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Leslie Middle 8th Graders Get Hands On Experience at South Salem’s CTE Showcase 2019
Eighth-grade students from Leslie Middle School got to visit Career and Technical Education classes at South Salem High School last week. Called "CTE Showcases," these field trips let middle school students get a taste of what CTE classes in high school are like. That helps teens decide what classes they'd like to sign up for as incoming high school freshmen next fall. Over 235 students from Leslie visited South Salem High last Friday. In South Salem teacher John Dixon's Business and Marketing class, high school students shared about opportunities in DECA to Leslie Middle School eighth graders. DECA teaches leadership skills in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. In South Salem teacher Judson Birkel's Computer Science class, Leslie Middle eighth graders practiced operating [...]
Spotlight on Success: National Federation of State High School Associations’ Northwest Coach of the Year
We are proud to recognize West Salem High School Track & Field coach Erich Herber, who has been named the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Northwest Coach of the Year. The award singles out the top track & field coach in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Coach Herber has a distinguished career of coaching high school students in our district. Highlights include winning the 2018 Class 6A boys state championship, the first team title in any sport for the Titans. Coach Herber has been the head track & field coach at West Salem for 14 years. Prior to that, he was a Titan assistant coach for two years, and was also an assistant coach at South Salem for six years. West Salem [...]
Spotlight on Success: South Salem Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest Oregon Champions
Last spring, there was a harmful algae bloom at Detroit Lake, which impacted the drinking water in Salem and surrounding communities. City leaders tested the water daily for several weeks, and updated the community on the water’s toxicity. The problem inspired South Salem High School juniors Mason Obery, Julie Chen and Ned Harlan to team up and find a new way to quickly identify harmful algae blooms that could impact Salem’s water source. The students came up with the idea of using a drone and artificial intelligence to analyze photos and find harmful algae blooms. Mason, Julie and Ned hit on this idea after they decided to enter the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. Their drone project earned them First Place in Oregon, along with [...]
Spotlight on Success: McNary CTE Professionals of the Month
The Inspire Foundation and Salem-Keizer Public Schools are pleased to be partners in a monthly recognition of Career and Technical Education students who demonstrate professional skills. Called “Professionals of the Month,” students in all 47 CTE classrooms in high schools across the district, and at the Career and Technical Education Center, are singled out by their teachers each month for demonstrating professional skills that employers value. Last week, students in McNary High School’s five CTE programs were recognized as Professionals of the Month for February at their school. Those students are: Madison Alt in Business Administration, Nathan Frazier in Graphic Design, Kate Bomar in Media Productions, James Redding in Auto Tech and Brady Jackson in Culinary. McNary Assistant Principal Susanne Stefani, Chris Phipps representing the [...]
Howard Street Charter School Accepting Applications for 2019-20 School Year
Howard Street Charter School is accepting applications for 2019-20 school year. Applications will be due by 4 p.m. on March 8, 2019. The lottery will be held on March 12, 2019, in the South Salem High School North Library. You do not need to attend this event to be selected for admission. Learn more
Early College High School Accepting Applications for 2019-20 School Year – Open House Feb. 28
Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 28th! The ECHS prospective student open house starts at 6:30 pm and goes util 8:00 pm. This is one of the best ways to get direct information and perspective on what applying for and attending ECHS is like. Bring your questions and your curiosity! Learn more
Valley Inquiry Charter School Accepting Student Applications for 2019-20
Valley Inquiry is now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year. Open the attachment to print out the application, as well as application instructions. Application packets are also available for pickup in the front office. Completed applications must be received at Valley Inquiry no later than Friday, March 15th 2019. Learn more
FAQs About Boundary Implementation
Question: How will I know if my student has been assigned to a new school next year? Answer: All parents/guardians of students assigned to a new school should receive a letter from the district before Feb. 20. If you think your address is in a change area, you think your school assignment has changed and you haven’t received a letter, please contact your school. You can also click here to check the resources online and see if you’re in a change area and what the adjustments are for that area. Q: In the new boundaries, my 11th grade student would stay at North Salem High School but my 9th grade student would go to South Salem High School. Can they both go to South? A: [...]
Spotlight on Success: Oregon Kid Governor Finalist 2019
Oregon's Kid Governor is a statewide civics program for fifth graders managed by the Oregon Secretary of State's Office. Each year, fifth graders from across Oregon develop their leadership skills by picking a topic they care about, and creating a campaign video and a three-point plan to address the issue. After that, a selection committee looks at all the entries, and selects the seven most impressive submissions. This year, Alayna, a fifth grader at Forest Ridge Elementary, was chosen as one of seven Kid Governor 2019 finalists for her campaign on “Stranger Danger.” Alayna developed the acronym SHINE, an important and easy word that kids can remember, that means: S - Stranger Danger H - Helpers to Trust I - Internet Awareness N - Know [...]
Salem-Keizer Board of Directors Votes to Approve Boundary Adjustments
The Salem-Keizer Board of Directors voted 5-2 last night to approve the boundary adjustment proposal brought forward by the Boundary Review Task Force. Directors Blasi and Lippold opposed. The boundary adjustments will go into effect for the 2019-20 school year and only apply to incoming kindergarten through third-graders, sixth-graders and ninth-graders. Students entering grades four, five, seven, eight, 10, 11 and 12 will not be impacted by the boundary adjustments. Transportation will be provided both for students in the new boundaries and those who are not impacted by the boundary adjustments and will be continuing in their existing schools. Students enrolled in special programs will continue in those special programs. Families impacted by the boundary adjustments will receive personalized letters in their preferred language in [...]
All SKPS Weekend Activities Canceled – Exception JazzFest
Due to inclement weather, all district activities with the exception of JazzFest scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 are canceled. A decision about JazzFest will be made at 5 a.m. Saturday morning. [Update posted 5:15am 02/09/2019: JazzFest will continue as scheduled.] We apologize for the inconveniences this closure causes, but we want to ensure the safety of our students is not compromised. A decision about classes on Monday has not been made, but please continue to check our social media for additional updates. All district facilities are closed for external use, as well. Please check our website – www.salkeiz.k12.or.us - or social media pages for additional updates. We will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the day and if necessary, closure notification [...]
All Salem-Keizer Travel to Bend Canceled Feb. 8, 2019
[Update 10:34am] Salem swim teams that were scheduled to travel over the pass for the Mountain Valley Conference meet will not travel over the pass but will compete at the KROC Center. There will be a warm-up at 1 p.m. and the meet will begin at 2:30 p.m. Transportation will be provided from the schools with buses or vans. *** [Posted 10:04am] All SKPS athletic trips to Bend today, Feb. 8, are canceled. We are working on a back-up plan for district swimming in Salem, possibly this afternoon. More information to come. At this time, travel in the valley today will continue. Please check our website – www.salkeiz.k12.or.us - or social media pages for additional updates. We will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the [...]
Stephens Middle Student Designs New Patch for Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputies
Eighth grader Jesus Adrian Valdez Ceja from Stephens Middle School designed the new Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) patch. Deputies in the MCSO East County Service District will wear the new patch on their uniforms, said Sheriff Jason Myers at a special school assembly recognizing Jesus last Friday. Stephens Middle Advanced Art teacher Gladys Jacobsen with Marion County Sheriff's Office patch contest design winner Jesus Adrian Valdez Ceja. The design was one of 23 created in teacher Gladys Jacobsen's Advanced Art class. Students were asked to make a patch design based on the question, "What do you love about your neighborhood?" All the contest entries have been showcased as decals on two MCSO vehicles since November. “Jesus is not only a very creative and [...]
Inclement Weather Notifications – How SKPS Communicates About School Closures And Delays
As we begin to see cooler temperature throughout our community, it’s important to know how SKPS will communicate with you if there's a school closure or delay. In the event of bad weather, district officials will make the decision by 5:15 a.m. that day to close all or selected schools or to delay the start of school. If schools are closed or start times delayed, all students and staff will get a recorded message to the phone number on record with the district. The message will tell you about school cancellation, delay to start times or district closure. Make sure your contact information is up to date. Families who need to update their phone number should contact your school. You can also visit our website [...]
All Salem-Keizer Public Schools Closed Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019
All Salem-Keizer Public Schools are closed today due to inclement weather. All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled. This snow day may be added back in the end of the school year during the makeup day period. That announcement will be made at a later date. If employees have questions about reporting, please contact your supervisor. Please go to our website – www.salkeiz.k12.or.us – or follow our social media for additional information.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Sees Improvement in Regular Attenders Across District
Nearly 1,400 students have improved their attendance rates by 10 percentage points or more in Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS). At the beginning of this school year, SKPS launched “Every Day 24J” to raise awareness with students, schools, community organizations and local officials regarding chronic absenteeism and the impact it has on student achievement. For the past several months, schools and community organizations have been collaborating to identify barriers to attendance for students across the district. The work has centered around connecting students and families to community resources, providing incentives for positive attendance trends and most importantly, building relationships with each and every student. At North Salem High School (NSHS), nearly 50 percent of their student population was considered chronically absent in 2017-18. “The sense of [...]
Marion Co. Health & Human Services: No Confirmed Cases of Measles in Marion County | Servicios Humanos y de Salud del Condado de Marion: No se han presentado casos confirmados de sarampión en el Condado de Marion
Marion County Health & Human Services has asked us to share this information with you regarding a measles outbreak in Clark County, Washington. "Due to the current measles outbreak investigation in Clark County, Washington, we've received numerous questions about the local county public health response in schools. Below (linked PDF), you'll find a list of standard procedures related to communicable disease in educational and childcare settings. We'd like to remind everyone that there are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Marion County." Please see this information in PDF format for more details, visit the Marion County Health & Human Services website or call them at 503-588-5621. Servicios Humanos y de Salud del Condado de Marion: No se han presentado casos confirmados de sarampión en el Condado de Marion Acerca del [...]
