SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
April 12 - April 18, 2026
Upcoming Dates
April 12 - Salem Kicks Gas: A North Shore Electric Vehicle Expo (Salem High School 1pm - 4 pm)
April 17 - Student Summit 8am - 2pm Hawthorne Hotel
April 17 - Junior Prom at Hawthorne Hotel
April 17 - Report Cards Released
April 18 - 26 - April Vacation
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
Student Highlight
Congratulations to Nathaniel Lane on his commitment to Salem State University to further his studies and be a part of the SSU Basketball Team.
#GoWitch
S.H.E.L.L. (repeat from last week)
S.H.E.L.L. (Salem High Educator Learning Lab) is a flexible, student-centered approach to education that is designed to support academic growth, exploration, and innovation. The Learning Lab provides educators with time, guidance, and resources to strengthen skills, receive targeted support, collaborate with peers, and extend learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Through SHELL, Salem High School is deepening its commitment to personalized learning—creating an environment where students can ask questions, try new strategies, get feedback, and build confidence as learners. Whether students need extra help, enrichment opportunities, or a place to work and reflect, SHELL is designed to bring educators together and design a meaning learning environment that will meet students where they are and help them move forward.
In order to provide our whole school community an understanding of some of the great things happening at Salem High School we have created a podcast that we will be using to tell our story and more importantly let our students and educators shine!
Episode 4.2 - Student Agency: In this episode, Sindi Sula joins us to talk about her work with the Salem School Committee and how it has shaped her voice as a student leader. She shares how her teachers support her learning, highlights her experience in Salem High School’s CTE Medical Assisting Program, and reflects on balancing the rigor of AP courses with hands-on vocational learning. Sindi also gives us a glimpse into her time in the Harvard MedScience summer program and how it influenced her future goals.
Student Government Day 2026
Finn Billings, a SHS junior, was elected by his peers to be the Salem High School Representative at the Massachusetts Student Government Day on April 10th. Massachusetts High Schools can send one junior or senior to gain a deeper understanding of the role of our state government, meet elected officials, participate in simulated committee hearings, and share their perspectives on state issues.
Salem High School JROTC
On Friday, the Salem High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors during the National Anthem at the @NWSLBoston FC - @sandiegowavefc clash at Gillette Stadium. Kudos Paloma Russell, Gustavo Oliveira, Alana Roberts & Izzy Correa, who represented SHS with pride.
2026 Salem News Student-Athlete Award nominee: Annie Thornett, Salem
Annie Thornett has shared a lot of high fives with her Salem High School teammates on the softball diamond and the volleyball court. One of those, however, stands out to head volleyball coach Angie Giancola as a moment that shows why Thornett is among the best and the brightest.
“It was in between a practice and a team dinner. I walked into the fieldhouse and there was Annie, working with a teammate tutoring them in Algebra II,” Giancola recalled. “As I approached, I heard Annie exclaim with sheer delight and watched as she gave her teammate a high-five to celebrate her newfound understanding of how to solve the math problem.”
Simply put, that’s just who Thornett is — a student-athlete who is always looking for ways to help others.
Salem High School Announces Senior Academic Awards
Salem High School is proud to announce the outstanding academic achievements of the Class of 2026. This year, a significant number of students have earned a variety of prestigious academic awards and honors, showcasing their dedication, talent, and hard work throughout their high school careers.
Salem High School Boys Basketball Honored at Fenway Park
Click on the image from Fenway Park to watch and listen to this moment.
College and Career Counseling Corner
Early College News
Hello SHS Students and Families,
For Early College 2026-2027:
New students and families will be notified of Early College acceptance and next steps to confirm enrollment by April 15.
SSU rising 11th and 12th graders and families received an email Friday 4/3 regarding courses for next year.
Current NSCC Early College students, I will be sending an email this week regarding courses for next year.
Students currently enrolled in Early College who wish to opt out next year must meet with me for an exit interview.
There have been some concerns with students staying in their assigned classrooms during Early college blocks. Please note, if an Early College student is out of class without a pass or for an extended time, family will be notified and a detention will be assigned.
We have been working to strengthen our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Early College this year. You may receive notice that you/your child receive Tier 2 support or be asked to attend a Tier 3 “Early College Success” meeting.
From the SHS Tutoring Center (2nd floor IMC):
Referrals/scheduling: Staff & family members can refer students to the tutoring center for help HERE. Students can schedule appointments by clicking “Tutoring” on SHS Launchpad/Classlink too.
Teen Health Help: On Tuesdays, Araby’ha is available to meet to talk about anything on your mind. Araby’ha is a social work intern for the Teen Health Center and a senior at SSU. She will have drop in sessions during crew Tuesdays through April.
Employment Help: Valerie from Masshire continues to be in the tutoring center Mondays 12:00-1:30 for job advising.
Click for:
Contact Dr. Kirby if you have any questions or concerns: akirby@salemk12.org.
