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It’s no secret that too many Oregon students struggle in school – with attendance, with reading, with staying on track to graduate.

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Those problems are especially serious for students who live in poverty, whose families move regularly and who face other challenging life circumstances.

For the past year and a half, Highland Elementary School in north Salem has been the site of an experiment aimed at reversing course.

The idea is straightforward: invite the community into the school to help students and families succeed. That means nonprofits and medical providers and others who care about Highland’s students work with educators to offer services. It means more volunteer roles for parents and opportunities for them to take classes, get food boxes or find other help through the school.

The ultimate aim is to let teachers focus on teaching, and make the school a hub where families can get their other needs met. It’s backed by a local philanthropist who hopes the work can be sustained and replicated at other Salem schools.

Managing Editor Rachel Alexander has visited Highland regularly over the past six months to talk with school leaders, observe classrooms and get a sense for how the project is going. Her report below takes you inside Highland and shows what they’ve done so far – and the hopes ahead for their students.

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem local news.  

www.salemreporter.com

Experiment shows promise to help struggling Highland students catch up

Highland Elementary School is being transformed into a “super school,” where educators, parents, a philanthropist and community groups work together. The goal is to help kids show up to school…

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www.salemreporter.com

Salem fire chief says first responders don’t cooperate with ICE following response to immigration arrest

A federal immigration agent rode in a city ambulance to Salem Hospital Sunday with a man injured during an immigration arrest. Salem Fire Department policy requires a law enforcement officer…

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www.salemreporter.com

Salem’s new city manager plays a unifying role during tumultuous times

As a child, Krishna Namburi’s father urged her to go into civil service, even nicknaming her “the city manager.” After 25 years working for Salem in technology and leadership roles,…

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www.salemreporter.com

Portland’s DA balked at charging federal agents. Then Oregon’s attorney general stepped in

Multnomah County District Attorney’s office says only Attorney General Dan Rayfield has the resources to investigate excessive force concerns, but the attorney general will seek District Attorney Nathan Vasquez’s stamp…

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Theatre 33 Willamette University Holiday Shorts Salem Oregon

WHAT READERS SAY: “I have been reading your very thorough and balanced accounts of recent immigration raids, including the update and more detailed explanation this evening. This is good journalism and much needed. I appreciate your staff and the valuable work they do!” – MK

SEE LOCAL EVENTS: Our new events calendar lets you browse what’s happening in Salem – completely free. Want to submit an upcoming event? You can do that here.

TIP US TO NEWS: Email Managing Editor Rachel Alexander – [email protected]

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