SALEM HIGH SCHOOL

September 2 - Media Day for all Fall Athletes after school

September 2 - Virtual Early Action Information Night for Seniors 6pm - 7pm

September 12 - Picture Day

September 17 - Early Release 11:05

September 18 - Meet the Teacher Night 6pm - 8pm

September 22 - Sept 26 - Homecoming Week

September 24 - Spirit Fire

September 25 - Homecoming Dance

September 26 - Homecoming Football Game

September 30 - Senior Parent College and Career In Person Workshop 6pm - 7:30pm

Virtual Early Action Information Night for Seniors 6pm - 7pm: meet.google.com/jku-wasa-oie

We are thrilled to welcome back our high school students for the 25-26 school year. In preparation, we have made some changes to enhance your experience within the cafeteria.

1. Second Meal Kiosk: Last year, we committed to allowing all students in the Salem Public Schools to receive a second meal at no charge to the student. We noticed that many students who chose to receive a second meal are not consuming all of the components that are required to have with their first meal (per federal regulations), such as the fruit, vegetable side, or milk. To prevent food waste, whilst allowing SHS students access to their free second meal, we have created the first-floor second meal kiosk.

1. After students go through the lunch line and receive their first meal, they may go to the first-floor second-meal kiosk to receive their second meal. We will have the following options available daily:

1. Pizza slices

2. Cheeseburger / Hamburger

3. Chicken Patty on a Bun

4. Hot Dog on a Bun

5. Cold Sandwiches / Wraps

6. Beef & Cheese Nachos

2. If students wish to have the full meal as their second meal, they are welcome to get in the normal lunch line to receive their second meal as they did last year.

3. Students who attempt to receive food from the second meal kiosk before receiving their first meal will be turned away & redirected to receive their first meal in one of our six lunch lines, then come to the kiosk for their second meal.

2. Floor Configuration:

1. First Floor:

1. Right & Left Line: Rotating menu option is available for viewing on our School Cafe Menu platform.

2. Second Meal Kiosk

2. Second Floor:

1. Left line: Pizza and a Side Salad

2. Right line: Salad Meal, or allergen friendly meals (GF pizza, GF hamburger/cheeseburger, GF hotdog, GF chicken patty)

3. Third Floor:

1. Left Line: Cheeseburger /hamburger, hot dog, chicken fillet, french fries, & salad bar.

2. Right Line: Nachos, or fajita, with beef or chicken and a toppings bar.

3. Allergen-Friendly Line:

1. The second floor will now have an allergy friendly line where students can access gluten free options like pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken filets or build their own salad.

4. Dinner Location:

1. We will now be serving dinner next to the black cat space, outside of the electrical/workshop room. Please join us for dinner which began on Thursday, August 28th.

In the last month our Witches have thrived in a supportive and inclusive community that values academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth. From exciting athletic events to outstanding arts and extracurricular programs, there’s always something happening that brings families together. Being a part of the Witch City legacy means being part of something truly special!

Be About It!

#GoWitch

SALEM — Boy Scout Troop 24 member Will Cullimore recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout after repainting the Derby Wharf Light Station as his community service project.

The light station, constructed at the south end of Derby Wharf in 1871, is a two-story and 12-foot square brick structure topped with an iron deck and cupola. It underwent large-scale renovations in 1989 that included repointing the masonry, replacing the window, repairing doors, installing a floor drain and repainting the building.

The light station was placed on the list of the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, and is now a part of the Salem Maritime National Historical Park.

Salem News: https://www.salemnews.com/news/salem-eagle-scout-project-repaints-and-restores-derby-wharf-light-station/article_ff4035a3-69a5-4293-9e7e-db862e72f5bd.html

Salem High School will be well represented on NCAA rosters this fall. Visit Salem Public Schools' full list of former Witches currently on NCAA rosters.

• Samantha Agno '25 | Soccer, Salem State University
• Isabella Cunha '23 | Soccer, Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Malcolm Edwards '24 | Soccer, Fitchburg State University

What students do

• Hands-on learning in carpentry, facilities management, and electrical trades
  
  

• Build essential skills: safety, reliability, teamwork, and clear communication
  
  

• Earn industry credentials like OSHA-30, Hot Works, and First Aid/CPR

Future Options for Salem High School Graduates:

Graduates leave with the skills, certifications, and experience to launch directly into work, apprenticeships, or higher education

• Career pathways: Carpenter or Electrician Apprentice → Journeyman → Supervisor/Master

• Prepare students for college options in Construction, Facilities Management, and Electrical Technology at schools like UMass Amherst, Wentworth, Merrimack, and NSCC
  
  

Our students don’t just learn in the classroom—they build the foundation for their future careers.

September 1, 2025

• Check your email for specific class updates and locations.

