Salem Public Schools
SPS Community --
This week, our community demonstrated what is possible when we come together around a shared vision for our students. The approval of the debt exclusion to support a new high school is more than a vote—it is a powerful statement of belief in the future of our young people. It reflects a deep commitment to creating learning environments that match the promise, talent, and potential we see in our students every day.
At the same time, we are celebrating Educator Appreciation Week—a moment to recognize the extraordinary educators who bring that vision to life. While buildings matter, it is our teachers who transform spaces into places of inspiration, belonging, and growth. They are the ones who challenge, support, and uplift our students, ensuring that every child feels seen and capable of success.
Together, these two moments tell a larger story about who we are as a community: one that invests not only in facilities, but in people; not only today, but in the future. I am deeply grateful to our voters, our educators, and our families for the role each plays in making our schools strong.
For all the moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day. Here’s hoping that the weather cooperates, and there is some sunshine on Sunday. Thank you for all you do supporting and advocating for your children.
Enjoy the day!
Kate Carbone,
Interim Superintendent
The Salem News | Salem voters pass debt exclusion override to fund new high school
City voters approved a debt exclusion tax override Tuesday night in a special election that will allow the city to move ahead with its plans to pay for construction of a new Salem High School.
Sixty Three SHS Students Earn Language Awards Including DESE State Seal of Biliteracy
Seniors Sindi Sula and Maria De Melo Barros and junior Ann-Neyissa Jean earned the each earned the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction and led 63 Salem High School students who earned similar honors in a ceremony Friday morning.
2026 Student Voice Summit Slated for Thursday, May 21 at Saltonstall School
The 2026 Salem Public Schools Student Voice Summit, an annual event combining student advocacy with artistic expression, is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 (5-7 p.m.) at the Saltonstall School Auditorium. The Student Voice Summit, which empowers students to present research-based activism projects focused on addressing social and educational inequities, will be emceed by Collins Middle School scholars Chris Barrientos, an eighth grader; Dyana Polanco, a seventh grader, and Angely Ventura, a sixth grader.
The Salem News | Salem High athlete speaks at national convention on improving access to youth sports
Salem High School senior Guywintz Jules spoke at a national convention in Boston Tuesday focused on expanding access to youth sports and play, where he provided insight into the important role sports has played in building resilience and other life skills. The Project Play summit, hosted annually by the Aspen Institute Sports and Society Program, connects community leaders and organizations from across the country to identify gaps in access to sports.
Salem Technical Initiative Graduates 31 Students in Spring Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology Tracks
The Salem Technical Initiative, an adult education program at Salem High School, celebrated its sixth graduating class Thursday night in a ceremony at the SHS M. Ruth Norton Auditorium.
Families of college-bound seniors:
Please view our scholarships page as the following scholarships remain open:
- Wicked Running Club $1,000 Scholarship (May 15 Deadline) | APPLY NOW
- Massachusetts Association of Campground Owners Higher Education $1,000 Scholarship (May 19 Deadline) | APPLY NOW
- Salem Arts Association Art School $1,500/$500 Scholarships (June 1 Deadline) | APPLY NOW
- Stephen M. O’Grady Scholarships (Several at $1,000 each, June 1 Deadline) | APPLY NOW
- City of Salem and Waste Management Scholarship (three totaling $9,000, Dealing June 1) | APPLY NOW
- Environmental Leader $2,500 Scholarship (Deadline June 30) | APPLY NOW
- Ivy Panda Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting $1,000/$500 Scholarships (Deadline June 30) | APPLY NOW
- Gerondelis Foundation $7,500 Scholarship (Deadline July 1) | APPLY NOW
- Vets Helping Vets $2,500 Scholarship (Deadline Aug. 1) | APPLY NOW
Who doesn’t love Chick-Fil-A? Or Waffle House, Witch City Hibachi, or KFC? Throughout the month of May, SPS Food and Nutrition Services is serving its best version of some of the most popular fast food dishes. Last week it was Chipotle, KFC and PlayaBowl, while next week 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.