Eugene School District 4J

 

The 4J High School Summer Intensive Program provides opportunities for students to extend their learning into the summer months in courses designed by and led by outstanding 4J licensed educators. Course offerings reflect the curiosities and passions of both students and teachers. Courses are offered at all four high schools; however, students may register for any course, regardless of their home high school. See below for a list of dates, locations, and course descriptions. Students can register for up to 2 classes now with the possibility of additional classes later, depending on availability. Students must be currently enrolled 4J students to register for these courses. 

Contact Information

Email: welch_c@4j.lane.edu or mendelssohn_e@4j.lane.edu
Phone: 541-731-0199

COURSE INFORMATION

Summer Intensive Courses	Location	Dates & Days	Times	Link to Register
Algebra & Geometry by Design	South Eugene High School	July 7 – 24 (Monday – Thursday)	11:30 am – 2:00 pm	CLOSED
Applied Math & Science 9th & 10th Grade Credit Recovery	South Eugene High School	July 7 – 24 (Monday – Thursday)	8:30 – 11:30 am	CLOSED
Botany/Horticulture  9th & 10th Grade Credit Recovery	ECCO	July 7 – 28 (Monday – Thursday)	9:00 am – 1:00 pm	CLOSED
Build & Fish: Crafting Custom Rods, Tying Flies, & Exploring the Math of the Outdoors	Sheldon High School	July 25 & 26, August 1 & 2, August 8 & 9 (Friday & Saturday)	8:00 am – 2:00 pm	CLOSED
Community Engagement & Leadership via the Highlander Soccer Camp	North Eugene High School	July 21 – August 8 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)	8:30 – 11:00 am	CLOSED
Entrepreneurship & Advanced Sublimation	Sheldon High School	July 21 – 25 (Monday – Friday)	12:00 – 4:00 pm	CLOSED
How to Plan and Implement a Campaign – Sources of Strength	Sheldon High School	July 7 – 11 (Monday – Thursday)	10:00 am – 1:00 pm	CLOSED
Life Science & Lab Skills for Multilingual Learners	North Eugene High School	July 14 – August 1 (Monday – Friday)	9:00 – 11:00 am	CLOSED
Open Art Studio	Churchill High School	July 21 – August 1 (Monday – Friday)	12:00 – 3:00 pm	CLOSED
Oregon Stories: A People’s History Through Place	Sheldon High School	July 7 – 11 (Monday – Friday)	9:00 am – 3:00 pm	CLOSED
Real World Math Applications for Multilingual Learners	North Eugene High School	July 14 – August 1 (Monday – Friday)	11:30 am – 1:30 pm	CLOSED
Simple Machines	South Eugene High School	July 7 – 10 (Monday – Thursday)	9:00 am – 12:00 pm	CLOSED
Stop Motion Animation	Churchill High School	July 21 – August 1 (Monday – Friday)	9:00 am – 12:00 pm	CLOSED
Summer Forestry Immersion (SFI)	Sheldon High School	June 23-27 (Monday – Friday)	8:30 am – 4:00 pm	CLOSED
Summer Sing! High School Edition	Churchill High School	July 14 – August 1 (Monday – Friday)	10:00 am – 1:00 pm	CLOSED
The Science is Everything 9th & 10th Grade Credit Recovery	South Eugene High School	July 7 – 24 (Monday – Thursday)	12:30 – 3:30 pm	CLOSED
True Crime in the Media	North Eugene High School	July 21 – 31 (Monday – Thursday)	9:00 am – 12:00 pm	CLOSED
Watershed Detectives: Mapping with GIS	South Eugene High School	July 7 – 11 (Monday – Friday)	8:30 am – 4 pm	CLOSED

 

Algebra & Geometry by Design 

Instructor:  Krin Hunt
Dates:  July 7 – 24  (Monday – Thursday)
Times:  11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Location:  South Eugene High School

Description:  This course is an applied math course. We will be exploring the coordinate plane, slope, pythagorean theorem and the distance formula while building marble rolls and bungeeing water babies. We will also be investigating parallel and perpendicular lines with marshmallow geometry and geometric constructions. We will be applying trigonometry to figure out measurements around the school using clinometers. In teams students will  create their own parabolic solar cooker and cook smores. We will be investigating volume and surface area while designing dream house blueprints and creating geometric animals. We will be scaling superhero and barbie dolls to life-size on butcher paper. We will also be exploring tessellations, symmetry, rotations and translations while creating personal mandalas and seeking geometric designs around the world. We are going to explore fractals and geometric ratios and where they appear in our world and how they are used around the world. We will finish this course by building and flying tetrahedron kites. 

Credits:  0.5 Math

---

Applied Math & Science 9^th & 10^th Grade Credit Recovery

Instructor(s):  Krin Hunt & Russ Hunt
Dates:  July 7 – 24  (Monday – Thursday)
Times:  8:00 – 11:30 am
Entering Grades:  10 – 11
Location:  South Eugene High School

Description:  With this course a student can choose to receive math or science credit. This is a lab-based class working in groups, students will design and conduct investigations to explore science and engineering concepts while modeling mathematics.

