Salem Public Schools

This week's Magical Moments That Matter recipient is Mr. Andrew Bub, Assistant Principal for Grades 9 and 11 at Salem High School, who was nominated by several colleagues.

Said one nomination, "Mr. Bub exemplifies the sense of belonging that we try to build at SHS. He intentionally builds relationships with all of our students, helping them navigate personal, academic and social concerns so that they can be successful scholars. It is impossible to spend ten minutes with Mr. Bub without witnessing multiple students asking to see him. It is a testament to how he has become a trusted support and advocate for our kids, especially our most vulnerable students."

Another nomination lauded Mr. Bub's kindness and his simultaneous ability to be firm, with high expectations, leaving students knowing they are supported and valued: "Andy embodies the very best of what it means to be an educator and leader. His dedication to the students of Salem High School extends far beyond the walls of his office. Through the boxing club he runs, Andy has created a space where students build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. The genuine connection he has with students is unmistakable—kids gravitate toward him because they know he cares deeply about them as people.

"What stands out most about Andy, however, is the compassion he shows during life's most difficult moments. Recently, I witnessed him support one of my students through a family emergency with extraordinary care, patience, and empathy. The way he showed up for that student was so genuine and heartfelt that it nearly brought me to tears. In a profession where the small moments often matter most, Andy consistently chooses to be present, to listen, and to help.

"Salem High School is a stronger, more compassionate community because of him, and he is truly deserving of this recognition. The students, parents and staff of Salem High School are truly lucky to call him our AP."

Congratulations Mr. Bub.

The three finalists to become Salem's next superintendent of schools participated in public forums this week to answer questions about their visions for the district and experiences that have prepared them for the role.

Continue reading in The Salem News

When Jabari Tovar ’16 enrolled at Salem State University, he was focused on becoming a stronger musician, not teaching. A lifelong Salem resident, he chose the university for its vibrant, familiar community.

Continue Reading

In commemoration of Sarah Parker Remond’s 200th birthday, the city of Salem recently announced the reproduction of a 2017 oil-on-canvas portrait of the abolitionist and Salem native for the new Sarah Parker Remond School.

Continue reading in The Salem News

Salem Public Schools hosted three community forums with the three finalists -- Jorge Allen, Andrew Bott and Thomas Welch -- for the role of Superintendent of Schools Monday through Wednesday, June 15-17, at the Saltonstall School Auditorium.

View the Community Forum Questions

We encourage each of our families and staff who took part to send us your feedback about each candidate's forum (available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole, until Friday, June 26).

Send Us Your Feedback

We're grateful for our partnership with Mike Murray and the good folks from Salem Access Television, who streamed each forum live and have provided the recordings via the SATV YouTube channel.

For more information on our finalists for the Superintendent's role, visit salemk12.org/search.

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, SPS is updating the standard medications we can provide to students at school to support their health and learning better. Here are the key changes:

• New Pain Relief Option: We are adding ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) alongside our usual acetaminophen (Tylenol). This will help us better manage things like muscle aches and menstrual cramps.
• Updated Allergy Medication: We are switching from Benadryl to Zyrtec. Medical experts recommend Zyrtec because it treats allergies effectively for a full 24 hours and works quickly without making your student drowsy during the school day.
• Parent Permission Required: As always, our nurses cannot give your child any medication at school without your consent. Nurses will send out the Permission to Treat form early in the new school year. Please complete, sign, and return this form to the nurses as soon as possible.

SPS Grade 3 Families --

Recently, your student attended an in-school concert where they learned about the opportunity to join the Salem Public Schools Music Department Band & Orchestra. This opportunity begins in 4th grade and the registration window is now open. Instrument lessons are held during the school day twice weekly beginning in late September and continue through the school year. There is no user fee to participate, however many families rent-to-own an instrument (some instruments are available to borrow free-of-charge).

Please scan the QR code on the flyer below OR click on the link listed to register your student. You can also return the paper form that should be coming home in backpacks today. The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 11, and more information will be shared when your student begins the 4th grade in the fall.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to a member of the band and orchestra team. We look forward to working with your student!

DESE is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the MCAS Family Portal, which will provide parents and caregivers with online access to their student’s MCAS results. DESE looks forward to using this new platform to give families earlier access to their students’ results.

DESE will provide preliminary individual English language arts (ELA) results in the Family Portal by the end of June and preliminary mathematics, science, and civics results in August (exact date to be announced). In September, final results—including student growth percentiles—will be provided and will replace the preliminary results. Please note that school, district, and state results will not be available until September, and a small number of student results may be updated before the final release in September.

DESE expects the results to roll out as follows:

Available in the Initial Launch – June 26 (target date; no later than June 30)

• Preliminary spring 2026 ELA MCAS and MCAS-Alt results

• MCAS and MCAS - Alt results from past years (2023–2025)

Available in August

• Preliminary spring 2026 MCAS and MCAS - Alt results in mathematics, science, and civics

Available in September

• Official spring 2026 MCAS results, including student growth percentiles and comparisons to school, district, and state-level results

For more information, view the DESE MCAS website.

We're encouraging all of our students to take part in the 2026 Summer Learning Challenge, the reward for which is two-fold:

• Any student who completes a reading log will be entered into a drawing to be featured in a round table discussion with Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo to discuss their favorite books -- to be aired on Salem Access TV, and...
• Have your favorite books displayed with your name in the Salem Public Library’s Salem Public Schools' recommended books section.

To accept the Challenge, visit salemk12.org/summer, and:

• Complete the reading log form noting the number of books you read (or have had read to you) this summer.
• Have your parent/guardian sign-off on your summer reading.
• Return the completed log to your teacher on the first day of school.

Anyone who turns in a log will be eligible to win. One winner per SPS school.

The Spring 2026 Family/Caregiver Survey is now available. We value your opinion and encourage your input as you are an important part in the life of your scholar and many others and a valued member of the Salem Public Schools community. We would be honored if you would take a moment of your time to share your feedback with us.

The survey will be open from May 21, 2026-July 3, 2026 and should take no more than 15 minutes. We encourage you to take one survey per student you care for, if you would like to. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Haitian Creole among many other languages.

Should you have any questions or need support please reach out to the Family Welcome Center at 978-740-1225 or email WelcomeCenter@salemk12.org.

View the open, relevant items from friends and partners of Salem Public Schools.

• REGISTER | Salem Youth Football Hosts Saturday Non-Contact Clinics | REGISTER
• 2026 Summer Eats Schedule and Open Sites: Opening Day Monday, June 29 | VIEW
• 2026-27 Transportation Letter and Application Instructions | APPLY NOW
• Salem High School Marching Band Registration Open for 2026 Season | REGISTER
• Camp Fire North Shore Announces Salem Summer Camp June 29-Aug. 28 | REGISTER
• Mental Makeover's 'The World Needs You Here Walk' Slated for Sunday, Aug. 2 | REGISTER
• Salem Park, Recreation & Community Releases June Events Calendar | VIEW EVENTS
• Salem 400+ Announces Heritage Days Parade & Festival Aug. 1 | GET INVOLVED
• SunBucks (formerly Summer EBT) Returns for 2026 | APPLY NOW
• Cartwheel Mental Health Care | FIND SERVICES NOW

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.