Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools Families,
Happy Valentine’s Eve to all! February break has now begun and our schools will be closed next week. We will re-open our doors on Monday, February 23rd. Enjoy the extra time with your children.
As a follow-up to my newsletter note from last week, I want to share more information about the background of the namesake of the Sarah Parker Remond Innovation School. We are proud to honor the legacy of Sarah Parker Remond, a courageous activist born right here in Salem in 1826. Sarah and her family were trailblazers who stood up for what was right, even when it was difficult.
When Sarah and her sister were unfairly expelled from Salem High School due to a new rule separating Black and White students, her family didn't back down—they sued the city to fight for equal education. Sarah spent her life using her voice as a powerful abolitionist, traveling to speak against slavery and later fighting for women’s right to vote as a suffragette. Her determination eventually led her to become a medical doctor. Today, you can even visit a park dedicated to her family on Bridge Street.
Our students will be learning more about the incredible impact of both Sarah Parker Remond and Robert Morris as part of our districtwide Black History Month lessons for K-8. Robert Morris, another young Salem changemaker, was only 19 when he successfully petitioned the Salem School Committee to desegregate our schools. These lessons focus on youth agency and action, showing our students how they, too, can use their voices to stand up for fairness and make a difference in their community.
Want to learn more? Check out the resources from Hamilton Hall
Thank you to the over 60 people from the community who attended our virtual budget forum on Wednesday evening. We appreciate the engagement and insights provided by participants that will help to shape our budget for the upcoming school year. A recording and a copy of the presentation shared can be found here.
As a reminder, we still have an in-person community budget forum scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 6:30 p.m. at Salem High School. Childcare and Spanish interpretation will be provided. I hope that you can join us there!
For those interested, I sent some lobsters and clam chowder to my friend, Superintendent Greg Baker in Bellingham, Washington earlier this week. While it was painful to see the Patriots lose, the Seahawks were clearly the better team and it is important that I follow through on the wager. Until next year!
Steve
WBUR: Salem High School Launches Black Cat Food Pantry
WBUR discusses the opening of the Salem High School Black Cat Food Pantry on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Five Salem High School Student-Musicians Accepted to MMEA All-State Festival
Five Salem High School student-musicians – including three vocalists – were accepted into the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) All-State Festival, the MMEA announced last week. Senior vocalist Gavin Ryan and junior vocalists Frances Jones and Kaitlin Modaff will perform at the All-State Festival alongside senior tuba player William Towne and junior trombonist Finn Hanger.
Mobile Museum of Tolerance Visits Collins Middle School With Messages of Support, Empathy
Collins Middle School has added a new classroom, albeit temporary. The Mobile Museums of Tolerance, making Salem Public Schools its first stop in Massachusetts, was parked in front of the main entrance to the school Monday and Tuesday, educating eighth grade students on tolerance. As part of the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, students spent the hour learning about tolerance, watching a film depicting how Adolf Hitler came to power in 1930s Germany, the impact of propaganda, with a discussion afterward.
The Salem News | Now 90, Perrone looks back at a lifetime of coaching success in football, baseball
The winningest two-sport, two-level coach in North Shore history, Ken Perrone, turned 90 years old last summer. It marked a milestone that made those of us who were fortunate enough to cover his teams recognize our delicate aging process as well. Perrone is filled with gratitude for the athletes, their families and the support staff that made his illustrious career coaching Salem High football and Salem State baseball possible.
The Salem News | One-Timers with … AJ Alessi of Salem
Terrific Q&A in Wednesday's Salem News from Phil Stacey on Salem High School senior A.J. Alessi, who plays for the Lynn Jets hockey co-operative team. A.J. also gave a nice shoutout to our outstanding Electrical educator Jim Gangi.
VIEW GALLERY | Illustrator/Cartoonist Jon Chad Visits Bates Elementary, Horace Mann Laboratory School
If ever students at Bates Elementary School and Horace Mann Laboratory School wish to become cartoonists, illustrators or even authors, they’ll have a good blueprint. Scholars at both schools received a visit from Jon Chad, an illustrator, cartoonist and author of more than 25 learning-based children’s books, who detailed his creative process, from first pen to paper to the final edits.
We are pleased to inform you of Salem Public School’s participation in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy for the 2025-26 School Year. The Seal of Biliteracy is offered to juniors or seniors who demonstrate proficiency in English and any other language, whether they speak or sign the language other than English at home, learned it at school, or in the community.
The Seal of Biliteracy aims to:
Encourage students to study and master languages;
Certify attainment of biliteracy skills;
Recognize the value of language diversity;
Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;
Provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for attainment of high-level skills in languages;
Prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and global society; and
Strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.
In order to earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy, senior students must:
Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English by earning a score of 472 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS or a similar English proficiency assessment
Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a world language by attaining a minimum score equivalent to Intermediate-High on an assessment approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and
Satisfy all other graduation requirements.
The Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction is available to senior students who:
Earn a score of 501 or higher on the Grade 10 ELA MCAS or a similar English proficiency assessment
Demonstrate a proficiency level of Advanced Low or higher on a Department-approved assessment, and
Satisfy all other graduation requirements.
We will be administering the proficiency testing in the language your child speaks or signs for high school juniors and seniors who elect to participate in the Seal of Biliteracy on March 2 and 3, 2026.
Informational sessions have been given during class time to all students in grades 11 and 12 to encourage them to sign up to take the exam. We look forward to honoring the language expertise and diversity in our district through this initiative. If you have any further questions, please contact André Fonseca, Director of Multilingual Learner Education, at afonseca@salemk12.org.
The February Nursing News is out and ready to help you enjoy this sweet season. Stay informed with the latest updates from the Nursing Department:
- Celebrate Dental Health Month by signing your child up for an in-school hygiene visit with Polished Dental, and also find tips on how to protect your teeth after enjoying sweet, sticky treats.
- We’ve also got some great suggestions for celebrating the Lunar New Year, including a healthy Asian-inspired Chicken and Green Beans recipe you can make at home.
Happy Valentine’s Day and February Vacation from your favorite school nurses!
Last month, something exciting—and delicious—launched at Collins Middle School. On Wednesday, Jan. 21, we held the very first Lunch Bunch Club meeting, a brand-new initiative created by our Food and Nutrition Services Department. The goal? To make sure student voice is at the center of guiding our school nutrition programs.
A Club Built Around Student Voice
The Lunch Bunch Club meets during lunchtime, making it accessible to all middle school students who want to participate. By meeting during the school day, we remove barriers—like transportation—that can sometimes make after-school activities difficult to attend. Every student deserves a seat at the table, especially when it comes to what’s on their plate.
The Salem Career Technical Initiative Program (STI) is offering 12 weeks of FREE Construction education beginning Monday, Feb. 23, open to under-employed, unemployed and those simply seeking a career change. Students will learn sustainable building practices and gain hands-on experience in all major areas of the trade including carpentry, insulation, windows & doors, roofing, siding, and more.
This opportunity is perfect for students looking to gain a broad understanding of construction and preparation for entry-level apprenticeship opportunities across multiple specialties.
- Contact: Sheila Davila, STI Director of Workforce Development
- sdavila@salemk12.org
- 978-854-3885
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