Spartan Update- Week of 2/2/26

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (02:21 PM)

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Spartan Update

Week of 2/2/26

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.

A horizontal banner featuring the text "Black History Month" stacked vertically on the right side against a solid black background.

The word "Black" is in a vibrant red.

The word "History" is in a bold green.

The word "Month" is in a golden yellow.

A single red line extends from the top of the "B" to the far left edge of the frame, and a single yellow line extends from the bottom of the "H" to the far right edge, creating a sense of continuity and framing the typography. The font is a modern, sans-serif block style.

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Banner horizontal con el texto "Mes de la Historia Afroamericana" apilado verticalmente a la derecha sobre un fondo negro sólido.

La palabra "Afroamericano" está en un rojo vibrante.

La palabra "Historia" está en un verde intenso.

La palabra "Mes" está en un amarillo dorado.

Una línea roja se extiende desde la parte superior de la "B" hasta el extremo izquierdo del marco, y una línea amarilla se extiende desde la parte inferior de la "H" hasta el extremo derecho, creando una sensación de continuidad y enmarcando la tipografía. La fuente es un moderno estilo de bloque sans-serif.

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

Black History Month

February marks Black History Month, a month where special recognition is paid to the contributions of African Americans in the United States. Although Black history is not limited to being taught and celebrated just in February, recognition months are important because they "provide us with an opportunity to delve into the rich historical, cultural, and social dimensions of various identities, while amplifying voices that have often been marginalized." (Source). Black History Month was the brainchild of Dr. Carter Woodson (the second Black American to earn a PhD from Harvard University). His work started in 1926 and 50 years later the government of the United States began to recognize February as Black History Month. If you are interested, you can learn more about Dr. Woodson here and more about Black History Month here (last accessed by me on 1/30/26 at 11:30 AM).

No School Monday- Office Open

As a reminder, there is no school Monday for new term planning day. However, the office will be open 8:00-4:00 on Monday.

New Term Information

New Term Schedule Distribution

On Tuesday, February 3rd we will begin the 2nd semester/3rd quarter. For most all students their 1st period class is unchanged so they should go to their current 1st period class that morning. In that class they will receive an updated 2nd semester/3rd quarter schedule. Students who are late that day will need to go to their 1st period class to pick up their schedules after checking in at the office.

Any students who have a different 1st period class will be contacted by the office.

Fun at SBMS! Trivia Night

This week we hosted our annual Trivia Night! This was a great event and I want to thank all of our families who were able to come and have fun at SBMS! Thank you also to Counselor Margaret, our entire office staff (Stephanie, Heather, Serra, and Mr. Carlos), custodial staff Doug and James, and our staff team of Serra, Ms. Mimms, Ms. Hansen, Mr. Livie, and Mr. Turk!

8th grade families- IHS Information

If you are interested in 4J's International High School (locations at South, Churchill, and Sheldon), please see below.

Repeated Information

Free Winter Coats

Is your student in need of a winter coat? Please let us know. We have nice winter coats available for students in need at SBMS.

Please call the office at 541-790-8300, email minter_s@4j.lane.edu or send your student to the office. Requests will be kept confidential. Thank you to Columbia Sportswear for your generous donation!

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

Eugene International High School School Choice Information

Eugene International High School (Eugene IHS) is a choice school for students in grades 9-12 offering a 4-year interdisciplinary humanities curriculum focused on international studies. Students are dual enrolled in both Eugene IHS and their host school.

ANY student can enroll. They must go through the online 4J School Choice Lottery, regardless of attendance area: 4j.lane.edu/schoolchoic. The in-district deadline to apply is February 15, 2026.

IMPORTANT DATES for the 2026-2027 School Year:

January 15……Online application period for 4J School Choice Lottery opens for in-district students

February 15…..Deadline to submit in-district 4J School Choice Lottery Applications

Spanish and French Immersion students from Monroe and Roosevelt will be enrolled in Eugene IHS without the lottery process because they entered immersion through the lottery in elementary or middle school. However, immersion students do need to submit the Eugene IHS Enrollment Form to the Eugene IHS office at South or Sheldon by the January 31, 2026. This form will be included in a special mailing to immersion families over winter break.

We hope you will consider becoming a part of our Eugene IHS community!

For more information contact one of the Eugene IHS offices below, or visit the Eugene IHS website at ihs.4j.lane.edu

Eugene IHS @ Churchill: 541-790-5225

Eugene IHS @ Sheldon: 541-790-6636

Eugene IHS @ South Eugene: 541-790-8030

Repeat- 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.

Upcoming Events

Please click here for the SBMS Events Calendar

2/2: No School- Semester Transition Planning Day

2/16: No School- President's Day

2/20: Activity Night 6:00-8:00

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