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Oregon Department of Education Releases School and District Report Cards
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) produces yearly at-a-glance profiles for schools and districts. These reports, called for by the 1999 state legislature, provide educators with an opportunity to communicate directly with parents and community members about how local schools are performing. ODE redesigned the school and district profiles in 2018, with input from parents and families who represent students and student groups who are historically underserved. Go to ODE Report Cards >> Boleta de Calificaciones en Español >>
Parent Bell Schedule Survey | Preguntas y encuesta para los padres
In order to find the very best support for students, we are considering a middle school bell schedule change for the 2020-21 school year. THIS DOES NOT CHANGE THE START OR END TIMES OF THE SCHOOL DAY. Some of the potential choices include: A six (6) period schedule (60 min periods) that has A/B classes (some core classes all year). A six (6) period schedule (60 minute periods) that has a Trimester [12 weeks] (some core classes all year). A five (5) period schedule (70 minute periods) that has A/B classes (some core classes all year). Staying with our current schedule seven (7) period day. Take the Parent Survey >> Estamos considerando un cambio en los horarios para el año escolar 2020-21. ESTO NO [...]
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 [...]
Indian Education Program Builds Cultural Connections for Native Students
North Salem High School Freshman Zeta Sulzmann has only lived in Salem for about three months and is already amazed by how much the Indian Education program has positively impacted her life. Click below to hear Zeta perform “Build Me Up Buttercup” at North Salem High School Choir's Java Night. Zeta is a member of the Nimiipuu or Nez Perce tribe. The Indian Education program has helped her build an understanding of her culture, which has helped her succeed in the classroom as well. “The Indian Education program provides tutoring on Mondays,” said Zeta. “It is so helpful and I am so grateful and fortunate to have that because they have influenced and pushed me to succeed in school. The extra [...]
Salem-Keizer School Choirs To Perform At The Capitol in December 2019
Choir directors and their students from schools across the district will perform at the 38th Annual Holidays at the Capitol in December. The singers will perform holiday songs in the Capitol Rotunda. Below is the schedule of performances. Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Check with your school to confirm before heading down to the Capitol. December 3, 2019 5-5:30 pm – Sprague High School's small vocal ensemble Framework with Choir Director David Brown perform at the Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting December 4 10:00 am – Chapman Hill Elementary School 10:30 am – Englewood Elementary School 11:00 am – McKay High School Noon – Western Oregon University 1:00 pm – Fenny Roberts 1:30 pm – Crescendo School of [...]
SKPS Hosts Student Success Act Community Forums
Throughout the past week SKPS has been hosting community forums to gather feedback to help guide how the district will prioritize the more than $35 million SKPS will receive through the Student Success Act. Annually, this Student Investment Account can only be used to meet students’ mental or behavioral health needs, and increase academic achievement for students while reducing academic disparities. A task force of 40 community members and district employees have honed in to address the needs of students who are: Economically disadvantaged Native American English learners Black or African American Experiencing homelessness Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders Receiving special education services Were you not able to attend one of our community forums? We still need your feedback. Please take the time to fill [...]
Native American Heritage Month Spotlight: Che Finch
Che Finch, a Eugene native, has already immersed himself into the Indian Education Program, only a month into his position. As the new Cultural Resource Facilitator, Finch has many roles. Finch does a large amount of outreach within the schools, helping to bridge the gap between cultural differences between both staff and students. He went on to talk about how sometimes students simply need a mentor that understands them, someone to play basketball or eat lunch with. Sometimes they need help with homework, and invites students to utilize the programs Study Halls. “Some native kids grow up not being outspoken, being taught to respect elders, not to talk out of turn. That can affect grades; if staff can understand that there are those differences while [...]
Keizer’s Cupcake Celebration
Fridays are already exciting, whether you’re in elementary school or not. So when Keizer Elementary had the opportunity to devour cupcakes made by the culinary team at McNary High School, the excitement was through the roof. On Thursday, Nov. 21, the culinary students started preparing and baking for the celebration the following day. It was an all hands on deck situation as they prepared 650 mini pumpkin cupcakes! Keizer Elementary students earned this celebration by completely filling the box in the front office. This isn’t an ordinary box, but a box for students to drop their “colt cards” into. Students are awarded colt cards when they are safe, responsible and respectful. When the box is filled the students earn a celebration! Wendy Bennett, culinary teacher [...]
Panorama Family-School Relationships Survey
Dear Families, Our district values your feedback! We would like to invite you to take a brief anonymous survey during Parent-Teacher Conferences and tell us about your experience at your child's elementary school. We need your feedback to ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for a successful life. We want to know what you think! The survey will first be available during Parent-Teacher Conferences, November 25 and November 26. You will be able to take the survey on any device with internet access, i.e. smart phones, tablets, laptops. Simply click on the survey link, select your child's elementary school from the drop-down menu and you’ll be ready to go. This important survey will take [...]
In-District Transfer Applications Must Be Turned In By November 30, 2019
Students who want to attend a school other than their assigned school next semester (2019-20 school year) must apply for an in-district transfer (IDT) by November 30, 2019. This includes elementary, middle and high school students. This process is for students applying for a new IDT. If your student is currently attending a school on an IDT, they do not need to reapply. Although school is not in session the week of Nov. 25-29 for Thanksgiving Break, school offices are open on Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26 for parent/teacher conferences. You can call your school for more information then. IDT request forms can also be picked up at the Salem-Keizer Public Schools District Office (Lancaster Professional Center), 2450 Lancaster Drive NE, in Salem. [...]
