SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
November 8 - November 14, 2026
November 9 - 6pm Girls Soccer Playoffs @ Hanover High School
November 11 - No School - Veterans Day
November 12 - Report Cards Posted
November 13 - Senior Turkey Toss Tryouts during Crew
November 13 - Bus Evacuations Drill
November 24 - Deck the Halls after school till 9:30. (Each class decorates their hallway)
November 25 - Early Release and Pep Rally
November 26 - Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Pies!!!
Thanksgiving Pies!!! It's that time of year again when we roll up our sleeves and rub metric tons of butter into vast quantities of flour, and then pan, fill and bake the pies that may grace your Thanksgiving tables. Dutch Apple with Streusel topping and Pumpkin are the choices and each pie is 9 inches diameter. $9.00 per pie is our price.
We will accept orders while supplies last or until Wednesday November 18th.
Please use the form linked below to place your order; limit one editable form per person (email address). Pickup dates and times will be Tuesday November 24 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM or Wednesday November 25 from 8:00 to 11:05 AM. Cash or Credit/Debit cards are accepted for payment.
We at Salem Culinary wish everyone a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!
Pie Order Form
Salem Youth Commission & Mental Makeover Partnership - Focusing on Mental Health Advocacy
Attention Salem High School students:
Are you interested in getting involved? Do you want to make a difference in our community? Do you want your voice heard? Join the Salem Youth Commission!
The City of Salem Youth Commission and Mental Makeover are teaming up this year around the topic of Mental Health Advocacy efforts.
Their first meeting is Thursday, November 19th 5:30-7:00 at the City Hall Annex First Floor Conference room at 98 Washington Street.
See flyer below for more info!
If interested or have questions, please reach out to Sarah Roy, Director of Youth and Family Engagement at:
sroy@salem.com
Winter Athletics Registration
Additionally, Winter Sports registration is LIVE and Winter sports kickoff November 30!!
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION (ENGLISH)
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION (SPANISH)
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION (PORTUGUESE)
As a reminder, families must register athletes on Family ID to participate in a sport this Winter. Students must also have a current physical within the last 13 months to participate in athletics.
If you are interested in learning more about each sport or plans for tryouts and preseason, please reach out to the program's Head Coach and they can share more information with you!
Girls Basketball: Head Coach - Eric Perkins (eperkins@salemk12.org)
Boys Basketball: Head Coach - Tom Doyle (tdoyle@salemk12.org)
Wrestling: Head Coach - Clifford Exilhomme (exilhomme54@yahoo.com)
Indoor Track: Head Coach - Schuyler Ward (schuyler.ward@gmail.com)
Swimming: Head Coach - Alexis Dwyer (alexis.dwyer@gmail.com)
Cheerleading: Head Coach - Nany Medrano (19medranoa@gmail.com)
Gymnastics: Head Coach - Janine D'Amato (springs139@aol.com)
Unified Strength and Conditioning: Head Coach - Heather Shanley (hshanley@salemk12.org)
Hockey Co-Op: please reach out directly to Mr. Daly for contacts (mldaly@salemk12.org)
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Daly at mldaly@salemk12.org.
The Salem High School Career Technical Education (CTE) Department will host its 2026 Middle School Open House for grades 6-8 families Saturday, Nov. 14 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) at its CTE facilities at the High School.
Salem families can register for one, two or three programs and take part in a one-hour project-based learning activity in each program beginning at 9 a.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, registration and student drop-off.
Families are encouraged to register for the Open House and declare 1-3 CTE pathways in which their child/children would like to explore. Each session is one hour long.
For more information, please visit the CTE Pathways web page or contact CTE Director Mario Sousa at msousa@salemk12.org.
It's A Great Time to Be A Witch!
“BE ABOUT IT”
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Live the values of our school community; show pride, respect, and responsibility not just by saying it, but by consistently doing it.
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Follow through on commitments, whether that’s in academics, athletics, arts, or personal goals.
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Model integrity by letting your behavior reflect your intentions—be the example others can count on.
“BE ABOUT IT” means don’t just talk about who you are or what you stand for, prove it every day through effort, character, and action.
Be About It!
#GoWitch
Salem Fall Recital
From Mozart to Green Day, Salem High’s Fall Recital showcased our students’ talent, courage, and creativity! Proud of our musicians and grateful to the teachers and accompanists who help them shine. Bravo, Witches!
