Salem Public Schools
SPS community,
Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating in the State of Massachusetts' Early College Day at the State House to discuss the importance of preparing students for both college and career opportunities. I highlighted the notion of college for career such that students want to see the relevancy and connection of their educational programming to their career pursuits.
The Salem Public Schools is fortunate to be part of this initiative where we have close to 20% of our juniors and seniors enrolled in credit bearing courses at Salem State University (SSU) and North Shore Community College (NSCC). We are proud that so many of our students, many of whom are first generation college goers, are getting the opportunity to build their confidence, skills and vision for higher education while high school students. Through our designations with SSU and NSCC our students can, at no cost, take strategically bundled courses around career pathways of interest along with our career and technical programming offerings at Salem High. Many graduate with upwards of 12 credits that can be transferable to Massachusetts' public 2-year and 4-year institutions.
The early results are incredibly promising as students who participate across the Commonwealth are 53% more likely to attend college and 60% more likely to persist in college than comparable peers. These are game-changing, unique opportunities that we offer in Salem that truly prepare our students to enroll, persist and thrive once they leave our schools.
Please be sure to check out Descendants The Musical this week at Collins Middle School. You will not want to miss this array of amazing talent!
Have a nice weekend,
Steve
At Salem Public Schools, we are recognizing one staff member a week who exemplifies our core values of celebrating differences, facilitating collaboration, fostering innovation, creating equity and access, growing all students, and upholding high standards for all. We are surprising a deserving SPS team member with a rock star trophy.
This week's rockstar is Bianca Maldonado, Carlton and Horace Mann's bus 12 driver. She also transports Salem High's Early College students to Salem State University, takes Witchcraft students home after YMCA 21C programming, and does countless other field trips and athletic trips across our schools. In the words of Ms.Tully, Horace Mann's principal, "Bianca provides a safe, predictable space for our students day in and day out. Her caring and firm demeanor supports all of our students". Bianca truly makes a difference in the day of our students and they always look forward to starting and ending their school day on her bus.
In March, we recognize National Disability Month. At Salem Public Schools, we wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate all abilities, emphasizing strengths wherever we find them.
From a counseling standpoint, a common approach we use to address and normalize diverse abilities and challenges is through reframing. For instance, if a student expresses frustration regarding another student's particular vulnerability, we can offer a simple shift in perspective: "We are all working on something." By normalizing individual struggles, we illuminate our shared humanity and create space for each person to authentically be themselves and grow in their own unique manner.
We encourage families to adopt this perspective when navigating difficult conversations sparked by their children concerning other students. If we remind our children that everyone is dealing with their own challenges, we can create an environment where everyone is accepted and celebrated for who they are.
Attention SPS parents and caregivers: Our school nurses will be leading lessons on personal hygiene and puberty in all 4th- and 5th-grade classes across the district. If you are interested in learning more about the program or have specific questions about the material, please consider attending our family webinar on Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2024 at 6:00.
Webinar ID: 830 8097 3828
Interpretation in Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole will be provided.
The New Liberty Innovation School will host its second annual Basketball Tournament Fundraiser Saturday, Mar. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Salem High School.
The tournament will consist of 10 teams and will be played in a single elimination format. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit NLIS student activities including helping fund senior dues, the senior family dinner, learning opportunities and internships as well as community building initiatives.
It is MCAS season in Salem! All students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 in Salem will be taking the MCAS in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Students in grades 5 and grade 8 will be taking the science, technology and engineering MCAS. Depending on the science course that our high school students are taking, they might be assigned to take a biology, chemistry, physics or technology/engineering MCAS this spring.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award, which honors the contributions of one teacher from the Salem Public Schools and one from Marblehead Public Schools, each with a $500 unrestricted award. Teachers, other school employees, parents, students and citizens may nominate a teacher by submitting a detailed letter explaining why the teacher should be honored.
Submit a Nomination: English Form | Spanish Form
Salem Public Schools is pleased to announce the availability of COVID test kits at all our schools' main offices and health offices. If you require a test kit, kindly contact your school nurse or main office to coordinate pickup. It is important to note that we do not have an in-school testing program. In the event of illness, students will be sent home, and families have the option to conduct COVID testing at home. Please refer to our sick-day guidelines on the district website or consult your school nurse before deciding whether to send your child to school. Your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for all is greatly appreciated.
A reminder that ParentSquare is the district platform for communication. You will receive communication from the district, your school, and your student's classroom all in one space. You can communicate 1-to-1 with teachers, sign up for parent-teacher conferences, and more.
This is the primary communication platform for all Salem Public Schools. All messages and alerts come through ParentSquare and the app makes 1-to-1 communication with your student's teachers and signing up for guardian/student conferences a breeze. 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.