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🌱 Patch AM: Which Salem classrooms just scored surprise cash for creative new projects?

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Good morning to you Salem! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Salem classrooms just scored surprise cash for creative new projects?
  • Why did Salem’s council narrowly approve these controversial board appointments?
  • Which Salem schools are changing leagues in OSAA’s big realignment?

Also on today's calendar: Spirit Night: Milagro Tequila and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Salem? Post it to Salem photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Breezy, warm, with a high of 62 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Cooler with showers around, temps: high: 51, low: 43.
  • Thursday: Breezy with rain, some heavy, with a high of 58 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Teacher grants support 50 school projects, from jazz band to field trips (salemreporter.com) — South Salem teachers and others across the Salem-Keizer School District just received a share of $50,000 in Maps Community Foundation grants, backing 50 classroom projects from newcomer English materials to jazz band gear. The funding supports everything from Ballet Folklórico costumes to field trips and financial literacy lessons, directly enriching learning experiences for local students and families.
   

2. Council split on who to appoint to city boards and commissions (salemreporter.com) — Salem city councilors narrowly approved a slate of appointments and reappointments to key city boards, including traffic, parks, planning, public art and the police review board. The split vote centered on reappointing a formerly incarcerated member and assigning Salem attorney Michael Sewell to three commissions, raising resident concerns about representation, workload, and who should help shape the city’s roads, parks, policing oversight and human rights work.
   

3. OSAA makes classification decision on Cascade, Salem-area schools (statesmanjournal.com) — High school sports in and around Salem are getting a major shakeup as OSAA finalizes new classifications starting in the 2026-27 school year. McKay will jump to 6A and join a conference with McNary, North Salem, Sprague, South Salem and West Salem, while several nearby schools, including Cascade and Central, shift leagues and competition levels.
   

4. Federal funding for Salem-area homeless services in limbo after HUD withdraws controversial policy (salemreporter.com) — Salem-area homeless service providers are in limbo as HUD abruptly withdraws controversial new funding rules, leaving over $4 million in local housing and shelter support uncertain. The Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance has paused its application process, worried it may have to scramble over the holidays once new federal criteria arrive.
   

📸 Around Salem

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Couldn't wait til Christmas.
    Our mini Christmas Dinner tonight. Also, our Christmas Tree. (Nextdoor Cinnamon Hill)
  • Hi Neighbor,
    I have always hated the intersection of Mission Street and Commercial by the Arco. Last night, my family and I were coming on Mission Street, and you… (Nextdoor West End Croisan Creek)
  • Merry Maids posted a job opening for Housekeeping/Cleaning in Salem. Apply here.
  • Buckle posted a job opening for Seasonal Freight Coordinator (Part-Time) in Salem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Salem here.

Ok Salem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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