Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year, Wolves!!

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Straub Community,

As we reach towards the end of August, it's hard to believe that the first day of school will be here before we know it. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer and finding time to relax and spend time with those you love. While summer is still in full swing, there is already a great deal of excitement building on our campus as we prepare to welcome students back for another outstanding school year.

I want to take a moment to recognize Denny McCarthy and thank him for his years of dedicated leadership at Straub Middle School. Denny has made a lasting impact on our school community through his dedication and commitment to this school. I know after so many years invested in this school and its students, I have a feeling it will be difficult for him to stay away for too long! On behalf of the Straub community, thank you, Denny, for everything you have done, and I hope retirement gives you plenty of time to enjoy the things and people you love most.

Just a little about myself: My name is Mark Harris, and I have been in education for over 23 years. I started my career in London, before moving to the United States in 2010 and joining Salem-Keizer Public Schools. Along the way, I have served as a math teacher, instructional coach, behavior specialist, and assistant principal. Each of these experiences has strengthened my belief that strong relationships and a commitment to supporting the whole child are essential to student success. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to serve the Straub community. When I moved to the United States, this area was one of the first places that really started to feel like home. My wife’s family has deep roots in the West Salem community, with several generations living, working, and raising their families here, and so I am stepping into a community that has been part of my family’s story for generations.

Our staff has been working hard to prepare for an exciting year at Straub. My commitment is simple: I want every student to feel connected, challenged, supported, and that they truly belong here! To our incoming 6th graders, welcome! Starting middle school is a big transition, and it is completely normal to feel nervous or unsure. You are not alone! Our amazing staff is here to support you as you find your place and become part of our Wolf family. To our returning students and families, welcome back! We are excited to have you with us again. Build on what you accomplished last year, set new goals, try new things, and continue working toward the hopes and dreams you have for high school and beyond. Most importantly, we will make sure that every student knows they are an important part of our Straub community. 

I cannot wait to meet many more of you as we launch what I know will be an incredible year at Straub Middle School. Enjoy the last rays of summer sunshine, and I’ll see you soon. Go Wolves!

Mark Harris | Principal

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KEY INFORMATION

The 2026-2027 school year is just a few weeks away and we are working hard to make sure it will be another wonderful year at Straub Middle School. The start of a new school year offers an opportunity for a new beginning, full of excitement and optimism. Below, we have included key information for you to review:

• Straub middle schoolers have six class periods each school day 
• Trimester schedule; see the 26-27 district calendar
• Our district has a Late Start schedule every Wednesday throughout the school year
• We will assign lockers to all 6th grade students, but students will have flexibility to use their backpacks; 7th and 8th grade students can request a locker, but they will also have flexibility to use their backpacks. 
• Each student will be assigned a Yondr pouch where they will store their personal electronics (cell phone, smart watch, and/or aipods), daily. The Yondr pouch will remain with the student, in the backpack, throughout the school day. YONDR information here
• Each student will be assigned a chromebook and charger, which needs to be charged each night and brought to school each day. 

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SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST ✏️

School supplies are lining the shelves in our local stores, so it must be time to check our list and make sure you have everything you need to start the year right! Here is the 26-27 Straub School Supply List. 

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BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 

We’re excited to welcome families to Straub’s Back to School Night on Thursday, September 10th, from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Mr. Harris' Principal Welcome will be in the Main Gym @ 5:30pm and 6:15pm. This is an opportunity to explore the building, meet your student’s teachers, learn more about their classes, and get a better feel for what the school year will look like. We look forward to seeing you there!

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WOLF CAMP - 6TH GRADERS ️🐺

We are thrilled to welcome you to Straub this year! Wolf Camp is right around the corner! 
 
🏫  Straub Middle School
🚶🏻‍➡️ 6th graders only
 📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
 ⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm
 
All incoming Straub 6th graders are invited to attend! This is a free, optional event designed to help students connect with one another, meet staff, and learn more about Straub before the school year begins. At this time, we do not plan to provide transportation for Wolf Camp. Students may arrive between 8:30am and 9:00am for check-in and should plan to:

• Bring a lunch
• Wear comfortable clothes they can move in
• Wear sunscreen
• Bring a refillable water bottle

Please complete the Wolf Camp Registration Form to let us know if your student plans to attend.