2017-18 Salem-Keizer Graduation Rates Grow by Three Percentage Points
More students than ever are walking across the stage to receive their diplomas in Salem-Keizer Public Schools. According to results released today from the Oregon Department of Education, Salem-Keizer’s graduation rate grew by more than three percentage points, and the dropout rate fell by .24 of a percentage point to 3.30. Coupled with the 133 students who earned their GEDs through alternative programs, 2,579 students completed high school in 2018. The district’s graduation rate – 76.56 percent – is nearly three percentage points higher than last year’s graduation rate of 73.36 percent and is close to the statewide average of 78.7 percent. The graduation rate is based on a four-year cohort of students entering the ninth grade in the 2014-15 academic year. The dropout rate [...]
Two SKPS Seniors Selected as Student Delegates for the United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) recently announced the selection of two Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) seniors, Kudzai Kapurura from South Salem High, and Justin Thach from West Salem High, to serve on the student delegation at the 57th annual USSYP Washington Week. Kudzai is pictured next to Governor Brown on the right, with Justin pictured next to Governor Brown on the left. Kudzai and Justin will represent Oregon when they join U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this spring as they spend a week in Washington, D.C., joined by 102 fellow student delegates from each U.S. state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Each student delegate is designated by their chief state officer as holding outstanding leadership [...]
Salem-Keizer School Board Discusses Boundary Adjustments, Hears First Reading of Adjustment Proposal
The Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Education discussed the Boundary Review Task Force’s recommendations for boundary adjustments at work session on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. Co-chairs of the Boundary Review Task Force Adriana Miranda and Adam Kohler answered questions about the proposal from Board members and shared some history of Task Force conversations that led to the changes included in the proposal. The proposal includes adjustments at 23 elementary schools, six middle schools and four high schools to create balanced enrollments across high school feeder systems and prepare schools for future enrollment growth. The recommendations also reduce the number of schools that split to advance to different middle and high schools from nine splits to six. At the meeting, staff presented a recommendation to [...]
West Salem High School Track and Field Coach Awarded Northwest Coach of the Year
Each year, the National Federation for State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association recognizes outstanding coaches with state, sectional and national awards. NFHS oversees high school sports and performing arts activities across the nation serving more than 19,000 schools. This year, the association recognized 806 coaches nationwide. The NFHS has selected West Salem High School Track & Field Coach Erich Herber to receive the 2017-18 Northwest Coach of the Year award. Erich was nominated by the Oregon School Activities Association and selected as the most deserving recipient for this award amongst coaches of Track & Field from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. This award recognizes leaders and role models across the nation who are leading in their sport, shaping their athletes and contributing in [...]
Spotlight on Success: CTEC’s New Law Enforcement Program
One of the Career and Technical Education Center’s newest programs is doing more than just starting coursework this year. Students in CTEC’s new Law Enforcement program got out of the classroom and spent time last month volunteering in our community. CTEC teacher Donna Duval says part of being in law enforcement is working actively in the community, so it’s important that students get involved early in volunteer opportunities to begin this critical part of their education. More than 60 students worked at the Marion Polk Food Share warehouse over two days on December 20 and 21. The students repacked frozen vegetables into family-sized portions, helping prepare more than 5,000 meals for families in need in our community. They also cleaned up a large freezer at [...]
Spotlight on Success: McNary Student Angel Olmos-Lopez
McNary High School senior Angel Olmos-Lopez is an National Honor Society student and is the co-president of the Celtic’s garden club. He hopes to attend Oregon State University next fall, and plans to studying engineering. Along with being an exemplary student at McNary, we’re recognizing Angel because he’s a Board member of the Keizer Community Library. He was recently profiled in a feature article in the Keizertimes newspaper. Angel says he’s been passionate about reading ever since his childhood. Last summer when he was looking for volunteer opportunities in the community, he decided to work at the Keizer Community Library because of his love of books. After he began volunteering at the library, Angel says the library staff noticed that he really wanted to help [...]
About the Boundary Adjustment Process
The district has created resources to help explain the boundary adjustment process. If adopted by the Salem-Keizer School Board on February 12, the proposed boundary adjustments would go into effect in Fall 2019. Parents and guardians of students who could change schools because of boundary adjustment will receive a letter soon as firm information is available -- prior to the Feb. 12 vote if possible, or immediately after the vote. Here’s a timeline that describes what to expect, in English and Spanish. The boxes on the timeline include information about the process. These resources on the district website show proposed changes. Map of proposed elementary school boundary changes Map of proposed middle school boundary changes Map of proposed high school boundary changes
Salem-Keizer School Board Receives Task Force Recommendations for Boundary Adjustments
The Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Education received a recommendation report on boundary adjustments at its business meeting Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The report describes the work of the Boundary Review Task Force, a group of 45 community members who worked together to create a boundary adjustment proposal to balance enrollments across all Salem-Keizer high school feeder systems. Salem-Keizer Superintendent Christy Perry initiated the boundary review process to relieve overcrowding and prepare schools for future enrollment growth. Salem and Keizer continue to grow, with student enrollment totaling more than 42,000. Boundary adjustments are also needed to ensure that new spaces being constructed in the 2018 bond program will be fully utilized. Thanks to the community’s passage of a bond in May, SKPS will invest [...]
Staging for Construction Starts SOON
Bond construction will start very soon at North Salem High School. It’s an exciting time that also brings changes and challenges. So that construction can begin right on schedule, we have to start getting ready now. Very soon, you’ll see evidence of preparation for construction. Work will begin the week of January 14 to make modifications to the Olinger Pool building. Space at Olinger will be used during construction to support some physical education activities that will be displaced by work on the main building. Soon after, you may notice construction fencing going up around the softball fields and possibly other areas of campus. This is in preparation for moving in temporary portables. Some classrooms will need to move to the temporary portables before the [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to Host Information Session on Behavioral Supports
This free event provided in partnership with Creating Opportunities Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Office of Behavioral Learning and Student Services will be hosting a free information session on behavior supports available to students across the district’s 65 schools. Launched in 2017, the SKPS Office of Behavioral Learning supports students, staff and families in the development of social emotional and behavioral skills to prepare children for successful lives. The event, geared toward parents, guardians and caretakers, is open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28 at the Support Services Center, located at 2575 Commercial St. SE, Salem. This event will provide parents and community members an opportunity to learn about how SKPS is [...]
New Year, New Semester, New Attendance Records!
As we enter into the last half of the 2018-19 school year, it’s important to keep regular school attendance a priority in your child’s life. Throughout the district, you may have heard your school talking about Every Day 24J, the districts attendance campaign to help raise awareness about how chronic absenteeism affects our students. Did you know we currently have nearly 1 in 3 students who are chronically absent across the district? That means 29 percent of students are missing, on average, two days of school each month. If this continues, chronically absent students will miss out on an entire month of instruction for the 2018-19 school year. As you would expect, this impacts learning at foundational levels and can negatively impact a student’s likelihood [...]
Boundary Review Task Force Finalizes Work
The Boundary Review Task Force finished its work on a final boundary adjustment scenario at its Dec. 11 meeting. The Task Force’s goal was to arrive at consensus on a set of recommendations that balances attendance between high school feeder systems, aligns future student populations with future school capacities, and identifies implications for the 2018 bond program. The Task Force members approached the work with an equity focus, and with the School Board’s guiding principles in mind. This means that the Task Force considered the effects of adjustments on underserved and marginalized groups and discussed potential negative or unintended consequences. The group also approached changes with the intent to minimize disruption to existing boundaries as much as possible, considered walk zones, safety and other principles. [...]
Winter Activity Program | PROGRAMA DE ACTIVIDADES DE INVIERNO
Food, Festivities & Fun Join us during Winter Break for FREE lunch, FREE books,FREE interactive crafts, board games, reading & much more! DECEMBER 26, 27, 28 JANUARY 2, 3, 4 Free lunch 12 pm–1 pm Free activities 12 pm–1 pm Locations Auburn Elementary School, 4612 Auburn Rd. NE, Salem Claggett Creek Middle School, 810 Alder Drive NE, Keizer Cummings Elementary School, 613 Cummings Lane N, Keizer Four Corners Elementary, 500 Elma Avenue SE, Salem Houck Middle School, 1155 Connecticut SE, Salem Richmond Elementary School, 466 Richmond Ave SE, Salem Washington Elementary School, 3165 Lansing Avenue NE, Salem For more information contact Nutrition Services at 503-399-3091 comida, festividades y diversión Almuerzo GRATIS, libros GRATIS, manualdades interactivas, juegos de mesa, lectura y mucho más! de diciembre 26, [...]
Cummings Elementary Safety Town Hall / Ayuntamiento de seguridad de la Escuela Primaria Cummings
Come learn more about how Cummings Elementary, district staff and law enforcement are working together to keep our school safe every day. Guests include representatives from SafeOregon, Keizer Police, SKPS Office of Safety, Security & Risk Management, SKPS Office of Behavioral Learning and more. 6 P.M., THURSDAY, JAN. 17, 2019 Cummings Elementary School, 613 Cummings Lane North, Keizer Acompáñenos a aprender más acerca de cómo la Escuela Primaria Cummings, el personal del distrito y la policía trabajan juntos para mantener nuestra escuela segura diariamente. Los invitados incluyen representantes de SafeOregon, Policía de Keizer, la Oficina de Seguridad y Gestión de Riesgos de las Escuela Públicas de Salem-Keizer, la Oficina de Aprendizaje de Comportamiento de Escuela Públicas de Salem-Keizer y más. Jueves 17 de enero del [...]
