Salem Public Schools
SPS Families --
Salem Public Schools is committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, and administrators.
Doing this effectively requires a proactive approach with programs that equip students, parents, caregivers teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our schools.
Our students are aware of the problems and struggles that their peers are facing each day. We must empower them to know the signs of potential danger and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to look out for one another in text, video, and photos and act quickly to help a fellow student.
Today, I am happy to announce the launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System in the Salem Public Schools beginning on Monday, March 10, 2025 for students in grades 4-12. Students in these grades will be trained by school based staff between March 10-April 4.
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System trains youth and adults how to recognize warning signs -- especially within social media -- of individuals who may be in crisis, and to tell a trusted adult directly or via the anonymous reporting system.
Specifically, the Say Something program educates participants to:
- Recognize the warning signs of someone who may be at-risk of harming themselves or others
- Take every warning sign and threat seriously; act immediately to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR reporting it through the telephone hotline, mobile app, or website that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities, call-to-action weeks, and on-going trainings
Please view the full brochure that provides more details about the program:
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System program is provided at no cost by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national nonprofit organization. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise and has urged school districts to utilize their support to help prevent violence and suicide in schools. More than 21 million people have participated in their research-based programs that include Say Something. They have a proven track record of working effectively with students, families, and educators to improve school safety and strengthen an inclusive school culture. The program is age-appropriate and evidence-informed. We strongly believe that this program will be an asset to our schools.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the SPS Safety Liaison, Lisa Golden, at egolden@salemk12.org or contact the administration at your child’s school.
Enjoy the weekend,
Steve
Congratulations to Officer Rondinelli and Derby!
New Liberty ‘Star’ Scholars to Present at the Massachusetts Region IV Science and Engineering Fair Friday
Three sophomores and one freshman from the New Liberty Innovation School will present their research projects at the Massachusetts Region IV High School Science and Engineering Fair Friday, Mar. 7, at Tufts University. Sophomores Wilver Serrano, Nevin Lebron, and Zachary El Dagany will join freshman Christopher Lemus and biomedical/biotechnology educator Dr. Brenda Goodrum.
VIEW GALLERY: Centering Belonging at Collins Middle School
Under the leadership of Dean of Students and School Culture Terrell Greene, Collins Middle School sixth grade scholars gathered Wednesday morning to discuss how they are affected when unkind situations arise. The purpose of the activity is to create a more conscious, kinder community in sixth grade, as well as to improve students capacity to recognize situations when unkindness and negativity happen.
‘Timely’ Mental Health Grant to Fund Programs, Restorative Justice Training
Salem Public Schools received a $100,000 grant from the Governor Maura Healey–Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll Administration to be used toward its commitment to the mental health of each of its students. A recipient of the mental health grant each year since 2021-22, SPS was among 60 school districts statewide to receive the grant in varying amounts. Its purpose is to improve student access to behavioral and mental health support and services.
VIEW GALLERY: Dominican Republic Independence Day Celebrations in Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools became a sea of red, white and royal blue as each school celebrated Dominican Republic Independence Day Thursday, Feb. 27.
SPS families can schedule in-person tours of each school that offers kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and preschool programming: Bates Elementary School, Bentley Academy Innovation School, Carlton Innovation School, Horace Mann Laboratory School, Saltonstall School, Witchcraft Heights Elementary School and the Salem Early Childhood Center.
Eligibility for kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and preschool programs is as follows:
- Kindergarten: Children residing in Salem who will turn FIVE years old on or before Aug. 31 are eligible to start kindergarten in the fall of 2025.
- Pre-Kindergarten: Children residing in Salem who turn FOUR years old on or before Aug. 31 are eligible to enter the lottery for the SPS pre-K program in the fall of 2025.
- Preschool: Children residing in Salem who turn THREE years old on or before Aug. 31 are eligible to enter the lottery for the preschool program at the Salem Early Childhood Center in the fall of 2025.
For more information, contact the SPS Parent Information Center at pic@salemk12.org or telephone (978) 740-1225, or visit salemk12.org/families.
Grade 9-12 students are invited to apply for KidWind Academy, a week-long summer program (July 13-18) to learn about offshore wind and the career opportunities it offers. The program is free, and students earn $100/day for their participation (total: $500).
The program takes place at Mass Maritime Institute. Students live in the dorms while taking classes, engaging in hands-on activities, hearing from guest speakers, and taking field trips to wind facilities.
- Housing, food, transportation all included at no cost to participants
- Deadline to Apply: Friday, Apr. 25 at 4 p.m.
- Learn more at KinWindAcademy.org
If any parent, guardian or student needs support to complete the application for KidWind Academy, contact bbain@salemsafe.org
March is National Nutrition Month, a time to celebrate the importance of fueling our bodies with wholesome foods and making informed choices that support our wellbeing. We kicked off the month with National School Breakfast Week, highlighting the power of a scratch-cooked breakfast and engaging elementary students in a fun breakfast-themed game. Prizes were distributed today—thank you to all the students who participated. Remember, starting your day with a nutritious school breakfast sets you up for success in and out of the classroom.
Each year, The Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award recognizes one Marblehead teacher and one Salem teacher as representative of all the excellent, dedicated teachers in the community who make a difference to children every day.
- Who is eligible? Teachers from the district schools in Marblehead and Salem, Massachusetts, are eligible.
- What is the award? As of 2025, each honoree receives an unrestricted cash award of $1000.
- Who may nominate? Anyone—educators, parents, students, citizens—may make a nomination..
- How do I nominate someone? Send a letter of nomination with your reasons for nominating the teacher, being as detailed and specific as possible. Include the teacher’s name, school, and position, and include your email and your relationship to the teacher. Please keep nominations confidential and do not inform individuals that they have been nominated.
- Nominations must be submitted by April 17, 2025.
Host families are needed for the Salem and Ota, Japan student exchange scheduled for July 20-28. The Salem-Ota exchange is a tradition that spans more than 30 years and is a life-changing experience.
To register to become a host family, click the button below. For more information, contact Peter Dolan at otasalem4@gmail.com.
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.