An annual tradition, Eugene School District 4J staff gathered at South Eugene High School the morning of Sept. 2 to reconnect and hear welcome addresses from district leaders. 

Hundreds of educators from across 4J listened to a keynote from Superintendent Miriam Mickelson urged the hundreds of educators to lean on each other in a challenging year following tough budget cuts, and lean into their calling to help kids. She shared the Filipino cultural concept of "Kapwa," or a shared humanity, that unites teachers, staff, students, families and the work to make society's future brighter. She also shared her theme for the district this year: Focus 4J prioritizes student attendance, daily learning and graduation, asking staff to direct their energy to make a difference in these areas while giving themselves the grace to let go of the frustration of not being able to do *everything* in a system with fewer resources.

Staff also heard from School Board Chair Ericka Thessen, Oregon School Employees Association Eugene Chapter 1 president Lisa Jenkins Easton, Eugene Education Association President Jamie Myers, president of 4J's Managers, Administrators, Professionals and Supervisors, Scott Mayers, and Eugene Education Foundation Executive Director Laura Brown. Elia Somogye, a senior at South Eugene, kicked the event off with a solo electric guitar performance. Near the end of Mickelson's speech, she brought up Ana Boyd, poet and 4J educational assistant, to read her poem "Grasshopper Life," a reflection on the impacts of intention, focus and connection. 

The Eugene Education Foundation arranged for coffee and light refreshments for staff, and secured in-kind donations from Palace Coffee Roasters, Organically Grown Company, and Safeway Coburg Road.