SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
September 21 - September 27, 2025
Hispanic Heritage Month
In the next month (from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month where we recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Latinos to our city, country and throughout the world. We will be providing educators with lessons and materials that they can use to highlight the importance of this month. Additionally, all community members are cordially invited to attend the Latino Leadership Coalition's annual Hispanic Heritage Month gathering for a night of reflection, appreciation, and celebration of our community's history. This year's celebration will take place Friday, September 19th, 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA.
Upcoming Dates
September 22 - Sept 26 - Homecoming Week
September 24 - Spirit Fire
September 25 - Homecoming Dance
September 26 - Homecoming Football Game
September 27 - NESBA Marching Band Show in Melrose
September 30 - Senior Parent College and Career In Person Workshop 6pm - 7:30pm
Homecoming Week Information: https://secure.smore.com/n/63ukdv
Class with most spirit points at the end of the week will earn a free Class of ________ T Shirt designed by their class officers. Show your spirit!
Parents/Guardians and Alumni tailgate behind the endzone leading up to your Witches taking the field!
Tailgating Experience Includes:
- Homecoming T-Shirt
- Full Meal prepared by Salem High Schools own Black Cat Bistro
- Opportunity to catch up with other Witches
- Ticket to the game
This is our first tailgate experience let's show up for our Witches!
Currently, there are nine appointed youth commissioners representing area schools on Salem Youth Commission for the City of Salem. This year, they are extending the opportunity to attend as a "non-voting member" to more students who are eager to get involved in city-wide initiatives. The SYC meets monthly, typically the last Thursday of the month, from 5:30-7:00pm in the City Hall Annex. They tackle a number of projects and are eager to engage more young people. This is a great leadership opportunity for high school students, particularly those who are passionate about developing leadership skills and want to collaborate with community leaders.
Additionally, the City of Salem was fortunate to be one of three US cities to be chosen to partner with UNICEF USA and we will be formally launching a multi-year municipal partnership with them later this month. As part of the Communities for Every Child effort, municipal governments collaborate across sectors and with children, youth, and families to create safer, more equitable, and child-responsive communities, ensuring children's voices are central to local governance decisions.
At our next SYC meeting, we will be hosting the UNICEF USA team to begin learning about the Child Friendly Cities Initiative. This is UNICEF’s road map for building safe, equitable, just, inclusive and child-responsive cities and communities around the world. The initiative uses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a framework to help local governments prioritize the needs of children and elevate the voices of youth in local governance and decision making. This partnership aligns with much of the work we are doing collectively to address some of the barriers that youth and families face in Salem.
Interested students email sroy@salem.com to RSVP.
Friday Nigh Lights At Village Tavern
This Fall the Salem High School Football Boosters in partnership Village Tavern are starting a new series, "Friday Night Lights At Village Tavern." Come by Village Tavern and watch your Witches on live stream and purchase some Salem High School gear while you are there.
Mention Salem Football and a percentage of the proceeds will go to the Salem Football Boosters to support this program.
Come out and join our competitive Math Team. This team meets every Thursday to practice starting at 2:45. There will be six meets where our scholars compete against multiple other high schools.
Winter Musical Information
We are excited to announce that the SHS Drama Club winter musical this year will be The Prom: School Edition
- Performances: Thursday and Friday December 18 & 19 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, December 20 at 2 PM
- Auditions: Monday and Tuesday, September 22 and 23
"Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue… and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to make a difference, the Broadway stars team up with the courageous student, leading to a transformation that brings everyone together in the name of love and acceptance. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, THE PROM expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever."
Auditions will take place on Monday, September 22 and Tuesday, September 23 afterschool.
Access to all Forms and Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mvHIfp4FIUL0AJXriN1vK_qzCmGKxJXR/view?usp=sharing
It's A Great Time to Be A Witch!
“BE ABOUT IT”
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Live the values of our school community; show pride, respect, and responsibility not just by saying it, but by consistently doing it.
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Follow through on commitments, whether that’s in academics, athletics, arts, or personal goals.
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Model integrity by letting your behavior reflect your intentions—be the example others can count on.
“BE ABOUT IT” means don’t just talk about who you are or what you stand for, prove it every day through effort, character, and action.
Be About It!
