Principal's Page

August 2025

Dear Salem Families,

I am beyond excited to welcome all of our new Salem families and to welcome back our returning ones! While it’s hard for me to believe, I’m entering my 10th year as principal of our amazing school. Where does the time go? Each year seems to fly by faster than the last, and yet we still manage to pack in so much fun, learning, laughter, and community. This year will be no different. Get ready for another fantastic ride!

Over the summer, Ms. Hansen, Ms. Oldak, Nurse Pavlounis, our incredible custodians, our amazing H.S.A. presidents, and I have been busy preparing for a smooth and energized start. We’ve been hard at work planning exciting grade-level and school-wide programs, all aimed at enriching your child’s experience in ways that go beyond the traditional curriculum. Thanks to continued support from the Ed Foundation, HEARTS, and the H.S.A., we’re thrilled to bring back many of our beloved programs such as Storytime Theater, the Circus, HipHop Fundamentals, and Alvin Ailey (under a new name) along with a few new surprises we can’t wait to share!

Salem is truly a special place. I am so proud of the community we’ve built together. We’re more than just a school, we’re a family where everyone belongs and every voice matters. This year, we’ll draw inspiration from the message on our new mural: “Kindness is for Everyone.” This will set the tone for a year filled with unity, inclusion, and empathy as we continue to see and celebrate each family and child’s unique strengths and continue to build our commUNITY.

We’ll also continue our Salem R.O.C.K.S. character development program, which focuses on the core values of Respect, Outreach, Compassion, Kindness, and Sensitivity. These values are at the heart of everything we do, and we hope you’ll join us in modeling and reinforcing them at home.  Be sure to ask your child about our “Look Who ROCKS” certificates. They might just come home with one on a Friday for demonstrating one of those values.

We’ll also continue supporting our students’ social and emotional growth through the R.U.L.E.R. approach, helping them Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, and Regulate their emotions. These are life-long skills that help children thrive both in and out of the classroom, and we’re proud to be giving them this strong foundation.

Whether this is your first year with us or your last, we know each school year brings its own set of milestones, memories, and growth. Embrace the journey…it goes fast!

As we begin another school year, I’m filled with hope, joy, and anticipation for all that lies ahead. I can’t wait to see those smiling faces on September 3rd and to get this amazing year started! Be on the lookout for class placements towards the end of this week.

Salem ROCKS commUNITY!   

Warmly and with excitement, 

Dr. Ferrante