South Salem Elementary School commemorated the 20th anniversary of its reopening on Friday, Sept. 27, marking two decades since the school resumed operations in 2004 after nearly two decades of closure.
Current students, staff, alumni, and special guests got together to celebrate the school’s history and the community it continues to foster. Salem’s 20th anniversary of re-opening was filled with celebration, reflection, and community spirit as students and staff participated in various activities, including arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and a BBQ lunch.
Salem originally opened its doors in 1951, serving a growing population in Port Washington. Three alumni from Salem’s 1951 inaugural kindergarten class, Amy Bass, Doug Pitman and Larsen Hepner, attended the celebration. Along with Peter Pitman, another Salem alumnus, the group shared memories of their early days at the school, offering a unique connection to Salem’s legacy.
After operating for 34 years, Salem closed in 1985 and was used as administrative offices until the district decided to reopen the school in 2004 after a surge of enrollment.
At Friday’s pep rally, Christopher Shields, who reopened the school as Salem’s Principal, recognized the staff members who were part of the 2004 team and remain with the school today.
Pia Ferrante, Salem’s current Principal, honored retired faculty, staff and volunteers from the Home School Association who have supported Salem’s programs through the years.
The event also took a look back at Salem’s evolution, including changes to the school’s colors and mascot. The presentation concluded with a lively performance of the current Salem Song, written by Allison Friedman, and the original school song performed by faculty members Mr. Connolly and Mr. Akios.
The event served as a reminder that Salem is more than just a building—it’s a place where community thrives and past and present unite in the spirit of education and growth.
