Update for March 5, 2021
Salem High School
Happy Friday!
Here is what is in this week's newsletter.
- Student Shout-Outs
- Change in schedule for ACCESS Testing
- March Parks and Recreation Events
- SHS News
- LEAP Center for Teens
- Progress Reports
- Appointments with Dr. Meier
- Student COVID-19 Testing
- SHS Community Office Hours
- SHS Department Updates
- Upcoming Events
- Weekly Reminders and Resources
Student Shout-Outs
Fiona Bautista
Ronan Eaton
Jordan Pimentel
Change in Schedule for ACCESS Testing
On March 17 and 18, only students taking the ACCESS Test and students designated as Tier 1 will be in person. All other students will be remote on those two days. Additionally, students will work ASYNCHRONOUSLY for part of those days (details to follow).
The Salem High School ESL Department appreciates your patience and flexibility on these days.
If you have any questions please contact Lynn Rosedale or call at 978-414-5710.
March Parks and Recreation Events
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
Progress Reports
Student COVID-19 Testing
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.
Please click here for more information.
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 Volleyball opened up the season with a hard fought match vs Saugus. The JV2 Volleyball will have their first match today at Marblehead. Football is working hard getting ready for their first game next Saturday 3/13 vs Swampscott and the winter track team starts up on Monday. Game Schedules can be found on : www.northeasternma.org.
the following guidelines have been developed for the reminder of the 2020/21 school year.
-Students who are failing/have Incompletes 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
The Black Cat kitchen and restaurant are being renovated. SHS received over $150,000 in MA Capital equipment funds for the project. In anticipation of our grand reopening our Culinary Arts instructors, Ms. Bridget Zanni and Ms. Laurie Vigna, are planning their future menu and offering samples to the faculty. Shown in the photo is Kevin Ramos preparing samples of Eggplant Parmigiana. Staff was also able to sample our homemade Chicken Noodle and Butternut Squash soups. They will be adding additional menu items weekly. We hope everyone is hungry for more!
College and Career Readiness Center
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!
COURSE SELECTION for Next Year!
School counselors will be presenting in English Classes beginning of March. The portal is OPEN in Aspen, start selecting your classes now! WATCH this Video to see how!!
Educator Scholars of Color! Salem State is looking to recruit you!
Interested in Teaching flyer? Come listen to SSU and hear what they have to offer.
Topic: Salem High School: Salem State University presentation
Time: Mar 31, 2021 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://salemstate.zoom.us/j/99696342158?pwd=cisrdVgvdmRvbFA4YmZETHlqbE1vQT09
Meeting ID: 996 9634 2158
Passcode: 178338
Internship Opportunity: Peabody Essex Museum is providing internship opportunities for SHS students. The Teen Advisory Internship begins on March 23rd. This internship will meet virtually after school (one monthly visit to PEM) on Tuesdays from 3-5pm with additional asynchronous assignments. Students, meeting all internship requirements, will receive a $500 stipend at the end of the 10-week experience. Students do not have to be interested in art to apply. Check out the Teen Advisory Internship Flyer for more information.
Family Resources:
How to Help a Teen out of a Homework Hole - is an article from the New York Times. It's a good read for teachers and parents alike.
Through Your Child's Eyes Tool - allows parents to watch brief videos that offer a student explanation as well as an expert on the topic to describe exactly what it feels like to experience struggles with reading, organization, etc.The expert sprinkles in some strategies that may help with the identified issue. Each identified struggle has multiple videos so that almost all of them have an example for elementary, middle and high school.
Group Schedule
Monday, March 8st at 7:00 PM EST BIPOC Group FLYER
Tuesday, March 9th at 7:00 PM EST
Wednesday March 10th at 7:00 PM EST
Thursday March 11th at 7:00 PM EST ***PLEASE note this is a new time***
School by Spring??? - This group will be offered the 3 different days and times listed above.
Thursday March 11th at 6:00 PM EST Spanish Group FLYER
JROTC
Warrior Witch Update
We recognized a few deserving Cadets this week in a virtual promotion ceremony. Six of our proud Cadets were promoted based on their accomplishments and their limitless potential.
Our promoted Cadets include:
- Cadet Lance Corporal Morrigan Fatal
- Cadet Lance Corporal Noemi Gaspar
- Cadet Private First Class Nadia Lebron
- Cadet Private First Class Mwamba Vassell
- Cadet Corporal Jordan Sweeney
- Cadet Sergeant Justin Sapozhnik
Our Cadets have been building their strength and endurance as they prepare for fitness and agility competitions. Additionally, we are practicing the basics of drill so we can proudly represent Salem High School at local Drill Competitions.
Semper fi,
The Witch Warrior MCJROTC Team
Pupil and Personnel Services
Post High Program
The students in the Post High Program have been preparing for the workforce by discussing the importance of Employability Skills. We discuss that experience with specific job skills are important, but employers also want to know that applicants have strong abilities in:
Communication
Teamwork
Problem Solving
Self-Management
Initiative
Planning
Learning
Technology
We discuss the meanings of each of these areas and give examples of each of these skills in action. We also connect this language to the jobs that the students are practicing throughout the day.
Student Activities
Starting March 9th, In person students who had their picture taken for their ID may go to Students Activities on the first floor by the cafeteria on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday during their lunch to pick up their Ids and a copy of their picture/order form.
Faculty members who had a picture taken, your IDs will be delivered to you by some of our fabulous students.
Teaching and Learning
Music Dept. Underrepresented Composers/Intentional Programming Project
The High School Music Dept. recently culminated a major department-wide project on Underrepresented Composers. One of the goals was to shift our mindset toward Intentional Programming for all future performances. Students were given the opportunity to choose a category based on Race, Religion, Gender, or Identity and were then grouped by their category. After significant time in research and discussion, each group presented their project in class which included musical selections by Underrepresented Composers that they would recommend to the group(s) for an upcoming concert. Each ensemble voted on the pieces presented and will perform the winning pieces at an upcoming concert this year.
Upcoming Events
March
- 8-12 - World Language Week
- 10 - Early Dismissal (12:12, Professional Development - SHS ONLY)
- 11 - Quarter 3 Midterm
- 17 - ACCESS Testing
- 18 - ACCESS Testing
- 24 - Early Dismissal (12:12, Professional Development - SHS ONLY)
- 25 - Quarter 3 Progress Reports Posted
- 30 - Teacher Conferences 2:05-3:00
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
Expectations for Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
Below is a guideline of what you should expect in terms of synchronous ("live") versus asynchronous ("independent") learning:
Teachers will record the direct instruction of the synchronous (live) portion of their lessons and upload them to Schoology, allowing students the flexibility to access the lessons at their convenience. The expectation is that the majority of synchronous lessons will be recorded so that students can access the learning in the future.
At least 50% of each lesson should be synchronous so that students have the opportunity to interact in real-time with their teacher and peers to support their learning. At Salem High School, we have determined that the beginning of each lesson will be synchronous.
Posted student assignments include a total of 2 hrs worth of learning activities such as: watching instructional videos, accessing resources posted by the teacher, and completing assignments.
Class assignments, updates, and feedback will be posted on Schoology by end of day each Friday for the following week.
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_