SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
April 5 - April 11, 2026
Upcoming Dates
April 6 - Salem Witches Boys Basketball Team will be honored at Boston Red Sox Game 6:45pm
April 7 - PSAT for 10th Grade
April 12 - Salem Kicks Gas: A North Shore Electric Vehicle Expo (Salem High School 1pm - 4 pm)
April 17 - Student Summit 8am - 2pm Hawthorne Hotel
April 17 - Junior Prom at Hawthorne Hotel
After- Prom Fundraiser
All 300 tickets were sold for the After-Prom Fundraiser. Thank you to Margaret McCarthy and Josh and Lea Gillis!
Thank you to everyone that participated.
Congratulations to the winners of the After Prom Party Scratch Ticket Raffle!
1st prize winner is Donna Ramsen
2nd prize winner is Staci Sverker
3rd prize winner is Willie Wallace
It's A Great Time to Be A Witch!
“BE ABOUT IT”
-
Live the values of our school community; show pride, respect, and responsibility not just by saying it, but by consistently doing it.
-
Follow through on commitments, whether that’s in academics, athletics, arts, or personal goals.
-
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
Student Highlight
Congratulations to two members of the Class of 2026, Miriam and Alexia!
Miriam will be heading off to the Heights. Congratulations to Salem High School's next Boston College Eagle.
Alexia has committed to George Washington University. There she will study International Affairs.
#GoWitch
Program Highlight: Culinary
Students in the Salem High School Culinary Program recently worked alongside Chef Stuart to learn the fundamentals of making fresh pasta from scratch. During this hands-on lesson, students practiced measuring, mixing, and shaping dough, developing both culinary technique and teamwork. Moments like these highlight the program’s focus on real-world culinary skills, preparing students for careers in hospitality and the culinary arts.
S.H.E.L.L.
S.H.E.L.L. (Salem High Educator Learning Lab) is a flexible, student-centered approach to education that is designed to support academic growth, exploration, and innovation. The Learning Lab provides educators with time, guidance, and resources to strengthen skills, receive targeted support, collaborate with peers, and extend learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Through SHELL, Salem High School is deepening its commitment to personalized learning—creating an environment where students can ask questions, try new strategies, get feedback, and build confidence as learners. Whether students need extra help, enrichment opportunities, or a place to work and reflect, SHELL is designed to bring educators together and design a meaning learning environment that will meet students where they are and help them move forward.
In order to provide our whole school community an understanding of some of the great things happening at Salem High School we have created a podcast that we will be using to tell our story and more importantly let our students and educators shine!
Episode 4.2 - Student Agency: In this episode, Sindi Sula joins us to talk about her work with the Salem School Committee and how it has shaped her voice as a student leader. She shares how her teachers support her learning, highlights her experience in Salem High School’s CTE Medical Assisting Program, and reflects on balancing the rigor of AP courses with hands-on vocational learning. Sindi also gives us a glimpse into her time in the Harvard MedScience summer program and how it influenced her future goals.
The Salem News | Work of local high school students showcased in Marblehead photography exhibit
Photography by student-artists from local high schools were selected for the annual “Through the Student Lens’” art exhibit at the Marblehead Arts Association. This year’s exhibit, sponsored by Hunt’s Photo and Video, displays photography from local schools including Salem High School, Gloucester High School, Marblehead High School, Rockport High School, and Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, at the Marblehead Arts Association. Each of the images, available for purchase for $100, capture unique subject matters such as landscapes, local sports, architecture, and abstract themes.
Salem Boys Basketball Players Stand out in NEC including State champion Rodriguez snares league MVP honor
This year’s field of candidates for the Northeastern Conference boys basketball Player of the Year award was the deepest in recent memory, and maybe the deepest ever.
Considering that the league had four different career 1,000 point scorers, two state finalists and four teams ranked in the Top 10 in their respective divisions, no one would envy the coaches that had to vote on just one MVP.
Salem junior captain Elian Rodriguez took top honors after leading the Witches to the Division 3 state title, their fourth ever and first since 1995. Besides surpassing 25 points in four of five playoff games, Rodriguez averaged 22.1 points per game on the season while handing out 5.3 assists per game with 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals.
Senior captain Nate Lane joined Rodriguez on the First Team All-Conference squad. The versatile forward averaged 14.2 points per game to go with six rebounds and 4.2 assists.