Free Lunch Over Autumn Break | Almuerzo gratis durante las vacaciones de otoño
FREE LUNCH! Free lunch is available at the locations listed below between 12pm - 12:30 pm on November 25, 26, and 27. Lunch is free for ALL children & students ages 1-18 years old. EVERYONE is invited - regardless of family income! Locations for free lunches Bush Candalaria Cummings Englewood Four Corners Grant Hayesville Kennedy Richmond Washington Wright Yoshikai For more information contact Nutrition Services at 503-399-3091 ¡ALMUERZO GRATIS! Almuerzo gratis está disponible en los siguentes lugares de 12pm a 12:30 pm los dias 25, 26, y 27 de noviembre. Para TODOS los niños y estudiantes de 1 a 18 años. ¡TODOS ESTAN INVITADOS: independientemente de los ingresos familiares! Escuelas Bush Candalaria Cummings Englewood Four Corners Grant Hayesville Kennedy Richmond Washington [...]
Spotlight on Success: McNary Boys Soccer Team
Get to know the McNary boys soccer team and their coach, Miguel Camarena. In early September, the boys had the opportunity to imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes, or cleats if you will, when their game at Westview High School in Beaverton took an unexpected turn. Due to heavy rain and flooding, their game was unfortunately cancelled after making the drive. Packing up their belongings and preparing for the hour drive home, the boys heard a cry for help and instantly sprung into action! At one-point competitors, the two teams joined forces while placing sandbags at the bases of doors to prevent further flooding into the gym and locker room. Other students got crafty by gathering brooms, mops and other equipment to push out and [...]
Scott Elementary School Kindergarten Students Learn About a Native American Story
Photo caption: Scott Elementary School Parent Cazmine Bonnot and her son, Coyote Craft, shared some of their traditional belongings, while dressed in their regalia. November is Native American Heritage month and the Indian Education Program has been taking time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of America’s indigenous people. On Friday, Nov. 15, kindergarten students at Scott Elementary School got a special treat. Karly Foster, a cultural resources facilitator for the Indian Education Program, went to Scott to share the story of the “Three Sisters.” Each sister from the story represented their respective food. The little sister is the bean, who needs help from her oldest sister to keep her from crawling along the ground. The second sister is the squash, who [...]
Spotlight on Success: 3rd Grader Addison Sermon, Clear Lake Elementary School
Meet Addison Sermon, a 3rd grader at Clear Lake Elementary School. When she was just 4 years old, Addison, who also goes by Addi, didn’t feel very well. Doctors at Salem Hospital did tests for several hours before diagnosing Addi as having cancer, and sent her to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland right away. At Doernbecher, specialists found Addi had a Wilms tumor that had burst. She underwent surgery, followed by chemo therapy and radiation treatments. Doctors were impressed by how brave Addi was throughout the process. As part of her recovery, Addi was given a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Some people think the Make-A-Wish Foundation only gives wishes to terminally ill children, but wishes are also given to those with life-changing illnesses. There [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to Hold Community Forums Seeking Input on Student Success Act Funds
Salem-Keizer Public Schools is slated to receive more than $35 million from the Student Success Act. Annually, this Student Investment Account can only be used to meet students’ mental or behavioral health needs, and increase academic achievement for students while reducing academic disparities. The district is holding community forums to seek input. In the video below, Superintendent Christy Perry and Yadira Juarez from the Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality provide an overview of the Student Investment Account and invite you to provide feedback on how to prioritize funding in our schools. For those who cannot attend the community forums, surveys are available in English and Spanish. To lead the work around the Student Success Act funds, the district convened a Student Investment Account [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Appoints Two Community Members for Budget Committee
At its meeting Tuesday night, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors appointed two community members to serve on the budget committee. Levi Herrera-Lopez and Jaqualine Bechtel, also of Salem, will join the 14-member committee. The budget committee consists of the seven Salem-Keizer School Board directors and seven appointed volunteer community members. Budget committee appointees serve three-year terms and may apply for additional service. The committee is an advisory group established by statute to make budgetary recommendations to the school board. Committee members will review and approve budgets for adoption by the school board. The first public meeting of the budget committee will be held on April 28, 2020 where they will receive the superintendent’s proposed budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Community Budget Committee Members [...]
Bond Status Update – Projects on track to be complete in about 10 months
Four active construction projects are currently on time and on target to finish in fall 2020! We’re only about 10 months away from substantial completion at McNary High School, North Salem High School, Judson Middle School and Waldo Middle School. Here are highlights of the progress so far: McNary High School – The replacement tennis courts are complete, and floors for the classroom addition on the north side of the building are filled with foundation concrete. Most of the exterior walls are up on the south addition near the main entrance, with roofing work in progress. Turf has been installed for the replacement softball field. North Salem High School – Concrete flooring has been poured in the new career and technical (vocational) education space, which [...]