Las Escuelas Públicas de Salem-Keizer presentan su boletín de noticias y su página de Facebook en el idioma español
Aproximadamente uno de cada tres estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas de Salem-Keizer habla un idioma diferente al inglés en su casa. Un cuarenta por ciento de los estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas de Salem-Keizer (SKPS, por sus siglas en inglés) se identifican como hispanos, y aproximadamente uno de cada tres estudiantes de SKPS habla un idioma diferente al inglés en su casa. Para ayudar a cerrar las brechas de comunicación, SKPS presentan la versión en español de su boletín de noticias del distrito y su página de Facebook. “Los estudiantes que vienen a nuestro distrito escolar hablan 81 idiomas diferentes” dijo la directora de educación primaria Olga Cobb. “Ciertamente sabemos que la comunicación con todas nuestras familias representa un largo camino por recorrer, pero yo [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Launches Spanish Language Newsletter and Facebook Page
Nearly one in three SKPS students speaks a language other than English at home. Forty percent of Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) students identify as Hispanic, and nearly one in three SKPS students speaks a language other than English at home. To help bridge gaps in communication, SKPS has launched Spanish versions of the district newsletter and Facebook page. “Our students come to us speaking 81 different languages,” said Elementary Level Director Olga Cobb. “While we know we have a long way to go to communicate with all of our families, I am so proud of how our district is making strides to reach English language learners like me.” To sign up for the newsletter in either English or Spanish, click here. The newsletter is released [...]
Spotlight on Success: 4th-Grade Finalists in Gov. Brown’s Essay Contest
Governor Kate Brown asked our Oregon's fourth-graders a question, “What do you love about the Oregon outdoors?” More than 1,200 students from across the state submitted essays on the topic, hoping to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to light the Oregon tree at the National Christmas Tree lighting. Fourth-graders sent thousands of essays to Gov. Brown, with two students from Salem-Keizer Public Schools included in a group of the nine finalists. Gideon Heard, who attends McKinley Elementary, was one of those finalists. He shared his love of Oregon’s seasons. “There is nowhere like Oregon and no better place to be outdoors than Oregon, no matter what season of the year,” wrote Gideon in his essay. Kaitlyn Williams, from Kalapuya Elementary, was the other [...]
Spotlight on Success: West Keizer Neighborhood Association
The West Keizer Neighborhood Association encompasses around 3,100 households in Keizer. The Association’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those who live, work and play in West Keizer. Because of all they do for the school, Principal Magda Romero at Cummings Elementary has nominated the West Keizer Neighborhood Association as our Community Partner of the Month. About five years ago, the West Keizer Neighborhood Association “adopted” Cummings, said Association President Carol Doerfler. They began advocating for sidewalks to be constructed on Delight Street next to the school. Carol works as a substitute crossing guard at Cummings, so she has firsthand knowledge of the need for sidewalks. Another way the Association supports Cummings is by helping with landscaping. Each spring they help with [...]
Spotlight on Success: Four Corners Elementary “Champions”
What does it mean to be a Champion? To the Cubs at Four Corners Elementary, a Champion is someone who shows courage and honor, has a positive attitude, strong motivation and perseverance, integrity, optimism and most of all, never gives up! Derived from the song “Champion” by Carrie Underwood, Four Corners highlights a different character trait of a Champion each month in a Parade of Champions through the hallways while everyone cheers and claps. Students become Champions by displaying the Character Trait of the Month, by displaying the school’s behavioral expectations, or by reaching the school’s goal for excellent attendance. As part of the district’s Every Day 24J attendance campaign, all of our schools are working hard to address barriers to attendance. This year, Four [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Seeks Community Input on School Boundary Adjustments at Dec. 4 Listening Sessions
Links to surveys on Task Force Proposal #4 can be found on the boundary adjustments page. Parents, students, school neighbors and community members are invited to attend a Boundary Review Task Force Listening Session on Dec. 4 to share feedback on possible school attendance area boundary adjustments. Boundary adjustments are needed to relieve overcrowding and put to use the new spaces being built in the 2018 bond program. During the boundary review process, all school attendance area boundaries in the Salem-Keizer School District are being reviewed, however not all boundaries will need to be adjusted. A Boundary Review Task Force made up of community volunteers has been reviewing boundaries and proposing adjustments since early October. The goal of the Task Force is to create a [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to Host Native American Awareness Gathering
The free event features storytelling, dancing, dinner and more! There are nearly 700 students in Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) who identify as Native American or Alaska Natives from 65 tribes, and on Friday, Nov. 30, they will be celebrated through native music, dancing, storytelling and a special native dinner. November is Native American Heritage Month, and this gathering is the culmination of a month-long celebration that also included a proclamation from the Salem-Keizer Board of Directors. The event is open to the public and will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30 at Chemeketa Community College Building 2, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem. SKPS employees who attend may receive three professional development credits. The gathering is hosted by the Indian Education Program and [...]
Spotlight on Success: Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee
There are nearly 700 Native American/Alaskan Native students in our schools. Our Indian Education Program is passionate about supporting these students. This includes helping them keep connected to their unique culture and heritage. One way the team does this is by working closely with the Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee. We honor this committed parent group as one of our Community Partners of the Month. Throughout the school year, Indian Education holds Family Nights for students and parents. During the 2018-19 school year 13 of these events will take place. While students are studying, parents meet with district staff to give input on Indian Education Program objectives and activities. The Parent Advisory Committee is instrumental in helping to plan big events. These include the annual [...]
Spotlight on Success: Salem Fire Department and Salem Fire Foundation
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. It can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. This fall, more than 1,300 eighth-graders in our middle schools completed hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillator training from the Salem Fire Department, with the help of the Salem Fire Foundation. The Salem Fire Department began training our eighth-graders in CPR almost four-years ago. EMT Willy Gittings says that initially the lessons started with watching a DVD, but this bored students. When trainers switched to jumping right in with hands-on training instead of having kids sit through a video, they were amazed at how engaged the middle school students became. The Salem Fire Foundation works with the Salem Fire Department by covering the cost of firefighters’ time, [...]
Spotlight on Success: Ramon Gutierrez
Ramon Gutierrez has worked in our Migrant Education program for more than 27 years. He was recently honored by the Oregon Department of Education with the Larry Tucker Lifetime Achievement Award for 2018-19. Ramon was recognized for demonstrating excellent time management skills, great communication, having a positive attitude, demonstrating initiative and always being a leader when he is needed. Ramon brings the personal experience of being a migrant parent prior to joining Salem-Keizer. That experience gives him the ability to relate to and to connect with the many families he serves. Ramon not only does his job recruiting families, but also assists in helping with social services. Anytime the district’s Migrant Program comes across new migrant families that have no furniture in their homes, Ramon [...]
Local Subcontractors Invited to Bond Construction Outreach Event
Salem-Keizer Public Schools and Pence Construction will hold an outreach event for local subcontractors on Friday, November 16, 2018. The event will provide local subcontractors an opportunity to meet with representatives from the school district and Pence Construction, the selected Construction Manager/General Contractor for the North Salem High School addition and the McNary High School addition. These projects, valued at $54 million and $39 million, respectively, are among the first projects in the district’s 2018 bond program. Specifically, subcontractors in the trades of earthwork, utilities, concrete and site concrete, paving, landscaping, masonry, steel fabrication and installation, carpentry, casework and finish carpentry, roofing, windows, doors, drywall and metal stud framing, painting, flooring, specialties and cleaning are invited to attend. The event will take place from 11 [...]
Nov. 20 Boundary Open House Event Postponed, New Date TBA
20 de noviembre Evento de reuniones informativa de ajuste de límites POSPUESTO. Pronto se anunciará una nueva fecha. In response to community feedback, the November 20 Boundary Open House event has been postponed. A new date, locations and format for the next community input event will be announced soon. At its meeting on November 6, the Boundary Review Task Force heard feedback collected following Boundary Open House events held at three locations on October 30. Examples of themes heard in the community feedback ranged from concerns about the ability to attend the Open House on November 20 date, to concerns about impacts to neighborhoods, socio-economic balance and continuity of progression from elementary to middle and high schools. After reviewing the feedback and a presentation on [...]
CBOC Holds First Meeting
The Community Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) held its first meeting on Tuesday evening, Nov. 5, 2018. The membership of the Committee was approved by the School Board at its Oct. 9, 2018 meeting, and consists of 12 volunteers from the community. The major responsibilities of CBOC include: Monitor progress of the 2018 Bond Program, including construction projects and budget. Report at least annually to the school board on the progress of the 2018 Bond Program. Provide recommendations for the use of bond funds in accordance with state law and the language in the voter-approved ballot title. At the meeting, CBOC members heard an overview of the 2018 bond program, including categories of work, delivery schedule, financial plan, approximate property tax levy rates and debt repayment [...]
West Salem High School Titan Marching Band Makes History
The West Salem High School Marching Band will represent Salem-Keizer this week as the first band from Oregon ever to compete in the Bands of America Grand Nationals Championships in Indianapolis. West Salem is scheduled to perform at 12:30 p.m. PST on Friday, Nov. 9. The semifinals and finals are on Saturday, Nov. 10. “We are beyond thrilled to finally see this happen,” said WSHS Band Director Todd Zimbelman. The Titan Marching Band includes 130 students ranging from seventh through 12th grade. From mid-August through November, students devote more than 250 practice hours to learning the music and drill and perfecting the 10+ minute performance. The West Salem show this year is entitled “Wine Dark Sea’s Cruel Moon” and is a compilation of music from [...]
Community Honors 12 Educators and 1 Business with Crystal Apples
Twelve local educators were honored with Crystal Apple Awards on Thursday night during Salem-Keizer’s 22nd annual gala celebration of excellence in education. The recipients, including teachers at all levels, education professionals and classified personnel were chosen from a list of 61 nominees, and honored before a full house at Salem’s Historic Elsinore Theatre. The 2018 Crystal Apple Awards recipients are: Barb Bamford, Salem-Keizer Public Schools AVID Coordinator Jacqueline Benavides, Community School Outreach Coordinator, North Salem High School Alyssa Darnell, Teacher, Mathematics, Special Programs, World Languages, Parrish Middle School Phil Decker, Principal, Four Corners Elementary School Brad Dixon, Teacher, Social Studies, AVID Laura Hoagland, Bilingual Instructional Assistant, Kennedy Elementary School Katrina Hull, Teacher, Mathematics and Engineering, McKay High School Lee King, Lead Custodian, Walker Middle [...]
