Key Takeaway: The goal isn't to be "anti-tech," but to make sure technology doesn't replace the things that make childhood great: sleep, play, and real-life connections.