Stephens Middle School Office  503-399-3442 | Attendance 503-391-4196

Stephens home

Spring break meals available at 9 schools

Spring break meals information

Breakfasts and lunches will be offered at nine schools during spring break 2023. Meals will be packed in grocery bags and available via curbside pickup. Each person may receive up to five meal packs during pickup.

Dates and times

Dates

  • Wednesday, March 22, 2023
  • Monday March 27, 2023
  • Wednesday March 29, 2023

Times

  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Meals Available

  • March 27 will consist of two breakfasts and two lunches
  • March 22 and 29 will consist of three breakfasts and three lunches

Meal locations

Spring break meals flyers (PDFs)

2023-03-22T14:05:27-08:00March 21, 2023|
Read More

Fake fentanyl: What parents and students need to know

Oregon has lost several students to fentanyl in the last few years. Linked below are fact sheets to help educate students, parents and the community about the dangers of fake pills made from deadly fentanyl.

Fentanyl being disguised as candy

Fentanyl is currently very common in our community; it is a powerful synthetic opioid that is like morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Fentanyl is odorless, tasteless and colorless. Young people think they are taking “blues,” OxyContin or Xanax, but they are often taking pills laced with fentanyl. Recently, law enforcement agencies have also warned about the danger of fentanyl being disguised as candy, specifically targeted to be sold to children.

Talking to your student is the best prevention

The best prevention is talking to your student about never taking any medication that doesn’t come from their doctor. This includes never taking pills, even from friends. This is a conversation that can literally save your child’s life.
One pill has the potential to be deadly.

Other prevention strategies

Open communication

One of the best ways to protect youth from substances is by having open communication and educating them on the risks of substance use. Listening to them without judging is a critical tool you can provide as their trusted adult.

Look for changes in behavior

Look out for changes in behavior, such as irregular eating or sleeping patterns, low energy, general signs of depression or anxiety, unusual irritability, slipping grades, lack of interest in activities they love, and even drastic clothing style changes. Trust your instincts. If you notice a change, ask about it.

Monitor social media

Talk to your child and monitor their social media use. The online environment provides platforms for people to sell substances. Substances can be offered by someone met online.

Resources

Tips on how to keep the children in your care safe

Fentanyl Fact Sheet (Arabic)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet PDF (Arabic)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet (Chuukese)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet PDF (Chuukese)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet (English)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet PDF (English)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet (Marshallese)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet PDF (Marshallese)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet (Russian)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet PDF (Russian)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet (Spanish)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet PDF (Spanish)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet (Swahilli)

Fentanyl Fact Sheet PDF (Swahilli)

2023-02-22T13:56:31-08:00February 21, 2023|
Read More

High school athletic officials needed – Register today!

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) has an urgent need for sports officials throughout the state, including Salem-Keizer.

Those 18 and older who enjoy being part of the game, supporting their community, and setting their own schedule as an independent contractor are ideal candidates for these flexible positions.

Applicants can expect to receive an Officials Packet and complete required certification and training from their local association.

Visit the OSAA registration page to sign up and learn more about the timeline for registering and testing.

2023-02-03T13:05:08-08:00January 20, 2023|
Read More

State testing 30-day opt out notice

Oregon Department of Education

State testing 30-day opt out notice

Oregon law (ORS 329.479) permits parents/guardians and adult students* to annually opt-out of Oregon’s statewide assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and/or Mathematics by submitting this form to the school the student attends. The school shall provide any student who is excused from a statewide ELA or mathematics assessment with supervised study time while other students are testing.

Parent request for opting out of Oregon summative assessments (ELA and Math)

If a form is submitted after a student has begun testing, the student will stop testing, but items answered up to that point will be scored and the student will receive a performance level and/or overall score.

ELA/Math opt-out form (grades 3-8 & 11)

If you wish to opt your student out of English Language Arts and/or Math Testing in grades 3–8 or 11, please complete this form and bring it to your child’s school office.

Exemption form for Science or ELPA

Science and ELPA have a separate student exemption procedure. Per OAR 581-022-1910 and the state testing administration manual, parents may request that their student be exempted from certain state tests (OSAS Science, and OSAS English Language Proficiency Assessment) based on either disability or religion.

English PDF | Spanish PDF

Family communication about state assessment in Oregon

Fostering equity and excellence for every learner

Oregon is committed to preparing every learner with academic knowledge and skills necessary for success beyond high school. Oregon’s statewide assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics are fully aligned to Oregon’s State Standards and provide students in grades 3-8 and 11, along with their families, one measure of academic achievement and growth.

Oregon’s Statewide Assessments

  • Are created by educators in Oregon and across several other states
  • Challenge your child to think critically and apply their knowledge across a variety of contexts
  • Go beyond multiple choice and ask your child to explain their answers
  • Act as a snapshot of your child’s progress that may be considered along with other pieces of information to determine your child’s academic success
  • Help schools and districts evaluate their systems of teaching and learning, as well as identify groups of students whose academic needs may not be adequately met
  • Help communities understand how well their public schools are performing

Description of rights

Oregon law (ORS 329.479) permits parents and adult students to annually opt-out of Oregon’s statewide assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and/or Mathematics by submitting an annual form to the school the student attends. Schools will provide parents with the appropriate form at least 30 days prior to the start of testing.

