Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools - Weekly Update
Friday, March 15, 2024
Superintendent's Message
SPS community,
Trimester 2 report cards are currently available for K-8 students in the Aspen Family portal. Directions for how to access your child’s report in the portal can be found here (English Spanish Portuguese). Please also remember that Family Conferences are on Wednesday, Mar. 20. You should have received detailed information in your school’s family newsletter about how to register for a conference and if you have any questions, please contact your school directly.
In every grade 3-8 classroom across the district, we are trying out a formalized process for engaging students in reviewing their report card and setting goals. Classroom teachers will be facilitating this reflection activity with their students on Tuesday, Mar. 19. This is an opportunity for students to understand and make meaningful connections to the information on their report card. Students will receive a printed color copy of their report card and will be guided in reviewing their progress on standards, ratings on personal growth categories and overall attendance. Students will be asked to set personal goals in addition to thinking about the ways the adults in their lives (teachers and adults at home) can help them achieve these goals in the coming weeks. We believe this will be an empowering activity for students.
At the end of the day on Tuesday, Mar. 19, grades 3-8 students will be asked to bring home with them the printed color copy of their report card and their reflection sheet. We invite family members to ask students to share their reflection sheet with you. If your child did not complete it, feel free to do this with them at home, and most importantly, take 15 minutes to review your child’s reflections, ask them about their goals and what you can do at home to help them achieve their goals between now and the end of the school year. And, if you plan to attend conferences on Wednesday, March 20, feel free to bring your child’s reflection sheet with you.
We believe this simple activity will empower students to take deeper interest in their progress and learning and is an important step toward developing as an independent learner. Should you want to review the reflection sheets, they are attached below for your reference. We look forward to any feedback you might have.
- Grade 3 Reflection Sheet: Spanish | Portuguese | English
- Grade 4-8 Reflection Sheet: Spanish | Portuguese | English
Enjoy the weekend!
Steve
And the rockstar award winner is.....
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.
The rockstar award this week goes to Collins 7th grade ELA teacher, Jon Workman, who is the team manager for Salem's middle school Destination Imagination (DI) team (students from Collins and Saltonstall). Leading this team requires working closely with students at school, nights, and weekends for months to complete DI projects. The team performed at the state competition a few weekends ago and was victorious! We appreciate the extensive time and preparation that Mr. Workman has given to bring out the very best from our students.
It is MCAS season in Salem! All students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 in Salem will be taking the MCAS in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Students in grades 5 and grade 8 will be taking the science, technology and engineering MCAS. Depending on the science course that our high school students are taking, they might be assigned to take a biology, chemistry, physics or technology/engineering MCAS this spring.
Congratulations to our Mr. Colin Perry, named to the City of Salem Poet Laureate Committee by Mayor Dominick Pangallo. An eighth-grade ELA teacher at Collins Middle School, Mr. Perry is a graduate of Lesley University and is currently earning his master's degree at Salem State University.
VIEW: SPS NURSING NEWS
We're thrilled to announce the release of the March issue of the Salem Public Schools Nursing News! Our nurses have included important health information and suggestions for regional activities to help you enjoy the late winter/early spring season.
March is National Nutrition Month, kicked off by celebrating all the nutritional value that comes with eating school breakfast. The goal of National Nutrition Month is to prioritize nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods and making informed choices that support our well-being. Let's celebrate the power of nutrition in fueling our bodies and minds for success, both inside and outside the classroom. To close out the Month we will be sharing Nutrition tips and fun facts on the Salem Food and Nutrition Services social media pages and displaying fun nutrition content on cafeteria TVs in all Salem schools.
Additionally, after serving after-school dinner the last few months, we would like to receive student feedback on what meals they enjoy most and what meals they would like to see.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR MARGARET VOSS HOWARD TEACHER RECOGNITION AWARD
Nominations are currently being accepted for the Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award, which honors the contributions of one teacher from the Salem Public Schools and one from Marblehead Public Schools, each with a $500 unrestricted award. Teachers, other school employees, parents, students and citizens may nominate a teacher by submitting a detailed letter explaining why the teacher should be honored.
Submit a Nomination: English Form | Spanish Form
KNOW A STUDENT PASSIONATE ABOUT LGBTQ+ ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP?
These initiatives offer a platform for students to engage, network, and make meaningful contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
1. Massachusetts GSA Student Leadership Council: Statewide Council Member
The Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students is thrilled to announce the application process is open for the Statewide GSA Student Leadership Council. This opportunity is open to rising 9-12 grade students from all regions of Massachusetts. Selected students will serve on the council until June 2025, contributing to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
Click here for more information and application information
2. Annual GAYLA Celebration
Nominate a student (or two) to attend the MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth’s Annual GAYLA. To ensure all youth attendees feel comfortable and confident, a wardrobe stipend will be provided to assist with suitable attire, and dinner will be provided.
Click here to learn more about to nominate a student
3. Call for Nominations: Outstanding LGBTQ+ Student Advocates
We are excited to announce our call for nominations, recognizing outstanding high school students who have made significant contributions to advancing LGBTQ equality within their schools or communities. This recognition aims to spotlight the remarkable efforts of young individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Selected nominees will have the opportunity to attend the MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth Gayla on March 30, 2023, at the Royal Sonesta, Boston, with a wardrobe stipend provided to support their attendance.
The New Liberty Innovation School will host its second annual Basketball Tournament Fundraiser Saturday, Mar. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Salem High School.
The tournament will consist of 10 teams and will be played in a single elimination format. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit NLIS student activities including helping fund senior dues, the senior family dinner, learning opportunities and internships as well as community building initiatives.
ACCESS STUDENT CLASSLINK AT HOME
Did you know that students can access ClassLink and all their apps from home without their Chromebook? Using this guide, families have access to many of the resources that students have in the classroom. These guides are available in four languages.
COVID Test Kits Available
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.
Virtual Backpack
Welcome to the Virtual Backpack. This is a space where we will place items that in the past may have been a flyer in your student's backpack from friends and partners to SPS.
Download the ParentSquare App
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.