COMMUNITY INSIDER

SKPS Safety Systems - Working closely with community partners

The safety and well-being of all staff, students and community members in our SKPS facilities is without question, our #1 priority. With the recent senseless acts of violence across the country, how our local schools are maintaining safety is on the top of all of our minds. 

SKPS has a robust, community-connected and nationally recognized system to proactively approach school safety and respond quickly to any concerns for safety. 

Learn more about the district’s safety systems online on our district website. 

SKPS campuses closed for summer 2022 construction season

When school is out for summer, bond-funded construction kicks into high gear. Several school campuses will become hard-hat zones beginning immediately after the last day of school and will continue under construction all summer. For safety, only authorized construction personnel will be allowed on campus.

Many school offices will be relocated to a host location for summer operations. Most summer activities at these schools have also been relocated.

A list of schools and details of campus closures and office relocations for the summer can be found on the district website.

In addition, many school campuses will be closed when in use for summer programming, much like when school is in session during the regular school year. If you have questions about community facility use, please contact info@salkeiz.k12.or.us.

Trillium Family Services is partnered with SKPS to provide mental health and wellness resources to Salem and Keizer families, including individual therapy, family therapy, medication management, and skills training. Services are provided to families with the hope of keeping children in their homes.

Trillium is the primary community mental health partner for 14 SKPS schools and is committed to providing effective clinical treatment for children, adolescents and families struggling to manage mental health symptoms in the home and community. 

Learn more about the partnership

Connect with SKPS community engagement

SKPS encourages community partners to access the new Community Engagement webpage on the district website to access resources, connect with the office of community relations and more. 

Access the Community Engagement webpage

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Annually in the month of June, SKPS recognizes LGBTQ+ Pride Month. LGBTQ resources are important for promoting safe and inclusive environments in the community and in SKPS schools. Resources and supports are provided by The Trevor Project, the Oregon Safe Schools & Communities Coalition and the LGBT National Help Center.

Reduce stigma and become a mental health advocate

Mental Health Awareness Month just passed, but it’s important to continue discussions around mental health year-round. Whether you have 15 minutes, a couple of hours or a few days available, there are always ways to reduce stigma and become a mental health advocate.

Learn more

Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is recognized federally and by the State of Oregon as a holiday to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Africans on June 19, 1865, who were kidnapped from their homes, brought to the United States and sold into slavery. The District will be closed on June 20, 2022 in observance of Juneteenth.

The Salem-Keizer Chapter of the NAACP will be hosting a community Juneteenth event on June 19. You can learn more about the event online from the SK-NAACP. 

Learn more

In addition, SK-NAACP is hosting a Juneteenth essay contest. Submissions are due on Wednesday, June 8. 

Job Opportunities

If you are looking for employment opportunities in the Salem-Keizer area, SKPS has many positions to fit your talent and passion! Check out the SKPS employment website to see what jobs are available.

Now is the perfect time to apply to become an SKPS bus driver! Train during the summer and be ready for the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Learn more.

View all available positions

Read more

Summer program opportunities for students

Salvation Army Overnight Camps - Learn more

Konaway Nika Tillicum, an Overnight Camp for Motivated Native American Students Completing Grades 7-12 - Learn more

As a community, all of us -- students, staff, families and community -- play critical roles in maintaining safety within our school buildings. Report suspicious activity related to our schools to administration or through SafeOregon. 

SafeOregon is a statewide confidential tip line maintained by the Oregon State Police. The tip line gives students, parents, staff and community members a confidential way to report safety threats or potential acts of violence.

Learn more

Kindergarten registration is now open! 

It’s (almost) time for kindergarten! Kindergarten is an important year of foundational learning and we are thrilled to have your child and family as a part of Salem-Keizer schools. Kindergarten is FREE for all children who will be 5 years of age or older by September 10, 2022! 

Make sure you register early to have the opportunity for transition and prep opportunities over the summer, which will be available for all incoming SKPS kindergarten students! 

Learn more about kindergarten in SKPS