Salem Public Schools
SPS community,
The English Language Arts MCAS testing window opened this week and our Salem high schools and Saltonstall School began testing. Students in grades 3-8 will take English assessments over the next two weeks. As a reminder, in SPS, we approach the testing as an opportunity for our students to showcase everything they have learned thus far.
We want to minimize anxiety and focus on creating an environment where students take pride in sharing how they can read and write proficiently at their respective grade level. It is one of many important data points that inform us on how a student is progressing and how to best support their learning moving forward. Test scores should be used along with in-class performance, report cards, and teacher reports to form a complete picture of a student’s achievement and areas for continued growth.
Our schools have shared their testing calendars with you so that you know the days and times when assessments have been scheduled. We ask that students get a full night's sleep and eat a full, healthy breakfast at home or school. Thank you in advance for assisting us by providing your child with encouragement and reassurance leading up to these assessments. If you have any questions about these sessions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher(s) and/or your school administrators. We are grateful for your continued support.
Enjoy the weekend,
Steve
She continues to be a mainstay at Saltonstall with her sense of humor, resourcefulness, and willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that the school runs smoothly. A friend to all, Saltonstall is lucky to have Mrs. I back.
New Liberty Scholars Lebron, Lemus Advance to Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair
Sophomore Nevin Lebron and freshman Christopher Lemus will each represent the New Liberty Innovation School at the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) Friday, Apr. 4 at Gillette Stadium. Both Mr. Lebron and Mr. Lemus advanced to the MSEF by way of showcasing their science presentations at the Massachusetts Region IV Science and Engineering Fair Friday, Mar. 7 at Tufts University.
Salem Public Schools Awarded Certificate of Excellence at MABE Northeast Conference
The Salem Public Schools Department of Multilingual Learner Education was presented the Certificate of Excellence at the Multistate Association for Bilingual Education (MABE) Northeast annual conference Saturday, Mar. 8, in Springfield, Mass. Spearheaded by Director André Fonseca, the SPS Multilingual Learner Education Department was honored for its commitment and success with promoting the State Seal of Biliteracy Exam.
VIEW GALLERY: Salem School Committee Members Observe BAIS Dual Language Program
Members of the Salem School Committee visited several classrooms at the Bentley Academy Innovation School on Tuesday, Mar. 25, to observe students and educators in the dual language program interacting in both Spanish and English, from pre-K to grade 5.
The Salem News | Remembering Salem High basketball’s golden era
‘Twas an unmatched era of Salem High boys and girls basketball dominance spanning 15 years from 1980 to 1995. This is the perfect time to remember those halcyon days as we mark their 45th, 35th and 30th anniversaries as state champions.
With the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit, families may be eligible for $440 for each child under age 13, dependents who aged 65+ or have a disability, or a spouse who needs care. Families do not need to have earned income in 2024 or have a Social Security number to qualify. There is no income cap or limit to the number of dependents. This does not impact public benefits. FindYourFunds has outreach materials available in 11 languages to encourage families to file taxes this year.
Learn more and find free tax help at: findyourfunds.org/dese
The Salem Parks and Recreation Department has announced its programming for the the summer of 2025, highlighted by its 'Adventure Awaits' Enrollment Fair Wednesday, Apr. 30 at the Mayor Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center (5-6:30 p.m.).
Salem families can learn about the 2025 lineup of summer camps, classes and programs for youth of all ages. A parent/guardian will need to be present when enrolling on site.
The Salem YMCA Theater Company is hosting auditions for the production of Mean Girls, Jr., Tuesday, Apr. 1-Thursday, Apr. 3 at Ames Hall, located at 1 Sewall Street (enter through YMCA entrance).
The Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE) is sponsoring two community conversations with the Salem State University Policy Lab and the Geography & Sustainability Department as part of programming for Earth Days 2025 - Climate Change & Biodiversity.
- Wednesday, Apr. 9: A Just Energy Transition in Salem, Mass. | Ellison Center, 1:40-2:55 p.m.
- Friday, Apr. 11: Salem's Coalition Success Story: Environmental Justice & Community Benefits Agreements | Ellison Center, 1:40-2:55 p.m.
SAFE is a key sponsor of Salem State Earth Days, and is contributing this year by donating a limited supply of free books to give away at events.
Spring is here! In April, Salem Public Schools kitchens will be serving up delicious meals in honor of national food celebrations, along with a special focus on our Harvest of the Month: Potatoes!
Mark Your Calendars for These Delicious Days:
Tuesday, Apr. 8 – National Empanada Day: Join us as we celebrate this flavorful dish enjoyed across many cultures! Our special menu will feature:
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.