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Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09), along with Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), has formally requested that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) review special education services for children with disabilities enrolled in private schools to determine possible under-identification. This effort aims to address significant gaps in the identification and provision of services mandated for students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

“Children with disabilities deserve access to the resources and support they need, regardless of the type of school they attend,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “It is unacceptable that students in private schools may be overlooked, leaving them without the assistance provided by federal law.”

Under IDEA, local educational agencies are required to evaluate all children with disabilities within their jurisdiction, including those enrolled by their parents in private schools. However, research suggests that only 3 percent of private school students are identified as having disabilities under IDEA—far below the 6 to 9 percent estimated need and significantly lower than the 13 percent identification rate for public school students.

“These discrepancies suggest widespread issues that must be addressed,” added Congresswoman Houchin. “Through this review, we can ensure that children with disabilities in private schools are no longer left behind and receive the support they need, regardless of their educational setting.”

Congresswoman Houchin remains committed to advocating for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

By Monika Spaulding, Writer

Helping students find the right career path is just one of the many jobs Salem High School counselor Jennifer Martin is tasked with.

“All students are required to graduate with a pathway,” she said. “Lots of people think of the CTE pathways, but that is only one option for a student to earn a pathway.” Martin said there are several ways students can achieve this:

Receive an Academic or Technical Honor Diploma
Receive a qualifying score on the SAT (480 (English) and 530 (Math))
Receive a qualifying score on the ACT (18 English, 22 Math, 22 Reading, 23 Science)
Receive a 31 on the ASVAB (now only applies to students that enlist in the military)
Industry certification (has to be on the DWD list). (Some of our Prosser students receive this. Some of our students go to the local nursing home and get their CNA)
Federally recognized apprenticeship (we don't have this in high school)
CTE Concentrator (our Prosser students all qualify this way if their grades at Prosser are C- or higher. We have some students that take these classes on PLATO (6 classes with a C- or higher). This is the last option if they don't meet the "Box 3" requirements another way)
AP/Dual Credit- Students need a C- or higher in 3 dual credit/AP courses. One of the 3 courses has to be in a core content area (English, math, science, social studies)
Locally created pathway. We now have the Fine Arts/Journalism Pathway
Waiver- we have not had any students issued a Pathway Waiver- 100% of our students complete a pathway.

“Many of our students complete more than one of the options in Box 3,” she said, adding that the majority of SHS graduates graduate with option 1, 2, and/or 8. The second most popular pathway route is option 7.

“We have five CTE pathways through the classroom and eight CTE pathways through PLATO and several at Prosser,” Martin explained. The multiple pathways are a state requirement, which encourages students to focus on a future career path.

“The new high school diploma requirements starting with the Class of 2029 are even more focused on a career path,” she said. “If a student starts on one CTE path and then changes his/her mind, it is almost impossible to change to another one because of the number of courses that are required.”

Martin said while it is good for a student to work toward a career, she prefers they have the option to explore several options.

“Very few people are actually in a career they thought they would be when in high school,” she said.

A career (CTE) pathway is a series of courses that are required to prepare a student to enter the workplace. This often will include dual credit and/or industry certifications while in high school.

“I would like to work with the hospital/medical providers and have a health science pathway for our students,” Martin said. “It would also be nice to have a construction pathway.”

Equus, the school’s aviation partner, will be adding aviation mechanics soon and that will be a good option for students as well.

Martin said some of the course work has to be dual credit, so the teacher has to be dual credit certified.

“You need someone to teach the course(s),” she said. “You also have to have enough students interested in the course to be able to offer it. Depending on the course, you may need equipment and tools. We would like to expand the manufacturing pathway, but we do not have the manpower to teach it.”

Salem students start looking at pathways in 8th grade and they need to establish one as a sophomore in order to get all of the classes taken if they are looking into a CTE pathway.

