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South Eugene High School

SEHS Newsletter - September 25th, 2027

Posted Date: 09/25/26 (05:11 PM)
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First Weeks of School At a Glance
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9/28 9/29 9/30 10/01 10/02
B Day

Spirit Week Theme: Anything but a Backpack		 A Day
Advisory
Spirit Week Theme:
Tacky Tourist
B Day
Early Release
Spirit Week Theme:
"On Wednesdays We Wear Pink"		 A Day

Spirit Week Theme: 
Camo
 B Day

Spirit Week Theme:
Greek Life

Upcoming Dates:
9/30: South Eugene Open House - 5:30 PM - 7:15 PM
9/28 - 10/2: Spirit Week
10/2 - Homecoming Soccer Games (5:00pm - Girls Varsity, 7:30pm - Boys Varsity)
10/03: Homecoming Dance
10/21: Picture Retake Day (all grades)

Open House / Curriculum Night

Join us this Wednesday 9/30 from 5:30 - 7:15 pm to visit each classroom in your student’s schedule, meet teachers, and learn about the curriculum. This is also a chance to experience South Eugene High School and get a feel for the learning environment. Please note that this event is not intended for individual conferences. Parent-teacher conferences will be held in November for more in-depth conversations about your student’s progress.
​
Economic Justice League News

Food Pantry Drop - In
The Economic Justice League at South is hosting their first drop in hours for our Food Pantry next Friday 10/2. If you're in need, please come shop the pantry from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Guests can enter through the back doors, right by the cafeteria. Please note that the main office closes at 4pm, so if you plan to arrive later, you must enter through the cafeteria. Unable to make it? Reach out the school and let us know you'd like to get in touch with EJL regarding the Food Pantry. 
​
Formal Wear Drive
Do you have spare formal wear (shirts, ties, dresses, etc.) you'd like to donate? Consider donating it to the EJL Clothing Closet. Any spare formal wear is being accepted, and can either be dropped off by students in the bins around the school labeled "EJL Donations" or brought to the front office. 


Attendance Information

Does your student need to leave early, arrive late, or miss school for some reason? Read on to see how calling in your student's absence works at South!

If it is a known absence, your student can simply leave class at the scheduled time. Please ensure your student knows, and there is no check out procedures at the main office. Don't forget to excuse the absence (more on that below)!

If your student forgets or doesn't know they're leaving, please call the main office at 541-790-8000, and let the office know you need a note run to pull your student. They'll need your students full name, your name, and what information we're giving the student. We only run notes to release students for guardians or emergency contacts, though anyone could physically pick the student up. This will only pull your student out of class - not excuse them!

Excusing the absence must be done through our attendance office. We recently started using ParentSquare for notifications, so you may have seen those changes. You can also still email or call. We had an update to our phones over the summer, and do prefer email, where possible. Thank you for your patience as we learn these new systems together!

Attendance Line: dialsehs@4j.lane.edu or 541-790-8008. Please don't forget to include the periods or times your excusing your student for and the students full name!

From our Parent Group
Each year, SEHS Parents and Friends of South offers yard signs for sale, with proceeds benefitting the SEHS Grad Party put on for our graduating class. See the designs and purchase yours here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sehs-yard-sign-shop. You can purchase for teams, clubs, or your own grad to show South spirit and celebrate while supporting this awesome experience for our senior class!

Don't see your club or team? Reach out to sehsgradnight@gmail.com to get one added. 


School Photos!
All Grades:
School pictures are ready!
Your child’s school pictures are now available! To view them online, please log in to your account at mylifetouch.com. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one using your email address. You’ll need your student’s ID number or their portrait id and access code to locate their photos.

Missed picture day? Retakes are scheduled for 10/21.

Counseling Corner

SOUTH EUGENE COUNSELING CORNER


The Counseling Department of South Eugene welcomes our families to the new school year! We hope your student is feeling settled and engaged in their classes and community. If you are noticing any patterns or concerns with attendance or homework completion, please reach out early with an email to your student’s counselor or a call to the SEHS counseling secretary as detailed below. South has a caring team of five academic counselors, a ninth-grade transition coordinator, and a number of additional social-emotional supports throughout the building, all of whom are here to engage and empower students.


Periodically we will be sending out announcements to keep you informed about services and activities available to students and families at South. We hope these messages will inspire conversations with your students about options and opportunities.  


PSAT for 11th graders: 

All Juniors are invited to opt in to take the PSAT at South on October 23th. This is a free no fee exam, but students must sign up in advance. The deadline to register is October 9th and students should sign up directly through the link in their Class of 2028 Canvas Announcements. Juniors who choose not to test will attend teacher resource times during the morning throughout the half day schedule. 


