Salem Public Schools
It has been difficult to watch the divisiveness that has emerged across the country over the last two weeks. Our children have had a front row seat to political violence, vitriol and hostility. As adults we must take the opportunity to remind our students about our core value of belonging, the belief that all members of our community are valued and that our relationships are built on empathy and respect. We must create spaces in our classrooms where our children can see that we productively engage in debate, dissent and consider the varied perspectives of our community members. Our city’s diversity of faith, life experiences, background, and world views are assets that should inform and enhance the learning experience for our students. This will serve to better prepare them to be socially responsible, active and engaged citizens.
Additionally, I want to share a few reminders of upcoming events:
School Safety Webinar: We know our families would like to know more about how we ensure the safety of our students, staff and schools. Please join us, along with the Salem Police Department, on Wednesday, Oct. 1 (6:30 p.m.) for a webinar to discuss and answer questions about our school safety protocols and emergency planning efforts. Interpretation will be available in Spanish and Portuguese. Use this link to Join the Meeting.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration: Our community is cordially invited to attend the Latino Leadership Coalition's annual Hispanic Heritage Month gathering for a night of reflection, appreciation, and celebration of our community's history. This year's celebration will take place this evening, Friday, September 19th, 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA. English flyer | Spanish flyer. We hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Steve
The first magical moment recognition goes to Salem Early Childhood Center speech pathologist Ms. Lynne Crispo. Ms. Crispo goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues. Daily, Ms. Crispo is in the main hallway greeting students by name when they enter and creating a positive sense of belonging. She consults with staff members to ensure that she is up to date on how to best serve her students and individualizes her sessions based on student interest and their strengths.
Not surprisingly, students have made exceptional growth over the years in their communication and social skills as Ms. Crispo's impact has been enormous. Congratulations to Ms. Crispo!
The Salem News | Silva breaks all-time assist record for surging Salem volleyball program
Mia Silva likes to let her passes on the volleyball court speak for themselves. Her Salem High teammates enjoy playing with her so much that they don’t mind speaking for her, either. A loud, resounding and harmonious “SO PROUD” was the response when the Witches were asked how they felt about Silva becoming the volleyball program’s all-time leader in assists.
Rear Admiral Jacquelyn McClelland Visits Salem High School JROTC Students
It’s not every day a U.S. Navy admiral visits your high school to discuss the benefits of enrolling in the JROTC program and choosing military service following high school. On Wednesday, Rear Admiral Jacquelyn “Jackie” McClelland, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Navy Supply Systems Command, visited with more than 30 Salem High School JROTC students and prospective JROTC students at the M. Ruth Norton Auditorium.
Salem Public Schools Rolling Out Student Composting District-Wide
In Massachusetts, more than 25 percent of the solid waste stream is made up of food waste, meaning that over 1 million tons of organic material are wastefully sent to landfills or burned at incinerators each year. The result is a shortage of landfill space, effectively sending all trash to a waste-to-energy incinerator where harmful greenhouse gases are released into the environment.
For the last three years, Salem Public Schools Department of Food and Nutrition Services has been working to do its part: channeling food waste from its kitchens and cafeterias into valuable compost.
To prepare for the new school year, please be sure to read the September 2025 issue of the SPS Nursing News from our school nurses. This edition includes important information about required health forms, medication administration, physical exams, and tips for a smooth transition back to school.
We've extended the deadline for families to please complete their back-to-school forms as soon as possible (found on Aspen here), with a deadline of Oct. 1. We want to be sure that you are well-versed on our practices/procedures and that we have the most updated information about your child.
Additionally, permission-to-treat/emergency forms were sent to families in August. Contact your school nurse if you did not receive them.
Auditions for Salem High School's musical 'The Prom: School Edition' will be held Monday, Sept. 22 and Tuesday, Sept. 23. Information about the audition process and how to sign up for a time slot will be available outside SHS room 184.
Call-backs will take place Wednesday, Sept. 24 in SHS room 285.
Performances of 'The Prom: Student Edition' are scheduled for:
- Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.
For more information, contact Theater and Dance Director Ms. Leah Hamilton French at: lhamiltonfrench@salemk12.org.
The Salem Police Department is seeking applicants for crossing guard positions. To apply, contact the Human Resources Department at Salem City Hall at (978) 619-5630.
For more information, contact Lt. David Tucker:
- T: (978) 744-0171, ext. 50271
- E: dmtucker@salempd.net
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.