Community Honors 12 Educators and One Business with Crystal Apples
Twelve local educators were honored with a Crystal Apple Award Thursday night during Salem-Keizer’s 23rd annual gala celebration of excellence in education. The recipients, including teachers at all levels and education support professionals, were chosen from a list of 53 nominees, and honored before a full house at Salem’s Historic Elsinore Theatre. Since 1996, the community has come together to honor local educators who go beyond their regular job duties to demonstrate best practices, benefit students and provide them with educational options. Nominations come from community members, students and parents. It is an honor to continue the tradition of celebrating education in this community," said Kelly Carlisle, executive director of the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation. "The teaching professionals we have in our district are truly worthy of this [...]
Spotlight on Success: Kendra Liggett, Walker Middle School Career and Technical Education teacher
Over the years, it has become obvious that Kendra has gone above and beyond in making her classroom a welcoming and electric place to learn. Kendra has made it her mission to get students excited about what the world has to offer after they graduate high school so they continue pursuing their goals. Last year, Walker opened the first middle school Career and Technical Education Paxton-Patterson Lab in the state of Oregon. Kendra teaches five classes of CTE and is already nearing capacity early in its second year. This speaks volumes, not only to the engaging curriculum but also to Kendra’s teaching abilities. With 17 different modules ranging from EMT services, forensics, to structural engineering; the students in the classroom are seeing snippets of future [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors Approves Native American Heritage Month Proclamation
Caption: Indian Education Program Assistant Shelby Maerz stands alongside Student Representative Madison Cole, Parent Advisory Committee Representative Ulana Cole and School Board Chairperson Marty Heyen to accept the signed proclamation for Native American Heritage Month. At its meeting Tuesday night, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors started the meeting with a land acknowledgement reading and unanimously approved the “Native American Heritage Month” proclamation. This is the first year the Board of Directors has started a meeting with a land acknowledgement reading. Native American Heritage Month is observed in November to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of America’s indigenous peoples. It is a time to recognize the important contributions and roles of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The observance began in [...]
View the List of 2019 Crystal Apple Award Nominees!
This Thursday, Nov. 14, hundreds will gather at the Elsinore Theatre to honor excellence in education at the 2019 Crystal Apple Awards! Hosted annually by the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, the Crystal Apple Awards honor teachers, education support professionals and administrators who make a difference in the lives of children. Tickets are now on sale for you to come and support the 53 educators nominated for an award this year. View the 2019 Crystal Apple Award Nominees Purchase your tickets Learn more about the Crystal Apple Awards
Salem-Keizer Public Schools to Hold Outreach Event for Local Construction Contractors and Subcontractors
Event will feature design/bid/build opportunities in the 2018 bond program Local construction contractors and subcontractors are invited to attend an outreach event on Thursday, November 7, 2019 between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. at Salem-Keizer’s Central Services Center, 3630 State Street in the Polk meeting room. The event will connect construction firms with school district Construction Services staff and approved general contractors, and will focus on upcoming design/bid/build projects included in the 2018 bond program. Salem-Keizer is in the second year of implementation of the bond program and plans to break ground on 17 construction projects in 2020. Approximately $170 million will be invested in projects in the coming year, of which approximately $71 million dollars will be directed toward hard bid projects. In May 2018, [...]
District Making Progress on Bond Work, Gearing Up for Three-Fold Increase in Projects in 2020
In May 2018, voters approved a bond to fund improvements all across the school district. Through market premiums, earnings on bond proceeds, grants and reimbursements, the total approved bond program has grown from the original, or base bond amount of $619.7 million, to $667.7 million without adding costs for the taxpayer. The district-wide focus of bond work is to relieve overcrowding, improve safety and security, add science labs and expand our career and technical (vocational) education program spaces at our secondary schools. Bond work also focuses on protecting the community’s investment in school facilities. Five schools began construction in 2019. These schools included Gubser Elementary School, Judson Middle School, Waldo Middle School, McNary High School and North Salem High School. Gubser completed construction on time [...]
Weddle Elementary Finds Connection Between Technology and Geography
The excitement was apparent as students and their family members rumbled up the ramp into the cafeteria Thursday night at Weddle Elementary School. Before the cultural literacy and science lessons began the families enjoyed a catered dinner while staff members meandered the room prefacing what was in store for the night. Many students who had attended the week before or even the sessions during the summer had some background knowledge on the Indian education that was going to be discussed. Shelby Maerz, the Program Assistant for Indian Education led the cultural literacy class while Keizer Elementary School Fourth Grade Teacher Terry Tucker led science lessons. Maerz noted that in the previous week the students in attendance learned about the Kalapuya tribe located in Oregon in [...]
McNary Culinary Cooks for 400 at Keizer Community Dinner
What does it take to scale up a recipe for six people and feed 400 hungry guests? About 120 pounds of meatloaf, 50 pounds of potatoes, nine gallons of gravy and a whole lot of green beans. Over the course of three days, 150 culinary students in five of Chef Wendy Bennett's career and technical education classes at McNary High School peeled, chopped, prepared and cooked all the ingredients for the monthly Keizer Community Dinner at St. Edward Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. The home-style meal was all created from scratch. Many who attended said it was one of the tastiest meals ever at the community dinner. Chef Bennett said her culinary students, from beginning freshmen to seasoned seniors, all learned a lot [...]
