Update for April 1, 2021
Salem High School
No April Fools' - Happy Thursday!
Here is what is in this week's newsletter.
- Student Shout-Outs
- Autism Acceptance Month
- No School April 2
- ALICE Drill April 5
- Change in Student COVID-19 Testing Process
- Amnesty Days
- Spring 2021 MCAS - NEW INFORMATION FOR CLASS OF 2022!
- SHS News
- LEAP Center for Teens
- Appointments with Dr. Meier
- SHS Community Office Hours
- SHS Department Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Weekly Reminders and Resources
Student Shout-Outs
Christin Napierkowski
Autism Acceptance Month
As we work to become a more inclusive and antiracist community, it's imperative for us to embrace all of our diverse students. April is commonly referred to as Autism Awareness Month, we not only want to promote autism awareness but wish to elevate that to acceptance.
We want to invite you to join us in learning more about our community here at Salem High School who are on the autism spectrum or those who identify as autistic by sharing several resources with you and encouraging us all to continue the conversations to build our capacity to include all members of our community into this vital work. We ask that you carve out time to listen to, learn from, and amplify the voices of those on the Autism Spectrum, so we can continue our work to become a more holistic, equitable, and inclusive community.
No School April 2
ALICE Drill April 5
What is ALICE? ALICE is an acronym that stands for:
- ALERT: Get the word out that a threat exists
- LOCKDOWN: Secure a place to stay as much as possible as a starting point to buy time. Barricade if necessary, move to a safe spot with escape in mind.
- INFORM: Give constant, real-time information throughout the building using all available technology. Communication keeps the shooter off balance.
- COUNTER: Apply skills to distract, confuse, and gain control by using noise, movement, distance, and distractions. This is the last resort. Individuals are unable to e
- EVACUATE: To reduce the number of potential targets for the shooter and reduce the chances of victims resulting from friendly fire when help arrives. Take advantage of time and distance from threat. The goal is to move students out of the danger zone. It’ s important to be prepared to escape.
Goal: Maximize survival with the objective to escape from harm, get law enforcement on scene quickly, decide and act, and interrupt the intruder’s decision action cycle.
- Does Salem Public Schools have plans and procedures in place for crisis situations? Yes. The Salem Public Schools consider the safety of students and staff their highest priority and have developed strong crisis plans and procedures for our schools. Although we hope we will never need to activate these procedures, we conduct regular drills and review our plans annually.
- Why do we need to add anything more? Isn ’t it enough just to lock the building and keep students inside if someone is threatening them? Traditionally, schools have used a procedure known as “lockdown ” which essentially means locking the school building and classrooms and having students and teachers take shelter in their classroom. We believe that offering additional age-appropriate options will allow our students and teachers to be better prepared if a crisis situation occurs. Providing a constant flow of information to everyone inside the building can allow opportunities to safely evacuate the building. Rescue by the police can take some time. An important goal of the ALICE program is to evacuate as many people as possible to a safe place.
- How much time will the training take away from learning? ALICE training will take the place of the lockdown drills we’ve been doing. The length of the training time for students may range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending upon the age of the students.
- How will students be trained? Training will be age-appropriate and will take place in the classroom with their teacher leading the discussion. Discussions with younger students will be an extension of “ stranger danger ” discussions and focus on listening carefully to the teacher in case of an emergency and following directions promptly.
Amnesty Days
Change in Student COVID-19 Testing Process
Remember that we offer free COVID testing to all in-person students! I encourage everyone who is attending in person to take advantage of this opportunity. It is an added layer of protection that helps us keep our schools open. If you would prefer a paper consent form, please puck one up at the nurses' office, the front desk, or Mr. Mruk or Ms. Mullen's offices on the first or second floors.
Beginning on Monday, April 5 - testing will be done by the school nurses! See the following message below:
STUDENT COVID TESTING has been moved! Come see us, socially distanced of course, to get your COVID nasal swab testing done. We will be seeing all students over 18, anyone under 18 whose parents have consented them for testing, or if you're not sure- email us and we will check your consent status. Rebecca Likins or Kaitlyn Farinelli.