Among the Lynch Division standouts, Salem’s freshman big man Cleto Deng was an all-star along with teammates Matt Kenney and Cesar Mesa Castillo.
Media Day
Media Day is a great way to celebrate our student athletes as we prepare for another season filled with fun and competition. #GoWitch.
Below are a few pictures from the afternoon.
Salem High School Announces Senior Academic Awards
Salem High School is proud to announce the outstanding academic achievements of the Class of 2026. This year, a significant number of students have earned a variety of prestigious academic awards and honors, showcasing their dedication, talent, and hard work throughout their high school careers.
College and Career Counseling Corner
College Loans and Financing Information
Senior Families,
It is crazy to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about college tuition bills. You're just a few short months out from receiving the Fall 2026 billing statement. Join College Affordable’s next webinar to review different loan options, look at samples of tuition and statements, and review different methods of payment.
Dates: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM
Topic: Paying the Bill & Loan Options
We’d also like to note that College Affordable is available to help you better understand your financial aid offers, compare costs across colleges, and help you discover any opportunities to appeal for additional funding from the colleges. To get started, complete the Award Letter Feedback Request. Make sure you include all of your offers, even to colleges you are considering, as those offers may help you with an appeal at the colleges you are most interested in.
All families who are new to College Affordable and their support, should click on this link and continue to our school icon to register. This page will house information related to different program aspects you can take advantage of.
If you previously registered with College Affordable and need to just sign up for this webinar, please follow this link. Registrants will be emailed a copy of the recording.
All questions can be directed to College Affordable via email financialaid@collegeaffordable.org.
Early College News
Hello SHS Students and Families,
The deadline for new students to apply for 2026-2027 Early College is March 31.
Students and families will be notified of Early College acceptance and next steps to confirm enrollment by April 15. Students currently enrolled in Early College who wish to opt out next year must meet for an exit interview.
We have been working to strengthen our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Early College this year. You may receive notice that you/your child receive Tier 2 support or be asked to attend a Tier 3 “Early College Success” meeting.
From the SHS Tutoring Center (2nd floor IMC):
Referrals/scheduling: Staff & family members can refer students to the tutoring center for help HERE. Students can schedule appointments by clicking “Tutoring” on SHS Launchpad/Classlink too. Staff, undergraduate, and peer tutors are available for help in all subjects, and some specialize in writing or math.
Teen Health Help: On Tuesdays, Araby’ha is available to meet to talk about anything on your mind. Araby’ha is a social work intern for the Teen Health Center and a senior at SSU. She will have drop in sessions during crew Tuesdays through the rest of this school year.
Employment Help: Valerie from Masshire continues to be in the tutoring center Mondays 12:00-1:30 for job advising.
Click for:
Contact Dr. Kirby if you have any questions or concerns: akirby@salemk12.org.
Alexandra Kirby
Early College Coordinator
Where Will Your Road Take You
We are thrilled to begin another exciting year and to support every student in their journey to growth and success. Through our C3 College, Career, and Counseling Department, we encourage all students to Dare To Grow because your future knows no boundaries.
We are excited to share that our students have already started more than 200 college applications to schools across the country! You can view the interactive map here to see where students are applying: C3 College Application Map.
This information comes from Naviance, which students can access through ClassLink. Parents can also access their student’s information using their Naviance username and password.
If students or families need support accessing Naviance, please reach out to your student’s counselor for assistance.
Pick Your College
College and Career Highlight
Drexel University
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mascot: Dragons
Enrollment: 23,000
Average GPA: 3.7
Average SAT Score: 1300
Average ACT Score: 29
Admissions: https://drexel.edu/admissions/
Drexel University is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, the university is nationally recognized for its strong focus on experiential learning, innovation, and career preparation. Drexel combines rigorous academic programs with extensive real-world experience through its renowned cooperative education (co-op) program.
Drexel is especially known for its co-op program, one of the largest and most established in the United States. Through this program, students alternate periods of classroom study with full-time, paid professional work experiences related to their field of study. This model allows students to graduate with significant professional experience and strong connections to industry.
Colleges & Academic Programs
Drexel University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through multiple colleges and schools, including:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- LeBow College of Business
- College of Engineering
- College of Computing & Informatics
- College of Nursing and Health Professions
- School of Education
- Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
- Dornsife School of Public Health
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Students can pursue degrees in areas such as:
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Architecture and Design
- Film and Television
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Education
Drexel encourages interdisciplinary learning and offers many combined degrees, minors, and research opportunities.