Salem Area College & Career Fair – Monday, October 28
Join us for the Salem Area College & Career Fair at Chemeketa Community College from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, October 28. Free Admission for ALL $3000.00 in scholarships and free drinks from Dutch Bros Free swag give away from businesses and colleges Representatives from colleges, universities, trade/career schools, employment departments and the military will be on hand to answer questions Questions? Contact Salem-Keizer AVID @ (503) 399-3061 or email us at avid@salkeiz.k12.or.us
CTEC Parents and Students Meet Educators and Industry Professionals at Pathways Night 2019
Career and Technical Education Center students and their families toured CTEC last night at Pathways Night 2019. Students had twinkles in their eyes as they introduced their parents to their teachers and showed off classrooms and labs where they learn new skills every week. Families also got the opportunity to talk with industry partners and representatives from colleges and universities. That gave parents the chance to ask professionals working in career fields about real-world opportunities their students can look forward to after graduation from high school or college. CTEC Principal Rhonda Rhodes says the annual Pathways Night is similar to parent nights at other schools. "We want parents to see the spaces where their students are studying, see the equipment they're working with and meet [...]
School At-A-Glance Profiles Demonstrate Salem-Keizer Learning Initiatives, Special Programs Spur Growth
Although many schools are highly impacted, student achievement grows through elementary, middle and high years, particularly for English learners Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) serves one of the most diverse populations in the state, and those unique needs are highlighted in the Oregon Department of Education’s annual At-A-Glance School and District Profiles. In SKPS, the data tells the story of how student learning grows through the elementary and middle years and becomes achievement in the high school years. The profiles, released today, show that a significant number of our students come to SKPS in kindergarten needing intentional academic supports to catch up with their peers across the state. SKPS serves more students with disabilities, students who are English learners and economically disadvantaged students than any other [...]
Nominations for the 2019 Crystal Apple Awards Are Now Open!
Do you know a teacher, administrator or classified staff person who goes above and beyond to create a positive learning environment and help kids achieve their dreams? Honor them by nominating them for a Crystal Apple Award. The annual event is set for November 14, 2019 at Salem’s Historic Elsinore Theatre. Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, along with Salem-Keizer Public Schools and the Salem and Keizer Chambers of Commerce, present the awards each year to deserving education professionals who go the extra mile in providing safe and positive learning opportunities for our students. Nominations forms can be found at any school in the district or download from the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation website: www.skeducationfoundation.org. District nominees must have been employed by Salem-Keizer Public Schools for at least three [...]
Spotlight on Success: World Champion Athlete Justin Devereux
Social studies teacher Justin Devereux won gold at the World Masters Weightlifting Championship last August in Montreal, Canada, setting the American record with a 370-pound clean and jerk, making him a back-to-back world champion. What an amazing feat! When he’s not competing against the world’s best, Justin is working with his students at Crossler Middle School. Justin says that teaching is his number one priority, and he gets the same sense of satisfaction helping students reach their goals as he does reaching his own. If it wasn’t enough that he is a world champion athlete, Justin is a US Marine and was on active duty from 2000 to 2004. He is an award-winning, published historian for an article he wrote about wolves in the Willamette [...]
American Indian/Alaska Native Celebration
Come and enjoy a family evening filled with storytelling, music, dancing and dinner. This FREE event is open to all! Register at: http://bit.ly/33nYmNY Special guest: SUPAMAN Willamette University’s Cat Cavern 935 Mill Street Salem, OR 97301
Community Partner of the Month: Oregon Department of Transportation
On Friday, August 30, 2019, at around 4 p.m., two of our buses carrying students from North Salem High School were on their way to Redmond for a football game. That's when one of the buses had a mechanical problem. It happened on Oregon Highway 22, near Marion Forks. Turned out there was an Oregon Department of Transportation crew close by that was there to help, and it came to the rescue. Jose Fuentes and Ricky Paye with ODOT responded with a service truck, got the bus to pull out safely, looked at the problem, went to their shop for parts and repaired our bus. "We have an excellent partnership with ODOT," said Michael Shields, Director of Transportation Services. "We want to express our gratitude [...]
Transportation Hiring Incentives $1,500 to $3,000
Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) and the Association of Salem-Keizer Education Support Professionals (ASK-ESP) has announced transportation recruitment incentives to attract and retain transportation employees. apply now The transportation recruitment incentive is for new bus drivers who have not been previously employed as a bus driver in SKPS within the year of their new hire date. New bus drivers will receive the following monetary incentives based on time worked over the employee’s first year of continuous employment: “We are thankful to the Association of Salem-Keizer Education Support Professionals for their support of this new incentive structure for our transportation department,” said SKPS Chief Operations Officer Michael Wolfe. “Our bus drivers really make a positive impact each and every day for our students. Like [...]
PSAT Test Is October 16, 2019
The PSAT this year will be held on October 16, 2019. The test will be given at all high schools in our school district, for both 10th & 11th grade students. What is the PSAT? The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test. The PSAT is also used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program as well as other national scholarship programs. For more information, please check with your school. Make-Up Test There will be a make-up test on October 19 at Waldo Middle School, if for some reason your student will miss the test on October 16. Space is very limited for the make-up test, the cost is $20. Please sign up at the Secondary Education office at 2450 Lancaster Drive [...]