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STRAUB BELL SCHEDULES

Straub has two bell schedules during a typical week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday follow our regular schedule, while Wednesday is a late-start day. Please refer to the bell schedule for daily start and dismissal times.

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LOCKER ASSIGNMENTS

The trend over the last couple years has shown a decrease in students using their school locker. Students are not required to use their school locker, but all students are required to bring a backpack, every day, for storage and transportation of their school supplies. 6th graders-- Each of you will be assigned a school locker (you will receive this information on your schedule on the first day of school). 7th & 8th graders-- If you would like to be assigned a school locker, please complete the Locker Request form.

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PICTURE DAY

Pictures for ID cards and school photos will be taken on Monday, September 14th. Picture retake day will be on Thursday, November 5th.

• ID Card Photo - Every student will have an ID photo taken. ID cards are free.
• School Photos - School photo purchase is optional. We will distribute school photo ordering packets to students on Friday, September 11th.

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 YONDR POUCHES & CHROMEBOOKS

To help students stay focused and engaged throughout the school day, Straub uses district-provided Yondr pouches for personal electronics and to support compliance with Oregon’s student electronic device requirements. As students enter the building, cell phones, smart watches, and AirPods are securely locked in their pouch, which stays with them throughout the day and is unlocked at dismissal. Students who qualify for a medical accommodation will have access to a designated medical pouch. Students are responsible for their assigned pouch and may incur a fee if it is lost or damaged. Yondr pouch distribution will be on Thursday, September 10th. 

Students are provided with a district Chromebook to support learning and access to digital tools throughout the school day. Students are expected to bring their fully charged Chromebook and charger to school every day and are responsible for caring for their device. Students may incur a fee if their Chromebook or charger is lost or damaged. Chromebook distribution will be on Friday, September 11th.

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WEAPONS DETECTION SYSTEM

All Salem-Keizer middle and high schools use a weapons detection system to help maintain a safe learning environment. Everyone entering beyond the front vestibule at Straub will go through the weapons detection system. New this year, we have added a conveyor-belt X-ray machine to help move students and their belongings through the system more quickly during morning arrival and welcome time.

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YEARBOOK

2026-2027 Yearbook: Purchase the 2026-2027 in the Main Office beginning September 8th (students can bring payments or parents can bring payments) with our Office Manager. **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL** Yearbooks are $25 until Winter Break. Yearbooks purchased after December 18th will be $30 with a deadline to purchase by May 6, 2027. Yearbooks will be delivered to students on the last day of school. Parents/guardians can add money to their student's account using the Straub payment portal. After adding money to the account, please contact the Main Office to identify which fee you would like the funds to be applied to (athletic fees, yearbook, PE shirt, lost/damaged fees, etc.). 

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ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

Registration is now open for all middle school sports offered from Salem-Keizer for the 2026-2027 school year. Practice and game schedules will be announced once the sport starts. Registration, a current physical for 7th and 8th graders (physicals are good for 2 years), and payment are required before a student can participate in practice. To get your registration started, visit the Arbiter Sports page!  Parents/guardians can add money to their student's account using the Straub payment portal. After adding money to the account, please contact the Main Office to identify which fee you would like the funds to be applied to (athletic fees, yearbook, PE shirt, lost/damaged fees, etc.). Let’s Go Wolves 💚

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PE CLOTHES

All Straub students are required to take two trimesters of PE each year and are expected to change into PE clothes for each class. Students must wear the Straub PE shirt, available for $10 through the Main Office, along with comfortable athletic bottoms (shorts, sweats, leggings, etc.) and athletic shoes for comfort, hygiene, and safety. We strongly encourage students to shower daily at home and bring extra deodorant to school to use after PE. Parents/guardians can add money to their student's account using the Straub payment portal. After adding money to the account, please contact the Main Office to identify which fee you would like the funds to be applied to (athletic fees, yearbook, PE shirt, lost/damaged fees, etc.).

