Salem Public Schools

Weekly Update
Friday, May 23, 2025
Superintendent's Message
SPS Families,
It’s hard to believe we’re weeks away from the end of the school year! With this in mind, registration for our summer programming – free to Salem families – is approaching.
Our families have many options for summer programming. We believe the programming is uniquely designed to support students academically through fun, hands-on activities, featuring exciting enrichment opportunities with free transportation, breakfast, and lunch. Please find below more information about our programming.
Summer Academy Elementary Program
Open to rising first through rising fifth graders, our Summer Academy Elementary Program begins Monday, July 7 and runs Monday-Friday through Aug. 8 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Summer Academy is run by the Salem YMCA in partnership with Salem Public Schools. Morning hours will be spent with teachers focused on project-based learning while afternoons and Fridays are devoted to enrichment and camp activities, such as gardening, cooking, STEM, music and movement and performing arts.
Expanding Horizons Middle School Program
Running Monday-Thursday starting July 7 through Aug. 7 (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), the Expanding Horizons Middle School summer program is for rising sixth through rising eighth graders. Expanding Horizons offers engaging project-based and enrichment experiences in the areas of STEM, social justice, environment/sustainability, service learning, creative and visual arts (art, photography, drama, culinary), and sports/fitness. Games and team building challenges are included along with field trips.
The deadline for registration is Friday, June 6th. For more information, see below for the proper contacts:
Summer Academy
Christine McClory | mccloryc@northshoreymca.org | (781) 990-7053
Expanding Horizons
Rebecca Field | rfield@leap4ed.org | (781) 346-9811
Enjoy the long weekend!
Steve
This Week's RockStar is...
Ms. Pantapas's unwavering dedication ensures that every student leaves her classroom more confident, capable, and ready for the future.
SPS Early Childhood Educator Shawna Erps Receives Salem State Educator Alumni Award
Shawna Erps, Early Childhood Coordinator and Lead Literacy Coach for Pre-K-5 at Salem Public Schools, received the Salem State University Educator Alumni Award Thursday, May 15 at the State Universities of Massachusetts Educator Alumni Award Ceremony at the State House.
LISTEN | SPS Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike Appears on Salem Compass Podcast with Mayor Dominick Pangallo
Salem Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike appeared on the Salem Compass Podcast Wednesday, May 14 with host Mayor Dominick Pangallo to discuss the success and upward trajectory of our schools and the possibilities surrounding a new high school.
My Father’s Friend: Salem native Joseph O’Day recalls Wayne Millner, Salem High School’s greatest-ever football player
I arrived home one afternoon, many years ago, to find my father standing in our kitchen with a stranger. “Jody,” my father said, “this is Wayne Millner, an old friend of mine.” Millner offered me his hand, and it shrouded mine. If a handshake could be an embrace, that’s how it felt. I sensed the man’s physical strength, and his tenderness. I also sensed an air of goodwill, a quiet contentment, two old friends, together again after all the years.
The Salem Patch | Salem Officials Back New High School Construction Plan
Salem officials are backing a plan for a newly constructed high school on the campus of the current building with the funding for the construction likely heading to a citywide vote early next year.
Registration for FREE Summer Programming is Open
Registration for Salem Public Schools Summer Programs is open. Programs are designed to support students academically through fun, hands-on activities. All programs feature exciting enrichment opportunities, and we provide free transportation, breakfast, and lunch.
Space is limited. Registration closes Friday, June 6th.
REGISTER:
Save the Date | Tuesday, June 3: A New Salem High School Community Forum
See Me Festival, Journey of the Young Artist Student Art Exhibits Remain Open
The third annual 2025 Student Voice Summit is in the books, but the 'See Me' and 'Journey of the Young Artist' student art installations remain open throughout the weekend into next week.
The See Me exhibition is available for viewing at the Peabody Essex Museum Saturday and Monday, May 24 and 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (viewing is unavailable Sunday, May 25 due to an event), at the PEM's East India Marine Hall before breakdown on Tuesday, May 27.
The Journey of the Young Artist exhibition at the Old Town Hall (32 Derby Square) is available for viewing through Wednesday, May 28 before breakdown Thursday, May 29. Old Town Hall hours are as follows:
- Saturday May 24: 12-5 p.m.
- Sunday May 25: 12-3 p.m.
- Tuesday May 27: 2-6 p.m.
- Wednesday May 28: 2-6 p.m.
We encourage all of our families to view the spectacular artwork by Salem Public Schools scholars.
As the weather improves, we're also sharing tips for students to safely enjoy upcoming Field Day events and crucial advice for sun safety. Plus, discover a delicious recipe featuring the season's abundant fresh fruits, along with suggestions for fun, outdoor, family-friendly activities to enjoy together. Don't miss out – read the May issue of the Nursing News today.
The United States Attorney’s Office will be hosting a virtual internet safety presentation for all adults who wish to keep children safe online Wednesday, June 4 (6:30-7:30 p.m.). Assistant United States Attorney Luke Goldworm and Victim Witness Specialist Lauryn Mackey will be joined by Special Agent Andrew Kelleher from Homeland Security Investigations Child Exploitation and Digital Forensics Unit.
Free Open House: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Hosts 'Marine Quest'
Virtual Backpack
Welcome to the Virtual Backpack, where we will place open, relevant items from friends and partners of SPS.
- Salem youth sports leagues and camps registrations:
- Salem Youth Football & Cheering | REGISTER
- Camp Fully Involved Firefighter Camp for Girls Aged 14-20 | APPLY NOW
- Pan Mass Challenge, Saturday, June 1 | REGISTER
- KidWind Offshore Academy | REGISTER
- Salem Parks & Recreation 'Adventure Awaits' Summer Programming | REGISTER
- Dan Sullivan Learn-to-Sail Scholarship | APPLY NOW
- Salvation Army's Camp Wonderland | APPLY NOW
- 2025-26 Transportation applications are open in the Aspen Family Portal:
- APPLY: Teachers from the Dominican Republic Sought for Exchange: ENGLISH | SPANISH
- Host Families Needed for Ota, Japan Exchange Students July 20-28
- Covid-19 Tests Available at Main Offices, Nurses Offices
Download the ParentSquare App
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.