Disability Awareness Month: Sprague High School Assistant Principal Chad Barkes
At Sprague High School, everyone is working to help students receiving special education services graduate from high school. This includes making sure students with disabilities can attend regular education classes as much as possible. Sprague recently had about a 10 percent gain in the graduation rate for students receiving special education services. In this video, Assistant Principal Chad Barkes talks about how new options for graduation have helped the school better serve students and their families. "I think on of the hallmarks of Sprague right now is we're doing a fantastic job of having every student in this building have access to every other opportunity that all students would have," Assistant Principal Barkes said.
OPB: Taking a Closer Look at OSAA’s Recent Reclassifications
This past spring, the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) officially made the decision to place five of our schools in a league with the Bend-La Pine School District. Recently, OPB took a closer look at what it means–both the positives and negatives–for our students to play in a league with teams three hours away. Read the article from Oregon Public Broadcasting: Could Oregon's Long-Distance Leagues Put School Sports Out Of Reach?
61 Educators Nominated for the 22nd Annual Crystal Apple Awards!
On Thursday, Nov. 1 the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation (SKEF) will host the 22nd Annual Crystal Apple Awards to recognize excellence in education in Salem and Keizer. This year, more than 60 educators were nominated for a crystal apple award. Nominations for the Crystal Apple Awards are reviewed by community members, students, parents, fellow educators and past award recipients. This year's award winners will be announced at the awards ceremony held on Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Historic Elsinore Theatre beginning at 6 p.m. 2018 Crystal Apple Award Nominees Tickets are now on sale! It is recommend that any groups wanting to sit together have one person purchase the tickets at the same time. Tickets may be purchased online, in person or by phone through the Elsinore Theatre [...]
Building For Success October 2018: Safety, Security, Boundaries
Building For Success is Salem-Keizer's monthly video update on the 2018 Construction Bond program. In this edition, Joel Smallwood, manager of Maintenance and Construction Services talks with Karma Krause from the Office of Community Relations & Communications. They discuss Safety, Security and adjusting school attendance area Boundaries. We would love to have your feedback on Building For Success and hear your ideas for future episodes. Email us at info@salkeiz.k12.or.us!
Scott Elementary Partners with Wilco Farm Store for Annual School Beautification Project
Last week, students at Scott Elementary School got their hands dirty as they worked on a school beautification project. Through a new annual grant from Wilco Farm Store, eighteen students from the school's fifth-grade leadership class worked to brighten up their school with colorful new flower boxes. Led by Principal Tracy Gerdes-Moisan, Behavioral Specialist Jenny Maguire and Counselor Lisa Rhoades – students are learning the basics of planting and the responsibilities of maintaining the school garden each year.
Disability Awareness Month: Community Transition Programs
Our Community Transition Programs work with local businesses and organizations to find opportunities for students with disabilities to get real-world work experiences. In this video, Special Programs Employment Specialist Rebekah Willhite is at Power Equipment Systems. The locally owned company is a partner with the our Community Transition Programs, and PES is the district's Business Partner of the Month for October 2018.
Elementary School Kids Have Fun While Learning at Ag Fest
Remember how much fun it was to go on a field trip when you were in elementary school? Last Thursday and Friday, fourth-graders from 10 elementary schools got to visit the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation (SKEF) Ag Fest at McKay High School. Fourth-graders from 10 elementary schools got to visit the Ag Fest at McKay High School, made possible by the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation and local partners. One of the highlights was kids got to see wheat being ground and turned into pancakes. Then they got to turn cream into butter and add whipped cream and berries for a yummy treat. This McKay student is busy cooking up pancakes from freshly ground wheat for fourth-graders who attended the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation Ag Fest [...]
In-District Transfer (IDT) Applications Must Be Turned In November 1 – 30, 2018
Students who want to attend a school other than their assigned school next semester (2018-2019 school year) must apply for an in-district transfer (IDT) between November 1 and November 30, 2018. This includes elementary, middle and high school students. IDT applications received after November 30, 2018, will not be considered. IDT request forms can be picked up at your student's resident school, and must be completed and returned to the student's assigned school during the application date window. There is no guarantee a transfer request will be approved. Students attending school on an IDT are not eligible for bus transportation. More information on the in-district transfer process can be found on the Student Transfers page on the district website.
Disability Awareness Month: Celeste Summer, Occupational Therapist
October is Disability Awareness Month, and we celebrate the nearly 7,000 students who receive special education services in SKPS. Throughout October, we will recognize educators, administrators and business partners who support students and their unique abilities. Today, we recognize Celeste Summer and her work as an occupational therapist with students, staff and administrators to provide supports that help make students successful at school.
Two Middle School Students Advance to National Science Competition in Washington D.C.!
Two middle school students who are moving on to the final round of a national STEM competition were honored this week at the Salem-Keizer School Board meeting. John Madland (Leslie Middle) and Mihir Joshi (Howard Street Charter) were chosen to be among 30 Broadcom MASTERS finalists from 2,800 applicants. They'll compete in a five-day-long competition in Washington, D.C. later this month. John and Mihir are competing for $100,000 in scholarship and prize money. They are two of just three students selected from Oregon, and are the only ones ever selected from Salem-Keizer. Broadcom MASTERS is a program seeks to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future. John and Mihir teamed up on a project to protect a [...]
Spotlight on Success: South Salem High School Senior Claire Adams
It’s a pleasure to recognize a talented high school student who is making a big impact in our community. South Salem High School senior Claire Adams, who is also a student board member with the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, has started fundraising for a mobile shower unit to help with the growing issue of homelessness in Salem. Together with United Way, Claire hopes to respond to the crisis of unsheltered men, women and children by fostering tangible solutions that address the unmet needs gap in our community. The project aims to provide a mobile hygiene unit that allows individuals twenty-minute increments of privacy for self-care. Claire says that it is not only about getting the chance to shower, but also the confidence that [...]
Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Week is October 14-21, 2018
Nine students from Leslie Middle School gave a presentation to the Marion County Board of Commissioners today in preparation for the 21st Annual National Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Week. Leslie students will join peers from across the United States, Canada, Mexico and 15 other countries worldwide in committing to the Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Pledge: "I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others."® The nine students each wrote speeches and shared from their hearts about what they would change to make the world a better place. Their thoughts and ideas are both profound and thought provoking considering today's world. The Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation today recognizing next week as 21st [...]
Business Partner of the Month October 2018: Power Equipment Systems
Power Equipment Systems is our Business Partner of the Month, nominated by the district's Community Transition Programs. Community Transition Programs work with adult students with disabilities who have completed high school with a Modified Diploma, Extended Diploma or Certificate of Attainment. Community Transition Programs focus on preparing students to transition into the community as adults through instruction in four key areas: transition skills, functional academics, independent living skills and vocational training. Power Equipment Systems has been a Community Transition Programs worksite for the past two years. Pete and Kelly Yunker are the owners of Power Equipment Systems. Kelly is a graduate of South Salem High School. Power Equipment Systems is a locally owned warehouse that ships parts to 12 states. Their main focus is providing [...]
Disability Awareness Month: Shannon Bese and the Team at Kalapuya Elementary
There are nearly 7,000 students in Salem-Keizer Public Schools who receive special education services. The teachers and instructional assistants who serve our students in special education programs enjoy both the challenges and rewards of their work. Shannon Bese and her team at Kalapuya Elementary School work with third- through fifth-grade students. She is a Developmental Learning Center teacher and has 12 students with autism and other disabilities. "I love my kids," Shannon said. "Their personalities are the best. They are the best people I know. They trust us, and their parents trust us. We’re doing really good things for our guys, and that feels good." (Pictured above from left: Paige Wittman, Mandie Fischer, Shannon Bese, Ale Garcia, Nancy Wilkins, Mara Berry and Erica Ortega. Not pictured: Blair Becker and [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Seeks Vendors for Bond-Related School Safety Upgrades
Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) continues to post requests for proposals (RFPs) to deliver work promised in the $619.7 million 2018 bond program on its procurement website. One recent RFP and a soon-to-be-released RFP support the safety and security upgrades included in the bond package. RFP 357 solicits proposals for equipment, installation and maintenance of the district’s paging and emergency notification intercom system. The bond includes funding for intercom expansions to improve communication in emergency situations. RFP 360 is in development to solicit proposals for security cameras. The cameras would be installed to fulfill a key safety component of the bond package – improving visibility of main entrances at some schools and support buildings so staff can better monitor and control who enters and exits. Only [...]
Deadline Approaching for 2018 Crystal Apple Awards – Nominations Due Wednesday, Oct. 10!
The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation in now accepting nominations for the 2018 Crystal Apple Awards! Each year, the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation hosts the Crystal Apple Awards to recognize excellence in education by honoring those making a significant impact in the lives of children. The recipients of the annual award will be announced at the Crystal Apple Awards on November 1, 2018 at the historic Elsinore Theater. Crystal Apple Educator Awards: Award recipients are nominated by their fellow co-workers, students, parents or community members for their work with our Salem and Keizer students. Nomination Criteria The nominee must be a current employee of either SKPS or private school and have a minimum of three years of consecutive employment, (prior to the 2018-19 school year), with their current employer The employee [...]
Every Day 24J
Missing a day or two of school may not seem like a big deal, but that time matters. If a student misses just two days of school a month, by the end of the year, that adds up to an entire month of lost instruction. At Salem-Keizer Public Schools, we want all of our students to graduate prepared for successful lives. Students who regularly attend school are more likely to graduate, setting the stage for success in college and higher rates of employability. Be there all day, every day in District 24J.
Diariamente, todos los días en el Distrito 24J
El perder un día o dos de clases podría parecer irrelevante, pero ese tiempo es muy importante. Si un estudiante pierde solo dos días de clases al mes, al final del año escolar, esto representa un mes entero de clases perdidas. En las Escuelas Públicas de Salem-Keizer, queremos que todos los estudiantes se gradúen preparados para una vida exitosa. Los estudiantes que asisten regularmente a la escuela, tienen 172 porciento mayor probabilidad de graduarse, estableciendo así las bases para el éxito en la universidad y mayores índices de empleabilidad. Asistir a la escuela diariamente, todos los días en el Distrito 24J.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Offers Meeting for General Contractors Interested in Bidding on 2018 Construction Bond Projects
Salem-Keizer Public Schools will hold a pre-proposal meeting for general contractors on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Lancaster Professional Center, 2450 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem. The meeting is for firms interested in being included on the district’s list of prequalified general contractors for bond work. Overflow parking is available at the north end of the McKay High School parking lot. For most bond-funded projects, general contractors must be prequalified in order to respond to future bid requests. SKPS has recently posted two requests for proposals (RFPs) on the district’s procurement website, SKebid.com. RFP numbers 347 and 349 solicit eligible contractors for large and small projects, respectively. Large projects are defined as those with an estimated value of $5 million or [...]