SAT for 12th graders:

All Seniors are invited to opt in to take the SAT here at South for free, also on October 23rd. Seniors should check their Class of 2027 Canvas Announcements for the link to that form and also must register before October 9th.


Senior Interview:

All SEHS seniors must schedule and attend a senior interview before the end of semester one. Counselors will review transcripts, senior year courses, graduation plan, and the array of post high school options. If students intend to apply to college their counselor will also walk them through the application process during this meeting. All Seniors should schedule this appointment on the SEHS Counseling page under the ACADEMICS tab. 


Withdrawal Date:

The last day to withdraw from a class without any impact to your high school transcript is Wednesday, October 6th. After October 6th a physical form will need to be completed to withdraw from classes and a mark will be noted on their academic transcript of WD (withdraw with passing grade) or WF (withdraw with a failing grade). Students can find the electronic withdraw form on the South website under the ACADEMICS section on the Scheduling/Forecasting page. Students can also stop by during drop in hours to discuss this process with their counselor.


Are you working during the school year?

If you are a junior or senior and you have a job in the community, please connect with your counselor to learn about how to earn Other Subject elective credit. You need to work a minimum of 65 hours this semester to earn the .5 credit.


Stay connected and watch this newsletter for additional opportunities through the school year. 


Counseling Drop In Hours for Students: No Appointment Needed

Monday 9-10am

Tuesday 10:30-11:30am

Wednesday Lunch

Thursday 2:30-3:30pm

Friday 9-10am


Need to schedule an appointment? Stop by counseling or use the online link on the SEHS Counseling Page under the ACADEMICS tab. We are so happy to help in any way we can, and are thankful for our South Community. 


Meet Your SEHS Counseling Department:


Tom Cantwell: cantwell@4j.lane.edu 

Ninth Grade Transition Coordinator


Miguel Garcia: garcia_m@4j.lane.edu

Academic Counselor for all 9th Grade Students


Kari Ludington: ludington_k@4j.lane.edu

Academic Counselor for all 10th Grade IHS Students


Emily Rousseau: rousseau_e@4j.lane.edu

10th Grade Classic and all 11th and 12th Grade Students with last names A-G


Michael Leahy: leahy_m@4j.lane.edu

10th Grade Classic and all 11th and 12th Grade Students with last names H-Pe


Shantel Buss: buss_s@4j.lane.edu

10th Grade Classic and all 11th and 12th Grade Students with last names Pf-Z


Jessica Kuehn: kuehn_j@4j.lane.edu

Counseling Secretary 8:30am-12:30am

Counseling Desk: 541-790-8013


Jaime Hock: hock_j@4j.lane.edu

4j Office of Mental Wellbeing

SEHS Mental Health Specialist

Phone: 458-239-3460


Have a wonderful weekend, South families!



College and Career Center News

CAREER CENTER CHECK IN

Lori Sauter, SEHS College & Career Center Coordinator


COLLEGE AND PROGRAM VISITS:

The complete college visit list (constant work in progress)

College/Program

Date

Time

Notes

California Baptist University

Wed September 30, 2026

10:00 AM

In person

University of Portland

Wed September 30, 2026

11:55 AM

In person

Oregon State University

Wed September 30, 2026

12:35 PM

In person in room 4

SCHOLARSHIPS


STUDENT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES:

South Hills Rehabilitation Center

  • Seeking: 9th-12th graders interested in spending time visiting with residents. Residents live at the center to improve their physical or cognitive abilities after an injury, surgery, or illness. Many are older adults.

  • Frequency: 1x/week for about an hour

  • Location: 1166 E 28th Ave, Eugene

  • For more information: Contact Liz Van Orden, activities director [541-345-0534 (work), 541-606-0780 (cell), liz.vanorden@southhillsncc.com

  • Bonus: Good experience for students interested in a career in health care or social services


Oregon Moose Association Youth Awareness Student Congress

  • During the congress participants create a presentation on a topic of their choice in the area of child safety. They work with Moose Association members to find opportunities to offer their presentations to local children’s organizations.

  • Students who present 3 or more times by 12/30/26 will be invited to the International Youth Awareness Student Congress in Wilsonville, OR on 4/22-26 to share their presentations and compete for scholarships. Not required for participation in the program.

  • Eligibility: For 9th-12th graders interested in community service with children

  • Date of Oregon Congress:10/9 (no school day) from 10 am-1 pm.

  • Location: Springfield Moose Lodge at 2011 Laura St, Springfield

  • Registration and more information: Duane and Claire Edmondson, Youth Awareness Coordinators, 541-998-6233, lodge2238@mooseunits.org. Also, see Lori Sauter in the SEHS College & Career Center for an informational flyer.


