Oregon Department of Education - Oregon Achieves Together

NEWS RELEASE: Dr. Charlene Williams Visits Cesar Chávez Elementary School in Salem to Welcome Students Back to School

Oregon Department of Education sent this bulletin at 09/06/2023 02:33 PM PDT

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NEWS RELEASE
September 6, 2023
ODE Media Contact: Marc Siegel
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Media Contact: Aaron Harada

Dr. Charlene Williams Visits
Cesar Chávez Elementary School in Salem
to Welcome Students Back to School

(Salem, OR) - Oregon Department of Education Interim Director Dr. Charlene Williams today greeted families and students for their first day of class at Cesar Chávez Elementary School in Salem.

Dr. Williams was joined by Salem-Keizer Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Olga Cobb, Salem-Keizer School Board of Directors First Vice-Chairperson Osvaldo F. Avila and Cesar Chávez Elementary School Principal Mónica Takata who then accompanied Dr. Williams on a tour of some of the classrooms at the school.

“It was such a pleasure to see the excited faces of the students at the start of a new school year,” Dr. Williams said. “These students represent the future of Oregon and our duty is to open doors, remove barriers and elevate standards that will lead to their success.”

“Wonderful to kick off the school year working together to welcome and serve students,” said Salem-Keizer Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Olga Cobb. “Dr. Williams shared her passion for early literacy and the value she places in biliteracy and equity. We know this is the beginning of a productive and supportive relationship for schools, teachers, students and the community.”

The first classroom was Megan Patterson’s First Grade-Second Grade blended class for English Speakers of Other Languages. Dr. Williams found a fellow math enthusiast among the students in the classroom. (Board Vice-Chairperson Avila, Deputy Superintendent Cobb and Principal Takata to left of Dr. Williams, Patterson to the right.)

The group then visited Mayela Ledezma’s First Grade Dual Language classroom where Dr. Williams chatted with the students. (Ledezma and Principal Takata standing left of Dr. Williams.)

Chavez Elementary Visit First Grade Class

The final visit was to the Third Grade bilingual classroom of Valeria Jacome where students asked what she likes about the job. (Principal Takata also pictured.)

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