“I feel we have a solid group of CTE options and Prosser is a great option for some of our students,” said Martin. “Our dual credit options are numerous, so all students could meet Box 3 with the dual credit pathway.”

SHS counselors continue to stay on top of the changing educational requirements in the state to make sure students are prepared for their next step after high school.

By Morgan Humphrey, SHS Student Writer

Books & Braids Salon is coming to Bradie Shrum Elementary. Kala Ponder, one of the elementary school counselors, is the sponsor. This club was created as an outreach group program for all BSE students in two ways.

“The first reason was to guide fifth-grade girls into leadership roles that are impactful to their community,” said Ponder. “The second reason was to make students feel good about coming to school.

“If we can help parents in the morning with their child’s hair, or offer a braid to make a girl smile, we are going to try our best to accomplish that!” Ponder added.

Open from 7:45-8:15 a.m., students have the opportunity to tell their teachers they would like to book a salon appointment. There will be individual time slots, so all attention will go to the student in the chair. Any girl at the elementary school can book an appointment.

The Girls Coalition helped jump-start the project. Along with various donors in the community.

“Thanks to the organization and community partners, the Lunch Brunch girls joined forces with the Girls Coalition and came up with the idea to braid hair in the morning and even read a book while it happens,” said Ponder. The salon will be located in Bradie Shrum's library.

The Girls Coalition will meet a total of six times and are already on day four. If the salon has a successful turnout, more dates will become available for students in the future.

“I want the girls to gear up for middle school and start thinking about giving back to their community,” concluded Ponder.

As winter weather approaches, it is important for everyone to be prepared for potential inclement conditions that may impact school schedules. Here are a few important reminders to help keep everyone safe and informed.

Weather Closures & Delays: In the event of severe weather, Salem Community Schools will notify families as soon as possible regarding any schedule changes via phone calls, texts messages and the school's website and social media outlets.

Please take time to ensure you are following the school social media accounts. Also, if you are not receiving phone calls or text messages from the school concerning special announcements, call the school office and make sure they have the correct phone number on file.

Where to Get Updates:

Radio Stations

CN/2 Weather

WSLM-1220 Radio

WSLM FM-97.9 Radio

WMPI-105.3 Radio

WUME-95.3 Radio

TV and Weather Stations

WAVE -3 TV

WLKY-32 TV

FOX 41 TV/WDRB-TV

WHAS-11 TV

Additional Alerts: Salem Community Schools will also post weather updates on the school website and social media channels, so please check there if you have additional questions.

“When the CDL program was started at West Washington, the administration was looking to the future of our students. A commercial driver's license allows West Washington graduates flexibility for today and their future. A graduate with a CDL may jump right into a competitively waged full time position or utilize it for high waged summer work if they are furthering their education. We are very proud of Colton and this accomplishment. With this career certification, Colton will have many doors open to him!” stated West Washington School Board Member, Salvatore Sama.

Obtaining a CDL seemed like a natural step for Colton. “My father, who has his CDL, told me it is something very useful for the career I’m pursuing. It has always been a dream of mine to drive big trucks because not everyone can do it,” Colton explained.

West Washington has seen several students successfully obtain their Class A CDL since adding the course to its curriculum. “I became familiar with the CDL class at West Washington through a good friend of mine, Tate Timberlake, who was a former student in the program,” shared Colton.

Colton expressed gratitude to those who supported him in reaching this milestone. “I want to thank my father and Mr. Joe Byrum. They both pushed me to achieve this goal,” he said. Colton is excited and confident that earning his CDL will help him achieve his future goals. “My future plans are to work on power lines and become a foreman for a company, just like my dad,” he proudly stated.

West Washington CDL instructor, Joe Byrum, has invested a great deal of time and effort in helping Colton meet the requirements to obtain his license. “It was a privilege to coach Colton in preparation for his CDL-A exam. It was challenging, but very rewarding to watch him achieve this life-impacting accomplishment,” commented Mr. Byrum.