Feel free to stop by between classes, during your lunch block, or email us to schedule a specific time. We do ask that you DO NOT come down in large groups with your friends, as we will not be able to accommodate you all at appropriate distances.
We're excited to see you all back safely and healthy!
Nurse Rebecca & Nurse Kait
Please click here for more information.
Spring 2021 MCAS
Note: The following guidance was released today regarding juniors (Class of 2022): The Commissioner recommended to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education that the competency determination (CD) requirement be modified in English language arts and Mathematics for students in the class of 2022 who have not yet earned their CD, in recognition of the missed testing opportunities for that class. As a result, the upcoming MCAS administration window scheduled to open on May 3rd will no longer be required for current 11th graders. Seniors may still participate in the tests this spring to qualify for the Adams Scholarship and Koplik Certificate of Mastery. Juniors who do not participate this spring will be able to test for scholarship purposes during the retest period in fall 2021.
Class of 2023 (10th grades)
- ELA : May 3 and 4
- Math: May 10 and 11
Class of 2024 (9th grade)
- Biology: June 7 and 8
Please see the attached letter for more information.
Please use the attached form to indicate whether your student(s) will be participating in the Spring 2021 administration of the Math, ELA, or Biology MCAS exams. Please note that successful completion of these exams is a graduation requirement in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for students currently in grades 9, 10, and 11, and that if your student does not take and pass this administration, they will be required to take and pass it at a future date in order to earn a diploma. This form is only intended to gather information about participation so that we can arrange for a safe testing environment. Please complete one form for each student you have at Salem High School who is required to take the MCAS exam(s).
SHS News
LEAP Center for Teens
The following are year-long programs:
Brothers for Success - a peer support group for young men. This is a place to talk about challenges, successes, and things that come up in day-to-day life.
Social Justice Initiative - A space where we talk about the injustices that exist both in the country and our community. We have had conversations about US history, racism, housing inequality, the judicial system, and the election.
Writing Club - A group that works to improve their creative and academic writing.
Tech Club - In this program students learn how to code, make graphic designs, design websites, and about STEM careers like engineering, architecture, and the medical field.
EL Street - A group for students who are learning English as a second language to improve their language skills. This year, students are working on a project in collaboration with PEM, and students in this group are paid for their participation!
You can register for the Teen Center by filling out this link, https://forms.gle/J6w9tVtEezgeZsFSA
Appointments with Dr. Meier
SHS Community Office Hours
Salem High School Students:
•Need a place to study?
•Need extra help?
•Want a change of scenery?
Pop into the Salem High Community Office, located at the Saltonstall Auditorium, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8pm. We would love to see you there Witches!
Athletics
Witches Track competed well vs Winthrop yesterday. Volleyball played a tough Winthrop team on Tuesday and are ready for Marblehead today. Football lost a tough fought game on Saturday and are ready to get back at it this Saturday vs Saugus. Game Schedules can be found on : www.northeasternma.org.
The following eligibility guidelines have been developed for the remainder of the 2020/21 school year.
-Students who are failing/have Incompletes in more than 50% of their courses will not be eligible to practice or participate in competitions. They will have access to support from the student study hall after school with the Athletic Department Academic Coach and the potential of reattaining eligibility mid-season.
-Students who are failing/have incompletes for up to 50% of their courses and passing the majority of their core content/graduation requirement courses will have the ability to try out and participate in practices under conditions outlined in an agreement with the Athletic Department Academic Coach to be signed by the student athlete and their parent/guardian. These students will have the ability to earn their way back into competitions once they have 2 or fewer failing/incomplete courses.
-Students who are failing 1-2 courses are eligible to practice and participate in competitions but must continue to check in with the Athletic Department Academic Coach in regard to their academic progress.
-Students failing no courses will have full eligibility and access to the Athletic Department Academic Coach and the student athlete study hall as needed. Study Hall will meet on Monday and Thursday in room 316 or via zoom from 2:30-4:00.