Alexandra Kirby
Early College Coordinator
CLASS OF 2026 | DARE TO GROW
OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO...
***This is list is not inclusive of every acceptance and represents the acceptances that were reported as of 4/2/26.
Pick Your College
College and Career Highlight
Quinnipiac University
Location: Hamden, Connecticut
Mascot: Bobcats
Enrollment: 9,000
Average GPA: 3.5
Average SAT Score: 1160
Average ACT Score: 27
Admissions: https://www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/
Quinnipiac University is a private university located in Hamden, Connecticut, just outside of New Haven. Founded in 1929, Quinnipiac is nationally recognized for its strong focus on career preparation, experiential learning, and professional programs. The university blends a traditional college experience with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for success in high-demand fields.
Quinnipiac is especially well known for its programs in health sciences, business, communications, and law. The university emphasizes small class sizes, strong faculty support, and real-world application of knowledge through internships, clinical placements, and industry partnerships.
Colleges & Academic Programs
Quinnipiac University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through several schools and colleges, including:
- School of Business
- School of Communications
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Nursing
- College of Arts & Sciences
- School of Computing & Engineering
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
Students can pursue degrees in areas such as:
Business Administration
Finance
Marketing
Accounting
Sports Management
Journalism
Media & Communications
Public Relations
Film, Television & Media Arts
Nursing
Biomedical Sciences
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physician Assistant Studies
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Engineering
Psychology
Biology
Criminal Justice
Political Science
Quinnipiac encourages interdisciplinary learning and offers combined degrees, minors, and strong pre-professional pathways.
Areas of Academic Strength
- Health sciences and medical professions
- Nursing and physician assistant programs
- Business and sports management
- Communications, media, and journalism
- Law and legal studies
- Experiential and career-focused education
Quinnipiac is particularly known for preparing students for careers in healthcare, media, business, and public service.
Experiential Learning & Professional Advantage
Quinnipiac emphasizes hands-on learning through:
- Internships and clinical placements across New England and major cities
- Partnerships with hospitals, media organizations, and corporations
- Simulation labs for healthcare and communications students
- Study abroad programs in 50+ countries
- Career development and professional networking opportunities
These experiences help students graduate with real-world skills and strong job placement outcomes.
Clubs & Student Organizations
Quinnipiac offers 100+ student organizations, including:
- Student Government Association
- Cultural and identity-based organizations
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Media, journalism, and film organizations
- Health professions societies
- Academic honor societies
- Community service groups
- Performing arts and music organizations
Student life emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and career readiness.
Athletics
Quinnipiac competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and ECAC Hockey.
Varsity Sports Include:
Basketball
Soccer
Baseball
Softball
Ice Hockey (men’s and women’s)
Lacrosse
Field Hockey
Track & Field
Cross Country
Tennis
Volleyball
Quinnipiac is especially known for its nationally competitive ice hockey programs, including a national championship for men’s hockey.
Recent & Notable Developments
- Continued expansion of health sciences and medical programs
- Growth in communications, media, and digital content programs
- Strong national recognition for nursing and physician assistant programs
- Investment in state-of-the-art facilities and simulation labs
- High job placement rates and strong internship pipelines
Virtual Tour: https://www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/visit/
Website: https://www.qu.edu/
Journalist
Education Required:
A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is the minimum requirement to begin a career in journalism. Most journalists, however, earn a bachelor’s degree.
Licensure / Certification Pathway (Role-Dependent)
Journalists do not require a specific license, but professional development and credentials can strengthen career opportunities.
Typical Tasks Associated with This Career
Research and investigate news stories and current events
Conduct interviews with sources, experts, and community members
Write articles, reports, or scripts for print, broadcast, or digital media
Edit and fact-check content for accuracy and clarity
Report live or record segments for television, radio, or online platforms
Stay informed about local, national, and global issues
Meet deadlines and manage multiple assignments
Use social media and digital tools to share and promote stories
Collaborate with editors, producers, and media teams
Follow ethical standards and journalistic integrity
Journalists use tools such as cameras, audio recording equipment, editing software, content management systems, and social media platforms.
Expected Income
Average salary: $45,000–$75,000 depending on experience, location, and media type
Entry-level journalists may start around $35,000–$50,000, while experienced reporters, editors, or broadcasters can earn $80,000–$120,000+
Freelance journalists’ income can vary widely based on assignments and publications
Projected Growth: 3–5% growth over the next 10 years
Related High School Coursework
English Language Arts
Creative Writing
Journalism or Media courses
History / Social Studies
Government / Civics
Public Speaking / Debate
Digital Media or Video Production
Computer Science / Technology
Students interested in journalism are also encouraged to participate in:
School newspaper or yearbook
Broadcast/media clubs
Debate team or Model UN
Internships with local media outlets
Blogging, podcasting, or content creation
Community service or civic engagement activities