Salem Public Schools
SPS Families,
I hope you enjoy the extended Fall weekend with your loved ones. I have had a chance to visit close to 50 classrooms across the District in the last few weeks. I have been incredibly impressed by the academic culture that our educators and students have built across schools. At all grade levels, I observed students writing, actively interacting with text and having spirited discussions about the content presented.
There is now an opportunity for families to help define education at Salem Public Schools (SPS)for the next decade. We are launching an SPS Innovation Committee to help co-design our next chapter—an inspiring 2026–2029 Strategic Plan and a bold innovation agenda that builds on the strong foundation of our 2023–26 Strategic Plan. From October 2025 to May 2026, this committee of a diverse group of students, families, educators, and community partners will meet regularly to generate new ideas, design engagement to solicit and listen to community input, and shape the priorities and initiatives that will guide SPS and accelerate innovative learning across our schools for the next decade. We will plan not only for the moment we are currently in, but for the one we’ll be in ten years from now—ensuring our students are ready for opportunities in our changing world. If you are a parent or caregiver who is excited to help shape the future of Salem Public Schools, please complete this google form to express your interest or reach out to Chelsea Banks (cbanks@salemk12.org) to learn more.
Enjoy the weekend,
Steve
The Salem News | Salem educator running marathon to support children overcoming abuse
Collins Middle School assistant principal Eliza Cassella has raised over $2,100 for a Chicago-based home for children overcoming abuse ahead of her run in the upcoming Chicago Marathon. Throughout her 16 years in education, Cassella described herself as a strong advocate of leading by example. And by running in the Chicago Marathon, she hopes to show students the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Salem Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services Announces National School Lunch Week Activities Oct. 14-17
Salem Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services will tap into the cultural cuisines of several countries as it celebrates National School Lunch Week Oct. 14-17 in each of its school cafeterias and kitchens. Students will need a passport to partake.
VIEW GALLERY | 2025 Haunted Happenings Parade
Each of the Salem Public Schools displayed a new level of creativity on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the 28th annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. Among our scholars’ favorite events of the year, SPS students and staff came out en masse to celebrate the unofficial opening of Halloween season in Salem. The evidence is in the images.
The Salem News | Student composting to be introduced at all Salem Public Schools cafeterias
Students at all of Salem Public Schools’ cafeterias will be composting their food waste this school year starting at Salem High School. Students at the Carlton Innovation School first began composting cafeteria waste two years ago, and students at Horace Mann Laboratory School started last year. Now, student composting efforts will be introduced to all cafeterias in the district’s 10 schools.
WATCH | Salem Public Schools 2025 School Safety Webinar
The Salem Public Schools 2025 School Safety Webinar was held virtually Tuesday, Oct. 7, with SPS and Salem Police Department leadership to discuss practices, procedures and protocol in school emergency situations. SPS extends its gratitude to the Salem Police Department for its continued partnership in keep its schools safe.
We are six weeks into the school year, but we have only received Back-to-School forms from less than percent of our families.
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of completing these forms so that we have the most updated information on our students in case of emergency situations. Our families can update their forms by logging into their accounts on Aspen.
As we shared with families back in June, we have officially transitioned to a new grading platform for grades preK-grade 8 called JumpRope, which is designed to help us better track and communicate your child's academic progress. Salem High School is in its second year of using JumpRope as its grading/report card system, and Salem Prep High School will begin using JumpRope this year.
JumpRope supports our standards-based grading model and approach. As a reminder, this means that instead of a single letter grade, you'll see how your child is performing on specific learning goals, or standards, for each subject. This gives a much clearer picture of what your child has mastered and where they might need more support.
You should have already received an email invitation to gain access to JumpRope. Search your email for a message from no-reply@jumpro.pe If you haven't signed in yet, follow these directions:
English | Spanish | Portuguese | Haitian Creole
Elementary and middle school educators were trained on the platform early in September and have been entering grades for your child. Log into the parent portal to see real-time updates on your child's progress, including grades and missing assignments. We believe JumpRope will be a powerful tool to help us work together to support your child's learning journey. Schools will be scheduling family training nights as part of this transition, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Check out the October edition of the Nursing News, filled with important health updates and engaging fall activities for your family. Highlights include information on:
- Vision/hearing screenings underway in Pre-K and Kindergarten
- Reminders about backpack safety to protect your student's back
- A fantastic recipe for Blueberry Scones that doubles as a fun math and science activity.
You can also find information on supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and local events for body and soul.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging the community to prepare for the upcoming season by staying up to date on vaccinations for both COVID-19 and seasonal flu. Based on the latest evidence, DPH strongly recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the best protection against severe illness.
Simultaneously, the DPH recommends an annual influenza vaccine for everyone six months and older. For those 65 and older, specific high-dose or enhanced flu vaccines are preferentially recommended. You may access the guidance on COVID vaccination and influenza vaccination at the DPH’s website.
For your convenience, both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time. These vaccines are readily available at local health centers, primary care offices, and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens for eligible individuals. Importantly, health insurance in Massachusetts will continue to cover all state-recommended vaccines to ensure equitable access. Please check with your healthcare provider or pharmacy for the most up-to-date availability and scheduling options.
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.
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.