SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
October 11 - October 17, 2026
October 12 - Indigenous People's Day - No School
October 13 - Girls Soccer Senior Night
October 15 - PSATs Grade 11
October 16 - Grade 10 Class Elections
October 20 - Parent/Guardian Conferences 2:40 - 3:40
October 28 - Volleyball Senior Night
October 29 - Picture Retake Day
October 29 - Unified Basketball Senior Night
October 29 - Boys Soccer Senior Night
October 30 - Early Release Day
October 30 - Football and Cheer Senior Night
November 3 - No School
November 4 - End of Quarter 1
YEARBOOK
Order Your 2027 Yearbook!
Don't miss your chance to own a copy of this year's Salem High School yearbook! Yearbooks are $75 through October 23, so order early to lock in that price.
Senior parents and families can also purchase a personalized ad to celebrate their graduate, and it's a wonderful way to honor your student's time at SHS.
You can order a yearbook and find ad information at jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A03536900.
The Salem High School Career Technical Education (CTE) Department will host its 2026 Middle School Open House for grades 6-8 families Saturday, Nov. 14 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) at its CTE facilities at the High School.
Salem families can register for one, two or three programs and take part in a one-hour project-based learning activity in each program beginning at 9 a.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for coffee, registration and student drop-off.
Families are encouraged to register for the Open House and declare 1-3 CTE pathways in which their child/children would like to explore. Each session is one hour long.
For more information, please visit the CTE Pathways web page or contact CTE Director Mario Sousa at msousa@salemk12.org.
Salem High School is launching two new programs this year that give students hands-on experience with the technology shaping the world they're about to enter.
CyberPatriot is the nation's premier cybersecurity program for high school students. Participants learn to defend networks, work in teams to solve real-world security problems, and build technical skills that carry directly into college and careers — all while competing against schools across the country in national cybersecurity challenges. It's rigorous, collaborative, and unlike anything else.
The Drone Exploration Program introduces students to unmanned aerial systems from the ground up. Students learn how drones work, log real flight time, practice safe operations, and explore how the technology is being used across industries from public safety to agriculture to filmmaking. For students curious about aviation or engineering, it's a first look at a fast-growing field and the careers inside it.
Both programs are open to students at all experience levels. No background in coding or flying required — just curiosity and a willingness to learn alongside a team.
To learn more or sign up, contact Jeremy Matthews at jmatthews@salemk12.org.
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
Spirit Fire
Spirit Fire 2026 brought Salem High students together for an evening of school pride, food, and time with friends around the fire pits. Students gathered to warm up, take photos, celebrate our fall athletic teams, and enjoy a fall night together. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who served food and helped make the event possible. Traditions like Spirit Fire strengthen our connections and give students another way to feel part of the Salem High community. #GoWitch
Homecoming Dance
Thursday night’s Homecoming Dance was an opportunity for Salem High students to come together, celebrate, and make memories beyond the classroom. Events like Homecoming help strengthen the connections and sense of belonging that make our school community special. Thank you to the students, staff, and chaperones who helped make the evening possible and supported this tradition. Go Witches!
The Salem News | Salem News Athlete of the Week: Jenna Phelps, Salem Volleyball
As a middle blocker on the Salem High volleyball team, Jenna Phelps is always in the middle of the action. Last week, she showed just how valuable her presence on the Witches is, helping them to prevail in all three of their matches.
Ninth straight win clinches playoff spot for Salem volleyball
Salem 3, Triton 0: The Witches (now 10-2) officially clinched a Division 3 state playoff berth with their ninth consecutive victory. Senior Angelica Sciuto finished with seven kills and four digs while classmate Gueladio Bah at setter dished out 22 assists and added five kills of her own.
Jenna Phelps, a junior captain, had another well-rounded match with 10 kills, three blocks and a pair of aces, with senior captain Yanalis Ventura tacking on 16 digs and fellow senior Olivia Warren serving up six aces. Junior Jazzelle Lopes-Edwards made her presence felt with three kills.
College and Career Counseling Corner
Early College News
Hello Early College Students and Families,
A few students have reached out with questions or concerns about their classes. Salem High School cannot communicate directly with professors at Salem State University and NSCC about student progress because of FERPA confidentiality requirements (see “What is FERPA”). However, we can help students draft an email to your professor or prepare for a conversation.
Stop by the Tutoring Center/Early College classroom or email us if you’d like help.
That said, we do receive semester alerts from professors through the college’s systems. If we receive an alert about the student, we will follow up with the student and their family.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99.
New SSU students–please make sure you turned in your registration form.
NSCC HST104DL have a field trip to the MFA on October 15.
Check SSU Canvas/NSCC Blackboard for most up-to-date grades and assignments.