Areas of Academic Strength
- Cooperative education and experiential learning
- Engineering and technology
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Nursing and health sciences
- Media arts, design, and digital communication
- Biomedical engineering and life sciences
- Data science, computing, and cybersecurity
Drexel is particularly well known for preparing students for careers in engineering, healthcare, business, technology, and creative industries.
Experiential Learning & Professional Advantage
Drexel integrates hands-on learning into the academic experience through its co-op program, where students typically complete up to 18 months of full-time professional work experience before graduation.
Experiential opportunities include:
- Paid cooperative education placements with major corporations, startups, hospitals, and government agencies
- Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities
- Study abroad programs in more than 50 countries
- Industry-sponsored projects and innovation labs
- Entrepreneurship programs and startup incubators
These experiences allow students to graduate with professional experience, industry connections, and strong career placement outcomes.
Clubs & Student Organizations
Drexel University offers 300+ student organizations, including:
- Student Government Association
- Cultural and identity-based organizations
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Technology and engineering organizations
- Health professions societies
- Media, film, and design groups
- Academic honor societies
- Community service organizations
- Performing arts groups
Student life at Drexel emphasizes leadership, creativity, innovation, and professional development.
Athletics
Drexel competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).
Varsity Sports Include:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Softball
- Track & Field
- Cross Country
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Swimming & Diving
- Wrestling
- Field Hockey
- Lacrosse
Drexel has strong athletic traditions, particularly in men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, and field hockey.
Recent & Notable Developments
- Expansion of Drexel’s nationally recognized co-op and experiential learning programs
- Continued investment in biomedical research and health sciences programs
- Growth in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity programs
- Development of innovation spaces and startup incubators in Philadelphia
- Strong career outcomes with many graduates receiving job offers from co-op employers
Virtual Tour: https://drexel.edu/admissions/virtual-tour
Website: https://drexel.edu/
Pilot
A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is the minimum requirement to begin pilot training. Most commercial airline pilots, however, earn a bachelor’s degree.
Common majors include:
Aviation
Aeronautical Science
Aerospace Engineering
Air Traffic Management
Aviation Management
Meteorology
Mechanical Engineering
Physics
Many pilots complete their flight training through:
University aviation programs
Private flight schools
Military flight training programs
In addition to classroom learning, pilots must complete extensive flight hours and simulator training.
Licensure / Certification Pathway (Role-Dependent)
Pilots must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States.
Typical pathway:
Earn a Private Pilot License (PPL) – allows individuals to fly for personal use.
Complete additional training to obtain an Instrument Rating (IR) to fly in low visibility conditions.
Earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to be paid as a pilot.
Build required flight hours through instructing, charter flying, or regional airline work.
Obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, the highest level of pilot certification, required to fly for major airlines.
Typical Tasks Associated with This Career
Operate aircraft safely during takeoff, flight, and landing
Conduct pre-flight inspections of aircraft systems, instruments, and fuel levels
Review weather conditions, flight plans, and navigation routes
Communicate with air traffic control during flight operations
Monitor aircraft instruments and navigation systems
Manage emergency situations and make critical decisions during flight
Coordinate with copilots, flight attendants, and ground crews
Ensure passenger safety and comfort
Log flight hours and complete flight documentation
Follow federal aviation regulations and safety procedures
Pilots use tools such as flight management systems, navigation instruments, aviation radios, radar systems, and advanced flight simulators.
Expected Income
Average salary: $120,000–$220,000 depending on experience, airline, and aircraft type.
Regional airline pilots may start around $70,000–$100,000, while experienced captains at major airlines can earn $250,000–$400,000+ annually.
Many pilots also receive benefits such as travel privileges, retirement plans, and per diem pay while traveling.
Projected Growth: 5% growth over the next 10 years
Demand for pilots is expected to remain strong due to airline expansion, cargo aviation growth, and pilot retirements.
Related High School Coursework
Physics
Mathematics (Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus)
Engineering or STEM courses
Computer Science
Geography
Meteorology or Earth Science
Communication / Public Speaking
English Language Arts
Students interested in aviation are also encouraged to participate in:
STEM clubs or robotics teams
Civil Air Patrol programs
Flight simulation programs
Aviation summer camps
Local airport internships or aviation clubs