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FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Monday, September 7th: No School

Tuesday, September 8th: 6th graders only (9:20am - 4:00pm); Doors open @ 8:30am.

6th graders will enter the building and be guided to the small gym to pick up their schedule and then get breakfast and/or wait in the Commons until 8:50am. At 8:50am, 6th graders will be released to explore their schedule and arrive in their 1st period class before 9:20am. 6th graders will follow the regular bell schedule. 

Wednesday, September 9th: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (10:20am - 4:00pm); Doors open @ 9:30am.   

LATE START WEDNESDAY.

6th graders will enter the building and go to the Commons for breakfast and/or wait. 

7th and 8th graders will enter the building and be guided to the small gym to pick up their schedule and then get breakfast and/or wait in the Commons until 10:00am. At 10:00am, all students will be released to explore their schedule and arrive in their 1st period class before 10:20am. All students will follow the regular Wednesday bell schedule. 

Thursday, September 10th: All students. Yondr pouch distribution. 

This is a normal Thursday for all students. 1st period begins at 9:20am and school dismisses at 4:00pm.

All students will be assigned a district-provided Yondr pouch. All personal electronics (cell phones, smart watches, and Airpods) will be locked in the Yondr pouch during the school day.

Friday, September 11th: All students. Chromebook distribution. 

This is a normal Friday for all students. 1st period begins at 9:20am and school dismisses at 4:00pm.

 All students will be assigned a district-provided Chromebook. It is important that students charge their Chromebook each night and bring both the Chromebook and the charger to school everyday. 

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BUS RIDER REGISTRATION

Bus information can be obtained on the Salem-Keizer School District website: Registering for School Bus Transportation.

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FOOD SERVICE

Meals, including breakfast and lunch, will be provided free for all students. Food Service information can be obtained on the Salem-Keizer School District website: Food & Nutrition Services.

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ONLINE REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION FOR 2026-2027 (REQUIRED)

Each year, parents and/or guardians of all students in Salem-Keizer Public Schools must complete the online enrollment verification process. Now is the best time to complete your student’s enrollment verification!

How to complete enrollment verification: 

• To begin the registration/verification process, please log in using your ParentVUE Account
• Click on "Online Registration"
• Select “2026-2027 Online Registration” from the drop-down menu 

*If you started an enrollment verification for the current school year, but did not submit the form, please finalize or delete the existing form to begin a new registration for the 2026-27 school year.

Change ➡️

The ParentVue app has changed. Parents/Guardians need to delete the old app and add the new app. Please use zip code 97301 when choosing the Salem-Keizer School District. Parents/guardians can set up their ParentVue account directly on the login screen by clicking “Request Activation Key.” If you need assistance or if you have any questions concerning online enrollment verification, please contact us in the Main Office at 503-399-2030.

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PARENTSQUARE AND NEWSLETTER

ParentSquare is the communication tool that the Salem Keizer School District uses to send communication to our families. The district, school administration, teachers, and coaches will use ParentSquare for email, text and app notifications. We will send out monthly newsletters through ParentSquare beginning in September. Please watch for these notifications, so you don’t miss out on important information and events.

Please check out this link for additional information about accessing your account: ParentSquare & StudentSquare

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UPCOMING DATES FOR EVENTS AT STRAUB 📆

• Friday, September 4th -- 6th grade Wolf Camp (9:00am - 1:00pm; registration begins at 8:30am)
• Tuesday, September 8th -- First Day of school for 6th graders (9:20am - 4:00pm)
• Wednesday, September 9th -- First Day of school for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (10:20am* - 4:00pm)
• Thursday, September 10th -- Yondr pouch distribution; Back to School Open House (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
• Friday, September 11th -- Chromebook distribution
• Monday, September 14th -- Picture Day

 *Wednesdays are on a Late Start schedule