COMMUNITY INSIDER

November 1, 2021

Salem-Keizer Public Schools News for our Community

Welcome to Salem-Keizer Public Schools Community Insider. This monthly newsletter focuses on news from SKPS schools, community events and informs you on upcoming key dates for the district.

النشرة باللغة العربية

News from Our Schools

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month and we are honoring the diverse heritage and culture of the Native American community all month.

The Native Education Program will be celebrating the American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) annual event virtually on Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and it will air live on the Salem-Keizer Public Schools district website and Facebook page, on CC:Media Comcast channels 22 or 322 and on CC:Media YouTube.

Learn more about AIAN Celebration

Historic preservation efforts include native plants and uses by native peoples

South Salem High School recently celebrated the completion of major expansions and improvements funded by the 2018 bond. Most of the bond investment at South is hard to miss; however, the landscaping around the new construction at South is another product of the bond work that is less obvious, but has special meaning.

Read more

Community Learning Sessions: United States and tribal governments

Salem-Keizer Public Schools is partnering with the community to provide a series of Community Learning Sessions throughout the 2021-22 school year. Learn about Tribal government history during Salem-Keizer’s first Community Learning Session.

Read more

Elementary student smiles while they completing an assignment while wearing a pink face covering.

Safe and healthy schools

COVID-19 impacts us all daily and it’s important that we follow all recommended health and safety protocols such as vaccination, wearing a face covering, hand washing and maintaining physical distance. Our students are counting on us all to work together to keep them in school, safely!

Learn more about health and safety in SKPS

Former Board Directors and students cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of CTEC in October 2015.

School board approves donation for Career Technical Education Center

On Oct. 12, the Salem-Keizer School Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the acceptance of the donation for the building and land where the district operates its Career and Technical Education Center.

“What started as a vision is now a truly remarkable opportunity for our community,” said superintendent Christy Perry. “Year after year, we have seen the impact CTEC has made on students who graduate with a competitive advantage as they enter the next chapter of their careers. Many go on to a trade school, university, or directly into high-skill, high-wage and high-demand careers.”

Learn more about the donation of CTEC

School board approves resolution for commitment to equity and anti-racism

At its Oct. 12 meeting, the Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board of Directors voted 4-2 to approve a resolution recognizing the board and district’s commitment to equity and anti-racism. One board director was absent. It is the first time a resolution of its kind was introduced in SKPS.

“This is hard, deep, and often painful work as we grapple with racism and biases in our personal and professional lives and the impacts on our students, families and staff of color,” said Superintendent Christy Perry. “This resolution is a beginning – we are “resolving” to commit to equity and anti-racism, now and into the future. The work of dismantling racism is never finished. Racism impacts all of us, and we must stand up, take action and press on together to right wrongs, and change our world for our kids.”

Learn more about the resolution for commitment to equity and anti-racism

Graphic showing movement between schools for In-District Transfer

In-district transfer applications open Nov. 1-30

Students who want to attend a school other than their assigned school may apply for an in-district transfer (IDT) between Nov. 1–30, 2021. This includes elementary, middle, high school and students who would like to transfer to the EDGE online program.

Learn more

Nov. 17 is Education Support Professionals Day

SKPS celebrates all of the Education Support Professionals on ESP Day Nov. 17. We recognize the dedication these individuals have to their students and all of the hard work they do to make our community better.

Watch the video

Students from McKay High School cut ceremonial red ribbon in front of school

Ribbon cutting events at McKay HS, South Salem HS and Auburn ES

The district recently celebrated the completion of three of the largest projects in the bond. Thanks to voters who generously approved a construction bond in 2018.

Spotlight on Success - October 2021

Salem First Free Methodist Church – Community Partner of the Month

Students at Lamb Elementary have benefited from the ongoing partnership with Salem First Free Methodist Church in many ways.

Learn more about the October Community Partner of the Month

Community Information

Salem-Keizer Public Schools is sharing information about community events and more relevant to the diverse needs of students and families throughout the community. Events below are not necessarily co-sponsored by SKPS.

Student Investment Account Committee

During the 2019 session, the Oregon legislature passed a law called the Student Success Act. This act represents a historic investment in K-12 education. In addition to targeted investments, these funds also provide school districts additional resources through the Student Investment Account.

As part of the ongoing work through the support of this funding, SKPS has an established Student Investment Account committee.

Learn more about the Student Investment Account Committee's work

Safe Routes to School: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Join Safe Routes to School on Nov. 17 to celebrate Ruby’s courageous action and to show support for social justice, equity and inclusion in our schools. Mark your calendars and walk with us.

Learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Resources

The 2021 Child Tax Credit

There have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will help many families receive advance payments July through December 2021.

Learn more

Special education listening sessions

A monthly meeting for parents and caregivers of students experiencing disabilities to connect with the district.

Read more

Getting health coverage is now more affordable

Visit OregonHealthCoverage.gov. to see what programs, plans, and savings are available.

Learn more

Marion County Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Marion County Emergency Rental Assistance Program helps eligible low-income households with their past due rent and utilities; they are now receiving applications.

Learn more and apply

Circle of security parenting class for community

Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub is offering a free virtual parenting course. Classes will begin on Nov. 9.

Read more to register

Key Dates

November 2021

November 2021: Native American Heritage Month
Nov. 1-30: In-District Transfer window - Learn more
Nov. 2: Election Day
Nov. 6: Virtual American Indian Alaskan Native Celebration - Learn more
Nov. 7: Daylight Savings Time
Nov. 8: Community Learning Session - Learn more
Nov. 9: School Board Meeting - Learn more
Nov. 11: No school/district offices closed - Veterans Day
Nov. 12: Non-student contact day
Nov. 17: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day - Learn more
Nov. 17: Education Support Professionals Day
Nov. 18: Parent Listening Session - Special Education Advisory Team
Nov. 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
Nov. 21-27: National Family Week
Nov 24-26: No school Thanksgiving break
Nov. 25-26: District offices are closed

December 2021

Dec. 3: No school - Grading day
Dec. 10: Human Rights Day
Dec. 14: School Board Meeting - Learn more
Dec. 16: Parent Listening Session - Special Education Advisory Team
Dec. 20-31: No school - Winter break
Dec. 24-25: District offices closed

View the full 2021-22 calendar

@SalemKeizerSchools

@SalemKeizer

SalemKeizer.org

The SKPS Community Insider is a resource for the community to stay informed about districtwide news and community events.

Comments? We welcome feedback! The SKPS Community Insider newsletter is maintained by the SKPS Office of Community Relations and Communications and edited by Jacqueline Benavides, info@sakeiz.k12.or.us

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