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E-Updates
Go Downtown tonight; 08-09 State test results
Don't forget ... amazing event is going on tonight in downtown Salem.
It's "Go Downtown" featuring Salem-Keizer Public Schools. The event will have school marching bands, a pep rally, tons of students and staff, BBQ, live music. Don't miss it! Event is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and don't forget to wear your school colors.
More info at http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/go-downtown-sept-2-and-celebrate-back-school
2008-09 State Test results were released this week
Overall, elementary and middle school students made progress on meeting and exceeding state standards - especially in reading and math, while high schools remained about the same. In writing, student scores went down throughout the district. However, our special needs populations, like Limited English Proficient and Special Education students, made gains in almost every grade in reading and math.
For further highlights and the 2008-09 results, go to http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/2008-09-state-test-results
Just a reminder... School starts in less than one week:
September 8: 6th and 9th grades
September 9: All other grades, except Kindergarten
September 15: Kindergarten
SAT scores released; shuttle service for Fair (E-Update)
2009 SAT scores were released yesterday.
Students scored above the national average in reading and math, and just below the average in writing. However, students scored below the state average in all three areas. 834 students took the test in 2009.
View the scores at http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/scholastic-aptitude-test-sat-scores.
SK buses will provide shuttle services to and from the Oregon State Fair, August 28 - September 7.
For complete information on shuttle bus service, go to http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/bus-shuttle-service-oregon-state-fair.
Bus routes; Tools for School; national speaker
1. School bus routes for the new school year are now available: http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/bus-routes
2. Start of school is coming up quickly, check out our Back-to-School information section of our Web site for complete details: http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/back-school-2009-10
3. "Tools for School" supply drive now through September 2. Help a child start school ready with all needed supplies. This is a partnership program with the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation. For complete details: http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/tools-school-supply-drive-now-through-sept-2
4. August 28-29: National speaker coming to McKay to talk about supporting student athletics. Parents of athletes, student athletes, coaches and teachers are all invited to attend: http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/national-speaker-supporting-student-athletics-august-28-29
SK students rock the ACT
Came across this article in the Statesman and wanted to share:
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20090819/NEWS/908190411/1001/undefined
SK students scored above the state average on the ACT test, and McKay High School scored the highest out of our 6 other traditional high schools... Go SK students.
ACT, like the SAT, is another assessment test that is used by colleges to gauge if a student is ready for college.
Start of school is just a few weeks away!
Check out the back-to-school section of our website for key dates, school supply lists and other helpful information to make the first day of school a smooth one for your child.
Salem-Keizer makes gains on AYP
More schools are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) based on the preliminary report released today by the Oregon Department of Education.
AYP is a federal measurement of how well schools are doing in terms of getting students to meet or exceed state standards. It's based on various criteria such as how many students took the test, whether they scored above a certain mark, and if all groups (like Special Education, TAG, English language learners) also scored above the mark.
Here's a brief summary of Salem-Keizer's results:
1. Salem-Keizer made significant growth in the number of schools meeting AYP.
2. District-wide, 73% of schools met AYP in 2008-09 compared to 54% in 2007-08.
3. English language learner students made clear gains. The group met AYP in all but 11 schools compared to 22 schools last year that did not meet in this group.
4. Special Education students also made gains. The group met AYP in all but 12 schools in 2008-09 compared to 19 the year before.
These are preliminary results. The final report will be released on September 3.
New principal at Parrish School
We are pleased to announce Rob Schoepper as the new principal at Parrish Middle School. Rob began his career as a Spanish teacher at Claggett Creek Middle School. He then served as Behavioral Specialist at Waldo Middle School. In 2007 Rob was hired into the assistant principal position at Parrish Middle School. In March of this year, Rob was hired as the interim principal at Parrish Middle School, and will be the permanent principal taking over for Hal Kaiser who retired.
Rob Schoepper possesses many skills, which will support student learning. His enthusiasm as an instructional leader, his knowledge of curriculum, instruction and assessment, along with his understanding of Title 1 programs make him a valuable asset to the Parrish community.
SK Board adopts a budget
First ... the State Legislature has not approved a funding level yet for public schools; however, we are required by law to have an adopted budget by June 30. This means the adopted budget approved on Tuesday night is based on our best estimate of the upcoming state public education funding level.
With that said ...
Salem-Keizer School Board approved the district's budget for 2009-10 last night. This adopted budget includes about $27 million in cuts. To balance the budget, reductions were made in central services, reserves and instructional services all with the intent to have as little impact on students as possible. Plus, all effort was taken to preserve jobs.
You can see a summary of the cuts in the Budget Message (pages 10, 11 and 12): http://www.salemkeizer.org/system/files/Budget+Message+2009-Final_0.pdf
In addition, all employees are helping Salem-Keizer with the $27 million shortfall.
- Classified, administrative and confidential staff are all taking a cut to their cost-of-living increase, either taking a smaller increase or no increase at all.
- Classified and licensed staff are taking three un-paid leave days.
Please note that the State Legislature is still determining a statewide funding level for public schools. Depending on what they settle on, this could impact our budget.