WitchPitch? Takes the Stage in Wakefield!
Under the bright stage lights, Salem High School’s a cappella group, WitchPitch?, brought its harmonies to the fifth annual A Cappella Fall Fest on Saturday, November 7. Our singers shared the stage at Galvin Middle School in Wakefield with student ensembles from across Massachusetts.
Congratulations to our WitchPitch? singers! From the voices out front to the harmonies behind them, this performance was a chance to hear what our students can create together. Thank you to the Wakefield Memorial High School Choral Department for hosting and to everyone who came out to support our student musicians!
Witches Girls Soccer Win in Home Opener of the Playoffs
Salem High School hosted an exciting opening round to the playoffs Saturday night at Bertram Field. Our Witches took won a long, hard fought match against Marlborough High School. This game came down to a penalty shootout in which our Witches came out in front. There next game will be Monday at 6pm agains Hanover High School.
Witches Volleyball Make Program History
This week the Witches Volleyball team made program history. They went out to Taconic High School in Pittsfield to open the playoffs with a three set win. This was the first playoff win in program history. The team had a quick turnaround and headed to Old Rochester Regional to face the #2 Bulldogs. Our Witches competed, but came up short in three sets.
Witches Soccer loses close match in Opening Round
In the MIAA prelims Salem Boys Soccer loses a tough one in penalty kickss vs. Belchertown. What a great season and a tremendous soccer match and battle from both squads tonight. #GoWitch
SHS Senior Kaitlin Modaff Named Recipient of NESBA Ed Dennon Memorial Scholarship
Senior flautist/vocalist Kaitlin Modaff was named the recipient of the Ed Dennon Memorial Scholarship Award Sunday to highlight the Salem High School Marching Band and Colorguard at the New England Scholastic Bands Association (NESBA) Championship Sunday at Harvard Stadium.
Witches Athletic Accolades
We are proud of our student-athletes and what they have accomplished this Fall. These awards are provided from the coaches and athletic directors voting for the best of the NEC.
More to come....
College and Career Counseling Corner
Early College News
Hello Early College Students and Families,
This week’s updates have reasons to celebrate and some reminders about behavioral and academic expectations. Let’s start with the positive:
Congratulations to Kody (class of 2027) and Aniya King (class of 2026) for winning 25/26 SSU First Year Writing Awards for papers they wrote in SSU ENL110: Foundations of Writing. Kody attended the Oct 5, 2026 award ceremony, and is pictured here with Professor Susan Pilaud and Dr. Amy Jo Minett, SSU Coordinator of First Year &
Multilingual Writing.
Students enrolled in NSCC U.S. History since 1865 (HST204 DL), part of NSCC’s Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer program, went to the Museum of Fine arts on October 15 to immerse themselves in art of the Americas. Their tour was led by an MFA guide and the professor.
In other news, we received midterm alerts from SSU and NSCC regarding student behavior and academic progress. You and your family may receive an alert via email including next steps.
Here is some general feedback about college expectations:
Whether your class is at SHS or on campus, you are expected to be present and focused for the whole class (1 hour and 15 minutes). Please plan accordingly.
Take notes on lectures and readings. Make sure you’ve done the work and reading for class on time.
Most professors do not excuse absences for any reason or accept late work. Be familiar with the course syllabus.
Notes/Resources:
SSU students: Get the “Get app” (access to library & gym): https://get.cbord.com/salemstate/full/prelogin.php
NSCC students going on campus–see me if you need help getting your ID on campus (in the library with a photo ID/SHS school ID).
Remember to check your SHS and college email + SSU Canvas/NSCC Blackboard DAILY!
Masshire has career counseling office hours Monday 9/14 from 12:00-1:30 in the Tutoring Center (SHS).
All EC students: Make sure you join the Early College Google classroom (bmzsn4fc) and complete assignments due.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Also, if you or someone you know did not make it into an Early College class this fall, see me or your C3 counselor if you’re interested in Spring 2026 enrollment!
