Salem Returns Update
News for our families from Salem Public Schools
A note from Steve Zrike, Superintendent
Salem Families,
We can’t wait to welcome your child back to school next week (Sept. 14th for grades 1-12 and Sept. 16th for Prek and K) virtually or in-person! Our educators have worked tirelessly to prepare for a strong start to this most unusual school year. They have participated in 11 days of training- familiarizing themselves with our learning management system, planning for the first few weeks of school, connecting with families, and reviewing our health and safety protocols. The team is poised to deliver a high-quality experience for each of our almost 4,000 students. We are excited about the opportunity to reconnect with your children and show off all our new learning.
This newsletter is filled with extensive information about the start of the school year- tech information, FAQs, hotlines, and guidance on how to best support your child. We want to be sure that you are prepared for our launch next week and we will continue to keep you up to date if anything changes. Remember, we will continue to host weekly Facebook Lives, regularly post on social media, and distribute our district newsletter. Additionally, feel free to reach out to your child’s school and/or teacher if you have further questions. We are all here to serve your family and we have appreciated your partnership as we navigate these uncertain times. Thank you for being flexible, patient and as always strong advocates for your children.
Best,
Steve
Preparing for the first day of school
We are all looking forward to the start of school this Monday with a lot of hope and a little predictable anxiety. By now, you should have heard from your school or classroom teacher with information about schedules. You should expect to hear from your teachers on a regular basis to keep you informed on schedules and learning opportunities such as Hubs and small group meetings. If you have not heard from your school, please contact them immediately.
We know that there are many questions about how to successfully use all of the technology to make remote learning work. The following sections aim to summarize where to go and what to do to start school on Monday:
ClassLink: ClassLink is the homepage for all Salem Public School Chromebooks where students will find all the programs they need for remote learning without needing separate links, passwords, or logins (with a few exceptions). This is where students should go to start their day. For instructions on how to get there, click here. (Spanish)
Zoom: Zoom is how classes will meet together using video. Class Zoom links are found in Google Classroom or Schoology. For instructions on how to use Zoom, go here. (Spanish)
Google Classroom: This is where preK-5 students will find all of the information from their teachers for their classes with all assignments, schedules, notifications, and other information. Follow this link (Spanish) to explore google classroom. If you can’t find your “classroom,” please contact your teacher!
Schoology: This is where grade 6-12 students will find all of the information from their teachers for their classes with all assignments, schedules, notifications, and other information. Follow this link (Spanish) to explore Schoology. If you can’t find your “course,” please contact your teacher!
If you need help, please contact your classroom teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a look and if you still have a question that was not addressed, please send it to publicrelations@salemk12.org
Still have an urgent need for a device or internet service?
If you still need a Chromebook or have an urgent need for internet access, our bi-lingual tech help desk phone line is live! You can reach the help desk at 978-619-1450 for assistance.
If you have further questions, please contact Marc Leblanc mleblanc@salemk12.org.
Food Services
Starting on 9/14: In-person students will be provided with breakfast and lunch while they are in the school buildings.
For our remote learners, the Food Service Department will offer breakfast and lunch to be distributed on Mondays (includes breakfast and lunch for 2 days), Wednesdays (includes breakfast and lunch for 2 days), and Fridays (includes breakfast and lunch for 3 days) at the following schools: Bates, Carlton, Collins, Horace Mann, Saltonstall and Witchcraft Heights. Distribution will be between 3-4 pm (changed from the 9-11 pickup time).
SPS will also be delivering breakfasts and lunches on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to:
Pequot Highlands 9:30 am- 10:00 am
Salem Heights 10:00 am- 10:30 am
Loring towers 10:45 am- 11:15 am
Rainbow Terrace 10:30 am- 11:00 am
Flu Vaccine
Partner Supports for Childcare: Spots still available!
Salem Public Schools is working to expand options for those families who are struggling with a lack of childcare. Please understand that the community does not have enough spaces to support every child and we are working to prioritize those most in need.
Current options are outlined below and may be subject to change as we move forward.
The Salem YMCA will operate Hub Extensions at Bentley, Bates, Horace Mann, Carlton, Witchcraft and their main site. To put your name on a waitlist or to find out more contact Libby Trejo at trejol@northshoreymca.org, 781-990-7085
*MULTIPLE SPOTS AVAILABLE* The Boys & Girls Club will operate a Hub Extension at Saltonstall as well as two Hub Extensions for elementary school students from any school operating at Collins. Please contact Barbara Marino bmarino@bgcgs.org or call 978 744 0915
*MULTIPLE SPOTS AVAILABLE* Campfire of the Northshore will operate two Hub Extensions for elementary school students from any school operating at Collins. To inquire about participation please contact Mary Cole at mcole@campfirenorthshore.org or 781-732-0223
*NEW AND MULTIPLE SPOTS AVAILABLE* Catholic Charities, while not operating in conjunction with Salem Public Schools is running a program in Peabody with full-day spots available. For information contact Nancy Shea at nancy_shea@ccab.org or 978-532-3600.
LEAP for Education will operate Hub Extensions at Collins Middle School and Salem High School beginning in October. To inquire about participation please contact Teen Center Coordinator, Vicki Tzortzis at vtzortzis@leap4ed.org
Welcome Back To School!
Salem Public Schools
Email: publicrelations@salemk12.org
Website: https://www.salemk12.org
Location: 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalemPublicSchools
Twitter: @SalemSchoolsk12