COLLEGE APPLICATION AND FINANCIAL AID STUFF:

  • Purple Packet: For all South seniors applying to 4-year colleges. Step-by-step instructions for everything from requesting letters of recommendation to connecting your Common App and Xello accounts. Very important part of the college-application process.

  • Senior Interview: Step 1 in the Purple Packet. All seniors must complete a Senior Interview with their counselor this year. Seniors applying for early admission to college should schedule theirs immediately. This is a low-pressure visit to help you plan for next year, no matter where you’re headed (including non-college pathways).

  • 2027-28 FAFSA opened early! Recommended for all seniors who will or might attend college, community college, or trade school next year and who want financial aid or scholarships. This includes students in middle- and upper-income brackets. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or eligible noncitizens. Parental status doesn’t matter. Who is My Parent(s) Contributor? (Quiz to help  students confirm which parent(s) financial information needs reported on the FAFSA)

  • Cal State Apply Freshman Application Guide. Other CSU application resources here.


CAREER CENTER CURRENT EVENTS:

SAT/ACT fee waivers for students with financial need: Available in South’s Counseling Center from counseling secretary Jessica Kuehn. Not necessary for the 10/23 in-school (free) SAT.


Resume, interview, and other job-getting help available in the College/Career Center at any time, but especially on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 when we have a parent volunteer/business owner at our service. Email Lori (sauter_l@4j.lane.edu to make an appointment or drop in.)


Now: Job Shadow Experience application open. Spend time with a local employer in a field you’re interested in. Highly sought-after experiences with the following participant expectations. Arranged through Connected Lane County. Deadline 10/9, but early applications recommended.


9/25 (ish): Cadet Program - Eugene Police Department application deadline. Through a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, mentorship, and police ride-alongs, cadets get a taste of what it’s like to work in the field. Meets Wednesday evenings from 5-8 pm at the Eugene Police Department. Cadet Program Requirements:

  • Age: 16-21 years old

  • Education: High school student (grades 9-12), high school graduate, or GED program graduate, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher

  • Background: No arrests or convictions that would disqualify them from working as a Eugene police officer

  • Driver’s License: Must have or be able to get a valid driver’s license or instructional permit and maintain a good driving record

  • Background Check: Must pass a background investigation and interview


9/26: Aviation Opportunity Day: 9:45 am at Soaring by the Sea (29030 Hollis Lane, Eugene). Free opportunity for 8th-12 graders to meet the pilots, engineers, and crews who make flight happen. You’ll meet reps from military aviation, the Eugene airport, emerging drone tech, commercial airlines, and LCC’s flight and maintenance programs. No registration required. 


9/27: Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Wellesley, and Yale Virtual Information Session. Admissions representatives will discuss academic programs, campus life, selective college admissions and financial aid.10/9: PSAT/SAT sign-up deadline. Students (not parents) sign up. Must be logged into your 4J Google account to do so. These are free, optional, in-school tests offered to South juniors (PSAT) and seniors (SAT). The PSAT gives students a realistic preview of the SAT. The 11th-grade PSAT also serves as an application for National Merit Scholarships. The SAT is required for admission to some colleges/universities and can help with admission and scholarship applications even when not required.


10/2: Union Apprenticeships Info Session. 9:30-10:30 am. Online info session to meet union apprenticeship coordinators in the Pacific Northwest and their programs. Learn about qualifications and requirements, apprenticeship occupations, program benefits and more, followed by an open discussion with coordinators from specific trade apprenticeships.


The Complete College/Career Center News (for lots more opportunities)




Upcoming Events 

Spirit Week: 9/28 - 10/2:
Monday: Anything but a Backpack
Tuesday: Tacky Tourist
Wednesday: On Wednesday We Wear Pink
Thursday: Camo
Friday: Greek Life

Homecoming Soccer Game
Friday, October 2nd, 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Join us for the Emerald Derby Homecoming game - our annual double header game against Sheldon High School. Support the Varsity girls team at 5pm, and our Varsity boys team at 7:30pm!

Homecoming Dance: "HoCochella"
Saturday, October 3rd, 8pm - 11pm
South Eugene Cafeteria
Tickets on Sale Now
Guest Forms Available Monday in Main Office

4J Natives Program 3rd Annual Back to School Pow Wow
Saturday, September 26th from 12pm - 5pm
North Eugene High School (250 Silver Lane Road)
Please join us for a fun day of community building with drumming, dancing, food and craft vendors!
Questions? Contact natives@4j.lane.edu