Student Cohorts Show Growth in State Assessments
Eleventh-graders outperform state in math and English Language Arts, five pilot schools for math curriculum also demonstrate meaningful gains While Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) students start off behind their peers across the state on assessment tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, cohorts of students demonstrate significant growth, and by 11th grade, students are outperforming their peers across the state, according to data released today from the Oregon Department of Education. In ELA, cohorts of students average 3.4 percentage points in growth each year between third and eighth grades. In 2017-18, 11th-graders scored 2.3 percentage points higher than their peers across the state. “We focus on helping our students grow,” said Director of Strategic Initiatives Linda Myers. “We know how they perform on one [...]
Jim Orth Named SKPS Interim Assistant Superintendent
Orth has nearly 30 years in education as a teacher, principal and administrator Jim Orth, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS), has been named interim assistant superintendent for the district. He will be taking over a number of the responsibilities previously held by Kelly Carlisle, who retired from the district over the summer. Orth has worked in education for nearly 30 years, serving as a classroom teacher, principal and since 2014, the director of CTE for SKPS. Orth will fulfill this interim assistant superintendent role until a permanent assistant superintendent is named, at which time he’ll resume his role with CTE. “Jim is a terrific leader and outstanding resource for the district,” said Superintendent Christy Perry. “He understands what [...]
Brush College 5th-Grade Students Make Ornaments for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Fifth-grade students at Brush College Elementary School were excited when their teacher, Mrs. Pamela Sloan, recently shared about Oregon supplying the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. Her students are working on an ornament project for the tree using pinecones. The Christmas tree will come from the Sweet Home Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest. A different national forest has been chosen by the U.S. Forest Service to provide a tree each year since 1970. The last time the tree came from Oregon was 2002. Mrs. Sloan will be delivering her students' fragile artwork to the Sweet Home Ranger District soon. Oregonians have the chance to make handmade ornaments that celebrate the culture, history, people and landscapes of the state. Since early [...]
New Taste 4 Cafeteria Opens at McNary High School
Students at McNary High School are enjoying new menu items in their updated cafeteria. Called Taste4 by Sodexo USA, the new lunchroom style is coming to all six of Salem-Keizer's traditional high schools before the start of the 2018-19 school year.
Watch Our First Building For Success Video
Salem-Keizer has launched the first edition of a new video newsletter, Building For Success. Building For Success will be a monthly program to provide updates on the 2018 construction bond program. Each month we will cover different facets of the bond program, take a look at construction progress, interview experts in the field and more. In this first edition, Karma Krause from the Office of Community Relations & Communications talks with the district’s Chief Operations Officer Mike Wolfe about the $442.2 million in the bond that’s dedicated to adding space at our schools. We would love to have your feedback on Building For Success and hear your ideas for future episodes. Email us at info@salkeiz.k12.or.us!
Sprague Senior Recognized for Creating Award-Winning Video
It’s a pleasure to recognize a talented high school student who is making a big impact with her videos. Sprague High School senior Eden McCall recently won first place in the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services student video contest. This annual contest is organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition. The group aims to provide education and training for employers, young workers, educators and parents. It does this by highlighting safety and health risks that young people joining the workforce need to know about. Eden's video is called "The Silent Condition.” It emphasized the importance of speaking up if you see a safety-related problem at work. Eden won $500 in prize money and earned $500 for Sprague High School. Winning the video [...]
Applications Open for Bond and Boundary Committees
**The deadline to apply to serve on the bond and/or boundary committees has been extended to September 19, 2018** **La fecha para solicitar los comités de bonos y / o límites se ha extendido hasta el Miércoles 19 de Septiembre de 2018.** Salem-Keizer Public Schools is accepting applications for volunteer positions for two important public service opportunities – the Community Bond Oversight Committee and the Boundary Review Task Force. Residents of the Salem-Keizer School District are invited to apply to serve on the bond committee and/or the boundary task force. Details of each committee, including desired qualifications and length of service, can be found the application packet. The deadline to submit an application is Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Contact the Office of [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors Reaffirms Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution
At its meeting Tuesday night, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors reaffirmed Resolution No. 201819-2, “Safe and Welcoming Schools.” Originally adopted in 2016, the resolution commits to an inclusive, barrier-free environment where all students have access and opportunity to high-quality education. In part, the resolution states, “Whereas, this commitment means that student success will not be predicted nor predetermined by race, national origin, disability, economic circumstance, mobility, native language, sexual orientation, immigration status, gender identity, or level of proficiency upon entering school.” “I know wholeheartedly that this school board supports, endorses, believes in and stands by this resolution,” said Board Vice-Chair Sheronne Blasi. “We are committed to ensuring that our students feel welcome to come to school.” “It is critically important to us [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ Career-Technical Education Center to Hold Ribbon-Cutting and Recognition Event for Two New Programs
CTEC Celebrates Business Development and Leadership and Law Enforcement Program Launch on September 7 at 11 a.m. Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ (SKPS) Career-Technical Education Center (CTEC) is celebrating the opening of two new Career Technical Education (CTE) programs for the 2018-19 school year: Business Development and Leadership and Law Enforcement. The center is hosting a ribbon-cutting and donor recognition event on Friday, Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. at CTEC, which is located at 3501 Portland Road NE in Salem. The ribbon-cutting event celebrates the launch of the programs, as well as the nearly $2 million in contributions from the City of Salem, the John and Ginger Niemeyer Foundation, Columbia Bank and other funders who helped make these programs possible. Speakers will include City of Salem Mayor [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Launches “Every Day 24J!” to Address Chronic Absenteeism
Buses were rolling this morning carrying almost half of Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ (SKPS) 42,000 students, but with the back-to-school excitement was another message: “Every Day 24J!” Nearly one in three students in SKPS is chronically absent, and this year, schools and community organizations are collaborating to identify barriers to attendance and develop solutions. The campaign officially launched at Auburn Elementary, where Principal Katie Shumway identified the shift in weather as one of the contributing factors to absenteeism. Auburn is a neighborhood school, and many of its 700 students live within the one-mile radius of the school, meaning they don’t have access school bus transportation. Through the work of the Every Day 24J committee, One Thousand Soles was able to purchase 50 pairs of rain [...]
Back-To-School Information for the 2018-19 School Year
We're looking forward to a great new school year! Below are links for parents and students to help you prepare for the first day of classes. Let us know if you need more information. Send your questions via our Contact Us page, or call (503) 399-3038 during business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Start of School 2018-19 September 4: First day for Grades 6 and 9 September 5: First day for Grades 1-5, 7-8, 10-12 September 12: First day for all Kindergarten Back-to-School Resources Athletic Participation and Student Fees Bell Times (School Start/Stop Times) Bus Routes Bus Basics Video (English) Bus Basics Video (Spanish) Calendars Dress Code Elementary Parent Handbook (English) Enrollment & Registration Find Your Student's School Immunization Requirements Kindergarten Meal Program ParentVUE/StudentVUE [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Hires Construction Consulting Firm
Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) has contracted with DAY CPM, a Portland-based construction project management firm. DAY CPM will work with SKPS staff to facilitate implementation of construction projects funded by the $619.7 million bond approved by voters in May. The company has expertise in managing large construction projects to help keep them within budget and on schedule. DAY CPM has served in the same role for several neighboring school districts implementing bond-funded capital construction programs. All schools in Salem-Keizer will receive some kind of improvement in the 2018 bond program. Twenty-nine schools are scheduled to receive major capital improvements, such as additional classrooms, science labs, expanded cafeterias or libraries, gymnasiums and more. Improvements in seismic safety and security are also planned. The first school scheduled [...]
Free and Reduced Price Meal Income Guidelines Announced for 2018-19 School Year
Each year, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) announces income guidelines that allow students to qualify for free or reduced price meals. The guidelines are determined by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are the same for schools operating the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Schools that do not offer these programs may offer the Special Milk Program, which includes free milk to eligible students using the below guidelines. Under these federal programs, qualifying students receive meals or milk without charge or may pay a reduced price of no more than 40 cents for lunch. However, the Oregon Legislature provided funding to eliminate the reduced price payment for School Breakfast and Lunch so for the 2018-19 school year, breakfast and lunch will be [...]
Bond Construction at Gubser Elementary Starts Soon!
In May, Salem and Keizer voters approved a $619.7 million bond that will fund improvements all across our district. Gubser Elementary is one of the first five schools scheduled for construction! Work planned at Gubser includes four new classrooms, an expanded cafeteria and kitchen, improvements to the gym, and more. Our project is expected to go out to bid by September with construction predicted to start as soon as December of this year. The goal is to complete construction by fall 2019. This means that Gubser will be an active construction zone for part of the 2018-19 school year. We are excited about the changes coming to our school but are also aware that construction will present challenges to our normal school operations. We will [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Suspends Outdoor Athletics for August 23, 2018
Due to air quality concerns, all Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) outdoor athletics have been suspended for Thursday, Aug. 23. Outdoor marching band rehearsals also have been suspended. Per Oregon School Activities Association guidelines, practices may be moved indoors if space is available and ventilation permits. School and district staff are continuing to monitor, and if air quality and heat index conditions become safe throughout the day, outdoor practices could be resumed.