Educators Visit McNary High School for AVID Showcase
Excitement was in the air today at McNary High School as administrators, teachers and students proudly showed off Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies during the McNary AVID Showcase. Almost 50 educators came from near and far to hear about how McNary is implementing AVID, to tour classrooms, and to ask questions during a student-led panel discussion. "Educators are here today from across Oregon, and even from Washington state," said Salem-Keizer AVID Coordinator Barb Bamford. "They are here to learn what it looks like to implement AVID schoolwide. Some of the visitors have AVID at their schools now and are looking for ways to improve and enhance. Others are thinking about what it would be like to start AVID at their schools." Last spring, McNary [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Joins with Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month Kick-Off
Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ (SKPS) students, leadership and staff stood in partnership with Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation on the front steps of the State Capitol on Tuesday, October 1 for the kick-off of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). SKPS Superintendent Christy Perry joined Keith Ozols, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation at the Oregon Department of Human Services, as he read a proclamation to commemorate October as NDEAM in Oregon. Students and staff from Salem-Keizer’s Community Transition Program (CTP) were present for an engaging morning of job readiness and employment-related activities at the Capitol Mall. These activities were planned in coordination with our district’s Office of Student Services, state agency HR Departments, community and industry partners and the Transition Technical Assistance Network to benefit the 200+ students [...]
Indian Education Fall Family Enrichment & Fall Study Hall Nights 2019
Our Indian Education/Title I team will be hosting Indian Education Fall Study Hall and Family Enrichment Nights again this year. They will be held at Bush Elementary and Weddle Elementary schools. See the flyers below for details. Questions? Contact Indian Education at (503) 399-5512.
McNary High School Hosts First Unified Soccer Championship Game
In SKPS, 15 percent of students receive special education services. SKPS works diligently to meet the needs of all students and families regardless of age, color, ability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender or sexual orientation or veteran status. McNary High School is connecting students from all backgrounds together through their new unified sports program bringing all students together. This program brings some of the school’s most vulnerable students into the spotlight to train and compete in a variety of team sports alongside their peers. On Tuesday, Oct. 1 the school held their very first unified soccer championship game for their students. “This is a population of students that has been historically separated from their peers,” said Student Services Coordinator [...]
Additional Earnings, Grants Boost 2018 Bond Program
Since the community approved the $619.7 million construction bond in May 2018, Salem-Keizer Public Schools has been able to fund additional projects and add scope to existing projects beyond that promised in the original bond package. Through market premiums, earnings on bond proceeds, grants and reimbursements, the total approved bond program has grown from the original, or base bond amount of $619.7 million, to $667.7 million without adding costs for the taxpayer. Funds have been dedicated to construction projects as recommended through the boundary adjustment process at Eyre, Grant, Kennedy and Miller elementary schools, and Houck Middle School. Design modifications at McKay and South Salem high schools were identified by each school’s design team early in the architectural design process and have also been added [...]
Spotlight on Success: Bus Drivers with the Transportation Department Bring Home Trophies
Members of the Transportation Department’s award-winning Road-eo Team was honored at the September 8, 2019, school board meeting Our bus drivers won multiple awards at the 45th Annual Oregon Pupil Transportation Association State Safety Exercises, held in Eugene on May 4th and June 1st , 2019. The competition emphasizes continuous improvement and safety-focused skills. There was a total of 50 participants from across the state at each of the all-day events. Salem-Keizer was well represented. Here are the results. 1st Place, Over All for the South Willamette Region, James Shaffner 1st Place, Novice Transit category for the South Willamette Region, Christina Davenport 1st Place, Novice Transit category in the State of Oregon, Sarah Earls Other trophy winners from Salem-Keizer Transportation were: 2nd Place, Team Trophy: [...]
Student Cohorts Show Growth in State Assessments Though Overall Performance Lags
Eleventh-Graders Out Perform State in Math and English Language Arts Data released today from the Oregon Department of Education shows that while Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) students do 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. “We know that our students come to us with significant obstacles to learning,” said Assistant Superintendent Linda Myers. “Our students face traumas that don’t help them get a solid foundation, so we put an intentional focus on growth. While we know that these results reflect important aspects of how our students are growing and learning, no single assessment provides the complete [...]
Spotlight on Success: Salem-Keizer Student Has Great Success in Spelling Contests
You could say that Jacob Howard, a sixth-grader at Leslie Middle School, has a way with words. After winning the Salem-Keizer District Spelling Contest last April as a fifth-grade student at Candalaria Elementary, Jacob went on to win the Marion County Regional Contest in May. That qualified him for the Oregon Statewide Spelling Championship at the Oregon State Fair in Salem on August 31, 2019. Challenged by words such as “appraisal” and “symbolize,” Jacob won Second Place in the contest and received a prize of $50. A total of 56 of the best spellers from 27 Oregon counties competed in the event in the elementary school, middle school and high school divisions. Jacob is no stranger to success at the Statewide Spelling Contest. He [...]
