Salem Public Schools

Weekly Update
Friday, June 20, 2025
Superintendent's Message
SPS families,
Today marks our final day of the 2024-25 school year! It has been our distinct honor to serve your children and family. We have appreciated the partnership, support, and input (please be sure to complete our annual family survey) as we commit to offering a high-quality public education.
We wish your family a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer break. Please don’t forget to engage with our summer learning page which is full of amazing resources including our summer reading challenge.
Any student who completes a reading log will be entered into a drawing to win a ride – with a parent – on the Salem Harbormaster patrol boat through beautiful Salem Harbor. One winner will be chosen for each school.
We’ve added an bonus incentive: if 500 or more students participate in summer reading across the District, I, along with Mayor Dominick Pangallo, will jump into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean to support Mental Makeover, a non-profit organization started by Salem High School alumni committed to fighting the stigma surrounding mental health.
Finally, we’re also inviting all families to take part in our Summer 2025 Community Read for adults, young adults and children. For adults and young adults, we’re offering Accountable by Dashka Slater, the true crime winner of the 2024 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award; and Flying Lessons and Other Stories, for readers aged 8-12. We hope you take part.
VIEW | Community Read Flyers: ENG | ESP | POR
Thank you for an outstanding school year! We look forward to seeing your children back to school on Thursday, August 28th for students in grades 1-12 (Carlton Innovation School begins on Wednesday, August 27th) and students in kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and preschool on Thursday, September 4th (Carlton kindergarten begins on Wednesday, September 3rd).
With immense gratitude,
Steve
This Week's RockStar is...
You are beyond special, more intelligent than you believe and more talented than you even know. Your generation gives us tremendous hope for a future that is more just, open-minded and accepting for all who live on this planet. Thank you for bringing your best selves to school each day and allowing us to be a part of your life's journey.
Enjoy the summer!
The Salem News | June 8 proclaimed as Robert Morris Day in response to Horace Mann 3rd graders
Thanks to advocacy from a third-grade class at Horace Mann Laboratory School, the city recently proclaimed June 8 as Robert Morris Day to celebrate the life of attorney, trailblazing civil rights advocate and Salem native Robert Morris.
The Salem Patch | Salem Rotary Awards $55K In Scholarships To CTE Students
Twelve Salem high school career and technical education students were awarded $45,000 in scholarships at the annual Salem Rotary Club scholarship luncheon. The Rotary also delivered $10,000 in awards to Salem High School’s CTE program senior students, determined by the faculty of Salem High School, which were distributed at a ceremony at the school in late May.
VIEW GALLERY | The Class of 2029: Saltonstall School 8th Grade, Collins Middle School Scholars Graduation Ceremonies
Last Friday, it was the Saltonstall School graduation ceremony, possibly it's final eighth-grade class (as all middle schoolers will attend Collins Middle School beginning in September). On Monday, it was the graduation of the Collins Middle School eighth grade students, who were among the first Salem middle school scholars immersed in studio (project-based) learning.
Register Now: Fall 2025 Sports Registration is Open
We hope everyone has a great summer! Fall sports registration is open and summer workouts are being scheduled.
Register now: ENG | ESP
REMINDER: All students need to be signed up on Family ID and must have a current physical to participate.
Purchase your gear at our online store
Important Dates:
- Wednesday, Aug. 13 (6:30 p.m.): 2025 Athletics Orientation
- Friday, Aug. 15: First day of football practice
- Monday, Aug. 18: First day of all other fall sports (except unified basketball)
Fall Coaches Contact Information:
- Cross Country | Head Coach: Bridgette Perkins | bridgetteaperkins@gmail.com
- Cheerleading | Head Coach: TBD
- Football | Head Coach: Matt Bouchard | coachmattbouchard@gmail.com
- Workouts: Monday 3 p.m., Wednesday 5 p.m., Thursday 5 p.m., Friday 3 p.m.
- Golf | Head Coach: Tom Doyle | tdoyle@salemk12.org
- Soccer - Girls | Head Coach: Jenette Leonard | jtempesta22@aol.com
- Workouts: Monday 9 a.m., Wednesday 6 p.m.
