Hoping for a more “normal” year, Salem kids are back in class

More than 39,000 local students are back to school for a year they, their parents and educators hope will feel more normal than the past three.

Classes for nearly all students in the Salem-Keizer School District resumed Wednesday, with a bonus first day Tuesday for sixth and ninth graders to get acclimated to their new schools. Kindergarteners begin class next week.

At North Salem High School, cheerleaders, student athletes and the marching band joined teachers…