Superintendent's Update

Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 4th through May 8th, 2026 — a week to give teachers & the staff who work in our schools the extra credit they've earned. Teaching is demanding, time-consuming work, and this is our chance to thank the people who shape, and have shaped, so much of who we are.

This week, and every week, we're celebrating the educators who show up for their students day after day — helping them learn, grow, and reach their potential.

Each year, May — observed as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Americans (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the United States — offers us a special opportunity to highlight the achievements, contributions and cultures of Asian Americans, Pacific Island Americans and Native Hawaiians.

Quick History about AANHPI Heritage Month

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter designated the first week of May to be Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week to honor the first Japanese immigrants to America on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad by many Chinese immigrants on May 10, 1869. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush extended the celebration for all of May. In 2009, President Barack Obama changed the name to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and in 2021 President Joe Biden added Native Hawaiian to the list, making it Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

5 Ways to Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month in the Classroom and at Home:

1. Celebrate with picture books.

2. Celebrate with music and art.

3. Celebrate with language.

4. Celebrate holidays and food.

5. Celebrate with a show or movie.

What Did We Set Out To Do?

Ensure all three schools meet or exceed their I-Ready growth targets in Math and Reading.

How Will We Define Success?

• 100% of schools will achieve their I-Ready growth targets in Math and Reading
• Students identified as 2+ grade levels below will demonstrate at least 1.5 grade levels of growth
• 100% of schools complete all required milestones in their 2025-2026 Annual Action Plans

How Did We Do?

At John Fenwick Academy, the K-2 Math and Reading data shows that more students met or exceeded proficiency (at/above grade level) in the Winter cycle than in the Fall.

While not shown below, our prioritized student groups at John Fenwick -- including English Learners and students receiving special education services -- improved at an accelerated rate.

Salem Middle Schools' Reading and Mathematics data reflects growth across all cohorts at the Winter cycle checkpoint, and prioritized student groups improved as well. From Fall to Winter, SMS significantly reduced the percentage of students performing three or more grade levels below their current grade.

The percentage of students at or above grade level more than doubled in both Mathematics and Reading. As a result, fewer students were identified as three or more grade levels behind by Winter.

We want all our students to SHINE in Salem.

If you missed last month's edition of Salem SHINE, please click below to read about some of the programs we are implementing to create Safe, Healthy, Inclusive, Nurtured, and Empowered learning environments for our learners.

May is full of observances that speak directly to our community. Here is what we are honoring:

• National Foster Care Month — This month we honor the foster youth in our schools and the families who open their homes to them.
• Jewish American Heritage Month — This month we celebrate our Jewish students, families, and community members and their contributions to who we are together.
• Mental Health Awareness Month — Mental health matters just as much as physical health. If you or someone in your family is struggling, please reach out to our counselors or school administrators. You are not alone.