- Soccer - Boys | Head Coach: Padraic Slattery | pslattery562@gmail.com
- Workouts: Tuesday/Thursday 3 p.m.
- Volleyball - Girls | Head Coach: Angie Giancola | agiancola@salemk12.org
- Workouts: Tuesday 6 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.
- Unified Basketball: Head Coach: TBD
The Salem High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is accepting nominations for its 2025 class starting June 23-Aug. 11. Membership in the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame is open to those individuals who have made significant contributions to the SHS Athletic Program, either through their participation in athletics or their association with Salem athletics as a coach, faculty member, or for meritorious service.
The Department of Early College and the Tutoring Center at Salem High School is offering several workshops and organized college visits beginning in July.
Our Summer Learning 2025 materials are live and can be found at salemk12.org/summer.
We are equally as happy to announce our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge has been issued: Any student who completes a reading log will be entered into a drawing to win a ride (with a parent) on the Salem Harbormaster patrol boat! One winner will be chosen per school.
In addition, if 500 or more students participate in the Summer Reading Challenge across the School District, Mayor Dominick Pangallo and SPS Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike will jump into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean to support Mental Makeover, a non-profit organization started by Salem High School alumni committed to fighting the stigma surrounding mental health.
Prime Group Presents Public Forum on Shetland Park Development Plans June 23
The Salem Department of Parks and Recreation is offering seven weeks of tennis instruction for youths aged 10-13 Fridays starting June 27 through Aug. 8 at the Salem High School tennis courts.
This fun and fast-paced summer program is perfect for players aged 10-13 excited to learn tennis or strengthen their foundation. Whether they’re new to the game or looking to grow their skills, participants will build confidence and enjoy being active on the court through focused instruction and high-energy drills.
- Ages: 10-13
- Dates: Fridays, June 27th- August 8th (No program on Friday, July 4th)
- Time: 6:00-6:45 p.m.
- Location: Salem High School Tennis Courts, 77 Wilson St.
- Cost: $25 for the 7 week session
Save the Date: SPS Back to School Fair Slated for Wednesday, Aug. 20
Salem Public Schools is excited to share its second annual family/caregiver survey with you. We value your opinion as you are an important part in the life of yours and many other students in our schools. Please take a moment to share your feedback with us.
The survey should take no more than 15 minutes and we encourage you to take one survey per student. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Haitian Creole.
Click the link below to take the survey, choose the school that your student attends then choose your language.
The survey will be open from Friday, June 6-Friday, July 18, 2025.
Should you have any questions or need support please reach out to our team at 978-740-1225 or email welcomecenter@salemk12.org
The Salem Summer Eats returns this summer beginning with its kick-off celebration Tuesday, June 24, from 4-6 p.m. at Mary Jane Lee Park, featuring local vendors, games, face painting, and a first taste of all the fun and food to come.
SPS Announces Community Read for Adults, Young Adults and Children
Summer is the optimal time to catch up on reading. On the beach, the park or simply at home.
Thus, we’re extending the invitation to SPS families -- adults, young adults and children -- to take part in our Summer 2025 Community Read. For adults and young adults, we’re offering Accountable, by Dashka Slater, the true crime winner of the 2024 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award; and Flying Lessons and Other Stories by a host of authors, for readers aged 8-12 and might prefer shot stories.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recently issued important guidance to help you have a safe and fun summer. It covers key topics like preventing tick and mosquito bites, avoiding rabies exposures, ensuring water and pool safety, practicing helmet safety, window safety, car safety, and sun and heat protection.
We encourage you to read the full guidance online to prepare your family for summer activities.
Virtual Backpack
Welcome to the Virtual Backpack, where we will place open, relevant items from friends and partners of SPS.
- Salem youth sports leagues and camp registrations:
- 2025-26 Transportation applications are open in the Aspen Family Portal:
Download the ParentSquare App
ParentSquare is the communication platform for Salem Public Schools. Families receive communication from the district, school, and their student's classroom all in one space. Families can communicate 1-to-1 with teachers, register for parent-teacher conferences, and more.
If you are not receiving messages from ParentSquare or if you are having trouble, contact your school's front office. You can visit www.parentsquare.com for more information.