Salem-Keizer Recognized for High Standards in Financial Reporting and Accountability
Salem-Keizer Public Schools was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting in May, presented by the Association of School Business Officials International. The Certificate of Excellence recognizes districts that have met the organization’s high standards for financial reporting and accountability. Salem-Keizer earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending in 2017. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report informs parents and other stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, making it an important communication tool for building trust and engaging with the Salem-Keizer community. According to the Association of School Business Officials website, applying for the Certificate of Excellence demonstrates transparency and credibility, improves financial reporting through comments from school financial professionals, and is viewed by [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ Career-Technical Education Center Offers Two New CTE Programs
Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ (SKPS) Career-Technical Education Center (CTEC) is introducing two new programs this fall, Law Enforcement and Business Development and Leadership. “We are excited to add two new programs to our center,” said Rhonda Rhodes, principal at CTEC. “The new programs expose our students to a wider array of career options and enable opportunity and critical skill-building in both the fields of law enforcement and business entrepreneurship.” Salem-Keizer’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) students graduate at an impressive rate. The graduation rate for students who participate in one CTE class is 87 percent. That number jumps to 98 percent for students who complete coursework at CTEC. Students enrolled in the Business Development and Leadership program will discover the responsibilities of taking charge. They will [...]
Stephens Middle School Students Win Statewide and National Awards for Civics Project
Thirty students in teacher Audrey Von Maluski’s Project Citizen elective class at Stephens Middle School recently won top honors in the state, and in the nation, for a comprehensive civics project they worked on last spring. The students’ award-winning project is called "Is this America? Safer Schools to End Gun Violence." The 7th and 8th graders conducted original research, selected their own topic and determined recommendations to make schools safer. The students led interviews with multiple experts in the fields of education, security, mental health and law enforcement. Stephens Middle School students celebrate after winning 1st Place in Oregon for their Project Citizen presentation (Photo: Mary Fields). At the state competition, Stephens’ students gave presentations in front of an expert panel, which included [...]
Three Salem-Keizer High Schools Ranked Top 50 in Oregon
South Salem High, West Salem High and Sprague High recognized for quality of education Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ very own South Salem, West Salem and Sprague High Schools are ranked among the top 50 high schools in the state of Oregon according to the Portland Business Journal. Each of the three schools received national rankings and were ranked in the top 50 for high schools in Oregon. South High is ranked 34th, West Salem High is ranked 41st and Sprague High is ranked 49th in the state of Oregon. “We are proud to receive the national recognition,” said Superintendent Christy Perry. “Salem-Keizer educators across the board have embraced our student-centered ideals and continue to explore the various ways we can better prepare our students for life [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Suspends Outdoor Athletics for August 14, 2018
Due to air quality concerns, all Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) outdoor athletics have been suspended for Tuesday, Aug. 14. Outdoor marching band rehearsals also have been suspended. Per Oregon School Activities Association guidelines, practices may be moved indoors if space is available and ventilation permits.
African-American/Black Community Gathering for Students and Parents | Las Escuelas Públicas de Salem-Keizer abordan la equidad en colaboración con NAACP, Coalición de Iglesias
On Wednesday, August 22, the Coalition of Churches and Salem-Keizer’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People are holding a community gathering. At the gathering, Superintendent Christy Perry of Salem-Keizer Public Schools will address the progress and continuing needs of African-American/Black students, particularly in the areas of academics and discipline. “Salem-Keizer Public Schools is a melting pot of ethnicities,” said Director of Student Equity, Access and Advancement Cynthia Richardson. “We represent so many different cultures in our community, and it’s important to recognize the various ways that we can continue to support the needs of every student.” The event will be held on August 22 at the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CTEC is located at 3501 [...]
Parents Can Now Verify Student Enrollment Information Online with ParentVUE
Salem-Keizer is activating a new feature to make the student enrollment verification process easier for you. Each year, schools send home packets of enrollment information for the following year. The goal is to update any information that is changed to be able to contact parents if needed. This year Salem-Keizer is adding the ability for parents to verify their students’ enrollment information online. This process will be completed through logging on to ParentVUE and verifying the information that you have previously provided. To complete this, at least one parent will need an active ParentVUE account. The attached sheet provides instructions on how to activate your account. If you do not have access to a computer, you can still complete this process at your school. A [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools and Community Members Join Together to Address Chronic Absenteeism
One in three students in Salem-Keizer Public Schools is considered chronically absent If a student misses just two days of school a month, he or she will have lost out on an entire month of instruction by the end of the school year. Continue that path through elementary, and by the end of middle school, that equates to an entire year. On Tuesday, July 31, community members from the cities of Salem and Keizer joined Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) to address the ongoing issue of chronic absenteeism. The Oregon Department of Education defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10 percent or more school days, which equates to missing just two days of school per month. This year, SKPS will engage community members in ongoing dialogue and [...]
Resolution Authorizing SKPS as Law Enforcement Agency Withdrawn
Following a meeting with representatives from the community, Superintendent Christy Perry made the recommendation to the Salem-Keizer Board of Education that a resolution authorizing SKPS as a law enforcement agency be withdrawn. “What we heard clearly were the possible unintended consequences and their ramifications that this declaration could bring along with it,” said Perry. “We are grateful for our community members for having this frank discussion with us, and we agree with their recommendation.” The recommendation to withdraw the resolution was advocated for by members of the NAACP, Mano a Mano, Latinos Unidos Siempre, faith leaders, educators, parents and students. Board Chair Kathy Goss and Vice-Chair Sheronne Blasi joined in the community dialogue. The Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Office of Safety and Risk Management will [...]
District Seeks Public Input in Possible Boundary Adjustments Through Phone Survey
Desplazarse hacia abajo para leer esta historia en español In preparation to utilize the additional space being constructed at some schools in the 2018 bond program, a boundary adjustment process will begin soon. The boundary adjustment process is estimated to take about eight months, with revised boundaries potentially taking effect in the 2019-20 school year. Boundary adjustments may be needed in every high school feeder system to varying degrees; however, the process will not re-boundary the entire district. The McKay High School feeder progression is currently the most crowded and so is predicted to see proportionally more adjustments to relieve the overcrowding and balance enrollment. By comparison, the McNary High School and West Salem High School systems may see smaller adjustments to balance enrollments [...]
SKEF School Supply Drive August 1-31, 2018
Support teachers and students by donating classroom supplies during the Salem-Keizer Education Foundations' (SKEF) annual School Supply Drive from August 1-31, 2018. Donations go to SKEF’s School Supply Depot, which offers items free, year-round, to Salem-Keizer schools whose teachers and students need these items to help them be successful in the classroom. Donation barrels are located at donation sites at businesses and organizations around our community. Donations can also be dropped off at SKEF's office at 223 Commercial St NE in Salem. Top Requested Items Baby Wipes • Colored Pencils • Composition Notebooks • Crayons • Dry Erase Pens • Erasers • Facial Tissue • Folders • Glue Sticks • Graph Paper • Index Cards • Markers • Notebook Paper • Rubber Bands • Scissors • Sharpies • Spiral [...]
With Bond Measure’s Passage, Salem-Keizer Board Hears Process to Ensure Additional Capacity Fully Utilized
Feeder system boundaries may be adjusted to anticipate growth After the successful passage of the $619.7 million bond measure, Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) has begun planning for construction. In 2019, Gubser Elementary, Waldo Middle, Judson Middle, McNary High and North High will begin receiving significant capital construction. In order to utilize increased capacity and ensure the safe progression of construction, the Salem-Keizer Board of Directors reviewed the boundary change process at its July 24 meeting. The boundary change process is being facilitated by FLO Analytics, a consulting firm with expertise in data analysis and experience in assisting school districts with boundary changes. FLO Analytics utilizes research and population forecasting from Portland State University to guide enrollment projections. The boundary change process will take about eight [...]
Salem-Keizer’s Bonds Sell Quickly in First Issue
Demand for bonds helps temper potential construction cost fluctuations. On July 11, Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) offered close to $385 million in construction bonds for sale in the bond market in its first issue following the approval of a $619.7 million bond measure on May 15. Demand for the bonds was high, and all bonds offered for sale were purchased within 90 minutes of the market opening. “Salem-Keizer is seen as a secure investment, and our bonds are highly rated, which may explain why our bonds sold so quickly,” said Sarah Head, director of budget and finance. “Demand is important because it reduces costs and provides the opportunity to earn premiums on the sales, which helps temper future increases in construction costs.” There were also [...]
New District Principals Welcomed at Salem-Keizer Public Schools
SKPS announces new principal hires and transitions for schools, including the announcement of new director of elementary education. Eight Salem-Keizer schools, including Valley Inquiry Charter School, will see new principals for the 2018-19 school year, sharing a wealth of knowledge and expertise with students and families from various areas in the community. On June 27, Olga Cobb accepted the position of one of three directors of elementary education for the district. Cobb brings 18 years of experience with the district, most recently serving as principal at César Chávez Elementary since 2012. As a director of elementary education, Cobb will join Sandie Price and Heidi Lithchfield to provide leadership to 42 elementary school principals as they develop programs to help students reach benchmarks and higher state [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Releases 2018-19 Strategic Plan
Each year, the district develops a strategic plan to guide decision-making and all district work with a focus on eliminating the opportunity gap for each and every student. Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) has released the 2018-19 Strategic Plan, which will guide the work of each teacher, administrator, employee and volunteer throughout the coming year. The district’s vision is for all students to graduate prepared for a successful life. This Strategic Plan works in tandem with the district’s equity lens to achieve that vision while working to eliminate the opportunity gap for each and every SKPS student. SKPS leadership believes that success in school should never be predicted by a student's race, national origin, religion, disability, geographic location, economic circumstance, mobility, native language, sexual orientation, gender [...]
CTEC Announces $250,000 Challenge Grant from the John and Ginger Niemeyer Foundation
The John and Ginger Niemeyer Foundation is a supporting organization of the Oregon Community Foundation The John and Ginger Niemeyer Foundation, a supporting organization of the Oregon Community Foundation has offered a significant $250,000 challenge grant to Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ Career Technical Education Center (CTEC). The grant, when secured, will go toward the new Business Development and Leadership program at CTEC. The new program will launch in September and will be named in honor of the Niemeyers. “We are so impressed by what CTEC has accomplished in just three years, and we are so enthusiastic about what the next programs will add,” said the Niemeyers. “CTEC offers an incredible opportunity for young people to gain valuable professional and technical skills that lead to positive futures [...]