• Seniors! Make sure you return your permission forms Tuesday.

• If you receive special education services (504 or IEP), check email for information regarding accommodations in college courses.

• Click here for the Early College Handbook SY25-26. Acknowledgement forms will be sent home Tuesday and are due back Friday, September 5. Translation to Spanish and Portuguese is in progress.

• Did you receive our Early College Welcome through ParentSquare (copied below just in case)? Early College Updates will usually be sent via ParentSquare, so please make sure you have access, or let me know another way to keep you informed.

August 25, 2025 ParentSquare Welcome:

Welcome Back to Early College!

Dear Students and Families,

We are excited to welcome you back for the new school year! We look forward to meeting with students during their scheduled Early College blocks at Salem High School.

Please note these important updates and dates:

• Salem State University (SSU) classes begin September 3

• North Shore Community College (NSCC) classes begin September 17

• Join our Google Classroom: Google Classroom Link

• Remember to read a Mass Teen Choice Book for an in-class writing prompt due September 8

• Revisit the slides from our June Early College Orientation: Orientation Slides

If you have not already, please complete the Family Expectations Form.

I will be holding office hours every Monday and Friday from 8:00–9:30 AM. Students can sign up through the Tutoring App (click “Tutoring” on Launchpad).

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at akirby@salemk12.org.

Stay tuned for class-specific information.

We are looking forward to a great semester together!

Sincerely,

Alexandra Kirby

Early College Coordinator

We are thrilled to begin another exciting year and to support every student in their journey to growth and success. Through our C3 College, Career, and Counseling Department, we encourage all students to Dare To Grow because your future knows no boundaries.

We are excited to share that our students have already started more than 200 college applications to schools across the country! You can view the interactive map here to see where students are applying: C3 College Application Map.

This information comes from Naviance, which students can access through ClassLink. Parents can also access their student’s information using their Naviance username and password.

If students or families need support accessing Naviance, please reach out to your student’s counselor for assistance.

C3 also has a number of upcoming workshops and post-secondary events to support your planning:

• Senior Early Decision/Early Action Virtual Night – Tuesday, September 2nd (more information to follow the first days of school)

We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities, explore possibilities, and reach goals beyond what they thought possible.

Together, let’s make this a year of growth, exploration, and success.

Deciding what colleges to add to your list? One great resource to examines what factors goes into your college choice is Big Future at https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search.

Location: Ithaca, New York

Mascot:The Bombers

Enrollment:

Total university enrollment: 6, 266

Undergraduates: 5,852

Graduate students: 414

Average GPA (First-Year Students): 3.7 weighted GPA

SAT Score Average: 1210–1330

ACT Score Average: 27–31

Admissions: https://www.ithaca.edu/admission

Diverse Academic Programs

Offers 100+ degree programs across five schools: Business; Communications; Health Sciences & Human Performance; Humanities & Sciences; Music, Theatre, & Dance

Experiential & Global Focus

Strong focus on media, performing arts, and practical learning

Operates global programs and exchange initiatives (e.g., Los Angeles, London, Australia)

Sustainability Leadership

Business School and other buildings hold LEED Platinum Certification

Campus runs on renewable energy, with climate-neutrality goals by 2050

Media & Communication Strength

Packed with award-winning student media like ICTV, WICB radio, Park Productions, and distinctive student publications

Virtual and In-Person Tours: https://www.ithaca.edu/admission/visit-ithaca-college

Website: https://www.ithaca.edu/

Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or English is typically required.

Master’s degrees are less common but can be advantageous for senior leadership roles.

Internships, campus media, or student leadership experience are highly valued in this field.

Typical Tasks Associated with This Career:

Public Relations Specialists are responsible for managing a company’s or individual’s public image. Typical duties include:

• Writing press releases, speeches, and media statements

• Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets

• Managing social media platforms and crafting digital communication strategies

• Planning and coordinating events, press conferences, and campaigns

• Monitoring public perception and tracking media coverage

• Advising executives on how to communicate sensitive or high-profile issues

• Responding to media inquiries during crises or emergencies

• Collaborating with marketing teams on branding and promotional campaigns

• Preparing detailed reports on communication effectiveness and media reach

Expected Income: Average $75,000

Job Growth: 6% over next 10 years

Related High School Coursework

English / Journalism (writing, editing, communication)

Speech / Debate / Drama (public speaking & presentation skills)

Social Studies / Government (understanding societal issues and institutions)

Marketing / Business (brand and audience awareness)

Computer Science (social media analytics, digital design tools)

Mathematics / Statistics (data analysis for media reach and campaigns)

Foreign Language (advantageous for global communication roles)

AP or Honors English (critical thinking, persuasive writing, and advanced communication skills)