Superintendent's Update

As we prepare to take time off from school (November 27-30) for Thanksgiving break, we want to share our gratitude for everyone in our school community. Your partnership makes it possible for students to come to school every day, on time and ready to learn.

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to connect with peers and teachers, and to grow personally, socially and academically.

We are thankful for:

• Our students and their families who show up to school regularly, even when it isn’t easy.
• Our staff who go above and beyond to help make school a welcoming learning environment and help us stay safe, connected and excited about learning.
• Our many healers and helpers from support staff and volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our students need.

We appreciate each one of you. If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to your school directly; they will be able to connect you with the support(s) you need.

We are grateful for everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again when school resumes on December 1, 2025.

Thank you for partnering with us!

Sincerely,

Dr. Carol L. Kelley

5. You read my newsletters 😉

4. You attend our shows, concerts & assemblies 🎭

3. The way you partner with us 🧑🏾‍💻

2. The way you've taught your children to be resourceful and creative

1. The way you celebrate your children's wins with us

Reduce chronic absenteeism to 10% or below district-wide while supporting schools' DREAMS program implementation and family engagement efforts.

Measurable Outcomes:

• Chronic absenteeism rate ≤10% at all three schools

• 100% of schools complete quarterly learning-focused parent engagement events

• Consistent district-wide attendance monitoring and intervention protocols

To reduce our chronic absenteeism rates, one of the district's strategies is implementing the DREAMS program.

Our DREAMS Salem City Champion Team participated in a one-hour training where they discussed introducing resets in the classroom. What are resets? Check out the resources below (they are great for adults too!)

• Check out this article with videos on simple strategies to stay calm and rapid resets: With Stress in Schools Increasing, Simple Strategies to Stay Calm | Edutopia
• Rutgers UBHC Quick Tips on Reset

Here is a challenge to support our efforts with reducing chronic absenteeism: Use these words to recognize what's right about your child

Salem RAMS win on Saturday (11/1/25) at the NJSIAA South, Group 1 Quarterfinal football game against KIPP Cooper Norcross in Camden, NJ.