2018 Bond Construction Schedule
Salem-Keizer’s Construction Services Department has been hard at work planning the sequence of projects funded by the $619.7 million bond approved by voters on May 15. Every school in the district is planned to receive improvements under the bond. Twenty-nine schools are scheduled to receive major capital improvements such as classroom additions, cafeteria expansions, career-technical education spaces, parking and traffic flow renovations and more. While the scope of work and time needed to complete it varies at the 29 schools, each will follow the same general process to move from design concepts to final construction. Step 1: Design Development – 12 months or more, depending on size of project There are three phases in the Design Development process: Schematic Design - When it’s time to [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Recognized for Outstanding Publications and Digital Media
Salem-Keizer Public Schools received national recognition for its outstanding E-newsletter and video production in 2018, awarded by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). NSPRA has honored the best work in school communication for more than 50 years. The SKPS Community Relations & Communications department was awarded honorable mention in publications for its E-newsletter, Monday Minutes, and in electronic media communications for its video production of “McKay’s RECYCL3D Team Sweeps College Competition.” “We are proud to receive the national recognition,” said Director of Community Relations and Communications Lillian Govus. “We have expanded our efforts to celebrate the victories both in and out of the classroom by our students and staff, and these awards reflect the hard work in growing that commitment.” [...]
Salem-Keizer Board of Directors Elects New Board Leadership
The School Board elects Kathy Goss as the new board chairperson and Sheronne Blasi as the new board vice chairperson The Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors held a special meeting on Monday to elect new board leadership. Kathy Goss was elected as the new board chairperson and Sheronne Blasi was elected as the new board vice chairperson effective today. Both of these positions can be held for up to two years. Kathy Goss has served as a director on the school board since July of 2017 and represents Zone 1. Sheronne Blasi has also served as a director on the school board since July of 2017 and she represents Zone 3. “We are going to make this the best year ever to do [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Announces Olga Cobb as Director of Elementary Education
On June 27, Olga Cobb accepted the role as one of three Directors of Elementary Education for Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS). Cobb began her career with SKPS in 2000 as a bilingual instructional assistant before becoming a community school outreach coordinator. She was also a school office specialist and then a grant coordinator. Cobb served as principal at both Highland Elementary School and Chávez Elementary School for a total of 11 years. She was a commissioner with the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for five years and led the teacher preparation partnership between Chávez Elementary and two universities in the Salem-Keizer area for the past six years. Before working for SKPS, Cobb worked as a middle and high school teacher and as an adjunct faculty [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to Offer Free Summer Meals
Meals are available for all children Each year, Salem-Keizer Public Schools participates in the Summer Meals Program, which provides free meals to all children ages 1-18, regardless of family income. Free summer meals will be available from June 18 through August 30, though all locations will be closed on July 4. Children are welcome to receive a free meal at any of the listed school sites around the district, as well as at the KROC Center and FACES Family Daycare Literacy & Resource Center. All meals will be prepared without tap water, so the water advisory status does not affect food safety. Both breakfast and lunch will be available at each of the schools. “The Summer Meals Program is a great opportunity for Salem-Keizer Public [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Recognized for Outstanding Financial Reporting
In May, Salem-Keizer Public Schools was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, presented by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). ASBO International’s Certificate of Excellence recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and accountability. SKPS earned the Certificate of Excellence for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended 2017. The COE has been honoring school districts for their high-quality CAFRs for more than 45 years. The CAFR informs parents and other stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, making it an important communication tool for building trust and engaging with the Salem-Keizer community. “We are proud to be recognized for excellence in financial reporting,” said Superintendent Christy Perry. “Transparency [...]
Free STEM Summer Camp for Students Ages 14-17 July 30 – August 2, 2018
This summer, students ages 14-17 have the opportunity to attend a FREE summer camp to explore the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) July 30 through August 2. The four-day camp provides students with hands-on experience while getting children outdoors, exploring their environment and making new friends. The program is made possible through the support of: NASA Science Mission Directorate Northwest Earth and Space Pipeline (NESSP) Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium Oregon State University Extension Marion County Free for children 14-17 to participate with snacks and lunches provided each day. Space is limited – register today by contacting parent_emily@salkeiz.k12.or.us and emailing the registration form.
Changes to the Oregon Health Plan for Youth 19 and Under
The Oregon Health Plan is now open to more children and teens, regardless of immigration status. OHP is free health coverage for Oregonians who meet income and other criteria. It covers services like check-ups, tooth fillings, prescriptions, labs, x-rays and hospital care. Apply to see if you qualify. For more information or to get free help applying from a trusted and OHP-certified community partner, call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY). You can also go to Oregon Health Plan website for more information. El Plan de Salud de Oregón ahora está abierto a más niños y adolescentes, independientemente de su estado migratorio. OHP es un seguro de salud gratuito para los residentes de Oregón que cumplen con los requisitos de ingresos entre otros. Cubre servicios como chequeos [...]
Los Estudiantes de Duodécimo Grado de Salem-Keizer Reciben el Premio del Sello de Alfabetización Bilingüe del Estado de Oregon | Salem-Keizer Seniors Honored with Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy
Recientemente, el Departamento de Educación de Oregon anunció oficialmente que, hasta esta primavera, 1,014 estudiantes han recibido el reconocimiento del Sello de Alfabetización Bilingüe del Estado de Oregon. Otros estudiantes podrán ser elegibles para recibir esta distinción después de obtener su resultado en el examen de Colocación Avanzada y el examen de Bachillerato Internacional. Este es un reconocimiento para los estudiantes que han demostrado aptitud académica lingüística en una o más lenguas incluyendo el idioma inglés en las cuatro áreas de aprendizaje: lectura, escritura, comprensión auditiva y expresión oral. Los estudiantes deben cumplir con los criterios del año 2018 aprobados por el Consejo Estatal de Educación antes de recibir el Sello de Alfabetización Bilingüe del Estado de Oregon, los cuales aparecen a continuación: reunir todos [...]
Salem-Keizer Board of Directors Adopts $1.1 Billion 2018-19 Budget
The Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors voted Tuesday to adopt a budget totaling $1,147,797,142. The budget includes construction expenses related to the May 15 voter-approved bond ballot measure. On May 22, the Budget Committee approved the budget. The 2018-19 budget process included: Superintendent’s budget message presented to the Budget Committee on April 24 Revisions to the Superintendent’s proposed budget presented on May 21 Budget Committee meetings accepting public comment on May 8, 15, 21 and 22 School Board budget hearing on June 12 The adopted budget incorporates a conversion of temporary employees into permanent positions. Each year, SKPS budgets a pool of dollars for the hiring of limited-term (temporary) adult assistance (sometimes referred to as one-on-one staff) to work throughout the year with [...]
City of Salem Drinking Water Advisory Update
On Wednesday, June 6, the City of Salem issued a new advisory for vulnerable populations to not consume tap water due to algae blooms in the Detroit Reservoir. This advisory is expected to continue at least through Monday, June 11. This only applies for the City of Salem – not the City of Keizer or for those locations that use well water. Populations affected by the City of Salem Water Advisory: Those under the age of six People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing liver conditions People receiving dialysis treatment, or other sensitive populations Pregnant women or nursing mothers Elderly Pets Due to the generous donations of water that the district has received, we have elected to continue providing bottled water to pre-K through first [...]
Claggett Creek Student Selected for State of Oregon Art Contest
Seventh-grade student from Claggett Creek wins spot in Oregon Health Authority’s 2019 Problem Gambling Awareness calendar Each March, the Oregon Health Authority sponsors a statewide art contest for middle school students during Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This state-wide art search asks students to create informative and unique works of art to display the risks and harmful effects of gambling for a youth audience. Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS) held a local preliminary competition, bringing in 87 entries from throughout Marion County. MCHHS works with their staff, community and patients who visit their facility to select the top five works of art to send on to the state competition. Four students from Claggett Creek Middle School were selected in the top five for Marion [...]
Graduation Schedule for the Class of 2018
Students in the Class of 2018 will soon be walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. This is a special milestone in the lives of young people and their families. Below are the graduation schedules for each of our high schools and for two programs. For more information about graduation, please visit our Graduation Information webpage. Full Commencement Schedule Early College High School June 7, 2018 | 7 p.m. North Salem HS Auditorium McKay High School June 8, 2018 | 8 p.m. Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion McNary High School June 8, 2018 | 2 p.m. Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion North Salem High School June 8, 2018 | 7 p.m. North Salem HS Stadium Roberts High School June 6, 2018 | 7 p.m. Elsinore Theater [...]
Salem-Keizer Celebrates 136 Retirees for 2018
Congratulations to the 2018 Salem-Keizer retirees! This year, 136 staff members will be retiring with 2,740 combined yeas of experience and service to our students! The list of our retirees can be downloaded below.
Dwight Roberson Hired as New Community Resource Specialist
Dwight Roberson II has been hired as the new Community Resource Specialist in the office of Student Equity, Access and Advancement. Dwight will be working with our middle school and high school students, particularly focusing on at-risk African American students. Dwight's Bio: My name is Dwight Roberson II. I was born and raised in Oxnard, California. I came to Oregon to attend Oregon State University for my undergraduate. I have a B.S. Degree in Liberal Arts focusing on Psychology and Philosophy with a minor in Ethnic Studies, which I focused on African American history and culture. I enjoy fishing, bowling and relaxing at home after a long day. In addition to working as a Community Outreach Coordinator with the Salem-Keizer Public Schools, I am a coach at Corvallis High [...]
