Waldo Middle School

Waldo Middle School in Salem, Oregon celebrated its 50 year anniversary on Saturday, May 10. Both my daughter, Gretchen and I went to Waldo so we visited the open house. It was fun to visit my old school. I was there for my 8th grade year from 1961 to 1962 and my 9th grade year from 1962 to 1963. I finally found the annual with my picture and they made a copy for me. It was fun to walk the halls with Gretchen, peek in the classrooms, and remember what it was like when we were students at Waldo.

I listened to a talented string quartet and girls choir. Gretchen bought me a Waldo Middle School T-shirt which I will be proud to wear.

It concerns me that there was a window broken that was boarded up and that the courtyard needs tending. It's obvious that Waldo Middle School doesn't receive the same money from Salem Keizer Public Schools District that the more affluent neighborhood schools do. The neighborhood that feeds into Waldo Middle School is multi-cultural and doesn't have the resources or money that is needed. Probably many families need to work two jobs. This school, in my opinion, should be open from early in the morning until at least 9 p.m. with afterschool activities and classes. After school they could work on a newspaper, drama, music, art, gardening, and all sorts of fun projects. This school needs these types of preventative programs in place so all these kids have a chance to develop their potential.

Please send donations to Waldo Middle School, 2805 Lansing Avenue NE, Salem, Oregon 97303.

I ate some delicious cake that was being served to all who attended. I asked who made the cake. The girl said it was donated by Costco. Thank you, Costco for helping Waldo Middle School.