Athletic Department Academic Coach- Graeme Marcoux
Email: gmarcoux@salemk12.org
Google Voice: 978-219-4390
Thank you and Go Witch !!!!
Career and Technical Education
Eight students in the SHS Medical Assisting program and in PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science have applied to participate in a 1 week virtual program at Harvard Medical School. The students’ tuition will be funded by the READ trust. They are:
Norelys Mendez Rivas
Jasmine Sanchez
Marisabel Pimental
Leena Sarhan
Isabella Cunha
Jessica Sapozhnik
Christa Stewart
Neely Harrington
College and Career Readiness Center
Featured Scholarship:
The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund offers renewable, four-year scholarships to students with financial need who display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others (in school, their community, or at home), a strong work ethic, and leadership qualities.
SENIORS- PAID INTERNSHIP
Salem Public Schools is looking for SHS seniors to provide support and mentoring in our elementary schools. This paid internship will take place in elementary schools throughout Salem during the school day. Please complete this form if you are interested in this internship opportunity. Please contact Karyn King Fargo, SHS Internship Coordinator, call/text 781-771-0891 or kkingfargo@salemk12.org. Please complete this form if you are interested in this internship.
Summer Acceleration Academy
Where: Online with meetings on campus on Fridays
When: Summer 2: 7/9/21 to 8/20/21
Monday-Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm online and
Fridays 9:00am-12:00pm on Lynn Campus
What:
13 College Credits: Math Literacy, Understanding Higher Education and Careers, English Composition.
Personalized Support Coach throughout the program
Academic and Non Academic Workshops
Orientation to College life and support services
Transition and Advising to study in the Fall
Eligibility: CD Waiver. High School transcript review
Contact: Earlycollege@northshore.edu
Phone: 781-488-1576
Link to apply:
NSCC Summer Acceleration Academy
Caregivers:
This week our Parents Supporting Parents Group is focusing on how the transition back to school may impact students and families. We will be sharing and explaining a resource that we have created based on conversations with clinicians and parents to help caregivers know what to expect and/or look for when their students return to school and how to manage issues that may arise due to this transition.
Group Schedule
Monday, April 5th at 7:00 PM EST BIPOC Group FLYER
Tuesday, April 6th at 7:00 PM EST
Wednesday April 7th at 7:00 PM EST
Thursday April 8th at 7:00 PM EST
What to Expect and how to Handle the Full Return to School - FLYER
- This group will be offered the 3 different days and times listed above.
Thursday April 8th at 6:00 PM EST Spanish Group FLYER
SENIORS! Salem HS Scholarship Questionnaire!
Take a moment to fill this out.
Salem receives several thousands of dollars donated by wonderful community members.
Complete this Google Form and upload your information. Don't miss out!
Internships
SPS Information Technology Internship
Marcus Ly joined the SHS internship class in September 2020 and began his internship in December. Marcus’s interest in computers and technology led to his internship with the Salem Public Schools IT Department. The internship class provides opportunities for students to explore career interests, research careers, and develop professional skills such as effective communication and time management prior to beginning an internship experience. Marcus entered his internship with experience in technology and computer maintenance and works closely with the SPS Tech Support Team to continue to build on these skills by repairing chromebooks and assisting teachers with setting up for hybrid learning.
JROTC
(1) Excel in both military and scholastic activities during the year.
(2) Be in good standing in all military and scholastic courses at the time of selection and presentation of the award.
(3) Have indicated, by grades, extracurricular activities, individual endeavor, and a desire to serve the United States.
(4) Have committed to continue in the MCJROTC program for the next school year.
Bravo Zulu Jordan!
Student Activities
Teaching and Learning
Students in Ms. Duey's PLTW Human Body Systems class created physical models of a neuron out of household items. The sample below was submitted by student, Oliver Zhong.