Notes/Resources:
SSU students: Get the “Get app” (access to library & gym): https://get.cbord.com/salemstate/full/prelogin.php
NSCC students going on campus–see me if you need help getting your ID on campus (in the library with a photo ID/SHS school ID).
Remember to check your SHS and college email + SSU Canvas/NSCC Blackboard DAILY!
Masshire has career counseling office hours Monday 9/14 from 12:00-1:30 in the Tutoring Center (SHS).
All EC students: Make sure you join the Early College Google classroom (bmzsn4fc) and complete assignments due.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Also, if you or someone you know did not make it into an Early College class this fall, Spring 2026 enrollment opens in October. See me or your C3 counselor if you’re interested!
Thanks,
Dr. Kirby
Upcoming College Visits
Tuesday, October 13: University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Did you know? UMaine is Maine’s only public research university! Ask about opportunities to participate in research as an undergraduate.
Thursday, October 15: Lesley University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Did you know? Lesley’s campus art gallery showcases student work alongside pieces by renowned artists!
Friday, October 16: Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, Connecticut
Did you know? Eastern is Connecticut’s only public liberal arts university, combining career preparation with learning across different subjects.
Monday, October 19: Regis College
Weston, Massachusetts
Did you know? Regis nursing students practice patient care in realistic simulation settings before entering the profession!
Tuesday, October 20: Saint Anselm College
Manchester, New Hampshire
Did you know? Saint Anselm is home to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and has hosted presidential primary debates!
Thursday, October 22: Brandeis University
Waltham, Massachusetts
Did you know? Brandeis is named after Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish justice of the United States Supreme Court!
You don’t need to have applied or decided where you want to attend. Bring your questions, meet the representatives, and discover what might be a good fit for you!
Explore Your Options: Fall College Open Houses
Fall open houses are a great way to explore campuses, learn about academic programs, and ask questions about admissions and financial aid.
Boston University
Friday, October 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The program includes a student panel, an admissions case study, academic visits, and opportunities to explore campus and hear about financial assistance.
View BU’s Open House Details and Register
Choose the October 23 Fall Open House registration option.
UMass Boston
Saturday, October 24, or Saturday, November 7
Explore campus, meet faculty and students, and learn about admissions, financial aid, and campus life.
Register for a UMass Boston Open House
UMass Lowell
Saturday, October 24, or Saturday, November 14
Explore campus and learn more about UMass Lowell’s academic programs and student opportunities.
Register for a UMass Lowell Open House
Plan ahead: UMass Boston and UMass Lowell both have an October 24 event. Consider their alternate dates if you want to visit both!
Students and families should register directly with each college and arrange their own transportation. For visits during the school day, follow Salem High School’s attendance procedures.
Interested in exploring a future in the trades? The Peterson School is hosting an Explore the Trades Day this fall.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
2–4 p.m.
See the attached flyer for event details and use the link below to sign up:
Register for Explore the Trades Day
This is an opportunity to learn more about trade training as you consider your next steps after high school.
Families should review the event location and plan transportation before registering. If attending requires leaving school early, follow Salem High School’s dismissal procedures.
Senior Transcripts Available September 22
Senior transcripts will be available to download through Naviance by September 22, in time for Senior Night.
During our in-person Senior Night event, we will review the transcript download process and demonstrate how students and families can access transcripts through Naviance.
If you are unable to attend Senior Night, or if you have questions about logging into Naviance as a student or parent, or about how to access a transcript, please contact:
Rachael Kozlowski
rkozlowski@salemk12.org
Meghan Grosskopf Sousa
mesousa@salemk12.org
If you have specific questions or concerns about your child’s transcript, please have your student schedule their Senior Meeting with their school counselor. Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend their student’s Senior Meeting.
We want to make sure every senior and family feels confident accessing and reviewing this important information as we begin the college and postsecondary planning process.
Pick Your College
College and Career Highlight
University of Wyoming
Location: Laramie, Wyoming
Mascots: Pistol Pete and Cowboy Joe, a live pony.
Enrollment: 10,630 students, including undergraduate and graduate students (fall 2026).
Average High School GPA: 3.53
Average SAT: 1140
Average ACT: 24
Admissions: University of Wyoming Undergraduate Admissions
The University of Wyoming is a public land-grant research university in Laramie, founded in 1886. UW combines research opportunities with a college-town setting and easy access to the Rocky Mountain outdoors. Its brown-and-gold school colors, Cowboy traditions, and nearby mountains give the university a distinctive Western identity.
Academics
Wyoming offers more than 200 undergraduate areas of study across its colleges and schools, including agriculture and natural resources, arts and sciences, business, education, engineering and physical sciences, health sciences, computing, and environmental studies.