North Salem HS Students Help Plan For Bond Work
Students in Antonio Mercado’s leadership class at North Salem High School met last week with architects from BRIC Architecture, Inc. to share their views of what makes North a special place. This conversation and others held earlier with school staff are part of the design development phase for renovations planned at North Salem under the 2018 bond program. Bond renovations at North call for the demolition and replacement of the main gym, locker rooms and most other indoor athletic facilities, as well as the addition of 20 new classrooms, two career-technical education spaces, a satellite commons and much more. One goal of the design process is to make sure the new spaces respect North’s unique culture, history and architecture. The students’ input will help architects [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Recognizes Students for Turnaround Achievements
Middle and high school students receive awards for positive change On Wednesday, May 23 Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) recognized 21 students from across the district and community in the 2018 Turnaround Achievement Awards. Sponsored by Don and Ann Lebold of Town and Country Lanes, this award recognizes middle and high school students in our district that demonstrate effort, commitment and perseverance in the face of adversity. Recipients of this award have shown personal improvement in their academics, behavior or attitude and continue to implement these qualities in their daily lives. Since 1994, these awards have inspired and motivated more than 400 students to achieve success in their personal, academic and professional lives. “I didn’t think anything really mattered, especially myself,” said one award recipient. “Now, [...]
Salem-Keizer Budget Committee Approves $1.1 Billion 2018-19 Budget
The school district’s budget includes bond funds and new revenue estimates from Oregon Department of Education The Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Budget Committee tonight moved to recommend a budget totaling $1,147,797,142. The budget includes bond funds from the May 15 voter-approved ballot measure and new revenue estimates from the Oregon Department of Education. Because the proposed budget sustains operations in the second year of the biennium, the impacts to staffing are not as pronounced as the previous year’s budget. The budget was developed with four guiding priorities: Investing in behavioral learning Providing funding to implement an elementary math curriculum Stabilizing staffing and resources to grow the graduation rate Investing in student health and special education caseloads “This budget includes amendments that will positively impact education [...]
Now Open – Registration For Jumpstart Kindergarten In Summer Of 2018
Students entering kindergarten in many of our Title IA-funded elementary schools have the opportunity to attend a free kindergarten preparation program this summer called Jumpstart Kinder this summer. Jumpstart Kinder is August 6–10, 2018, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to noon for the following elementary schools. Jumpstart Kinder Schools Auburn, Bush, Chavez, Cummings, Englewood, Eyre, Four Corners, Grant, Hallman, Hammond, Harritt, Hayesville, Highland, Hoover, Keizer, Kennedy, Lamb, Miller, Morningside, Richmond, Salem Heights, Scott, Swegle, Washington, Weddle, Wright and Yoshikai. Registration Information Children who will turn five on or before September 10, 2018, and live in one of the school attendance areas listed above are eligible for Jumpstart Kinder. See the Registration Form at the bottom of this page. The goal of Jumpstart Kinder is to help students [...]
Three Salem-Keizer Culinary Programs Compete in Chopped Challenge
Claggett Creek Middle, McKay High and South Salem High Compete in Three-Round Culinary Competition at Salem Saturday Market Salem Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) showcased the incredible talent of students enrolled in culinary programs across the district on Saturday, May 19 as part of the “Chopped Challenge” at the Salem Saturday Market. Culinary programs in SKPS are part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs available to students. These programs provide hands-on experiences in career fields students may wish to pursue after graduating from high school. Future chefs from Claggett Creek Middle School, McKay High School and South Salem High School were challenged to participate in culinary challenges as collaborative teams to create appetizers, entrees and desserts for the panel of local judges: City Councilman [...]
Two Salem-Keizer High Schools Ranked Top 25 in Oregon
West Salem High and Sprague High recognized for college readiness Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ very own West Salem High School and Sprague High School are ranked among the top 25 high schools in the state of Oregon according to the “U.S. News and World Report.” Both West Salem High School and Sprague High School received national rankings and were ranked in the top 25 for high schools in Oregon. West Salem High School is ranked 15th in Oregon and has an Advanced Placement (AP) participation rate of 42 percent in a school whose minority enrollment is 31 percent. Sprague High School is ranked 24th in Oregon and has an AP participation rate of 34 percent with minority enrollment being 26 percent of the student population. “We [...]
Salem-Keizer Voters Approve $619.7 Million School Bond
Bond dollars will relieve overcrowding and add science, vocational spaces and more Voters in Salem and Keizer have approved a $619.7 million bond measure referred to the May 15 ballot by the Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors. The bond will address overcrowding, add space for career-technical education (CTE)/vocational programs, add science classrooms, improve safety and security, improve seismic safety and expand access to technology. The district’s six traditional high schools will be expanded to serve the growing community. Five will expand to serve 2,200 students, and the sixth (West Salem High) to serve 2,100 students. All schools in the district will see improvements under the 2018 bond program. The first five schools scheduled for construction in 2019 are Gubser Elementary School, Judson Middle School, [...]
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11, 2018
At the April 10 Board Meeting, the Salem-Keizer Board of Education proclaimed May 7-11, 2018, to be Teacher Appreciation Week. This is a time of recognition for teachers throughout our district and for teachers across the country for the countless hours of hard work and dedication they give to help our students prepare for a successful life. To view the full proclamation from the SKPS Board of Education, please click here. Curious on How to Get Involved? There are many ways to show your teachers how much you appreciate all that they do for you and your child, but to help, we have created a few resources for you! Social Networking Help spread the word about Teacher Appreciation Week on your social media sites. We [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to Hold “AMA” to Answer Questions on Proposed $619.7 Million Bond
On Tuesday, May 1, Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) will hold a Q&A called Ask Me Anything to answer questions regarding the $619.7 million proposed bond on the May 15 ballot. The bond would address overcrowding, expand career-technical education (vocational) opportunities, expand science classrooms, and increase safety and security in schools. The event will be held on May 1 at noon on Twitter. Parents and interested community members are encouraged to participate and ask questions they may have about the proposed bond. To participate, tweets should be sent to @salemkeizer with the hashtag #AMASKPSBond. Tweets will be received and responded to by Chief Operations Officer Mike Wolfe, who can answer most any question about the proposed bond. More information about the proposed bond is available online [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to Hold Community Meetings About the Proposed $619.7 Million Bond
Salem-Keizer Public Schools will share information about the proposed $619.7 million bond on the May 15 ballot in a series of upcoming community meetings. The proposed bond would address overcrowding, expand career-technical (vocational) education opportunities, expand science classrooms, and increase safety and security in schools. Parents, employees and interested community members are encouraged to attend and learn and ask questions about how the proposed bond would impact schools and the educational environment. Meetings will also will be streamed live on Facebook, www.facebook.com/salemkeizerschools. Meeting dates and locations: April 12 at 6:00 p.m. at North Salem High School, 765 14th St. NE in Salem April 17 at 6:00 p.m. at McNary High School, 595 Chemawa Road N in Keizer April 18 at 6:00 p.m. at South Salem High School, 1910 [...]
West Salem High School Student Wins Statewide Poetry Competition
Sarah Calvin-Stupfel, a senior at West Salem High School, is the winner of the 2018 Oregon Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest competition held last month. Competing against seven other regional finalists from across the state, Sarah memorized and recited her favorite poem, "Degrees of Gray in Phillipsburg" by Richard Hugo. She presented the poem with a heartfelt and articulate delivery. Sarah will be traveling to Washington D.C. on April 24 to compete in the 2018 National Finals at The George Washington University. The Poetry Out Loud program began in 2005 and helps students explore literary history while building their self-confidence through public speaking and research. Sarah’s win has a special meaning for the West Salem High School community. In 2007, West Salem High School [...]
Business Partner of the Month April 2018 West Salem ACE Hardware
Our Business Partner of the Month for April 2018 is West Salem ACE Hardware, nominated by Chapman Hill Elementary School. West Salem ACE Hardware is a family-owned business, and Jeremy and Heidi Mackay believe in giving back to their community. Chapman Hill Principal Rachael Harms says whenever her school calls Jeremy and Heidi asking for support, they always find a way to lend a hand. West Salem ACE Hardware is one of the sponsors of Chapman Hill’s annual Jog-A-Thon fundraiser. Last October, the school raised $17,000 dollars during its jog-a-thon. The money is used to pay for school field trips, and helps teachers purchase school supplies. West Salem ACE Hardware recently donated 35 five-gallon buckets for physical education and music classes. The buckets are used [...]
FREE CTE Summer Camps 2018 For Middle School Students
On Thursday, April 12 the Career and Technical Education program will begin accepting applications for CTE Summer Camps 2018. These summer CTE camps are for students who will be in sixth grade to eighth grade next fall. The free camps are funded through grants from the Oregon Department of Education. "Roadmap to Success" is an immersive and unique summer opportunity that will engage students in one of six different CTE programs designed for their connection to existing and planned CTE programs in Salem-Keizer Public Schools. High school and middle school teachers will lead interactive hands-on camps highlighting CTE programs middle school students can join in high school. Student must be enrolled at Salem-Keizer Public Schools during the 2017-18 school year to be eligible for participation. [...]
Salem-Keizer Board of Education Proclaims May 7-11, 2018 as Teacher Appreciation Week
At its April 10 meeting, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Education voted to proclaim May 7-11, 2018, as Teacher Appreciation Week. Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) has more than 2,300 licensed educators who show up every day, ready to serve students. “Our teachers are the backbone of everything we do,” said School Board Chairperson Paul Kyllo. “We need to support them in all they do.” In Salem-Keizer, about 76 percent of our licensed staff carry master’s degrees. Salem-Keizer teachers continue to grow in their practice and take advantage of professional learning opportunities offered through the district. They all play a part in reaching our vision: all students graduate and are prepared for a successful life. Below is a copy of the proclamation. WHEREAS, the education [...]
Cummings Elementary SMART Readers Are Our Volunteers of the Month for April 2018
Every Thursday morning from October through May, a group of eight to ten dedicated volunteers gather at Cummings Elementary School in Keizer to read one-on-one with pre-kindergarten through third-grade students who need a little extra help with their reading. The volunteers are known as SMART readers. SMART stands for “Start Making A Reader Today,” and is a statewide program offered in many of our schools. Students at Cummings who need support with their reading get to work one-on-one with a volunteer. Around 25 students get the opportunity every week. Anne Brightwell is the SMART coordinator at Cummings Elementary. She is a retired Salem-