Salem Public Schools
Dear SPS families,
Tomorrow we kick-off Black History Month! Salem Public Schools is proud to celebrate the contributions of African-Americans to American history and culture. As a school community, we are committed to centering belonging and removing barriers to equitable educational outcomes for all students. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we examine our efforts to create a welcoming environment where all students and families can thrive.
This year we will honor the life and work of Sarah Parker Remond and Robert Morris, who were both born in Salem and left a legacy of being remarkable civil rights leaders.
Ms. Remond attended Salem High School before SPS segregated its schools in 1834. Although she was excluded from school as a result, she went on to become a successful lecturer, speaking powerfully about both women’s rights and abolitionism. She also raised money through her lectures to support freed slaves after the war.
Mr. Morris was the country’s second African-American attorney (the first was Macon Bolling Allen). Mr. Morris advocated for integrated public spaces and equal rights for women, represented alleged fugitive slaves, and built a law practice with Irish immigrants. As a law student, Mr. Morris successfully petitioned the Salem School Committee to desegregate its schools in 1844.
Through the month of February, teachers and students will have the chance to dive into the legacy of Ms. Remond and Mr. Morris. We also encourage you to take advantage of the City’s Black History Month events and activities to reflect on the significance of Black History Month.
The following events are open to the public and will take place at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square (Tickets for the two theatre productions are free of charge, but attendees must register):
On Saturday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. (tomorrow), the Salem Human Rights Coalition is hosting its second annual celebration in partnership with the North Shore Juneteenth Association.. The program includes a vocal performance from Janey David, singer and songwriter from the Boston area. Several SPS students will also speak on what Black History Month means to them. Please see the informational flyer below.
On Feb. 21 at 7 p.m., History Alive—an immersive historically-themed theater company in Salem–will put on a show titled "Fashioning for Freedom,” which features a runway of Black creativity and activism from New England's past three centuries, including the Remond family of Salem.
On Sunday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., History Alive will put on a production “In Open Rebellion.” This play is set in 1774, as Salem prepared for its secret Provincial Congress. Commissioned in 2024 by the Essex National Heritage Commission and written by Kristina Wacome Stevick, the production delves into the lives of Salem's patriots, loyalists and enslaved Africans.
Finally, we need your input as we prepare our budget for the upcoming school year. We invite you to two public budget forums (please mark your calendars) and look forward to your feedback and insights.
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. at Salem High School
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. | Virtual: Join the Meeting
We will also be hosting a separate session for staff. Thank you in advance for your participation and engagement in the process.
Enjoy the weekend,
Steve
Students are often engaged in meaningful conversations about how to solve and persevere through complex grade level mathematical work, using precise mathematical language and utilizing varied strategies to explain their thinking. We appreciate the culture of high expectations that Mr. Mercier has built for the mathematicians in his classroom!
New Liberty Students Face Real-World Problems, Pressure in BUILD Presentations
A teacher is searching for ways to more effectively educate his students. A mother of two on a limited income is looking for ways to afford self defense courses while simultaneously eating healthy. A self defense instructor is struggling with maximizing time management while she runs her classes and seeks to invest in property. Each is a random, real-world problem to which the students of the New Liberty Innovation School must not only provide a solution, but present them to a panel.
Salem Public Schools Receives PRISM Grant to Support High-Quality Reading Instruction
Salem Public Schools is one of 15 schools in the Commonwealth to receive the Partnership for Reading Success in Massachusetts (PRISM) Grant for $30,000 to support early literacy success, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced Monday. Among the 15 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) selected, Salem was one of seven districts to receive the full amount for the remainder of the school year, alongside Peabody and Lynn.
VIEW GALLERY: Ota, Japan Educators Take in Bentley Academy Innovation School’s Dual Language Program
It’s a cultural exchange friendship that is in its 35th year. Educators from Ota, Japan — Salem’s sister city — visited the Bentley Academy Innovation School Tuesday morning to tour and observe dual language classrooms. The cohort flew to Boston Monday and spent part of the day at the Peabody Essex Museum. Following Tuesday’s observance at Bentley, the group enjoyed a meet-and-greet with Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo. On Wednesday, Ota educators will spend the day in New York City before flying back to Japan Thursday.
VIEW GALLERY: 35th Annual Salem State University Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation & Luncheon
Horace Mann Laboratory School fifth grade students Enmanuel de la Cruz Ureña, Erin Tafua, Johnny San and Rosely Mojica were honored Monday morning at the 35th Annual Salem State University Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation & Luncheon at SSU’s Sophia Gordon Theater and Veterans Memorial Hall. Last week, Mr. de la Cruz Ureña, Ms. Tafua and Mr. San were each named winners of the MLK, Jr., Essay Writing Contest while Ms. Mojica was named a runner-up.
The Salem Public Schools Early Childhood Expo Meet & Greet, which showcases kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and preschool programs, will take place Thursday, Feb. 6 (5:30-7 p.m.) at the Collins Middle School.
Additionally, SPS families can schedule in-person tours of each school that offers kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and preschool programming – Bates Elementary School, Bentley Innovation Academy, Carlton Innovation School, Horace Mann Laboratory School, Saltonstall School, Witchcraft Heights Elementary School and the Salem Early Childhood Center – on the following dates:
- The week of Feb. 10-14
- The week of Mar. 10-14
Eligibility for kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and preschool programs is as follows:
- Kindergarten: Children residing in Salem who will turn FIVE years old on or before Aug. 31 are eligible to start kindergarten in the fall of 2025.
- Pre-Kindergarten: Children residing in Salem who turn FOUR years old on or before Aug. 31 are eligible to enter the lottery for the SPS pre-K program in the fall of 2025.
- Preschool: Children residing in Salem who turn THREE years old on or before Aug. 31 are eligible to enter the lottery for the preschool program at the Salem Early Childhood Center in the fall of 2025.
For more information, contact the SPS Parent Information Center at pic@salemk12.org or telephone (978) 740-1225, or visit salemk12.org/families.
The Salem Human Rights Coalition, in partnership with the North Shore Juneteenth Association, showcases Black History and Culture at Old Town Hall, located at 32 Derby Sq. in Salem, MA, every weekend in February 2025. Programming will include entertainment, and education, in the form of poetry, fashion, theatrical performances and music.
Events will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 1 with a speaker series at 11 a.m., featuring comments from Mayor Dominick Pangallo and State Senator Joan Lovely. Other highlights of the month-long celebration include performances from Dencity, Greg Coles, the Salem High School Jazz Band, as well as a special collaboration with History Alive, and Salem 400+.
All events are free and open to the public. Donations to the SHRC support this work are welcome.
Eating disorders can affect kids and teens across all genders, races, and household income levels, though some may be at higher risk. Join Cartwheel and Dr. Amy Egbert ahead of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week to explore the complex factors behind disordered eating and how to support a loved one when you think they may have an eating disorder. This webinar will cover early signs and symptoms, practical tips for fostering supportive, non-judgmental conversations, and how to explore treatment options when you think that a loved one may have an eating disorder.
February is here.
This month includes a variety of delicious meals, cultural celebrations, and special events in our school cafeterias. This month, we’re highlighting scratch-cooked and locally sourced meal items and cultural heritage through food. From celebrating Dominican Independence Day and National Italian Food Day to honoring Black History Month, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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