Budget Committee Seeks Two New Members
Budget Committee – Community Members Appointment Process The Salem-Keizer School District Budget Committee is a 14-member group consisting of the Salem-Keizer School District Board of Directors and seven community member volunteers appointed by the school board. Community appointees normally serve a three-year term and may apply for additional service. The committee is an advisory group, as established by Oregon statute, to make recommendations to the board regarding the annual operating budget. Candidates for the budget committee must be registered voters and residents of Salem-Keizer School District 24J. The school board makes an effort to have appointees on the committee who represent all areas of the district. Employees, officers and agents of the district are not eligible to serve as community members of the committee. Public hearings [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors Approves First-Ever Hispanic Heritage Month and Welcoming Week Proclamation
At its meeting Tuesday night, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors unanimously approved the “Hispanic Heritage Month and Welcoming Week” proclamation. This is the first year the Board of Directors has brought forward such a proclamation. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The observance begin in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Regan in 1988. Welcoming Week, which is celebrated this year from Sept. 13-22, provides the opportunity for us to affirm that our communities are stronger when we feel like we belong and the contributions of all are welcomed. In [...]
Eight Additional Students Join the Class of 2019 at McKay High School
Eight diplomas were awarded to new graduates from McKay High School last night at the Salem-Keizer School Board meeting. The students are our final eight graduates in the Class of 2019. Each student was called one-by-one to the front of the board room. Principal Rob Schoepper handed new graduates their diplomas, and they shook hands with Superintendent Christy Perry, school board directors and McKay staff. After that, the beaming graduates showed off their diplomas and celebrated with their proud families and friends. Video courtesy of: Capital Community Television Salem The new graduates didn’t have enough credits to graduate with their peers on June 5 or in the summer on August 1. To help them across the finish line, McKay launched an Extended Credit Recover [...]
Student Support Services Open House 2019
Families visited with district staff at the annual Student Services Open House last night. Parents asked questions about services provided to students in our district, which include supports such as assistive technology, augmentative communication, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Team, the Community Transition Program, the Independent Living program, occupational and physical therapy and more. More than 350 people attended the event. Local and statewide parent advocacy groups that we partner with also had tables at the open house, and spoke with parents about resources and upcoming parent meetings. Our Student Services team is here to serve students with special needs. Visit the Student Services webpage to learn more or to get in touch.
Crystal Apple Award Nominations Open Soon
Nominations for the 2019 Crystal Apple Awards will open on Friday, September 13! Do you know a teacher, administrator or classified staff person who goes above and beyond to create a positive learning environment and help kids achieve their dreams? Honor them by nominating them for a Crystal Apple Award. The annual event is set for November 14, 2019 at Salem’s Historic Elsinore Theatre. Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, along with Salem-Keizer Public Schools and the Salem and Keizer Chambers of Commerce, present the awards each year to deserving education professionals who go the extra mile in providing safe and positive learning opportunities for our students. Nominations forms can be found at any school in the district or download from the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation website: www.skeducationfoundation.org. District [...]
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
This year, our students’ ID cards at the middle and high school levels will look a little different. The physical and psychological safety of our students is without question, our highest priority, and no student should go through a mental health crisis alone. You’ll find hotlines printed on the back of each ID card that students can access 24/7. This year we also have an additional counselor at each high school and offer access to licensed mental health therapists in nearly 30 of our schools. For more, see a News Report By KATU News 2. Resources on SKPS ID Cards 911 - Life threatening emergencies Mental Health Crisis Oregon Youthline National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (English & Spanish) Report a Tip SafeOregon We believe that each [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors Revises and Affirms Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution
At its meeting Tuesday night, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors revised and unanimously affirmed Resolution No. 201920-1, “Safe and Welcoming Schools.” Originally adopted in 2016, the resolution was revised this year to include more explicit language about students’ confidential information and to ensure our students’ learning environments are not disrupted by immigration enforcement actions In part, the resolution states, “Whereas, the School Board is committed to protecting students’ constitutional rights, including their Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures and to access a free public education.” “Nothing is more important than the safety of our students, and that includes their psychological safety,” said Superintendent Christy Perry. “As educators, we focus on trauma-informed care. There is no greater trauma [...]
Back-to-School 2019-20
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. School Offices Open Dates 2019-20 August 14: Elementary School offices open August 13: Middle School offices open Year round: High School offices open year round Start of School 2019-20 September 3: First day for Grades 6 and 9 September 4: First day for Grades 1-5, 7-8, 10-12 September 11: First day for all Kindergarten Back-to-School Resources Athletic Participation and Student Fees Bell Times (School Start/Stop Times) Boundary Maps (Schools) Bus Routes [...]
Free & Reduced Meals in Salem-Keizer Public Schools
How do I apply for free and reduced meals for my child? Children need healthy meals to effectively learn. SKPS offers healthy meals to students every school day. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. All students enrolled at the schools listed below are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2019-20 school year. Additional meals, snacks or entrees will still be available for purchase. Students who would like to purchase extra food items will need to deposit money in their student account. This program is made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provisional 2 program. Community Eligibility Provisional Elementary Schools: Auburn Elementary School Behavior [...]