Why does my child’s participation matter?

While no single assessment can give a complete picture of your child’s progress, statewide assessments provide Oregon educators and administrators with one source of information about what educational approaches are working and where additional resources may be needed. Your child’s participation is important to ensure schools and districts identify the areas in which they are meeting students’ overall needs, as well as to identify areas of growth.

When will my child take the test?

Your child’s school will determine the specific dates your child will take the assessments within the statewide testing window.

Statewide testing window

The statewide testing windows for English Language Arts and Mathematics apply to both the general and alternate statewide summative assessments.

Grades 3-8

  • 03/07/2023 — 06/02/2023

Grades 9-12

  • 01/10/2023 — 06/02/2023

Stay informed

Visit Oregon’s Starting Smarter web page learn more about what your child should know and be able to do in English Language Arts and Math, to view sample assessment questions, and to read more about your child’s test results. Contact your child’s teacher or school principal with questions.

Save the PDF called “Annual Notice for Oregon’s Statewide Summative Assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics” by clicking on the links below.

2023-01-24T14:57:20-08:00January 13, 2023|
Read More

Think before you post

When schools receive hoax threats, rumors of threats, and when there is a spread of false information, learning environments are disrupted and and there is understandably increased fear in our community.

Safety is our top priority

The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and families is our top priority. Maintaining safety in our schools requires an ongoing partnership with school staff, students, families, law enforcement and the surrounding community.

Safety is critical, and our district fully investigates each threat in collaboration with the FBI and/or our state and local law enforcement partners.

Issuing a threat is a crime

As a district, we have investigated a number of hoax threats of targeted violence against local schools. These threats—often issued via text message or posted on social media—are taken very seriously. Our law enforcement partners investigate every tip to ensure the safety of our students, staff and community. Hoax threats can result in both arrest by law enforcement and/or suspension or expulsion by the school district. Hoax threats are not a joke, and they can have devastating consequences—both for the public and for those who post them.

Issuing a threat—even over social media, via text message, verbally, through email, or other means—is a crime. Please share with your kids and those in your community that making a threat is a poor choice that could impact them for years to come.

Threats impact our entire community

In addition to the individual consequences a person may face, these threats have a serious impact on our community. They divert district resources from providing support for students and disrupt the learning environment for hundreds of students. Law enforcement resources are diverted from investigating other crimes, and they cost taxpayers a lot of money. The threats can also cause severe emotional distress to students, school staff and families.

Things to remember

Don’t share or forward a threat until law enforcement has a chance to investigate—this can spread misinformation and cause panic.

  • Don’t ever post or send any hoax threats online
  • If you are the target of an online threat, call your local law enforcement immediately
  • Salem Police Department Non-Emergency 503-588-6123
  • Keizer Police Department Non-Emergency 503-390-2000
  • Marion County Sheriff’s Office 503-588-5032

If you see a threat of violence posted online, contact local law enforcement or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also submit information online to the FBI on the FBI’s website.

Use SafeOregon by calling or sending a text to 844-472-3367 anytime. Tips also can be emailed or made through the SafeOregon app.

Remember – a hoax threat is no joke. Think before you post.

2022-11-15T14:24:07-08:00November 14, 2022|
Read More

School Safety Systems in Salem-Keizer Public Schools

Video: School Safety and Emergency Procedures

Learn about safety protocols and emergency procedures implemented in all Salem-Keizer schools. Safety and security staff and district leadership were joined by local and state law enforcement agency partners to share information with the community. This was one of three safety sessions held this year about student safety in our schools. The other two sessions held were Student Voices, We All Belong and Social Media and Online Safety.

School Safety and Emergency Procedures – Presentation

School Safety and Emergency Procedures – Questions & Answers

Talking to children and teens about violence

At Salem-Keizer Public Schools, the safety of our students is our absolute top priority. Below are resources and information on the safety and security systems in place across the district.

Talking to students about violence

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators (English)

Talking to students about violence (English)

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (English)

Talking to students about violence (Spanish)

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (Spanish)

More resources

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

Our children in today’s world have unique emotional and behavioral needs unlike anything we have seen before. This is not unique to Salem-Keizer. Schools across the country are seeing similar needs for support of students. At Salem-Keizer, we work to address the needs of our students through Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. These systems allow us to provide the right support for each student to address their emotional, behavioral, mental, and academic needs.

Behavioral Threat Assessment

Our team of specialists partners with agencies across Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties to identify students who may be exhibiting indicators of extreme aggression toward others, and we provide wraparound services like safety planning and mental health support to address those students’ needs.

Salem-Keizer’s behavioral threat assessment system is used by other school districts around the country. Below are some recent discussions in the media that provide a description of how our system works.

Partnering with Law Enforcement

We work side by side with the Keizer Police Department, Salem Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office both in and out of our schools. When any concern for our school’s safety or a threat is reported, they move swiftly to investigate. It is very important to talk with children about the consequences of making any type of threat, which can range from a minimum of disciplinary action at school to criminal charges.