Upcoming Events
April
5 - ALICE Drill
6-9 - Seal of Biliteracy Testing
9 & 12 - Amnesty Days
12 - End of 3rd Quarter
13 - SATs
13 - Ramadan begins
14 - Early release professional development
19-23 - April Vacation
20-23 - Senior Academy
26-30 - Equity Week
27 - SATs
28 - PSATs (9th & 10th grade)
29 - Picture Retakes
29 - Report Cards posted
Regular Reminders and Resources
Chromebooks and Headphones
Safety Protocols and Logistics for In-Person Learners
Arrival/Dismissal procedures
Arrival - All students enter through the main doors. Masks must be worn and students must sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer when they enter.
Dismissal - Students taking the bus or getting picked up will exit through the main entrance. Students who are walking or drive themselves to school will exit through the “auto doors.”
Travel between classes
The main hallways have clearly marked travel “lanes;” smaller hallways and stairwells have been designated and marked as one way.
Assigned seating charts in every class
Classroom teachers will create a seating chart for each period.
Desks in common areas will be assigned an identifier and students will complete a Google form with the date, period, location, and desk number.
Bathroom usage and distancing enforcement
Only one student will be permitted out of the classroom at a time.
Reduced occupancy has been identified for each bathroom to allow for physical distancing.
Markers have been placed outside of bathrooms to allow for physical distancing.
Bathroom monitor is present at each bathroom to ensure that safety protocols are followed.
Electronic passes will be used instead of paper passes to reduce the chance of transmission.
Bathrooms will not be open during passing periods. Students may only use the bathroom during class time.
Lunch
Students will be assigned to a lunchroom.
Lunches will be grab and go.
Students will wipe desks and chairs before passing to next class.
Signing in and out of a classroom
Electronic passes will be used instead of paper passes to reduce the chance of transmission.
Safety procedures
Masks will be worn at all times except when eating. Gaiters, bandanas, and masks with valves may not be worn.
Physical distancing will be maintained in all spaces.
Students will wipe down their desks and chairs before passing to the next class.
Bathrooms will be disinfected by custodial staff four times per day.
Nurses
Students will not be allowed to go to the nurses’ office this year.
Nurses will go to the students’ classroom for any medical needs.
Problems with Internet?
Shamus Mruk for 9th, 10th, grade and the Newcomer Academy (smruk@salemk12.org)
Lynne Mullen for 11th, 12th, and the Bridge Academy (lmullen@salemk12.org)
School Reopening FAQ
Transportation Protocols
The Salem Public Schools transportation department, and all transportation contractors used by Salem Public Schools, will follow the DESE released on July 22nd, 2020. This section refers specifically to in district transportation, however, the procedures will be followed for out of district transportation, as well.
The bus riding experience will be different this year than it has been in the past. While “big buses” usually have a capacity of around 72, because students will be required to sit one student per seat, alternating window and aisle seats, only 24 students will be able to be on a school bus at one time. Transporting the same number of students at the same time as in previous school years would therefore take three times as many buses. This is a challenge all school districts are facing, compounded by a lead time of six to eight months for acquiring new school buses, and a nationwide school bus driver shortage. To mitigate these challenges, SPS has requested that only people who have no other way to get to school fill out an application for transportation. While the reduced usage will help, we anticipate staggering bus times and providing before and after school supervision, as routes will have to be doubled in order to accommodate all students. This will depend on the school schedule and final ridership.
Core health and safety practices
Several core practices will support safe school bus operations this fall:
Masks: All staff and students on the bus, regardless of age, are required to wear masks at all times. Exemptions for students due to medical and/or behavioral reasons – and associated protocols – are further described later in this guidance.
Distance: Students should be seated no more than one student per bench, alternating sides for each row, which allows students to maintain approximately 3 feet of physical distance. Children from the same household may sit together and in closer proximity (e.g., two students per bench). See diagram above.
Ventilation: Keep windows open at all times during operation, unless not possible due to extreme weather conditions.
Seat assignments: Students should be assigned to a single bus and a particular seat.
Hand Hygiene: Students and staff will use hand sanitizer upon entering the bus. Dispensers will be at the entrance to the bus within view of the driver or monitor.