Gubser Elementary School Celebrates Completion of Construction
Gubser Elementary School will be the first school to substantially complete construction in the 2018 Bond Program! In March 2019, Gubser Elementary School began construction for major renovations and improvements under the 2018 bond program. The work will be substantially complete before the end of summer, and Gubser Elementary will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony before Labor Day weekend to celebrate! The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Gubser Elementary. The celebration will include remarks from elected officials and district representatives, cutting of the ribbon by Gubser Elementary students and a tour of all the changes. Thanks to the community’s support of the 2018 bond, Gubser Elementary has received four new classrooms, a new cafeteria and kitchen, removal of [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Breaks Ground at Waldo Middle School
In 2018, voters approved a $619.7 million bond to fund improvements for Salem-Keizer schools. On Thursday, supporters of Waldo Middle School, including local officials, school board members, community supporters and school staff, gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of one of the first five schools planned to begin construction under the 2018 bond program. Waldo is the fifth school planned for construction under the 2018 bond program—after North Salem High School, Gubser Elementary School, McNary High School and Judson Middle School respectively. Waldo will receive a cafeteria expansion, four new classrooms, four new science labs and a multipurpose fitness room. The school will also receive seismic improvements, library improvements, increased visibility of the main entry from the front office and much more. “As we kick off [...]
Spotlight on Success: Community Partner of the Month August 2019
When a Spanish language teacher at North Salem High School took an unexpected medical leave last April, it appeared that almost 120 Viking students wouldn’t be able to earn college credits at Western Oregon University. That’s when Adam Whalen and his team at the Willamette Educational Service District stepped in. Adam’s title is Accelerated Learning Manager, and he facilitates partnerships between universities and school districts that allow students to earn credits at both high schools and universities. In order to get the college credits, the 117 North Salem students in four different classrooms needed to take a 28-page assessment test. That test included five sections: listening, speaking, writing, reading and communicative awareness (grammar). Working with Assistant Principal Carlos Ruiz and School Office Specialist Clarita Alverez, [...]
SKPS Welcomes New Leadership Around the District
New district, principal and assistant principal hires, transitions for three additional schools in SKPS The 2019-20 school year brings exciting transitions in leadership for Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS). [Updated Aug. 30, 2019] Chávez and Keizer Elementary Schools | Assistant Principal Teresa Alfaro previously assistant principal at Heritage Elementary in Woodburn Teresa Alfaro earned her first teaching degree in Mexico. Shortly after, she moved to Texas where she completed her second degree. Teresa began her educational career in the United States with Salem-Keizer Public Schools, as an instructional assistant at Weddle Elementary School. She obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching in 2008 and taught at Mary Eyre Elementary as a second-grade bilingual teacher. Her experience in Mexico and in Salem led her to be part of the bilingual [...]
Teachers Meet Kindergarteners This Week At JumpStart Kinder 2019
More than half of Salem-Keizer's elementary schools welcomed kindergarten students to school this week for JumpStart Kinder 2019. For teachers like Cristina Alvarez and Instructional Assistant Maria Marquez at Kennedy Elementary, JumpStart Kinder week gives them a chance to meet their students and to begin developing relationships with their kids' parents. It also lets teachers evaluate their students' academic levels, and make plans on how to best serve them when kindergarten officially begins in mid-September. For students, it's a chance meet their teachers, to learn school routines and to make new friends. We're all looking forward to seeing these youngsters again when kindergarten officially begins on Wednesday, September 11! Kindergarten teacher Cristina Alvarez at Kennedy Elementary works with student on practicing numbers during JumpStart [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Announces New 2019-22 Strategic Plan
As a district, our vision is for all students to graduate prepared for a successful life. To achieve that vision, district leadership worked collaboratively with administrators across the district to develop the new Strategic Plan for 2019-22. All these goals are centered around the district’s focus on achieving equitable student outcomes. We will ensure that all students master grade-level academic standards and attain the behavioral and social-emotional skills needed to thrive. Strategic Plan 2019-22 (English) Strategic Plan Plan 2019-22 (Spanish)
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Releases Updated Student Dress Code
The updates come after students, staff share feedback about dress codes and how they are enforced Last June, five Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) students provided public comments before the Board of Directors regarding the district’s dress code and requesting updates. Unbeknownst to them, district officials had already begun looking at the dress code and discussing updates with representatives from the student equity committee. With feedback from building administrators, SKPS has updated its dress code. Salem-Keizer Dress Code Salem-Keizer Public Schools expects that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school-sponsored event. Student dress choices should respect the intent to sustain a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility for [...]
JumpStart Kinder August 5-9, 2019
JumpStart Kinder is an opportunity for incoming kindergarteners at Title I schools to make friends and become familiar with school and classroom environments. JumpStart Kinder this summer is August 5-9, 2019. Breakfast and lunch are served for kids attending JumpStart Kinder. Please ensure your student is enrolled at your neighborhood school if you want them to participate in JumpStart Kinder. During the summer, schools are closed, so if your student is not yet enrolled in your neighborhood school, please complete the online enrollment process. Once the online registration process is completed, please call the Title I Department at 503-399-3353 to register your student for JumpStart Kinder. Although the JumpStart Kinder registration window has closed, there are spots available for JumpStart Kinder registration at the schools listed [...]
