School districts address concerns about clowns, safety 4:50 p.m. PDT October 7, 2016 The 'scary clown' phenomenon has put some local school districts, students and families on guard. Rumors have circulated via social media about people dressing as clowns and threatening or committing violent behavior, and some students and parents are saying they may take matters intoContinue reading "School districts address concerns about clowns, safety"

Demographics shift in Salem-Keizer school populations 9:27 a.m. PDT October 7, 2016 For the first time in 14 years, the percentage of students in the Salem-Keizer School District who identify as white has increased, and the percentage identifying as Hispanic has decreased. The district's annual snapshot of students shows that 52 percent of students identify as white,Continue reading "Demographics shift in Salem-Keizer school populations"

Youth use chess to overcome obstacles, grow 8:30 a.m. PDT October 6, 2016 The recreation room at Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility in Salem was nearly silent. About two dozen young men filled the room, but only the lightest cough, the tapping of a shoe, or the whispers of "check" and "check mate" could be heard. YouthContinue reading "Youth use chess to overcome obstacles, grow"

Salem grad, violist visits local schools 3:50 p.m. PDT September 30, 2016 There's nothing like tips from a pro to improve your performance. Music students at several Salem-Keizer schools had a chance to learn that first-hand this week, as a professional musician — and former South Salem High School student — visited their classrooms. Among the tipsContinue reading "Salem grad, violist visits local schools"

World-traveling teacher returns to Salem 4:46 p.m. PDT September 29, 2016 Eric MacKnight left South Salem High School about 30 years ago to teach around the world. At the age of 33, he said, he was escaping the frustration of teaching 150 students per school day. "It's just not worth it to me anymore," MacKnight said inContinue reading "World-traveling teacher returns to Salem"

Oregonians call for smaller, well-rounded classes 5:57 p.m. PDT September 27, 2016 Oregonians want their school-age children to be taught in smaller classes and receive a well-rounded education that includes art and music as well as math and science, according to a new survey. Nearly 11,000 people responded to the Oregon Rising survey on education,Continue reading "Oregonians call for smaller, well-rounded classes"

Salem-Keizer increases access to AP courses The Salem-Keizer School District was recently accepted to the Lead Higher Initiative, a national effort spearheaded by the nonprofit Equal Opportunity Schools that helps schools provide better access to advanced classes for students of color. As a member of the first Lead Higher cohort, Salem-Keizer schools will receive technical assistance from Equal Opportunity SchoolsContinue reading "Salem-Keizer increases access to AP courses"

Chemeketa goes back to school 10:36 a.m. PDT September 27, 2016 Chemeketa Community College had its first day of the fall term on Monday. But there's a lot about Chemeketa you might not know. Here are some of the key facts you'll need if you want to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk about Chemeketa. History: Chemeketa was foundedContinue reading "Chemeketa goes back to school"

Correctional facility gives 500 pounds of produce to UGM 4:14 p.m. PDT September 22, 2016 The Mill Creek Correctional Facility in Salem donated 484 pounds of fresh produce to the Union Gospel Mission at the start of the month. The facility provided the mission with a variety of fresh tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, corn, and peppers to helpContinue reading "Correctional facility gives 500 pounds of produce to UGM"

Count Her In report shows status of women in Oregon 4:59 p.m. PDT September 21, 2016 Oregon women contribute more but get less for it than women in other states, according to a new report. The Women's Foundation of Oregon released its "Count Her In” report this week. The report addressed "eight things to celebrate" and "eight issues that can't wait" whenContinue reading "Count Her In report shows status of women in Oregon"