Salem Public Schools
SPS Families,
I hope that you are staying warm with the polar vortex whipping through the area. If you are looking for some first class entertainment during these cold winter nights, come check out ONSTAGE, the Salem High School drama club, and its performance of Chicago: Teen Edition, the legendary, award winning musical about fame, fortune, and acquittal. Performances are Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. at the SHS M. Ruth Norton Auditorium. Ticket information is as follows:
- $15 General Admission (at the door)/$12 Presale at SHSonstage.ludus.com.
- $10 Students, Seniors, and Active Military
- $5 student rush tickets will be available to SHS students during lunch the week of the show.
- View Press Release
These productions should not be missed. Our students' talent will be on full display!
I also want to share that we are entering our annual budget season. As has been discussed over the last year, we are presented with a challenging budget cycle. We are facing rising costs related to educator salaries (an important decision to be more competitive with neighboring communities), increases in operational costs and the loss of Covid-19 relief funds. We are facing a deficit that we will need to address with thoughtful programmatic, service and staffing reductions. We are committed to doing this by minimizing the impact on the student and classroom experience. We will use our strategic plan to guide our decisions.
As always, we want your input as we plan to submit a balanced budget to the city this Spring. More than ever, we need your feedback and insights. To this end, we invite you to two public budget forums. Please save the dates:
- 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 Forum
We will also be hosting a separate session for staff. Thank you in advance for your participation and engagement in the process.
Finally, we hope to see families and community members on Monday, Jan. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Espacio (96 Lafayette St./105 Congress St.) to discuss the Salem High School building project. We will discuss the goals of the project, the schedule, who is working on it, and what some of the possibilities are. Please note that the discussion will be in Spanish with English translation. Find the informational flyers here: English | Spanish | Portuguese
Have an excellent weekend!
Steve
We are thrilled to present this week's RockStar Award to Ms. Stephanie Dubois for her exceptional contributions as Head Cook at Saltonstall School. Stephanie consistently goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating incredible dedication to both the students and staff. Her flexibility and positive attitude shine through every day, whether she's tackling a challenging situation or collaborating with the team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Stephanie's commitment to excellence, her ability to adapt to changing needs, and her unwavering support for others make her a true asset to the community. We are deeply grateful for her hard work, kindness, and the positive energy she brings to the kitchen and beyond.
SHS Production of ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’ Showcases Efforts of Student Artists, CTE Students
ONSTAGE, the Salem High School Drama Club, presents Chicago: Teen Edition, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Salem High School M. Ruth Norton Auditorium (77 Willson Street, Salem, MA 01790).
VIEW GALLERY: Collins Middle School 2025 Showcase
It was standing room only Wednesday night at the Collins Middle School for its 2025 Showcase at which more than 100 grade 5 families learned about the School’s uniqueness. Families learned about and saw examples of our project-based learning approach that has enhanced the middle school experience (and attendance!) for our students as well as the lengths our educators go to empower our students to be high school-ready.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. at the SHS M. Ruth Norton Auditorium (77 Willson Street, Salem, MA 01790). The run time of this show is 1 hour 30 minutes, and includes a brief intermission. $15 General Admission (at the door)/$12 Presale at SHSonstage.ludus.com. $10 Students, Seniors, and Active Military. $5 student rush tickets will be available to SHS students during lunch the week of the show.
CHICAGO Teen Edition will feature performances by a cast of 26 SHS singers, actors, and dancers, and a pit band with a mix of professional and student musicians. Over 35 students have contributed to the designing, creating, and operation of technical elements (costumes, props, set, lights, and sound), both after school and as part of projects in Technical Theater and CTE classes.
CHICAGO Teen Edition is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
The Salem Public Schools Early Childhood Expo, which showcases kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and preschool programs, will take place Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, and Thursday, Feb. 6, in two capacities.
- The Virtual Town Hall is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. | Submit your questions now | Meeting Link
- The Meet and Greet Session is scheduled for 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 – from Mar. 3-14.
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.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) involves hurting oneself to manage strong emotions like pain, anger, sadness, or stress. This behavior can signal emotional distress and increased suicide risk, making it crucial for caregivers, school staff, and providers to understand and support those affected.
Join Cartwheel and Dr. Taylor Burke for a webinar to learn about some common reasons youth may engage in NSSI, warning signs, and effective ways to support youth towards healthier coping strategies.
Salem Little League Baseball/Softball Registration
Registration for the Salem Little League Baseball/Softball Spring 2025 season is open for players aged 4-16 years old in a variety of levels including:
BASEBALL (placement may involve evaluation)
Tee Ball: Ages 4-6
Coach Pitch/Farm: Ages 7-8
Minor or Major League: Ages 8-11
Major League: Age 12
SOFTBALL (placement may involve evaluation)
Coach Pitch/Farm: Ages 6-8
Minor or Major League: Ages 8-11
Major League: Age 11-12
Junior/Senior League: Ages 13-15
Fees for the season are currently at winter rates until Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Fees will escalate on Mar. 1.
The Salem Little League Baseball/Softball is also seeking parent volunteers. Contact Jason Glick, President, at Salemll.minors.director@gmail.com. For more information contact Ed Colbert, League Player Agent, at eddiecolbertiii@gmail.com, or visit the Salem Little League website.
Salem Boys Youth Lacrosse Registration
Registration for the Salem Boys Youth Lacrosse opens Monday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 9 for boys in grades 5-8.
Registration is hosted through the Swampscott Lacrosse Association, but Salem players will be registered on Salem teams.
Registration Link (Opens Monday, Jan. 13)
- Grades 5-6: Registration is free and equipment can be provided if necessary.
- Grades 7-8: Registration is $75 for athletes who need to borrow equipment; $50 for athletes with their own equipment.
Coaches are available after school hours to discuss all things lacrosse, season expectations and the registration process. For more information, contact Coach Razmaal Saunders at: rsaunders@salemk12.org or (978) 414-5775.
Witch City Elite Flag Football Tryouts
Witch City Elite Flag Football is holding tryouts for players aged 5-16 on Jan 23 (ages 5-12) and Jan 30 (ages 12-16) at Choice Fitness Elite on Route 1 in Peabody.
Tryout dates are as follows:
- Thursday, Jan. 23 (6-7:30 p.m.): Players aged 5-12 (as of Jan. 1, 2025)
- Thursday, Jan. 30 (6-7:30 p.m.): Players aged 12-16 (as of Jan. 1, 2025)
There is a $10 per player fee for tryouts (waived for current players). WCE holds regular practices and competes in various tournaments and recreational leagues throughout the year.
For more information visit Witch City Elite Flag Football on Facebook or contact witchcityelite@gmail.com.
Salem Public Schools’ National Soup Month meals kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 9 as students enjoyed tomato soup with grilled cheese across the district.
Soup can be highly beneficial: Soups help maintain hydration, and pack a variety of nutrients depending on their ingredients. Vegetables, legumes, grains, and lean proteins like chicken or fish can all contribute vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support health.
Upcoming National Soup Month meals include:
- Tuesday, Jan. 14: Chicken Noodle Soup
- Thursday, Jan. 30: Chili with Cornbread
Greeny?
The Earth Saver?
The Hunka Junka Truck?
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo invites the Salem community to participate in the naming of the Department of Public Services’ brand-new garbage truck. This special vehicle, designed to help keep Salem clean, is ready to hit the streets, and the City needs your input to help decide its name.
Voting is open until Friday, Jan. 31 at 12 p.m. The winning name will be revealed at a ribbon cutting for the truck, where the newly-named garbage truck, displaying its new moniker, will be unveiled.
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.