Salem High School CTE Receives $20,000 Gift from Angela’s Preschool and Daycare
Donation to support graduating Early Education seniors with expenses
SALEM (Apr. 19, 2024) – The Career Technical Education department at Salem High School received a $20,000 donation towards its Early Childhood Education track from Angela’s Preschool and Daycare, CTE Director and Co-op Coordinator Mario Sousa announced last week.
The donation will benefit graduating seniors in the Early Childhood Education program committed to remaining in education with expenses such as books or licensing costs.
The gift from Angela’s Preschool and Daycare is particularly timely as Governor Maura Healey announced an infusion of $3.4 million toward preschool expansion to several school districts in the Commonwealth, including Salem, on Apr. 3.
The Early Education track at SHS has expanded exponentially in recent years. Currently, eight seniors are on track to graduate in June, with 16 juniors, 34 sophomores and 30 freshman students currently enrolled.
“We are certainly grateful for the partnership with Angela’s Preschool and Daycare and its generosity,” said Mr. Sousa. “The $20,000 contribution will provide invaluable assistance to students embarking on their professional paths, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their pursuit of excellence in the field of early education.
“The program has always been strong here at Salem, and interest has grown with an on-site daycare facility,” Mr. Sousa added.
Per Governor Healey’s Apr. 3 announcement, Salem Public Schools will receive $250,000 from the Commonwealth to expand its preschool and daycare offerings with Angela’s Preschool and Daycare continuing to operate at Salem High School, and Pathways for Children at the Horace Mann Laboratory School.
“We are thrilled to offer this support to students pursuing a career in early education,” said Kelly Hiraldo, Founder of Angela’s Preschool and Daycare. “Investing in their success not only benefits them individually but also strengthens the foundation of early childhood education as a whole.”
Both the $20,000 gift and Governor Healey’s announcement are consistent with the core priorities of Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike’s 2023-26 Strategic Plan of elevating learning, empowering our educators, centering belonging and strengthening the District’s foundation.
Businesses interested in providing opportunities and donations to the CTE program are encouraged to contact Mr. Sousa at msousa@salemk12.org.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
