Salem Public Schools
Dear SPS families,
Recently, our technology team led by our Executive Director of Instructional Technology, Marc LeBlanc, shared a three-year technology plan after extensive engagement with educators, students and families.
You will notice a reference to the district strategic plan in the first pages of the slide deck. This is because the IT three-year plan aligns perfectly with priorities in the district plan. The plan is grounded in the mission and vision of the department which is centered on the following beliefs:
Belief in using technology to foster independence in learners as they access new knowledge and acquire the essential skills needed for life beyond the classroom;
Belief that technology is a critical tool for enhancing teaching and learning through engaging lesson design and data-informed practices;
Belief that families should have access to resources and communication tools in support of their student's education.
More specifically, the technology team’s work is focused on four key actions that are connected to the Salem Public Schools’ four strategic priorities:
Elevate Student Learning: Students are provided with the technology and resources to achieve academic success, consistent with the District’s commitment to elevating learning.
Empowering Educators: Educators have the technological resources to challenge students and meet their needs, consistent with our commitment to empowering educators.
Centering Belonging: The Technology Department provides training and the necessary resources to parents and families to support students, consistent with the district’s commitment to fostering belonging.
Strengthening the Foundation: Finally, the Technology Department provides accurate and understandable data used in decision making while maintaining safeguards and confidentiality, consistent with strengthening the district’s foundation.
The plan expands its four priorities in fine detail and outlines its lofty goals by school year 2025-2026. With this plan and the IT team’s commitment, our students and educators are poised to be equipped with the resources and the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
In closing, we urge you to join us to share your input as we make budget decisions for the 2024-25 school year. We’re hosting two public forums in February:
Tuesday, Feb. 6: In person at the Salem High School IMC/Library (6-7:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 13: Virtual at tinyurl.com/3AX87NHV (Passcode 941018) (5-6:30 p.m.)
Have a wonderful 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 Award goes to Salem High School theater and dance educator, Leah Hamilton French, who spearheaded the recent production of the Addams Family. Her work epitomizes our core value of belonging as she ensured that the show was inclusive of all students regardless of experience or background. Each student had the opportunity to showcase their talents through their assigned role in the production. The success of the show is only achieved through countless hours of preparation and practice. We are grateful for the positive impact that Ms. Hamilton French has had on our community. Take a bow!
Fresh off its highly successful project-based ‘Transitopia Studio’ learning experience, the 2024 Collins Middle School Showcase is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6-8 p.m., in the CMS Cafeteria.
The 2024 Showcase is open to all grade 5 students and families of the City of Salem who are interested in receiving an early start in a hands-on, immersive learning experience in grades 6-8 in programs such as STEM, Career Technical Education, field trips and immersive learning experiences, after-school activities and care and athletics programs.
We're thrilled to announce the release of the January issue of the SPS Nursing News! Our nurses have included important health information and suggestions for regional activities to help you enjoy the snowy winter season. Enjoy!
Salem Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services participates in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), a federally-funded program that provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at all of the elementary schools in our schools. The goal of the program is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, including new and different varieties, and to increase their consumption of fresh produce. This program is operated outside of regular breakfast and lunch programs and is available throughout the school day Tuesday through Thursday.
Registration for Salem's Adult Career Technical Initiative Program is open. Our hands-on, 12-week program is offered at no cost. Building Property Maintenance and Automotive Technology trainings begin Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Classes are scheduled Monday-Thursday from 5-9 p.m. To enroll, individuals must meet the specified requirements through MassHire. For more information, contact: jstonge@salemk12.org
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.