Chronic absenteeism nearly halved since 2022

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Salem Schools Report Steep Drop in Chronic Absenteeism

New state data released Sept. 11 shows chronic absenteeism in Salem Public Schools fell from 34.0 percent of students in 2022-23 to 19.2 percent in 2025-26, a drop of 14.8 percentage points. That puts the district third-lowest among the state's 26 Gateway cities, behind Quincy and Attleboro, after ranking 18th in 2022, and slightly below the statewide rate of 18.8 percent. The district reported that all but two schools made significant progress over the four years; chronic absenteeism counts students missing 10 percent or more of school days.

Patch

Bat House Workshop Set for Ropes Mansion Garden

Bat biologist Maria Armour leads a hands-on workshop Saturday, Sept. 12, at Ropes Mansion Garden, teaching bat conservation and roost-box building.

Peabody Essex Museum

PEM Hosts Nature-Themed Collage Workshop

Peabody Essex Museum's Studio Saturdays session Sept. 12 explores nature and abundance through collage-making in the Create Space studios.

Peabody Essex Museum

Longest Table Community Dinner Comes to Salem Street

Salem Food Policy Council and Salem 400+ host a free outdoor community dinner on Salem Street Saturday, Sept. 12.

Salem 400+

Run Club Hosts 5K and Walk at Couch Dog Brewing

Runners and walkers meet at Couch Dog Brewing Co. Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m. for a 5K run or 1-mile walk, followed by drinks.

Destination Salem

'Cry Innocent' Puts Audience on the Witch Trial Jury

The interactive drama 'Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop' runs Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center.

History Alive, Inc.

PEM Screens Local Mini-Documentaries in 'Beyond the Broom'

Peabody Essex Museum's exhibition features more than 60 short films by local filmmakers on community traditions, on view Saturday, Sept. 12.

Creative Collective Essex County MA

Mike McGeown Plays Waterfront Acoustic Set at The Landing

Musician Mike McGeown performs a solo acoustic set Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at The Landing, an open-air bar at the Salem Ferry terminal on Blaney Street.

Witch City Today

'Steps Through 1692' Tour Explores Witch Trial Sites

Tours for Touring Tourists leads a walking tour of downtown witch trial landmarks Saturday, Sept. 12 from 5 to 6 p.m.

Creative Collective Essex County MA

Point Neighborhood Street Sweeping Set for Monday

The City of Salem will sweep streets throughout the Point neighborhood Monday, Sept. 14, with parking restrictions enforced all day.

City of Salem

Salem Seeks Feedback on New High School Design

The Salem High School Building Committee's online survey on the new school's design and visual identity is open through Sept. 23.

City of Salem

Guided Nature Walk Set at Choate Farm Saturday

Andrew Prazar leads a free, family-friendly nature walk starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, from the Choate Farm parking lot.

Patch

Salem Athenaeum Holds Monthly Philosophers Discussion

The Athenaeum's Modern Philosophers group meets Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. for shared readings and discussion.

Salem Athenaeum

Moon Over Salem Mini Fest Fills Cinema Salem With Music

Cinema Salem hosts an all-day music festival Saturday, Sept. 12, noon to 10 p.m., featuring Bad Idea USA, Cape Crush, and other bands, benefiting the Moon Rising Artist Scholarship.

Witch City Today