Category SCHOOLS
Educators raise concerns about fights, assaults in Salem middle schools
Salem schools are continuing to see high numbers of fights and aggressive behavior from students, prompting concerns from educators. The problem is especially pronounced in the district’s middle schools, which have recorded 755 fights and 244 assaults this school year through the end of April.…
Hundreds more Salem kids to get a chance for bilingual Spanish-English classes in fall
About 250 more elementary school students will be able to attend class in both Spanish and English starting next fall as Salem-Keizer School District leaders begin a significant expansion of the district’s dual language program. Four elementary schools – Chavez, Four Corners, Keizer and Washington…
Salem-Keizer budget calls for more teachers to help students learn English, manage behavior
Salem-Keizer School District leaders want to add more teachers to the district’s programs serving non-native English speakers and shift more educators to address students’ behavioral problems, according to a proposed budget for the 2022-23 school year. The $1.4 billion draft budget, published Tuesday evening, largely…
Children’s book on racism to remain in Salem-Keizer libraries following parent challenge
A children’s book about the history of racism and antiracist activism in the U.S. will remain in Salem-Keizer School District elementary school libraries following a challenge by a parent. A district review committee voted 8-1 last week to retain “Stamped (For Kids)” by Ibrahim X.…
Years in the making, new trans student policies for Salem schools draw backlash
Three years ago, a transgender high school student approached leaders at the Salem-Keizer School District and told them they needed to do better. Julian, a nonbinary student who is now a senior, said the lack of consistent school or district policies led to teachers incorrectly…
Enthusiasm, teamwork shine in Swegle soccer club
Karina Carrasco Patino, a first-grader at Swegle Elementary, lines up a goal during soccer camp on Wednesday, March 17 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Aubrey Garcia’s face erupted in a grin as she ran toward her coach. The first grader at Swegle Elementary School jumped and high-fived…
High schoolers are failing fewer classes this year, but still struggle adjusting from online school
A science classroom in at McKay High School (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) When the end of lunch bell rings at McKay High School, Ranae Quiring starts making the rounds. The principal of Salem’s largest high school said she usually has a few tables of students who…
UPDATED: Oregon will drop Covid quarantines, contact tracing in schools March 12
A student sanitizes her hands upon entering Blanchet Catholic School on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Covid will soon be just another disease in Oregon’s schools. Starting March 12, students won’t be required to quarantine if they’re exposed to the virus, unless they…
Salem’s first electric school bus is on the road
Bus driver Chris Mitzel demonstrates the controls on the Salem-Keizer School District’s first electric school bus at the district bus lot on Feb. 21, 2022 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter) Bus #427 has a control panel nearly identical to its neighbors in the Salem-Keizer School District’s transportation…