Programs and fields to explore include:
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Business
Computing
Criminal Justice
Education
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Energy Resources
Environmental Systems Science and Sustainability
Health Sciences
Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management
Theatre and Dance
Students can pursue research and hands-on learning connected to their interests. For example, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management combines classroom study with field experiences and potential internships at parks, resorts, and outdoor education organizations. Wyoming’s Honors College also offers small, interdisciplinary classes for students seeking additional academic challenges.
Student Life
More than 250 student organizations and clubs offer opportunities to explore academic, cultural, recreational, and service interests. Campus activities include concerts, comedy shows, student government, and Homecoming celebrations.
Students also benefit from Laramie’s outdoor setting, including hiking and skiing in the Snowy Range and climbing and mountain biking near Vedauwoo. UW’s Outdoor Program provides trips and services that help students explore the region.
Athletics
Wyoming competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with its Cowboys and Cowgirls teams participating in the Mountain West Conference. Football at War Memorial Stadium is a major campus tradition, with Pistol Pete and Cowboy Joe helping build school spirit.
Virtual Tour: Explore the University of Wyoming
Website: University of Wyoming
Internship & Career Opportunities
We are excited to continue connecting Salem High School students with meaningful internships, career exploration, job shadowing, and work-based learning opportunities throughout the school year. These experiences give students the chance to take what they are learning in the classroom and CTE programs and apply it in real-world settings while building professional skills and exploring future career pathways.
Please check out the opportunities below and encourage your student to apply to those that match their interests. New opportunities will be shared throughout the year, so keep an eye on ParentSquare!
1. Interested in Architecture, Construction, or Engineering?
Students interested in exploring careers in architecture, construction, and engineering are encouraged to check out the ACE Mentor Program! This is a great opportunity to learn from industry professionals, explore career pathways, and gain real-world experience.
Click here to view the ACE Mentor Program flyer
2.
Wentworth STEM Challenge: MATHQuest
Sophomores and juniors interested in math and STEM are invited to participate in Wentworth Institute of Technology’s MATHQuest, a free, hands-on math competition featuring real-world challenges, prizes, and opportunities to explore STEM pathways.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 AM–12:00 PM (We can support with transportation depending on enrollment)
Wentworth Institute of Technology – Boston
3.
Interested in an Internship at the Peabody Essex Museum?
Students interested in learning more about internship opportunities at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) are invited to attend an information session.
Thursday, October 1
10:39–11:07 AM — Anchor/Crew Period
Location: To Be Determined
4.
Interested in Science, Health, Medicine, or Research?
Harvard Medical School’s Health Professions Recruitment & Exposure Program (HPREP) is accepting applications for its FREE 10-week Saturday program. Students will participate in hands-on activities, medical simulations, professional development, and one-on-one mentoring with Harvard students as they explore careers in science and healthcare.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
5.
Build a CubeSat Challenge
Interested in space, satellites, or coding? High School Students will work in teams of five to build and program a prototype CubeSat and complete a science mission.
The challenge includes an online course, bi-weekly mentor office hours, and hardware kits for qualifying teams. To be considered for selection, all team members must register for the online course and complete Modules 1–3, and a coach must submit the team application.
Who: High school students
When: September 2026 – April 2027
Team application deadline: October 19, 2026
Teams notified of selection: October 23, 2026
Learn more: BWSI CubeSat Challenge website
Register for the online course: CubeSat online course registration
Interested in being a mentor? Apply here by October 21,2026
6.
BWSI Fall 2026 Programs
Our fall outreach programs are designed for girls in Grades 10-11, with no prior experience required for many of the courses. Programs are offered virtually on Saturdays and include opportunities to explore engineering, AI, biotechnology, aircraft design, digital logic, Python, computational problem solving, and autonomous robotics.
Fall session dates: October 10 – December 5, 2026
Additional Autonomous Robots final event: December 12
Registration deadline: September 30, 2026
Format: Virtual through Zoom
Courses include:
Girls Who Can Learn Applied Engineering, AI & Future Technologies
Girls Who Can Learn Biotech
Girls Who Can Design, Build & Fly Model Aircraft
Girls Who Can Learn Digital Logic & Computer Design
Girls Who Can Do Computational Problem Solving
Girls Who Can Learn Python
Girls Who Can Learn Autonomous Robots
Register/learn more: BWSI Fall 2026 Registration
7.
Gloucester Biotechnology Academy – Shadow Day Opportunity
Students interested in biotechnology, science, healthcare, or laboratory careers are invited to learn more about the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy. The tuition-free certificate program provides hands-on laboratory training, access to paid internships, career development support, and opportunities to earn college credit.
A Shadow Day will be held Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Students can shadow an Academy student, tour the teaching labs, and speak with students and instructors. RSVP is required.
More Information: Gloucester Biotechnology Academy Program Flyer
Shadow Day: September 24 Shadow Day Flyer