Salem High School advisory program reviews successes and future plans at board meeting

The Salem School Board held a planning session on May 27, 2025, focusing on the advisory program at Salem High School and the code of conduct for both Salem High School and Woodbury School. The meeting began with introductions from board members and a public participation segment, allowing community members to voice their opinions.

Superintendent Mara Palmer presented an update on the advisory program, which is now in its third year. The program aims to strengthen student connections, support well-being, and enhance the overall school experience. Advisory coordinator Bernie Campbell shared insights from a recent culture climate survey conducted with staff and students, highlighting the program's successes and areas for improvement.

Key highlights from the advisory program included a successful basketball tournament with 32 participating teams, a paper airplane contest, and ongoing activities like the Advisory Feud trivia competition. However, challenges were noted, particularly in engaging sophomore students and increasing participation in advisory activities. Efforts to revitalize interest in events like the lip sync contest and community service initiatives were discussed.

The board emphasized the importance of continuing to monitor the effectiveness of the advisory program as part of their annual goal-setting process. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine the program and enhance student engagement in the upcoming school year.