Spartan Update- Week of 1/12/26

Posted Date: 01/11/26 (03:05 PM)

Spartan Update

Week of 1/12/26

Picture of a school that captures the SBMS school campus area under a bright, clear sky. The architecture is characterized by mid-century modern design elements: slanted rooftops with clean lines, supported by slender columns, giving a sense of openness and functionality.

The foreground features a row of trees, some with lush green foliage and others displaying vibrant autumnal colors, suggesting a transition in seasons. These trees add natural warmth and breathing space to the otherwise structured environment. Alongside the trees, neatly kept bushes and a paved walkway create a welcoming atmosphere for students or visitors.

In the background, the school buildings are made of stucco and large glass windows, emphasizing both durability and the importance of natural light. The overall scene evokes a tranquil, well-maintained educational setting.

Close-up of a woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair. She is wearing glasses with black frames and a gray, possibly knit, turtleneck-style sweater. The sweater has a slightly asymmetrical design at the neckline, with two visible round, light gray or beige buttons.

Note from Principal Paula Nolan

Students did a good job on the first week back from winter break. Even though many students were tired because they were getting up early again, they were able to work hard in classes. It was nice to have our classrooms busy with student learning!

Inclement Weather Updates

When hazardous weather is a concern, decisions regarding schedule changes are made in the early morning, before school, when current weather conditions can be assessed.

The big thing to remember is that No News=No Change. If there is a change in the school schedule or bus routes due to inclement weather, Eugene School District 4J will announce the change. On days when school is in session and on the regular schedule, do not expect the district to make an announcement.

Where to look for school schedule changes or cancellations:

Check the district website: Information will be posted on the homepage.
Follow 4J social media: A notice will be posted on the following social media channels:
Facebook: facebook.com/4Jschools
Instagram: instagram.com/4Jschools
Local news media will share closure or delay information on their websites and broadcasts.
Text / Email messages: The district will send messages to families via ParentSquare. Check your contact info and notifications settings in your ParentSquare account.

If you feel that you need to keep your child home due to weather conditions, please call the school. We will mark those absences as excused.

For additional information about inclement weather impacts on school schedules, please click here.

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Does Your Child Need a Winter Coat?

Is your student in need of a winter jacket? Please let us know. We have nice winter jackets available for students in need at SBMS! Please call the office at 541-790-8300 or send your student to us to make the request. Thank you to Columbia Sportswear for your generous donation!

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Next Week- No School 1/19- Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day we will not have school and the office will be closed on 1/19/26. This week students will be working on MLK Jr. lessons during advisory Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. These lessons were built with the SBMS Black Student Union. Thank you Ms. Stephanie and Mr. Carlos and for partnering with the SBMS Black Student Union to create the lessons.

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Contact Me

I am here to be of service to our entire school community. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, concerns, or just want to connect about how to help your child this school year. My contact information is below and also at the very bottom of every newsletter.

-Paula

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Paula Nolan

Principal

Spencer Butte Middle School

541-790-8300 | nolan_p@4j.lane.edu

Upcoming Events

Please click here for the SBMS Events Calendar

1/16: Martin Luther King Jr. Activity (For Students During the Day)

1/19: No School- Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/29: Trivia Night 6:00-8:00- A fun and free SBMS Family Event!

1/30: No School- Semester Grading Day

2/2: No School- Semester Transition Planning Day

Help Needed: Mentor Program Volunteer Coordinator

Spencer Butte is looking for a volunteer to be the Spencer Butte Mentor Coordinator. Our Middle School Lunchtime Mentoring Program helps students who would benefit from extra support by partnering them with a mentor for lunch once a week.

The Spencer Butte Mentor Coordinator volunteers one day a week, on Mondays from 11:45am-12:45pm, and does up to 30 minutes of other communications during the week.
The volunteer Mentor Coordinator is fully trained and supported by the 4J staff Mentor Coordinator.

This is a fantastic way to get involved in our community, and make a difference in the lives of young people, come join us!

Please contact Kate Becker for more information: becker_k@4j.lane.edu 541-517-0394