North Salem High School (Salem, Oregon)
| North Salem High School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
| , | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public 4-year |
| Established | 1906 |
| Principal | John Honey |
| Enrollment | 1,985 (as of November 2nd, 2007) |
| Color(s) | Red and Black |
| Mascot | Vikings |
| Information | 503-399-3241 |
| Website | http://north.salkeiz.k12.or.us/ |
North Salem High School is a secondary school in Salem, Oregon, United States, that was founded in 1906. Its graduating class of 2006 recently celebrated the school's one-hundred year anniversary. North Salem was the first high school to be built in the city of Salem, Oregon, and when initially opened, its name was simply Salem High School. However, upon the completion of South Salem High School in 1954, it was renamed North Salem. North Salem High School is in the Salem-Keizer School District and has a population of approximately 1,988 students in the 2006-2007 school year.
The current building at 14th and D streets opened in 1937, replacing an earlier building at High and Marion streets, which is now the site of Macy's. The school's mascot is the Vikings. And the current Principal is John Honey.
North Salem High has also had a consistent representation at the Crystal Apple Awards.
In 2007, North Salem was listed for the second consecutive year as one of Oregon's "Persistently Dangerous Schools" (as defined and mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act).[1]
History
The original Salem High School building, opened 1906, was at the location of the now defunct Meier and Frank building in downtown Salem. The decision to move the location to a more spacious space was eventually made and in 1937 the new Salem High School building was opened. The new location was, at the time of its founding, on the fringes of developed Salem. The name of Salem High School was changed in 1954 to North Salem High School when South Salem High School opened that year. Over the years, many additions have been made to the building, with the latest addition, the West Wing, being completed in 2001.
Academics
Like many Marion County schools, North Salem High School has historically had a high drop-out rate, regularly exceeding the state average. During the 2001-02 school year, the drop-out rate stood at 29.83%. However, the drop-out rate has been improving steadily since 1997, when the drop-out was 39.90%[2]
The following is a list of departments and their respective heads:
| Department | Chairperson |
|---|---|
| English | Laura Reid |
| Social Sciences | Jim Litchfield |
| Science | Frank Hanson |
Smaller Learning Communities
North Salem High School has been on the forefront of the new teaching style of small learning communities. North has had a system of academies in place for several years that allows students to receive an endorsement in a specific area of study, much like a major in a post-secondary learning environment. These academies would present graduates with a certificate of endorsement upon successful completion of both required credits for the academy and the Oregon state requirements for High School Graduation. Requirements for an endorsement usually include taking required classes as well as a final project related to the student's area of study.
As of the 2006-2007 school year academies included:
| Academy | Head |
|---|---|
| Tech@North | Don Kirkwood |
| Engineering | Rob Tinnel |
| Health Services | Shelly Dougherty |
| Business | Jon Abel |
| Environmental Sciences | Jon Yoder |
Music
The school has traditionally had a very successful music program. The orchestra program is directed by Larry Garrett, the band program is directed by Brian Bell, and the choir is directed by Dr. Kerry Burtis. North Salem has been nationally recognized by the Grammy Foundation as a "Grammy Signature School" multiple times, and the band, choir and orchestra consistently place at state. In 2005, the band tied with South Salem High School to win the OSAA 4A State Band Championship[3].
Athletics
North Salem Athletics suffer in some areas such as football, where in the 2007-2008 season, Varsity only won 1 game, and lost to the South Salem Saxons, which is North's rival team.
The North Salem track and field program has always been consistently successful. While having many state qualifying athletes, district and invitational wins and undefeated seasons the North Salem "Pride of the Vikings" track and field program has high standards for academics, student growth and winning with pride and class.
References
- ^ http://www.ode.state.or.us/news/announcements/announcement.aspx?=3135
- ^ Community Health Information Project, Willamette University Public Policy Research Center, Accessed May 4, 2007.
- ^ List of OSAA Band Champions, Accessed May 4, 2007.