Thanks,
Dr. Kirby
Upcoming College Visits
Monday, November 9: Suffolk University
Boston, Massachusetts
Did you know? Suffolk began in 1906 when its founder, Gleason Archer, started teaching evening law classes in his living room! https://www.suffolk.edu/about/mission-history/suffolk-history
Tuesday, November 10: Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Did you know? Fitchburg State opened in 1894 with three teachers and 46 students in a two-year teacher training program! Fitchburg State history
Thursday, November 12: Assumption University
Worcester, Massachusetts
Did you know? Assumption opened a second campus in Rome, Italy, in 2013! Assumption University
Friday, November 13: Western New England University
Springfield, Massachusetts
Did you know? Western New England began in 1919 as a Springfield division of Northeastern College, offering part-time classes in law, business, and accounting for adult students! Western New England history
Monday, November 16: Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Did you know? Plymouth State’s roots go back to a teacher training school established in Plymouth in 1871. By 1874, future teachers were practicing in the town’s own schools! Plymouth State history
Tuesday, November 17: Fisher College
Boston, Massachusetts
Did you know? Fisher College dates back to 1903, and its Boston campus is on Beacon Street in the city’s Back Bay neighborhood! About Fisher College
Thursday, November 19: Lasell University
Newton, Massachusetts
Did you know? Lasell began in 1851 as the Auburndale Female Seminary. Today, its 54-acre campus is still in Newton’s historic Auburndale neighborhood! Lasell’s history · Campus facts
You don’t need to have applied or decided where you want to attend. Bring your questions, meet the representatives, and discover what might be a good fit for you!
WEBINAR | College Planning for Students with Complex Immigration Statuses
Wednesday, October 28 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. Online and presented entirely in Spanish
Despite the many obstacles they face in pursuing a university education, undocumented students can access higher education. This webinar will explain the latest immigration regulations, as well as the immigration statuses that are eligible—and those that are ineligible—for Federal Student Aid. It will also examine the application process for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and its associated benefits.
The session will cover admission policies for public and private universities and explain how DACA recipients and undocumented students can maximize credits and time by taking advantage of dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities across various states, high schools, and community colleges. Scholarship resources and direct links to state and national organizations at the forefront of this widely debated issue will also be shared.
Sign Up Here:
The College Planning Process for Students with Complex Immigration Statuses in Spanish
Pick Your College
College and Career Highlight
Drexel University
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mascot: Mario the Magnificent, the Drexel Dragon
Enrollment: 20,789 undergraduate and graduate students (fall 2025)
Average High School GPA: 3.79 among enrolled fall 2025 first-year students who reported a GPA
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 30
Admissions: Drexel University First-Year Admissions
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia. Founded in 1891 as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry, it grew from a school designed to prepare students for a changing industrial economy. Today, its main campus is in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood. Drexel is especially known for cooperative education, or co-op, which lets students alternate academic study with professional work related to their interests.
Academics
Drexel offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in engineering, computing, business, health, the sciences, and the arts. Its Westphal College of Media Arts & Design pairs studio work with industry experience in fields such as architecture, fashion, animation, and game design.
Programs and fields to explore include:
Animation & Visual Effects
Architecture
Biological Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Business Analytics, Finance, and Marketing
Computer Science and Cybersecurity
Criminology and Justice Studies
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Fashion Design and Graphic Design
Game Design & Production
Mechanical Engineering
Music Industry
Nursing and Health Sciences
Psychology and Public Health
Teacher Education
User Experience & Interaction Design
Depending on their program and co-op plan, students can gain up to 18 months of professional experience before graduation. Co-op gives students a chance to test a career interest, apply what they’ve learned in class, and build professional connections while earning their degree. Drexel co-op overview
Student Life
Drexel reports more than 300 student clubs and organizations, including cultural groups, professional societies, performing arts ensembles, fraternities and sororities, and service organizations. Students can also participate in club and intramural sports or use the university’s recreation facilities.
The University City campus puts students close to Philadelphia’s museums, arts venues, restaurants, and employers. The Mario the Magnificent statue at 33rd and Market Streets is a campus landmark and a gathering spot for student events.
Athletics
The Drexel Dragons sponsor 18 NCAA Division I varsity sports, with most teams competing in the Coastal Athletic Association. Students can cheer on teams in sports such as basketball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and rowing. The Daskalakis Athletic Center, known on campus as the DAC, is the home of Drexel Athletics. Drexel Athletics & Recreation · Daskalakis Athletic Center
Virtual Tour: Explore Drexel University
Website: Drexel University