Dear Churchill Families,

I’ll be honest, this has been the fastest-moving school year I have ever experienced in my career. This week officially marks the three-quarter mark of the academic year. While the finish line is coming into view, we are entering a critical two-month stretch of education that can often feel like a long haul for our students.

Now, more than ever, we need your partnership. Please remind your students at home of the importance of showing up, being on time, and staying focused. A special word for our Seniors: Senioritis is a very real thing, and we understand the urge to coast when you’re so close to the end. However, these final months are vital. They still count toward your requirements, and now is not the time to slack. You’ve worked too hard for four years to stumble in the final mile; let's finish strong and ensure everyone walks across that stage.

Many of you may be following the district news, but I want to ensure our entire community is looped in on the current budget situation.

Our district is facing major budget cuts for the upcoming school year. While we initially prepared for a 30 million dollar deficit, that figure has now grown, potentially reaching 40 to 50 million dollars. For a district the size of 4J, this is a staggering amount.

Since roughly 90 percent of our budget is dedicated to staffing, these cuts have a direct and painful impact on people. This past week, several teachers right here at Churchill and across the district were informed that their positions have been impacted for next year.

While we are professionals and remain 100 percent committed to our students until the final bell of summer, I want to be transparent about the impact this has on our staff. These are colleagues we care about deeply. Our staff has been incredible at supporting and checking in on one another, but I believe it is important for our families to understand the weight some of our educators are carrying right now.

Despite the challenges, the spirit of our students remains a bright spot in our hallways. There is so much to celebrate:

As always, my door is open. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns as we navigate these final months together.

Go Lancers! 

Kevin Rodemack

Principal, Churchill High School

🗓️ Monday, 4/13

🟦 A DAY

🗓️ Tuesday, 4/14

🟥 B DAY

📝 Homework Club, 3:35–4:35 pm

🥫 CHS Food Pantry, 3:45–4:45 pm

🗓️ Wednesday, 4/15

🟦 A DAY

🥫 CHS Food Pantry, 3:45–4:45 pm

🚀 Rising 9th Grade Night, 6:00 pm

🗓️ Thursday, 4/16

🟥🧭 ADVISORY B DAY

🗓️ Friday, 4/17

🟦 A DAY 🔔 DOUBLE ASSEMBLY

👼 Lancer Pageant, 7:00 pm

🗓️ Monday, 4/20

🟥 B DAY

🥳 Grad Party Registration help at lunch

🗓️ Tuesday, 4/21

🟦🧭 ADVISORY A DAY

🎓 Senior Meeting in Advisory

🥫CHS Food Pantry, 3:45–4:45 pm

🗓️ Wednesday, 4/22

🟥 B DAY

🚪 Office closes at 3:30 pm

🗓️ Thursday, 4/23

🟦 A DAY

🗓️ Friday, 4/24

🟥 B DAY

Homework Club meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:35–4:35 PM in the Library.

This program provides students with a quiet, supervised space to complete homework, study, and receive academic support. All students are welcome to attend. We will share more information about available tutors and support as the program develops.

El Club de Tarea se reúne dos veces por semana, los martes y los jueves, de 3:35 a 4:35 p. m. en la biblioteca.

Este programa ofrece a los estudiantes un espacio tranquilo y supervisado para completar tareas, estudiar y recibir apoyo académico. Todos los estudiantes están invitados a participar. Compartiremos más información sobre los tutores y apoyos disponibles a medida que el programa se desarrolle.

Seniors - Honors Diploma applications are now available! The application and community service logs are due to Kari Ludington by Friday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m. Students must complete the application and log in order to earn the recognition. Paper applications are available in the Student Support Center. See your School Counselor with any questions.

Honors Diploma Application / Spanish

 

Seniors –There are fantastic scholarship opportunities in our community – some scholarships are for CHS students, some are even renewable up to 4 years. You can view scholarships in Xello or come to the Student Support Center for paper application copies. See your School Counselor with questions. Scholarships available right now include:

Oregon high school juniors and seniors (and recent grads) are invited to help shape Open Doors Oregon, the state’s new direct admissions program. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is seeking 12 students for a 7-month term to ensure the college application process is clear and accessible for everyone. Members will attend monthly virtual meetings, committing up to five hours per month, and will receive a stipend of $80 per hour. No previous leadership experience is required—just a desire to help make college access easier for future students.

Additional information about the application is available on the flyer, which is available in English and Spanish.

Students can request help with the application or ask questions by contacting Mariana Zaragoza at: Mariana.Zaragoza@hecc.oregon.gov, HECC Youth Advisory Board Lead.

LCC Tuition Free classes for Juniors and Seniors. Join the Leap Program.

Thursday, April 16th. The Collaborative Economic Development Oregon is hosting a 3-part career series for high school juniors and seniors interested in skilled trades. Connect with local employers, explore apprenticeships, build your resume, practice interviewing, and gain the skills and confidence to launch your career after graduation. Learn more here and scroll down until "Employability Workshop".

Does your student meet simple requests with intense resistance or meltdowns? Join us on Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Kelly Middle School Cafeteria for an insightful session on Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA). Licensed Clinical Social Worker Wendy Nims will share practical strategies to reduce anxiety, support collaborative problem-solving, and bring more calm to your home. This hybrid event is free and includes dinner and childcare (ages 5+). Please RSVP by April 12 to ensure an accurate headcount for food; those attending virtually will receive a Zoom link upon registration.

Register and find more details HERE.

Beginning April 13, the Eugene Family YMCA and KidsFIRST are hosting a free, five-part series designed for youth ages 12–18. This interactive program, created by Love146, empowers students with the skills to recognize and prevent child trafficking and exploitation. It is designed to help teens make safe choices in a complex world while building their self-confidence. The series is completely free, but registration is required to attend.

Registration for Eugene Family YMCA summer camps and 2026–27 child care (including preschool and before/after-school programs) opens at 7 a.m. on April 30 for the general community. Whether you are looking for active weekly summer themes or reliable care for the upcoming school year, the Y offers a variety of programs rooted in core values of respect and responsibility. Financial assistance is available to ensure all families can participate. Visit the YMCA website to view the 2026 Summer Brochure and prepare for registration.

Planning ahead for summer? KIDSPORTS 2026 Summer Camp registration is now live! Camps offer a mix of traditional sports (volleyball, soccer, tennis) and high-energy activities like GaGa Ball and Pickleball. With six unique themes and a focus on socio-emotional learning, it’s a great way for kids to stay active and engaged.

Oregon students in grades 6–12 are invited to participate in the annual Kryszek Competition, hosted by the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. This year’s prompt asks students to engage with the oral histories or memoirs of Oregon Holocaust survivors to create original works of art or writing. Grand prize winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to visit the Holocaust Museum in either Washington, D.C. or Los Angeles. Submissions are due by April 18, 2026.