Salem Public Schools
SPS Families,
In the last month, we collected summer reading logs turned in by our students indicating the number of books they read over the summer. We are thrilled to report that our preschool, elementary and middle school scholars read well over 500 books last summer.
We were heartened to see so many of our youngest learners reading with their families this summer, laying a strong foundation for a lifelong love of reading. For a reward, every student who turned in a reading log was entered into a drawing to win a ride around Salem Harbor courtesy of Salem Harbormaster Bill McHugh.
Congratulations to our summer reading winners:
Lennox Vuijk, a kindergarten student at Bates Elementary
Violet Cross, first grader at Bentley Academy
Ashvin Saxena, second grader at Carlton Innovation School
Jackie Robinson, a pre-K student at the Horace Mann School
Liam Montes de Oca, a third grader at Saltonstall
Rose Thompson, a sixth grader at Collins Middle School
Ruby Dixon, a first grader at Witchcraft Heights
Ginny Avila, a pre-K student at the Salem Early Childhood Center.
We are currently coordinating rides for the winners with the Salem Harbormaster and will keep each family informed about their cruises.
Because our scholars read more than 500 books this summer, Mayor Dominick Pangallo and I will be jumping into the ice cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean to support Mental Makeover, a non-profit organization founded by Salem High School alumni committed to changing the stigma around mental health through youth education. Stay tuned as to the date and time of this event!
Earlier this week, you received a message regarding our 2025 MCAS results. I am pleased to share that we saw improvements across the district in both achievement and growth. We are proud of the hard work of our students and educators, whose efforts led to meaningful progress during the 2024–25 school year. While we recognize that more work lies ahead to ensure all students reach grade-level proficiency, it is important to celebrate the academic gains already achieved.
You can find more extensive information about our performance in the letter sent to our community on Monday. Please know that we will also share additional insights about our MCAS and accountability data, along with the steps we are taking to meet students’ diverse needs, at our next School Committee meeting on Monday, October 6th, at 7 p.m.
Enjoy the weekend.
Steve
2025 MCAS Exams: Salem Public Schools Show Significant Progress, Gains at All Levels
Salem Public Schools middle school students enjoyed outstanding gains while grades 3-8 English Language Arts scores also improved significantly as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and Accountability results were released by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Tuesday.
Salem High School Seniors Guywintz Jules, Rylan Workman Adapt and Thrive in SEA Expedition Program
Their respective career paths may differ from marine biology or oceanography, but the two weeks they spent at sea during the summer will undoubtedly benefit the college and career pathways Rylan Workman and Guywintz Jules have chosen.
An Open Letter from Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike Regarding 2025 MCAS and Accountability Results
Today, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publicly released the Spring 2025 MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) and accountability results for all schools and districts in the Commonwealth. In Salem, we are very encouraged by the progress we are making, and while we take a moment to celebrate the improvement, we fully recognize that more work is needed to help every student meet their full potential.
CBS Boston | Salem volleyball player inspires her team while setting school record
A volleyball player at Salem High School in Massachusetts has been inspiring her teammates on the court and in the classroom and is now the proud holder of a school record. Senior Mia Silva has played all four years for the Witches varsity team and in that time, she’s set her teammates up more than 700 times.
The Salem News | Salem begins journey to receive recognition as UNICEF 'Child Friendly City'
The city of Salem has officially started its estimated three-year journey toward recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City and becoming the first city in the Northeast to earn the designation. Through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), Salem will build upon its work to elevate youth voices and strengthen support for children and families across the city.
Registration is still available for the City of Salem's Youth Poet Laureate Program for Salem High School students through Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The Youth Poet Laureate will serve alongside Salem’s existing Poet Laureate, in partnership with the Salem Public Library. The Youth Poet Laureate will serve a one-year term beginning in 2026 and will receive an $800 stipend.
Interested students should contact Sarah Roy, Director of the Salem Children's Alliance, at sroy@salem.com.
October is National Farm-to-School Month, a national celebration of the connections between schools, food, and local farmers. Farm to school enriches school lunches by providing fresh, nourishing food that is grown, prepared, and purchased from local vendors.
Once again this month, 50 percent of the menu items are locally purchased.
The Salem Police Department is seeking applicants for crossing guard positions. To apply, contact the Human Resources Department at Salem City Hall at (978) 619-5630.
For more information, contact Lt. David Tucker:
- T: (978) 744-0171, ext. 50271
- E: dmtucker@salempd.net
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.