Highland Elementary 2nd grade teacher Becky Montgomery works with a student during a computer math exercise Wednesday March 13, 2019. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Bailee Moore, center, and classmates work on a computer math exercise in Becky Montgomery’s second grade class at Highland Elementary School in Salem Wednesday March 13, 2019. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Highland Elementary library media assistant Lucy Beringer works with 1st graders Wednesday March 13, 2019. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Students file out the front door at Highland Elementary (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Highland Elementary principal Christi Cheever watches as Callie Williams, 8, shows her progress on a computer math program Wednesday March 13, 2019. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Students line up outside Highland Elementary School (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Emma Disanto, a student teacher in Tiffany Bence’s classroom, reminds students to keep their voices low as they leave their classroom for P.E. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Emma Disanto, student teacher, leads Highland kids to P.E. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Highland students eat lunch in the school cafeteria. The school provides free or reduced price lunch to all students because 90% are eligible. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Becky Montgomery, Highland Elementary 2nd grade teacher, hands out headphones to students before a computer math exercise (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

Built more than a century ago, Highland Elementary is one of Salem’s oldest schools. (Fred Joe/Special to Salem Reporter)

These photos are part of a five-part series examining the Salem-Keizer School District’s most challenged elementary schools.

Part 1: Salem schools struggle with shifting politics, challenging demographics, lagging students

Part 2: Four Corners educators fight the odds to boost student literacy

Part 3: Hallman Elementary turns federal money into student success

Part 4: With teachers staying put, Highland students make progress

More about the series.

If you have questions or comments, please email them to [email protected] or mail a note to: Rachel Alexander, Salem Reporter, 2925 River Road S. #280, Salem OR 97302

Reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.

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By Salem Reporter