#GoWitch
Rear Admiral Jacquelyn McClelland Visits Salem High School JROTC Students
SALEM (Sept. 15, 2025) – It’s not every day a U.S. Navy admiral visits your high school to discuss the benefits of enrolling in the JROTC program and choosing military service following high school.
On Wednesday, Rear Admiral Jacquelyn “Jackie” McClelland, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Navy Supply Systems Command, visited with more than 30 Salem High School JROTC students and prospective JROTC students at the M. Ruth Norton Auditorium.
Complete Article: https://salemk12.org/news/admiral-jacquelyn-mcclellan-shs-jrotc/
Salem High School Alumni in the NCAA
Salem High School will be well represented on NCAA rosters this fall. Visit Salem Public Schools' full list of former Witches currently on NCAA rosters.
- Samantha Agno '25 | Soccer, Salem State University
- Isabella Cunha '23 | Soccer, Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Malcolm Edwards '24 | Soccer, Fitchburg State University
Silva breaks all-time assist record for surging Salem volleyball program
SALEM — Mia Silva likes to let her passes on the volleyball court speak for themselves. Her Salem High teammates enjoy playing with her so much that they don’t mind speaking for her, either.
A loud, resounding and harmonious “SO PROUD” was the response when the Witches were asked how they felt about Silva becoming the volleyball program’s all-time leader in assists. The excitement in the voices of her teammates and Silva’s humble smile spoke volumes about what the senior captain means to her team, both on and off the floor.
Salem News Article: https://www.salemnews.com/sports/silva-breaks-all-time-assist-record-for-surging-salem-volleyball-program/article_b2169d4f-36e7-45fc-97c3-408ab0b1e15a.html
College and Career Counseling Corner
Upcoming College and Career Dates
September 30th - 6pm - 7:30 Senior Parent Night
IMC, Salem High School
October 14th - NEACAC College Fair
11th grade Field Trip
8am-12pm - Salem State University
October 16th -PSAT - JUNIORS ONLY In School
All students are registered and expected to take exam
October 21st - SENIOR SAT DAY In School
By registration only - more information to follow
Early Action Presentation from the event on September 2, 2025:
College and Career Center held its Virtual Early Action/Early Decision Night. Please reference the presentation from the evening with information about applying Early Action or Decision along with important dates for Seniors as they finalize their applications:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wO0xJ4rYAgH4NGuJ8r5sg-SOQqZyR_A1cst3vxCWABU/edit?usp=sharing
Scholarships
Shout It Out Scholarship - Age 14 and older
How to Apply: In 250 words or less, answer the question, “If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?”
Eligibility: Must be 14 years of age or older and a legal U.S. resident
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Website: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/shout-it-out-scholarship
Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application.
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and graduate school students enrolled full time or planning on enrolling within the next 24 months
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Website: https://accessscholarships.com/1k-too-cool-to-pay-for-school
Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship
How to Apply: Write a short personal statement on why you pledge to not text and drive.
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and graduate students
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Website: http://www.digitalresponsibility.org/dont-text-and-drive-scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application. If selected as a semi-finalist, students will need to write essays and provide letters of recommendation and a transcript.
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors graduating in the 2025-2026 academic year
Amount: 150 winners of $20,000 each
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Website: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
College JumpStart Pay It Forward Scholarship - 10th - 12th GRADE
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including a 250-word personal statement reflecting on a time that you’ve paid it forward, how it has affected you, and what you’ve learned from the experience.
Eligibility: Open to 10th-12th graders, college students, and non-traditional students attending or planning to enter an accredited U.S. college or university
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Website: https://www.jumpstart-scholarship.net/
Early College News
September 22, 2025
All Early College classes are in session! Remember to check your email, Blackboard (NSCC), and Canvas (SSU) regularly for assignments and announcements.
If you or your family have any questions or concerns, please reach out to:
Alexandra Kirby (Coordinator) — akirby@salemk12.org
Anna Trammell (Support)— atrammell@salemk12.org
This week in Early College support blocks, students focused on prioritizing, building organization strategies, and setting fall goals.
For students receiving special education services (IEP or 504): Please be sure to submit your paperwork to SSU or NSCC if you have not already.
Looking ahead: The Early College application for the 2026–2027 school year will open in October. All interested 9th and 10th grade students are encouraged to apply.
SHS Juniors are ready for college!
