Salem Public Schools
SPS community,
With the state and federal election season in full swing, we want to inform families how we address and manage what can be sensitive and charged discussions.
As a public school district, we have an obligation to teach (in an age appropriate fashion) our students about American history, current events and the responsibility we all have to be civically engaged. We remind students of the importance of exercising their right to vote regardless of what one’s political views might be. We are committed to creating the conditions for our students to shape their own opinions about issues and to engage critically with their classmates to develop their individual beliefs. It is not our place to tell students how or what to think, but rather to provide them with different perspectives and information about candidates or topics.
While everyone has the right to their viewpoints, the conversations must always remain civil and respectful. We want to both nurture a student’s passionate perspective while teaching them to express their positions in a manner that facilitates productive dialogue, two way exchanges and an openness to consider other ideas. We have a legal responsibility to ensure that what staff or students say does not interrupt the learning process for others. This approach aligns with our core value of belonging which underscores our belief that all members of our community are valued and that our relationships are built on empathy and respect.
Finally, I would like to remind our community that the law precludes political campaigning and fundraising at schools. As public servants, our employees are not permitted to engage in political activity on school property and/or use school resources to support a candidate or a ballot question.
Thank you for your support and partnership as we create a safe learning space where all community members can express their beliefs that upholds our values as a school system.
Enjoy the long weekend in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day!
Steve
Ms. Newsome is skilled in delivering instruction and ensures that her students are receiving the high quality learning experience they deserve. The Early Childhood Center is lucky to have Ms. Newsome as part of their learning community!
Dear Families and Salem Public Schools Community,
At Salem Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community are our highest priorities. To ensure a secure environment, our school system utilizes a comprehensive process for assessing potential violent threats. We want to keep you informed about how we handle these situations to maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere for all.
Threat Assessment Process:
Identification: Any verbal, written, or behavioral threat made by a student or towards the school is taken seriously. This can include threats made in person, online, or via other communication channels. Staff, students, caregivers and community members are encouraged to report any concerns immediately.
Immediate Response: Once a threat is identified, our first priority is to ensure the immediate safety of everyone involved. This may include securing the area, notifying law enforcement, or taking other precautionary actions.
Threat Assessment Team: A trained Threat Assessment Team—composed of school administrators, counselors, mental health professionals, and law enforcement—will quickly convene to evaluate the seriousness of the threat. They assess the situation using established guidelines, and consider the context, intent, and capability of the individual to carry out the threat.
Investigation and Evaluation: The team conducts a thorough investigation, which may include interviews with the student(s) involved, witnesses, and reviewing evidence. They consider the student's history, mental health status, and other relevant factors to determine the level of risk.
Intervention and Support: Based on the assessment, the team decides on the appropriate actions, which may range from disciplinary measures to mental health support and counseling. In cases where the threat is credible, law enforcement may be involved. Our goal is not only to address the immediate concern but also to provide support and resources to prevent future incidents.
Communication with Families: Parents or guardians of students involved in an incident will be informed and involved in the process. Additionally, if there is a broader safety concern affecting the school community, we will communicate with all families while maintaining the confidentiality of individuals.
We understand hearing about potential threats can be alarming, but please be assured that our district has robust procedures in place to handle situations with care, professionalism, and a focus on maintaining a positive and secure learning environment. We want to emphasize to you that Salem Public Schools are not facing these challenges alone. Our protocols are aligned with national best practices, ensuring that we address risks effectively and in accordance with the highest standards. You can find an overview of our protocol here.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools safe.
In recognition of the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30 million children each day, Salem Public Schools will be celebrating National School Lunch Week from October 15-18, 2024. This year’s fun and creative theme, 'School Lunch Pirates: Find Your Treasure,' emphasizes the crucial role a healthy school lunch plays in a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. We are thrilled to embrace this engaging theme, which also connects to Salem’s rich maritime heritage.
Salem Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services has planned an exciting week of activities to bring together the community to celebrate National School Lunch Week:
- Tuesday: Gold Treasure Day: Students will receive their own treasure. Gold necklaces will be given out during lunch along with a delicious treat of Pirates Booty.
- Wednesday: Celebrity Server Day: Salem celebrities, including school principals, Salem police officers, firefighters, Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike and Mayor Dominick Pangallo will join us to serve meals. These guest servers will don their best pirate attire and work alongside our talented cafeteria staff.
- Thursday: Music Day: Enjoy music in the cafeterias during lunch, brought to you in each school cafeteria to create a fun ambiance.
- Friday: Athlete Day: Salem’s student-athletes will participate in serving school lunch and will do a walkthrough of school cafeterias.
Follow SPS Food and Nutrition Services on social media:
For the 14th year, the Salem Education Foundation has launched its Dinner Anywhere in the World Raffle, which includes dinner, hotel, and two roundtrip airplane tickets to anywhere in the world. Tickets are sold through the school PTOs, SEF board members, volunteers, restaurants, parents, and students.
Students have incentives if they sell tickets:
- The student who sells the winning ticket earns $500 cash.
- The school that sells the most tickets will be the first positioned school in the next Haunted Happenings parade.
- PTO’s earn $1 for every ticket they sell after exceeding 100 tickets
An anonymous donor who bought a ticket for each and every school teacher, custodian, and cafeteria worker in SPS will be automatically entered.
Checks can be made payable to the Salem Education Foundation. For any questions regarding the raffle or ticket sales please contact Ben Arlander at BenArlander@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.