The guidelines for families and children taking the bus are as follows:
Parents or guardians of students will be asked to do a wellness check on their children before they leave the house to ensure that they are symptom free.
If a child has any of the symptoms mentioned above, they must be kept at home. The family should also contact their health care provider.
All students will be required to wear a face mask while waiting at the bus stop and for the duration of the bus ride. There are no exceptions to this requirement on the “big buses.” Families with students with disabilities should check with their child’s Special Education Team Chairperson if an exception is needed for door-to-door transportation.
Students must be reminded to maintain 6ft physical distancing from other students at bus stops.
Once the bus arrives at the bus stop, the children will board the bus one by one. The monitor will instruct them to sanitize their hands.
The monitor will also observe the student to ensure that they are not exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19. If possible, an adult should wait with the student at the bus stop in case they need to be sent home. If that is not possible, and a student is displaying symptoms on the bus, the driver will alert dispatch, who will alert the school. The symptomatic student will be the last student to leave the bus, and will be isolated with the school nurse as soon as they get to school.
Students will be assigned seats, starting from the back to the front, and will be asked to board the bus in that order.
Students will sit one student per seat, alternating between window and aisle seats.
Once the bus arrives at the assigned school, the students will exit the bus one by one from front to back.
The bus will be cleaned and disinfected after every load of students.
In order to protect all students and staff, students who do not wear masks, or who remove them during the bus ride, will be addressed by the bus monitor. If the mask is still not worn, the child will conference with a counselor and/or administrator. If the child refuses to wear the mask, families will be contacted, and a solution will be agreed upon, including up to loss of bus riding privileges.
Guidelines for Families who are Transporting their Own Child
It is essential for all families to follow all arrival and dismissal procedures. If you are dropping off your child at the high school, please use the outer driveway (not the one closest to the building, which is designated for busses and emergency vehicles). ONLY the main entrance will be open for student entry. Students will be required to don their mask before exiting the vehicle, and families must complete the daily self-screening before dropping their child at school. Drivers must stay in their cars the entire time. If a parent or guardian needs to enter the school, they must park their car and enter the main entrance only. Everyone who enters the building must wear a mask.
Stop the Spread COVID Testing
Massachusetts residents can receive free COVID-19 testing as part of the state’s “Stop the Spread” initiative.
Testing in Salem is available via a drive-through outside of Salem High School, 77 Wilson Street, on the following days and hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 4pm-8pm; Saturdays 10am-3pm. You can pre-register by clicking this link to speed up the testing process; pre-registration is not required. On weekdays, do not arrive at the High School site prior to 3:00 p.m. due to school dismissal traffic. Please be aware that during testing at this site, the line may be temporarily closed to new vehicles when traffic reaches Willson Street; the queue will be reopened to new vehicles once the line clears enough to allow more cars to enter. If the line is temporarily closed when you arrive, return in 15-30 minutes to see if it has opened back up again.
Testing is also be offered via walk-up inside at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, on the following days and hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesadys 9am-2pm; Thursdays 1pm-6pm; Fridays 9am-1pm. You can pre-register by clicking this link to speed up the testing process; pre-registration is not required.
Testing will not take place on holidays. No proof of insurance or citizenship is necessary. Testing is via nasal swab, administered by EMTs from Fallon Ambulance, and processed via RT PCR at the Broad Institute Laboratory. Test results are returned, whether positive or negative, to the resident within 48 hours. You do not need to be symptomatic, quarantining, or have been in proximity to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in order to receive this testing. If you have been tested and have not received your results within 48 hours, or have additional questions, please call 617-745-2100, extension 513.
Residents can also receive free COVID-19 testing at any of the Stop the Spread sites throughout the Commonwealth. For a complete list of Stop the Spread testing sites in Massachusetts, please visit www.mass.gov/stopthespread.
Salem High School
Email: smeier@salemk12.org
Website: https://spssalemhs.salemk12.org/
Location: 71 Willson Street, Salem, MA, USA
Phone: 978 745-9300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Salemhighschool.ma
Twitter: @_SalemHigh_