Salem Public Schools
SPS families,
Next week, May 6-10, marks Teacher Appreciation Week nationwide.
Here in Salem, however, we refer to it as Educator Appreciation Week because I believe firmly that all of our staff members are educators -- teachers, paraprofessionals, coaches, counselors, administrative assistants, school related personnel, nurses, food service workers, bus drivers, monitors, custodians, maintenance team, and more – who positively impact the school experience of our children and families.
Educator Appreciation Week in Salem is our chance to show our educators how much we value them. Throughout the week, we shower our staff with raffles, gift card giveaways and discounts from various retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and more. Such a week would not be possible without the generosity of our Salem merchants and local businesses, who undoubtedly value the work of our educators.
We have created a Google form (see here) in which families and alumni can express their gratitude for one or more of our educators, to be shared throughout the week on our social media channels. We have already received multiple heartwarming stories. Please take a few minutes to offer some words of appreciation and encouragement to our educators.
On a final note, I did want to share that the school committee unanimously voted to approve our FY25 budget on Monday evening. We are grateful to everyone who has offered their input and perspective during this challenging and complex budget planning season. The approved and balanced budget will now go to the city council for final review and confirmation at some point during the end of May.
Have a great weekend!
Steve
At Salem Public Schools, we are recognizing one staff member a week who exemplifies our core values of celebrating differences, facilitating collaboration, fostering innovation, creating equity and access, growing all students, and upholding high standards for all. We are surprising a deserving SPS team member with a rock star trophy.
The rockstar award this week goes to Witchcraft Heights Elementary School adjustment counselor, Ms. Allison Brennan. Ms. Brennan tirelessly works to support the social-emotional needs of students across the school. You will find her regularly having "lunch bunch" with students, joining a class lesson to affirm school values and walking with a student who is on a cool down walk. She is willing to help, guide and serve as a listening ear to any student who is in need. Thank you Ms. Brennan for your positive energy and dedication to SPS students!
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There is still time for college-bound students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply to colleges for the fall. This year's new FAFSA has been challenging for many people, but, with a historic amount of financial aid on the table, the form is worth the effort. Recently, the Department of Higher Education extended the priority deadline for MASSGrant applications until July 1 in recognition of this year’s challenges.
The Salem High School Music Department is hosting its 10th Annual 'Mattress Fundraiser' Saturday, May 18 at the SHS Auditorium (10-4 p.m.)
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, we urge you to wait until May 18 to support Salem High School musicians. There is a vast lineup of luxury pillows and other products:
- Cool gel sleeping pillows
- Essential oil infused pillows (lavender, chamomile, and peppermint)
- Premium sheets
- Mattress Protectors
- Weighted blankets
- Convertible bean bag chairs
- Body massagers
- Adjustable power bases
- Frames
Every purchase will directly help our student musicians.
For more information, contact Ben Chertok, Coordinator of Music at Salem Public Schools, at: BChertok@salemk12.org or visit cfsbeds.com.
The Salem High School Volleyball Program is hosting its Community Volleyball Tournament Saturday, June 15 (8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) at the SHS Veterans Memorial Fieldhouse.
- All funds benefit the SHS Volleyball Team's preseason trip to Roanoke, Va.
- Players aged 14 and older are invited to participate; teams must consist of 6-8 members
- Tournament format consists of a women's bracket and co-ed bracket.
- Registration fee of $150
The Tournament will have a concession stand, Witches Volleyball gear for sale, as well as raffles items.
Register Now | Visit Tournament Page
For more information, contact the SHS Volleyball coaching staff: salemwitchesvolleyball@gmail.com.
Join Cartwheel and guest speaker Chris Smith, LCSW, Tuesday, May 7 (7:30-8:30 p.m.) to learn practical tips and scripts for how to speak with kids and teens about mental health topics, including suicide prevention. We'll discuss how to break down communication barriers and let your child know that you're available to support them.
We have received inquiries and questions about summer school programming in the Salem Public Schools. We are pleased to share that, in collaboration with our community partners, we will have approximately the same number of summer programs and seats as last summer. Our school-based teams are currently working to sign-up students who would benefit most from the summer offerings.
Historically, this happens before we open up the programming more widely. That being said, if you are interested in learning more about our Salem Public Schools or community offerings, please reach out to the City Connects coordinators at each K-8 school and the guidance departments at our three high school campuses. We want as many of our students to be connected to citywide programs as possible.
Salem Public Schools is pleased to announce the availability of COVID test kits at all our schools' main offices and health offices. If you require a test kit, kindly contact your school nurse or main office to coordinate pickup. It is important to note that we do not have an in-school testing program. In the event of illness, students will be sent home, and families have the option to conduct COVID testing at home. Please refer to our sick-day guidelines on the district website or consult your school nurse before deciding whether to send your child to school. Your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for all is greatly appreciated.
A reminder that ParentSquare is the district platform for communication. You will receive communication from the district, your school, and your student's classroom all in one space. You can communicate 1-to-1 with teachers, sign up for parent-teacher conferences, and more.
This is the primary communication platform for all Salem Public Schools. All messages and alerts come through ParentSquare and the app makes 1-to-1 communication with your student's teachers and signing up for guardian/student conferences a breeze. 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.