For additional SPS/SSU/NSCC Support & Contacts: Click here.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Kirby
Early College Coordinator
Where Will Your Road Take You
We are thrilled to begin another exciting year and to support every student in their journey to growth and success. Through our C3 College, Career, and Counseling Department, we encourage all students to Dare To Grow because your future knows no boundaries.
We are excited to share that our students have already started more than 200 college applications to schools across the country! You can view the interactive map here to see where students are applying: C3 College Application Map.
This information comes from Naviance, which students can access through ClassLink. Parents can also access their student’s information using their Naviance username and password.
If students or families need support accessing Naviance, please reach out to your student’s counselor for assistance.
C3 also has a number of upcoming workshops and post-secondary events to support your planning:
Senior Early Decision/Early Action Virtual Night – Tuesday, September 2nd (more information to follow the first days of school)
We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities, explore possibilities, and reach goals beyond what they thought possible.
Together, let’s make this a year of growth, exploration, and success.
Pick Your College
College and Career Highlight
Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Mascot: CAM the Ram
Enrollment:
Total university enrollment: 34,218
Undergraduates: 26,500
Graduate students: 7,610
Average GPA (First-Year Students): 3.7 unweighted GPA
SAT Score Average: 1180
ACT Score Average: 26
Admissions: https://admissions.colostate.edu/
Breadth of Academic Programs
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70+ majors, more than 190 concentrations, 100+ minors; 350+ academic programs across levels.
Professional pathways across engineering, business, education, health, natural resources, veterinary/biomedical sciences, and more.
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Education Abroad in 80+ countries with programs from one week to a full year; ~1,600 students participate annually.
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Honors@CSU offers small seminars, faculty-mentored research/creative work, and an honors thesis experience.
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First-to-Second-Year Retention: about 85–87% in recent cohorts. ir.colostate.edu
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Six-Year Graduation Rate: about ~69% (varies by cohort). irpe-reports.colostate.edu+1
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500+ student organizations spanning academic, cultural, service, professional and club sports—discover and join via RamLink (CSU’s involvement portal) and the SLiCE office.ramlink.campuslabs.com+2
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Student media and leadership programs coordinated through campus units like SLiCE and the Lory Student Center.
Virtual and In-Person Tours: https://admissions.colostate.edu/2020/10/29/a-rams-life-campus-tour/
Website: https://www.colostate.edu/
Mechanical Engineer
Education Required:
Co-ops/Internships/Capstone: Hands-on design, manufacturing, or R&D experience is strongly preferred and often required.
Certification & Licensure (role-dependent):
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Pass the FE exam to become an EIT (common for early-career engineers).
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After ~4 years of supervised experience, you may pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license (needed to sign/seal public-facing designs).
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Optional credentials: GDTP (ASME Y14.5), Six Sigma/Lean, SolidWorks CSWP/CSWE, ANSYS/CFD certificates, PMP for project-heavy roles.
Typical Tasks Associated with This Career:
Mechanical engineers design, analyze, build, and improve machines and thermal/fluids systems used in products and manufacturing. Common duties include:
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Concept & detailed design of components/assemblies using CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor) and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
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Analysis & simulation: hand calcs plus FEA (stress/deflection/fatigue) and CFD/thermal studies to verify performance and safety.
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Prototyping & testing: rapid prototypes, lab/field tests, instrumentation, data analysis, and design iteration.
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Materials & manufacturing decisions (machining, casting, injection molding, 3D printing); DFM/DFA and cost optimization.
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Root-cause analysis and reliability/quality improvements (FMEA, tolerance stacks, SPC, Six Sigma).
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Documentation & compliance: drawings, BOMs, specifications, risk/safety reviews, and regulatory/standards adherence.
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Cross-functional collaboration with electrical/controls, software, manufacturing, supply chain, vendors, and customers; project scheduling and budgets.
Expected Income: Average $130,000
Job Growth: 10% over next 10 years
Related High School Coursework:
Mathematics: Algebra II, Pre-Calculus/Calculus, and Statistics
Science: Physics (mechanics, energy), Chemistry (materials basics)
Engineering/CTE: Intro to engineering, Robotics, fabrication, PLTW courses
Computer Science & CAD: Programming (Python/MATLAB), 3D modeling/drafting
AP English: Technical writing, presentations, teamwork/leadership