Salem Public Schools
SPS Community,
Last week I had the pleasure of observing an event that reinforces our strategic plan’s core values of belonging, equity and opportunity.
On Friday of last week, I sat in as Ms. Kate Jahl’s eighth graders presented their civic action project at the Collins Middle School chamber to State Representative Manny Cruz (a 2012 Salem High School graduate). The project detailed how recent federal budget cuts will negatively impact the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP), which in turn will impact food assistance programs such as The Salem Pantry and the Greater Boston Food Bank.
It is no secret that food insecurity is a significant issue – a fact not lost on Ms. Jahl’s students. In their research, they wrote to every state representative in Massachusetts (and received several replies) and met with Mike Lilley, Director of Programs at The Salem Pantry. They are also hopeful of meetings with Senator Joan Lovely and the School Committee.
Rep. Cruz, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, told our students he would take the presentation to the Committee’s next meeting, with the hope of convincing his colleagues to push for additional funds.
While they are ultimately hopeful the state budget can compensate for the loss of federal funding for food assistance programs, Ms. Jahl’s students realized through their civic action project that they can be agents of change in their community. It was such an inspiring thing to witness.
As you plan your calendars please be sure to hold May 21, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 for our annual Student Voice Summit which will be held at Saltonstall this year. This will be a night full of student voice and agency, and we would love to have lots of families show up to reinforce for students that their voices can lead to change!
I hope all of our families have a happy and restful April break.
M. Kate Carbone
Interim Superintendent
VIEW GALLERY | Collins Middle School Eighth Grade Scholars Lobby for MEFAP Funding
If any of the 23 Collins Middle School eighth grade scholars had any doubt that they could be agents of change in their community, that doubt was recently quashed.
Students in Ms. Katherine Jahl‘s class presented their civic action project to State Representative Manny Cruz ’12 (D, Seventh Essex District) on Friday Afternoon, Apr. 13, appealing for an increase in funding for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP), a state-funded supplier of nutritious, locally grown food to over 900 emergency food pantries, kitchens, shelters across the Commonwealth.
WHES Scholars Debate ‘Longer School Day, No Homework’ Law at Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate
A fierce debate took place at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on Friday, Mar. 20. The issue was whether Witchcraft Heights Elementary School students should have a slightly shorter school day with homework or an extended day without homework.
There were arguments for both sides. There was negotiating, compromising, and lobbying, though never contentious. And after 90 minutes, a vote.
The Salem Building Committee will host two public online webinars on Monday, Apr. 20 (5:30-7 p.m.) and Sunday, Apr. 26 (5:30-7 p.m.) to discuss the latest developments and answer any questions in regard to the construction of a new Salem High School.
- Monday, Apr. 20 (5:30-7 p.m.) | JOIN THE WEBINAR (Passcode: 565508)
- Sunday, Apr. 26 (5:30-7 p.m.) | JOIN THE WEBINAR (Passcode: 549194)
The citywide special election for Salem residents to vote on the new Salem High School building project is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5.
Salem High School Alumni doing great things:
- Raphy Medrano '11 running this year's #bostonmarathon for families impacted by tragedy
- Author Mark Henry Bloom '77 self publishes 'Don't Even Go There,' a comedic collection of his travel adventures and misadventures in the U.S. and worldwide
- Realtor extraordinaire Cynthia Nina-Soto '99 Teaches New Liberty Innovation School students life skills through her course 'Real Estate 101
...and much more.
Salem Public Schools is looking into the future and developing a 10-year Innovation vision and a three-year strategic plan to guide our work. To shape our efforts, we want to hear from parents, caregivers, students, alumni and community members to better understand:
- What’s working well?
- Where we can grow as a district?
- What matters most for our students and families?
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by Monday, May 4 to share your thoughts. Your feedback will directly inform the priorities we set and the path we take forward together. For more information on the Innovation Vision and Strategic Planning process, go to salemk12.org/innovation.
Field trip preparation. Springtime critters. Activities for body and soul. Spring is officially here.
Shake off the winter cobwebs with the April issue of the Nursing News. It’s packed with quick tips for outdoor safety, field trip prep, and healthy seasonal treats. Read it today to help your family bloom this spring.
Arts & Crafts Apr. 21-23
Acting for Young Stars Apr. 29-June 3
Summer Tennis Lessons May 1-June 5
Brand Ambassadors Wanted
Teen Development Community Panel
Youth Success Workshop Series
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.