Salem Public Schools

Weekly Update
Friday, June 6, 2025
Superintendent's Message
SPS families,
Today is the last of our three high school graduations. It has been a privilege to celebrate our seniors as they successfully completed our requirements for earning their diploma. We are proud to share that the Salem Public Schools has 237 graduates across our three campuses who will now attend college, enter the workforce and/or join the military. Regardless of their choice, they are prepared and represent the very best that our city offers. Congratulations class of 2025!
As we approach the final two weeks of the school year, we ask that you provide us input on your child’s school year. We are excited to release our second annual parent/caregiver survey. We value your opinion given the critical role that you play in the education of your children.
The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. and we encourage you to take one survey per child. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Haitian Creole.
Click the link to take the survey, choose the school that your student attends and finally, choose your preferred language.
The survey will be open from today, Friday, June 6, through Friday, July 18, 2025.
Should you have any questions or need support, please reach out to Laura Assade, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Engagement, at 978-740-1225 or email: welcomecenter@salemk12.org.
Enjoy the weekend and all of our end-of-the-year festivities.
Steve
This Week's RockStar is...
Ms. Bido's passion to deliver meaningful experiences for students is what drives her in her role. We appreciate Ms. Bido's dedication, detail oriented approach and calm demeanor. She is truly an asset to the Salem Public Schools.
‘Resilient and Determined’: Salem Prep High School Salutes the Class of 2025
The recurring themes at the Salem Prep High School graduation ceremony were resiliency, optimism and an emphasis on community, centered on the staff that helped each graduate find their way.
‘The Class of Liberation, Resiliency’: New Liberty Innovation School Celebrates, Honors Class of 2025
Resiliency, hope, liberation and breaking ceilings were the prevailing themes Wednesday night as the New Liberty Innovation School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 at the Peabody Essex Museum’s Morse Auditorium.
Collins Middle School’s Johanna Rodriguez ‘10 Honored by Latinos for Education
Johanna Rodriguez, a City Connects Coordinator at the Collins Middle School, was presented with the Latino Educators Who Shine Award from Latinos For Education Wednesday, May 28, at a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House.
Balkus Shares Shot Put State Title, Leads SHS at MIAA Unified Track and Field Championship
Freshman Sara Balkus shared the Division 1-3 shot put title and finished runner-up in the Division 1-2 Mixed 100 meter dash to lead the Salem High School Unified Track and Field teams at the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Unified Track and Field Championship Wednesday, May 28, at Natick High School.
Grant Helps Salem Students Learn Where Food Comes From — and Why It Matters
Salem Public Schools has been awarded funding through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) new competitive grant program, aimed at supporting food literacy and local food purchasing in schools.
VIEW GALLERY & VIDEO: Salem High School Class of 2025 Senior Solstice
To open Senior Week Thursday, May 29, members of the Salem High School Class of 2025 celebrated the second annual Senior Solstice in which they paraded through the elementary schools they once attended.
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
Summer Eats is Back again in Salem for Summer 2025! Enjoy free meals and fun all summer long from Monday, June 30 to Friday, Aug. 22.
We’re excited to announce the return of Salem’s Summer Eats Program – a citywide program run by Salem Food and Nutrition Services that provides free, nutritious meals for all children and teens 18 and under throughout the summer.
To kick off the summer, join us for a Summer Eats Kick-Off Celebration Monday, June 24, from 4-6 p.m. at Mary Jane Lee Park. The event will feature local vendors, games, face painting, and a first taste of all the fun and food to come.
Last Chance: Deadline for FREE Summer Programming is Today
Registration for Salem Public Schools Summer Programs is open. Programs are designed to support students academically through fun, hands-on activities. All programs feature exciting enrichment opportunities, and we provide free transportation, breakfast, and lunch.
Space is limited. Registration closes today, Friday, June 6.
REGISTER NOW:
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) is a federal food benefit that helps low-income families with school-aged children buy food when schools are closed for the summer.
Visit Mass.gov to find out eligibility and how to apply.
The City of Salem Seal Task Force has published a public feedback form to gather community input as part of its work. Your perspectives have been central to the formation of this task force, and we’d greatly value your participation.
The form is available in both English and Spanish at the links below:
ENGLISH | SPANISH | VIEW THE CITY SEAL
Please take a few moments to fill it out and share your thoughts. The City is hopeful to hear from as many community members as possible, and your input is especially meaningful. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to equity in Salem.
Spots are still available for the Essex Country Summer Day Program which offers two weeks of summer day camp programs for students entering Grade 5 in September:
Week 1: July 21-25
Week 2: July 28-Aug. 1
Each eligible juvenile is allowed to pick one week.
REGISTRATION DIRECTIONS:
- Scan the QR code
- Scroll down to 'Salem Week One' or 'Salem Week Two' and choose only one.
- Complete all forms necessary to register your child.
The Essex Country Summer Day Program is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Sergeant Sano at the Salem Police Department at csano@salempd.net
Save the Date: Salem Police Department Hosts Bike Rodeo Saturday, June 14
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:
- Free Open House: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Hosts 'Marine Quest'
- APPLY: Teachers from the Dominican Republic Sought for Exchange: ENGLISH | SPANISH
- Host Families Needed for Ota, Japan Exchange Students July 20-28
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.