Credits:  0.5 Math or Science

---

Botany/Horticulture 9^th & 10^th Grade Credit Recivery

Instructor(s):  Emily Garaventa
Dates:  July 7 – 28  (Monday – Thursday)
Times:  9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Entering Grades:  10 – 11
Location:  ECCO

Description:  In this engaging, hands-on course, students will explore the science of plants and their vital role in ecosystems and human life. Through project-based learning, students will dive into core topics in plant biology, soil science, and ecology, applying scientific practices in real-world contexts such as school gardens, native habitat restoration, or greenhouse cultivation. Students will investigate how plants grow and reproduce, how soil systems function, and how ecological relationships sustain biodiversity and agriculture.

     Projects may include designing sustainable garden systems, analyzing soil samples, creating plant propagation experiments, and contributing to community-based environmental efforts. Students will also explore how climate change, land use, and agriculture affect ecosystems and food systems.

     By the end of the course, students will develop scientific inquiry skills, ecological literacy, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of plants in creating a sustainable future.

Credits:  0.5 Science

---

Build & Fish: Crafting Custom Rods, Tying Flies, & Exploring the Math of the Outdoors

Instructor(s):  Les Phillipo, Scott Wright, Tyler Martell, Jordan Johnson
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Dates:  July 25 & 26  (Friday & Saturday)
            August 1 & 2  (Friday & Saturday)
            August 8 & 9  (Friday & Saturday)
Time:  8:00 am – 2:00 am
Location:  Sheldon High School

Description:  Build & Fish is a hands-on, project-based course that combines craftsmanship, outdoor adventure, and real-world learning. Students will design and build their own custom fishing rods, tie professional-quality flies and lures, and apply math and geometry principles to enhance their fishing experience.

     Through fly and lure tying, rod construction, and actual field-based fishing excursions, students will gain a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, physics in motion, and the geometry behind casting, spacing, and toolmaking. Each student will leave with their own handcrafted rod, a portfolio of applied math work, and skills that connect them to lifelong learning, outdoor recreation, and potential career pathways.

Credits:  0.25 OS

---

Community Engagement & Leadership via Highlander Soccer Camp

Instructor(s):  Brandy Wormdahl
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Dates:  July 21 – August 8  (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Time:  8:30 – 11:00 am
Location:  North Eugene High School

Description:  This course will develop students leadership skills and soccer skills.  The goal is to train and develop high school students soccer skills, so that they will then be able to share this knowledge and engage with the youth of our community.  Leadership skills that will be emphasized are:  communication, teamwork, responsibility, respect, decision making, positive attitude, and leading by example.  The course will also incorporate weight lifting for the HS students as well.

Credits:  0.25 PE

---

Entrepreneurship & Advanced Sublimation

Instructor(s):  Mary Ellen Youngblood
Entering grades: 9 – 12
Dates:  July 21 – 25  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  12:00 – 4:00 pm
Location:  Sheldon High School

Description:  Students will explore the world of entrepreneurship through the lens of advanced design and production using Cricut Design Space, Canva and sublimation printing. Building on foundational design skills, students will learn how to create professional-quality products—such as custom apparel, home décor, drinkware, stickers, and more—while also developing the business knowledge needed to market, price, and sell their work. We will go through the process of creating your own Etsy or Square website and get it set up as a small business. This is a great workshop to learn new skills, become an entrepreneur, and have some fun! All materials are provided for multiple projects. 

Credits:  0.25 AF

---

How to Plan and Implement a Campaign

Instructor(s):  Shiloh Jackson, Kate Tierney, Clair Smith
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 7 – 11  (Monday – Thursday)
Time:  10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location:  Sheldon High School

Description:  This course is designed for students involved (or who want to be involved) with Sources of Strength, a peer-led suicide prevention program offered throughout the district-- and the nation! This course will train peer leaders in Sources of Strength, and will earn ELA credit by planning campaigns to run during the coming school year. Sources of Strength seeks to bring diverse students together to build community and spread messages of hope, help, and strength. 

Credits:  0.25 LA or SS

---

Life Science & Lab Skills for Multilingual Learners

Instructor(s):  Lisa Gilliam/Kristina Trujillo
Entering Grades:  10 – 12
Dates:  July 14 – August 1  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  9:00 – 11:00 am
Location:  North Eugene High School

Description:  Learn about life sciences while practicing your lab skills of measuring, using a microscope, practice pipetting, data collection and investigating genetics.

     Students will receive hands-on laboratory experience to connect students to general science and health science career fields. Students will be conducting field research to determine the biodiversity index of a park which connects them to the environment. 

Credits:  0.5 Science

---

Open Art Studio

Instructor(s):  Holly Albone
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 21 – August 1  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  12:00 – 3:00 pm
Location:  Churchill High School

Description:  Unleash your creativity in our Open Art Studio summer class, where you’ll explore a wide range of art materials and techniques while working on your own independent projects. This hands-on course is designed for students who want to take charge of their artistic journey, experimenting with various mediums and developing their personal style. Throughout the course, you'll draw inspiration from contemporary artists, learning about their innovative approaches and incorporating these ideas into your own work. The class will culminate in a vibrant art show, where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your creations and celebrate your artistic growth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to nurture your creativity.

