| Waldo Middle School, built in 1957,
was named for Daniel Waldo, one of Oregon’s most enterprising
and innovative early pioneers. He was born in Virginia in 1800
and made the journey to Oregon in 1843 with his wife and family.
He settled a 1,000-acre homestead in what is now called Waldo
Hills. He engaged in many enterprises in Oregon, and was a lawmaker
and judge. Mr. Waldo spent the last years of his life living
in Salem until his death on September 10, 1880. A committee
of Salem citizens suggested the name “Waldo” when
the school was built. Parish and Leslie, the other area junior
high schools, had been named for pioneers.
In 1968 the staff at Waldo decided to replace the lawn in
the courtyard with a garden filled with native Oregon plants
and trees. Science teacher Wes Niemela directed a group of
students and staff who worked for two years to complete the
project. They collected plants from the forests around Salem
and from Mr. Niemela’s garden. The courtyard garden is
still a centerpiece of our school, providing a suitable habitat
for a family of ducks who return each year in the spring.
During the 1996-97 school year the second courtyard at Waldo
began a transformation that mirrored the efforts of Wes Niemela
and his students. Science teacher Mike Weddle and the Roots
and Shoots/Leo Club he organized were responsible for creating
another native Oregon species courtyard. This courtyard is
complete with a pond, waterfall, native Oregon trees, plants,
and animals.
Waldo was selected to pilot computer assisted instruction
at the middle school level in 1982. We received four Apple
II+ computers, the first in the district, and our technology
program has been pioneering innovative uses of technology
ever since. Waldo’s Endangered Species Project is recognized
nationally as a model integrated project. The performing and
visual arts program is outstanding and is highlighted by our
Eastside Ensemble, a touring group of young actors who perform
at Salem-Keizer elementary schools. Waldo students have also
been involved in a wide variety of service-learning activities
that include the Clothing Depot and our community Make-a-Difference
Day.
In 1997-98 Waldo was the first secondary school in Oregon
to institute a unified dress code. It was very positively
received by students, teachers and parents. In 1998-99 Waldo
started the first year of a three-year grant titled, “The
Lighted Schools Grant.” The project gives Waldo students
supervised after-school classes, clubs and field trips. It
also provides family evening activities for the entire community,
and night classes for adults and students living in the Waldo
area.
Waldo Middle School has a staff of 65, and includes grades
six through eight. Mr. Steve Nelson is the principal and the
assistant principal is Ms. Janell Ediger. Waldo's nickname
is the "Mustangs."
Waldo’s motto, “Waldo Pride Makes a Difference”,
is reflected in the enterprising innovations that would have
made Daniel Waldo proud.
Bibliography:
Ereckson, Laurie and other staff members. "Waldo
Middle School, a History of Innovation," Waldo Middle
School, 2000.
"Neighborhood Schools " Statesman Journal, August,
2000.
"The Salem Story." Salem-Keizer Public Schools.
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