You can learn more about our school safety systems and procedures, including collaboration with our local law enforcement partners by viewing our recent safety series webinar.

SafeOregon

Salem-Keizer Public Schools is an active member of SafeOregon, which gives kids, parents, schools, and community members a confidential way to report safety threats or potential acts of violence. Managed by the Oregon State Police, this program has proven to prevent acts of violence. I encourage you to download the mobile app on your phone, and on your child’s phone as well. You can also call or text 844-472-3367 anytime.

Improving safety and security through capital improvements

The 2018 bond program is improving safety and security across the district. Thirty-six of our schools are receiving renovations to the front entry to improve the office staff’s ability to monitor and control who enters the front entrance. Most of those improvements will be in the form of a secured check-in space at the front entry. Schools are also receiving upgrades to electronic badge access systems and to intercom systems, which will be able to send messages directly into classrooms.

2022-05-31T15:20:32-08:00May 25, 2022|
Read More

Spotlight on Success: Stephens Middle School AVID

Stephens Middle School is proud to announce its revalidation as an AVID National Demonstration School and Site of Distinction.

An AVID school since 2017

Stephen’s educators and scholars have been working diligently toward this goal since 2017, when Stephens Middle School became the first Salem-Keizer school to validate as a National Demonstration School.

While the circumstances of the last two years have brought instability for students, we are proud that we were able to provide consistent systems and structures for all of our Stephens Scholars, which allowed students to continue learning at a high level and to jump back into collaboration upon our return to in person learning.

We believe that Stephens Scholars Grow Stronger Together. We are inspired by our staff and students for their hard work and the ways that they rise to meet challenges every single day, and we are grateful to the AVID organization for the opportunity to share our learning with others.

Stephens is a diverse community of learners

Stephens Middle School is a linguistically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse community of learners. The AVID program provides opportunities for all of our students to engage with rigorous content, to occupy positions of leadership, and to graduate from high school prepared for college readiness and success in a global society.

By using AVID strategies schoolwide, all Stephens Middle School Scholars are equipped and empowered to overcome barriers that stand in the way of advanced educational opportunities.

Stephens and Claggett Creek are both AVID Demonstration Schools

There are only four AVID National Demonstration schools in the state of Oregon, which includes both Stephens and Claggett Creek Middle schools. We are also part of a select group of 200 National Demonstration schools worldwide in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Thank you for supporting AVID

Stephens appreciates Salem Keizer Public Schools for its investment in supporting the AVID program at all levels. Stephens is especially grateful to Barb Bamford, Karina Searle and Terra Boyko for their continued support and encouragement, and above all, are grateful to the Stephens Bulldog staff, without whom this accomplishment would not have been possible.

2022-03-30T14:44:57-08:00March 30, 2022|
Read More

Video: Different Choices, Always United

As we transition into optional face coverings, it’s important to remember to be respectful of each other’s choices. At Salem-Keizer Public Schools we may make different choices, be we are always united.

2022-03-10T11:05:22-08:00March 9, 2022|
Read More

Face coverings optional effective March 12

​​As you likely know, there have been significant changes in recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon Department of Education regarding face coverings in schools.

We have carefully reviewed the guidance and met with our community health partners to provide expertise and feedback on these changes. All groups were supportive of our ability to keep students in schools safely without the universal use of face coverings when community transmission is low.

Effective March 12, 2022, face coverings will be optional in all district facilities, schools and school buses for students and staff. This includes the school day, before-school and after-school programs and extracurricular activities and athletics.

While face coverings will be optional, it is highly recommended that at-risk adults and students continue to wear KN95 masks. We know some students and adults will choose to wear face coverings and others will not. It is critical we support these decisions as we work together to build a community that supports each other in the decisions that protect their health or the health of those close to them.

Thank you for helping to ensure the health and safety of our schools and community.

2022-03-04T18:55:22-08:00March 4, 2022|
Read More

Family engagement nights August 4 and 6, 2021

SKPS invites families to engage with district leaders on back-to-school planning for fall

Chuukese | English | Marshallese | Russian | Spanish | Swahili

Salem-Keizer Public Schools plans to provide full-time, in-person instruction for all students. SKPS wants to hear from families. Please see the Zoom links below to join a virtual session and Q&A on Aug. 4 or 6, from 6-7 p.m.

Family Engagement Slides

Chuukese | English | Marshallese | Russian | Spanish | Swahili

What

Virtual sessions with district leaders to gather feedback on what supports families need for the 2021-22 school year.

When

Aug. 4 or 6, from 6-7 p.m. Both sessions offer the same information. Interpretation provided in ASL, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Spanish and Swahili.

Where

Both engagement sessions are on Zoom.

Join the Zoom meetings

Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 842 7518 7638
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,84275187638#

Aug. 6 at 6 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 844 0673 2672
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,84406732672#

Return to school message from SKPS leaders (English)

Mensaje de los dirigentes de SKPS sobre el regreso a la escuela (Spanish)