Credits:  0.25 AF

---

Oregon Stories: A People’s History Through Place

Instructor(s):  January Morrison
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 7 – 11  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location:  Sheldon High School

Description:  Explore Oregon’s past through the eyes of the people who shaped it. From Indigenous communities to pioneers, labor organizers, immigrants, and environmental activists, students will investigate how Oregon’s unique geography and political landscape have influenced historical events. Using local archives, oral histories, and site-based inquiry, students will research a specific Oregon history topic and create a public-facing project to present at a final showcase.

Credits:  0.5 SS

---

Real World Math Applications for Multilingual Learners

Instructor(s):  Lisa Gilliam & Kristina Trujillo
Entering Grades:  10 – 12
Date:  July 14 – August 1  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Location:  North Eugene High School

Description:   Practice math in everyday life by evaluating data, budgeting, and graphing situations. 

     Many multilingual students are already in adult situations. We will reduce linguistic barriers in this class by offering bilingual materials and instruction so we can practice math in everyday life by evaluating data, budgeting, and graphing situations. This will help them in their everyday situations they are already paying rent, bills and more etc.

Credits:  0.5 Math

---

Simple Machines

Instructor(s):  Holly A Lynn
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 7 – 10  (Monday – Thursday)
Location:  South Eugene High School

Description:   This class will be all hands on! You will build models of 6 simple machines: pulley, lever, wheel and axle, wedge, inclined plane and screw. Your capstone will be building a rube goldberg device with these machine

Credits:  0.25 Science

---

Stop Motion Animation

Instructor(s):  Holly Albone
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 21 – Augsut 1  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location:  Churchill High School

Description:  Explore the world of stop motion animation! In this course, students will learn the basics of storytelling, filmmaking, and animation through hands-on stop motion projects. They'll create storyboards, design characters, build simple sets, and bring their ideas to life frame by frame. The course will wrap up with a small film festival to showcase each student’s final project. This is a chance to try out animation in a creative, low-pressure environment and see what goes into making short films from start to finish.

Credits:  0.25 AF

---

Summer Forestry Immersion

Instructor(s):  Elsa Arias Ninan & Julia Harvey
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  June 23 – 27  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Location:  Sheldon High School

Description:  

This summer program, for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders from Eugene SD 4J, immerses students in the world of forestry through field trips, hands-on activities, and inquiry-based learning methods. Students learn about forestry and forest careers from professionals in various fields while having a fun, summer camp-like experience in the outdoors. Students also earn 0.5 science credits from their school districts with consistent attendance and participation. 

Applicants should enjoy the outdoors, have an interest in learning about forestry, a curiosity about forest careers, and understand that this is a school-endorsed educational opportunity for elective credit. To receive credit, students must attend and participate every day. 

Credits: 0.5 SCI

 

---

Summer Sing! High School Editon

Instructor(s):  Julian Jones
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 14 – August 1  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location:  Churchill High School

Description:   A three week intensive to build vocal skills, learn solo voice repertoire, and present a showcase at the end of three weeks. 1960s influence music at the time and how did the music influence the movement? What is a "back beat" and why does it matter?

Credits:  0.25 AF

---

The Science is Everything – 9^th & 10^th Grade Credit Recovery

Instructor(s):  Holly Lynn
Entering Grades:  10 – 11
Date:  July 7 – 24  (Monday – Thursday)
Time:  12:30 – 3:30 pm
Location:  South Eugene High School

Description:   This class will help you gain science knowledge and credit. We will spend the first week investigating the scientific method, how to conduct an experiment, and doing several fun projects. The second week will involve more projects and deciding and running an experiment for a science fair poster. The third week will have us finishing the fair experiment and poster and “presenting” on the last day.
Examples of projects include but are not limited to: paper airplane contest, slime variables, mystery box, testing combustion, crystal growing, making batteries and what is pH. 

Credits:  0.5 Sci

---

True Crime in the Media

Instructor(s):  Jill Corrigan
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 21 – 31  (Monday – Thursday)
Time:  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location:  North Eugene High School

Description:   This course will dive into the  “true crime” genre of literature. Students will examine the structure of true crime writing, study the creation and development of psychological profiling, and explore the true crime genre’s impact on American culture as  presented in articles, novels, documentaries, and podcasts. 

Credits:  0.25 LA

---

Watershed Detectives: Mapping with GIS

Instructor(s):  Julia Harvey
Entering Grades:  9 – 12
Date:  July 7 – 11  (Monday – Friday)
Time:  8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Location:  South Eugene High School

Description:   Become an environmental investigator in Watershed Detectives, a hands-on summer course where science, technology, and nature come together! In this immersive experience, students will explore the health of local waterways through real-world fieldwork and cutting-edge digital tools. You'll learn how to collect and test water samples, analyze pollution indicators, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map your findings and uncover the story behind the flow of water in your community.

Credits:  0.5 Sci