Waldo Middle School Groundbreaking August 15, 2019
Please join us as we celebrate the start of construction at Waldo Middle School on Thursday, August 15 at 10 a.m. as part of the 2018 Bond Program! RSVP for Waldo Groundbreaking Click image above to download the flyer
SKEF School Supply Drive Aug. 1-31, 2019
The annual Salem-Keizer Education Foundation School Supply Drive is once again happening from Aug. 1–31. Supply barrels are located in participating businesses and community organizations where you can drop off needed school supplies. Your generous donations support kids and teens who need a hand to get the school supplies they need to succeed in school. The School Supply Drive helps ensure every student, every day has the basic tools they need for success. The supplies collected are used to stock the School Supply Depot. The School Supply Depot is a sustainable resource open to every school, classroom, student program, and child in the Salem-Keizer community and beyond. It serves over 43,000 students, more than 66 schools, and is open year-round. With 70% of Salem-Keizer children [...]
CBOC Takes Tour of North Salem High School Construction
On Monday, July 22, the Community Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) met with the district’s construction management team to take a site tour of construction at North Salem High School. Chief Operations Officer Mike Wolfe, Director of Maintenance & Construction Services Joel Smallwood and Director of Custodial & Property Services David Hughes answered questions about the 2018 bond program, and North’s construction project management team helped explain and answer questions about the construction projects happening in each area of the school. The tour was intended to inform CBOC of the progress of the bond program and assist in their regular report to the school board. For more information on the 2018 bond program, visit the bond projects page on the district website. For more information on [...]
Salem-Keizer Board of Directors Elects New Board Leadership
The Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) Board of Directors elected new board leadership during their regularly scheduled meeting on July 16, 2019. Marty Heyen was elected as the new board chairperson and Jesse Lippold was elected as the new board vice chairperson effective today. Both of these positions can be held for up to two years. Marty Heyen has served as a director on the school board since July of 2015 and represents Zone 2. Jesse Lippold has served as a director on the school board since July of 2017 and he represents Zone 5. “I am grateful for this opportunity to serve our school board directors,” said Heyen. “I look forward to working together to provide the best possible outcomes for our students and our [...]
Spotlight on Success: Salem-Keizer Music Programs 2018-19
This year marked the 33rd year of the OSAA State Music Championships. During that time, Salem Keizer students have been awarded more championships than all other 6A school districts combined. This is an accomplishment that demonstrates the outstanding teaching that is taking place throughout our district not only at the high school level, but at the middle school level as well, and begins in our elementary schools where all of our students are taught by trained music specialists beginning in kindergarten. At the June 2019 school board meeting, we honored and congratulated our fabulous music students and teachers and gave some highlights from their very busy school year. Representing the South Salem String Octet was Julie Chen. The octet placed 1st at the OSAA State [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Seeking to Fill Positions in Transportation, Custodial and Maintenance Departments
More than 50 positions available with opportunities for same-day interviews Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) will be hosting a job fair on Monday, July 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. for open full-time and part-time positions in the district’s transportation, custodial and maintenance departments. Interested applicants are invited to meet with hiring managers and learn more about working for SKPS, the second-largest school district in the state of Oregon, which serves more than 42,000 students. The July 1 job fair will be held at Lancaster Professional Center, 2450 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem, Oregon. Education Support Professionals like bus drivers, custodians or maintenance workers impact students each day in their work by maintaining safe learning environments, building relationships and more. “I can’t thank you enough for [...]
Free Summer Meals Available Throughout the Community for Children and Teens Ages 1-18
Parents and guardians who utilized the Summer EBT for Children program last year should have recently received a letter from the Oregon Department of Human Services, outlining upcoming changes. Oregon did not receive funds to offer this program again in summer 2019, which means households will not receive these additional benefits this summer. Salem-Keizer Public Schools is proud to partner with our local agencies to provide free meals for children and teens aged 1-18 throughout our community all summer long. Available for breakfast and lunch, children receive free meals at 11 of our school sites as well as the KROC center and FACES Family Daycare and Literacy and Resource Center. Locations for Summer Meals in Salem and Keizer Starting June, 17 Auburn Elementary Eyre Elementary [...]
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Recognized for Exemplary Work from the National School Public Relations Association
SKPS received honors for bond and attendance campaigns, employee news video Salem-Keizer Public Schools (SKPS) received national recognition for its work in communications, public relations and community engagement, awarded by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Each year, NSPRA honors the best work in school communication through its annual awards. The SKPS Community Relations and Communications Department for SKPS was awarded two Golden Achievement Awards for its 2018 bond measure awareness campaign, and “Every Day 24J” the district’s awareness campaign to reduce chronic absenteeism. The $620 million bond measure that went before voters was the third largest in Oregon history. In a campaign led by Capital Construction Public Engagement Specialist Karma Krause, the Office of Community Relations and Communications reviewed public opinion research to [...]
Hallman Summer Library Program Gets Visit from Timbers U23 Soccer Players
From late June to early August, students at Hallman Elementary get the chance on Tuesday mornings to participate in the school's Summer Library Program. The youngsters don't just checkout books and go home. Instead, they get to do crafts and activities, along with enjoying snacks. Catholic Community Services of Salem is providing grant money to support this program. Hallman's Summer Reading Program was started last summer by fifth-grade teacher Krystal Bowman. This year, her colleague Jessica Hoffmeister, also a fifth-grade teacher at Hallman, is helping out too. Today, the students got a special treat when two members of the Portland Timbers U23 soccer team—goal keeper Mario Sequeira and midfielder Simon Fitch—along with Media Director Joanna Fields, dropped by to encourage the kids. The players [...]
