Salem Stories

The Science Behind CSI

Most of us get our understanding of forensic science from television dramas where crime scene investigators are portrayed closer to super heroes than scientists. But students in Aurora Merry's Forensic Science class know better. (Read the transcript...)

Culinary Arts: Feeding a Passion for Learning

It's opening day for the 3 Seasons Restaurant and the first plate of food will soon be served to customers and members of the culinary program advisory board.

The restaurant is located in a corner of the high school near where the automotive garage use to be. The new 3 Seasons is a clean, modern eating space with 18-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows, seating for 50, and an outdoor patio area.

As Chef Bratz orchestrates students to their various cooking stations, Assistant Chef & Instructor Kaci Ahern greets the first customers arriving out front. It’s about to get real. (Download transcript...)

Early Childhood Play: The Key to Building Successful Learners

There’s a lot at stake when it comes to early childhood education -- and it goes way beyond improving standardized testing scores. The time and effort parents and educators invest in quality early childhood programs today, can have a significant impact on the future of our students AND our community.

Here in Salem Public Schools, there is a coordinated effort to share with parents, teachers, and the community how we all play a role in laying the foundation for student success.

Making Mistakes and Growing Brains

 

The Salem School District embraces an educational philosophy that encourages mistakes and rewards continued effort. These are the foundations of a growth mindset and the key to creating better learners. Today's podcast explores the differences between fixed and growth mindsets and why failure is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

The Making of <em>The Sound of Music</em>

On February 1 the Salem Performing Arts Department's production of The Sound of Music will open at the Seifert Performing Arts Center. Salem Stories spoke with some of the key directors and performers as they prepared and rehearsed for four public shows. The musical fits the district's educational philosophy of providing opportunities for students to put their classroom learning to the test in real-world situations.

The A-B-C's of Standard-Based Report Cards

Parents of Salem elementary school students for the first time this fall received report cards without a single "A" on them. For that matter, there were none of the traditional grades we grew up with. Today’s podcast discusses the reason for the change and the benefits of a standards-based report card.