Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools Families,
I want to begin by wishing you and your family a safe, healthy and above all, magical holiday season and a happy new year! Your children will be missed as our schools will be closed for the next two weeks. We resume classes on Monday, January 5 to kick off the new calendar year!
In 2026, we are most excited about the development of a bold strategic plan that is preparing our students for the future. We have launched an Innovation Advisory Committee, a diverse group of students, families, educators, and community partners, who are convening to learn together, synthesize feedback, and shape the draft plan that turns vision into action.
We invite the entire community to participate in the conversation and help shape the priorities that will guide our next decade by attending upcoming design workshops -- stay tuned for more information! This innovation planning effort is our chance to design a bold 10-year vision that equips every Salem student to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By bringing students, families, educators, and community partners to the same table, we can align resources around the learning experiences that matter most – personalized, relevant, and future-ready.
Finally, I want to take a moment to share that Mrs. Bethann Jellison will serve as Principal and Mrs. Lauren Weaver will serve as Associate Principal of the newly merged school uniting the Carlton and Saltonstall Schools at 211 Lafayette St., Salem. Together, they will lead both school communities through the transition and work collaboratively to create a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative environment for teaching and learning. Mrs. Jellison and Mrs. Weaver are experienced and passionate educators who are both deeply committed to their school communities and enthusiastic about the opportunity to work together in service of Salem’s students.
Don’t forget that Salem High School’s annual winter musical, The Prom: School Edition, runs tonight, December 19th at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, December 20th at 2 p.m. Presale tickets are available at SHSonstage.ludus.com. Admission is $10 for students, seniors, and active military; and $15 general admission. Audience members are encouraged to bring clean and gently used formal wear to be donated to the Clothing Connection to benefit students unable to afford such attire. Come check out our talented students!
Wishing you peace and joy during the holiday season. See you in 2026!
Enjoy the weekend,
Steve
An Open Letter Regarding SPS Elementary School Reconfiguration
SPS Community,
On Monday, the School Committee voted to merge Carlton and Saltonstall Schools at the current Saltonstall building, beginning in the 2026–27 school year. We are deeply grateful for the time, thoughtfulness, and engagement of families, staff, and community members whose input helped inform and shape this decision. This decision advances our ability to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability by protecting resources for today’s students and future generations. This will enable us to direct resources toward a bold, strategic agenda focused on innovation and personalized, meaningful learning—bringing the SPS Portrait of a Graduate to life in the day-to-day experiences of every student.
The Patch | Salem Drama Students Bring ‘Prom’ To Life On Stage With 3 Performances
SALEM, MA — Salem High drama students will bring a story of love, acceptance and standing up for oneself to life on the stage this weekend with three performances of the Drama Desk Award-winning musical “The Prom: School Edition.”
The musical is centered around a group of Broadway stars who disrupt a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen girl who wants to bring her girlfriend to the senior prom.
Collins Middle School Student Solve 2025: How to Build an Ice Skating Rink
How does a middle school student follow up designing 3-dimensional surgical glasses for surgeons?
They build an ice rink, of course.
Consistent with the Salem Public School District Strategic Plan, Collins Middle School scholars joined more than 100 middle schools across the Bay State in Student Solve Friday, Dec. 12, in which students work with large companies and corporations to solve real world problems.
Salem Technical Initiative Graduates 21 Students in Fall Automotive Technology, Building & Property Maintenance Tracks
The Salem Technical Initiative, an adult education program at Salem High School, celebrated its fifth graduating class Thursday night in a ceremony at the SHS Black Cat Bistro restaurant. The STI conferred Automotive Technology and Building and Property Maintenance entry-level certifications to 21 students – 12 in Automotive Technology, nine in Building and Property Maintenance – each of whom completed the 12-week, 5-9 p.m., daily program at no cost.
Students and families who need assistance completing the FAFSA are invited to free, virtual FAFSA Festivals that MEFA is hosting now through February. Log in anytime during the two-hour event to be placed in a breakout room with a financial aid expert who will answer questions and provide one-on-one assistance in completing the FAFSA.
Register for an event now so that MEFA knows when to expect people. Additional resources are available at www.mass.gov/financialaid.
Discover how you can make a difference in your community!
The Salem 400+ Kickoff and Volunteer Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, at Salem High School (2-5 p.m.), where attendees can meet local organizations and learn about volunteer opportunities that match their interests.
Explore booths from the area's non-profits in a fun, craft fair-style setting. Each organization will have interactive activities, information, and creative ways to share what they do. Whether you're looking to volunteer regularly, help with a specific project, or just learn more about what's happening in Salem, this is your chance to connect with causes you care about.
Enjoy live music, performances, children's activities, and food while you explore. This is a perfect family-friendly afternoon to meet your neighbors, discover new ways to get involved, and find out how you can help make Salem an even better place to live.
The Salem 400+ Kickoff and Volunteer Fair is free and open to all community members. For more information, contact Virginia Cherol, Salem 400+ Coordinator, at vcherol@salem.com.
The Salem Technical Institute has announced free spring coursework in four tracks:
- Building and Property Maintenance
- Automotive Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Classes are scheduled to begin Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 and will meet Monday-Thursday (5-9 p.m.) for 12 weeks at Salem High School. Students receive certification in OSHA standards, First Aid/CPR and AED; Hotworks and other industry-related certifications; as well as career development guidance including instruction with resumes, cover letters and interview preparation.
Upon completion of the coursework, students are eligible to receive job placement opportunities through STI’s partnership with the MassHire North Shore Career Center. Coursework is open to recent graduates, unemployed/under-employed, and those seeking a career change toward any of the career tracks. Students will learn from professionals in each track.
A graduation ceremony will be held shortly after coursework is complete.
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.