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Sandwich Public Schools

A legacy of purpose and possibility

Blue Knight Highlights for September 1, 2025

Posted Date: 09/01/25 (10:03 PM)


Blue Knight logo of the Sandwich Public Schools

Blue Knight Highlights

What's Happening in the Sandwich Public Schools

September 1, 2025

Welcome Back!

Five Oak Ridge students walk into the school on the first day of school. They walk under a rainbow arch that was set up by the PTA last year.
A wise educator recenty told me, "We are so fortunate to be in this business! Where else do we get to reset everything and start anew each September?"

I could not agree more. With this new school year comes renewal, and with that renewal comes hope and excitement for new learning and growth.

We know that parents and families play a vital role in the success of our students. As superintendent, I want to offer a few pieces of advice and encouragement as we start this journey together:

1. Stay Engaged

Make time to ask your child about their day—what they learned, what they enjoyed, and even what challenged them. Attend school events when possible, connect with your child’s teachers, and stay informed about what's happening in the classroom and across the district.

2. Support Routines

Children thrive with consistency. Establish regular routines for sleep, homework, meals, and screen time. These habits provide the structure students need to feel secure and ready to learn.

3. Communicate Openly

We’re partners in your child’s education. Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers or administrators with questions or concerns. Open and respectful communication is key to solving problems early and building trust.

4. Encourage a Growth Mindset

Help your child understand that mistakes are part of learning. Praise their effort, not just their achievements, and remind them that persistence and resilience will take them far.

5. Model Lifelong Learning

Let your child see you reading, asking questions, or trying something new. When parents model curiosity and a love of learning, children are more likely to adopt those attitudes themselves.

6. Be Patient and Present

Every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate small victories and support them through challenges. Sometimes just being present and listening is the most powerful thing you can do.

As a district, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for every student. Thank you for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your child’s education. Together, we can make this school year one of the best yet.

Here's to a successful, inspiring, and joyful year ahead!

Warm regards,

Dr. Joseph Maruszczak
Superintendent of Schools
 

SPS Employees of the Year Honored

At last Wednesday's annual Convocation Day for all Sandwich Public Schools employees, the 2025-26 Employees of the Year were announced and honored by all present. This year's recipients, selected by their peers for their consistent and positive contributions to their respective school communities, are the following:

  • Forestdale: Joy Walsh, Spinnaker ESP
  • Oak Ridge: Kerry Shastany, Main Office Administrative Assistant
  • SMHS: Renee Fudala, Middle School Science Teacher
  • SHMS: Daniel Dobbins, High School Art Teacher

Congratulations to these outstanding educators!
Forestdale ESP Joy Walsh receives her Employee of the Year on the SMHS stage with her family, Principal Chris Dintino, and Superintendent Dr. Joe Maruszczak.
Oak Ridge Main Office Administrative Assistant Kerry Shastany receives her Employee of the Year on the SMHS stage with close friends, Interim Principal Kevin Brogioli, Assistant Principal Dr. Anna Dunphy, and Superintendent Dr. Joe Maruszczak.
Sandwich Middle High School 8th grade science teacher Renee Fudala receives her Employee of the Year on the SMHS stage with her family members, Principal Jeanne Nelson, and Superintendent Dr. Joe Maruszczak.
Sandwich Middle High School art teacher Daniel Dobbins receives his Employee of the Year on the SMHS stage with his family members, Principal Jeanne Nelson, and Superintendent Dr. Joe Maruszczak.
 

New SPS Strategic Plan Approved

The cover of the new Sandwich Public schools strategic plan, Learning and Leading. The cover photo shows a senior girl, in her graduation cap and gown, hugging a Forestdale teacher during the annual Senior Walk last June.
During the first six months of 2025, a team of 38 teachers, support staff, students, parents, administrators, and community members came together over six half-day sessions to craft a blueprint for continuous improvement for our district. The document, Leading & Learning, the SPS Strategic Plan, 2025-30, lays out ambitious but acheivable goals for the district over the next five years. The newly crafted vision, focused around the three words, "Belong, Grow, and Lead" speak to the outcomes that drive our important work.

The Sandwich School Committee reviewed the plan at its special summer workshop of July 29 and approved it at its lasy business meeting of August 27. The new strategic plan may be viewed at this link.
 

News from the Cafe

Winnie the Pooh does a happy shimmy and says "Yum!" as he sits down to eat his lunch.
Once again all school meals (breakfast and lunch) will continue to be free of charge during the 2025-26 school year. Please take advantage of our district's food services program. The program is operated by the Whitson Culinary Group, which this summer acquired the Abbey Group. They do a fantastic job and are deeply committed to providing nutritious and tasty meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The menus for September are available at the below links:

 
Seal of the Sandwich Public Schools

Sandwich Public Schools

270 Quaker Meetinghouse Road
East Sandwich, MA. 02537

  • (508) 888-1054
  • www.sandwichk12.org