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Sandwich Public Schools

A legacy of purpose and possibility

CASTLE CHRONICLES 11.03.25

Posted Date: 11/03/25 (07:35 AM)


CASTLE CHRONICLES

November 3, 2025

ARMORED IN PRIDE: KNIGHTS SHOW SPIRIT

students dressed as Adam Sandler
two students dressed as adam sandler
teachers dressed up
twining cosumes
two teachers twinning
student dressed up
SMHS students and staff showed outstanding school spirit throughout Fall Spirit Week! Each day brought creative participation. from Adam Sandler-inspired outfits and matching Twin Day looks, to vibrant Halloween colors, clever Rhyme Without Reason pairs, and fun costumes to close out the week.
The enthusiasm and engagement from our school community made Spirit Week a memorable celebration of Blue Knight pride! 
group picture of middle school teacher
4 students in costumes
students dressed up as peanut butter and jelly
 

SMHS Annual Showcase – Discover, Explore & Experience Life as a BLUE KNIGHT!

SMHS SHOWCASE EVENT:
NOVEMBER 13 FROM 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
SEE, EXPLORE AND DISCOVER ALL THAT SMHS HAS TO OFFER
OPEN TO CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
QUESTIONS? CALL (508) 888-4900
Join us on November 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM for an inspirational evening at Sandwich Middle-High School! This event is open to current and prospective students and their families.

Step inside to explore cutting-edge programs like Biomedical Studies, Forensics, AI, and Cybersecurity. Tour our modern video broadcasting studio, woodshop, graphic design labs, and newly furnished student workspace, where students collaborate with peers and industry professionals.

Meet student representatives from athletics, fine, media and performing arts, and extracurricular clubs. Hear firsthand how SMHS helps every student discover their passions, develop their talents, and prepare for success in today’s world.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Please call (508) 888-4900.
 

EXTRA! EXTRA! MORRISON HITS PRINT!

Student holding u the newspaper article she wrote for the local paper.
Congratulations to SMHS senior PAIGE MORRISON, who just published her first article in the Sandwich Enterprise as part of her Senior Project Internship!

The Senior Project program gives students authentic, real-world experience by connecting them with professionals while building confidence and career skills.

Paige's success is a perfect example of how SMHS empowers students to pursue their passions and prepare for success beyond high school!

Way to go, Paige! We can't wait to see what you do next.
 

FUN AT THE SENIOR MASQUERADE

Senior students in costumes at the Masquerade
Senior students in costumes at the Masquerade
Senior students in costumes at the masquerade
Senior students in costumes at the Masquerade
 

CHILLING OUT WITH DRY ICE!

Talk about cool science lessons! Eighth graders explored the states of matter in a hands-on experiment using dry ice. The laboratories were filled with fog, excitement and plenty of 'WOW' moments as they watched sublimation in action as dry ice transformed from solid to gas!
Three students in safety goggles observe vapor rising from a beaker as they experiment with dry ice during class.
Four 8th grade students work together around a lab table, carefully handling tools and observing the reaction in a tan-colored plastic tray.
great reaction to the experiment by an 8th grader
two students playing with the foam that was created by the experiment
A group of 8th graders stands in a semicircle around a science table, watching a demonstration involving dry ice and a white bowl, while their teacher guides the activity.
 

HANDS-ON AT HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL-LEARNING FROM THE PROS

Sandwich High School National Honor Society students recently spent the day at Harvard Medical School exploring medical history, problem-based learning, and hands-on simulation. They toured the Countway Library and the Warren Anatomical Museum, learned about the case of Phineas Gage, and practiced diagnosing “Molly the Mannequin” at the MedSCIENCE Simulation Center. Students also met with current Harvard medical students, who shared insight and advice on pursuing careers in medicine.
Thank you to Dr. Katherine Miller, Erin Farren, Dominic Hall, Livia Rizzo, Leah Savage, and Savannah Layfield for making this experience possible.
Special thanks to SMHS student Katelyn Enos, whose outreach helped form this connection. Dr. Miller now serves as Katelyn's internship supervisor as she pursues a future in family medicine.
A Harvard Medical School instructor in scrubs speaks to a group of Sandwich High School students seated around a table in a classroom decorated with college pennants and posters.
Students listen attentively as a Harvard Medical School guide speaks in front of a large 19th-century painting of surgeons performing an operation.
Students in a mock hospital room with a patient
A group of Sandwich High School National Honor Society students and teachers stand together smiling on the front steps of Harvard Medical School’s Gordon Hall. The students are dressed casually in fall attire, and the marble columns of the historic building frame the background.
 

Calling All Community Members: Help Judge the Next Big Idea!

SMHS's DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION CLUBS OF AMERICA (DECA) is hosting a Mock Role-play Event on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM -7:00 PM in the SMHS LIBRARY.
This experience will give our 50+ students much needed practice and feedback prior to the DECA district conference in January.
We are seeking community members to serve as judges. No experience is required, although having a business background is a bonus. If you are interested in serving as a judge, please fill out this FORM.
Thank you!
Sandwich DECA looking for judges for a mock role-play night
DECA JUDGES FORM
 

Exploring the Revolution: Insights from Dr. David Martin

Dr. David Martin presenting in the history class
Esteemed author, Dr. DAVID MARTIN recently visited Ms. Luck's ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY class to share insights from his new book, The Revolutionary War on Cape Cod and the Islands (2025). He discussed events like the Battle of Falmouth and the wreck of the HMS Somerset, as well as how local colonists’ perspectives shifted leading up to the Revolution.  
Students were energized by the presentation and eagerly engaged with thoughtful, insightful questions. It was an experience we greatly appreciated!
 

TUNE IN ON NOV. 4 FOR PLAYOFF HIGHLIGHTS

Tune in on November 4 at 5:00 PM to hear JT Binienda and his dad host a radio show at www.sandwichradio.org.
The topic is BLUE KNIGHTS PLAYOFFS
SMHS eighth grader, J.T. BINIENDA, and his father, Jamie Binienda, created a special shoutout and dedication show for the teams that made the playoffs this season! Tune in on Tuesday, November 4 at 5:00 PM to catch J.T. deliver his BLUE KNIGHTS PLAYOFF PARTY!
 

SPIKE OUT HUNGER!

poster for charity volleyball game
The Middle School Instructional Volleyball Team will face off against Middle School staff in a friendly match to support the Sandwich Food Pantry!

Join us on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 2:15 PM in the SMHS Gym.

Admission: A canned good or monetary donation. All proceeds go to local families in need.

Varsity and JV volleyball players will coach and referee, with a bake sale and raffle also available. If you can’t attend, canned goods may be donated in Mr. Duffany’s or Mr. Carter’s classrooms.

Let’s come together to support our community, both on and off the court!

 

HISTORY, ILLUSTRATED!

Mr. Taylor’s Grade 8 Civics students brought history to life by creating illustrated timelines tracing the events after the Seven Years’ War that led to the American Revolution.

Working collaboratively, students selected key historical moments, arranged them in chronological order, and designed visuals to represent each event. This learning experience supported deeper understanding of how early American history influenced the development of the U.S. Constitution.
Mr. Taylor stands at the front of the classroom speaking with smiling students as they work on their illustrated timelines. Several students pose and laugh while others continue drawing and writing.
Three Grade 8 students sit together at their desks working on a large paper timeline. One student uses a laptop while the others discuss placement of event cards and illustrations.
A close-up of a completed student timeline showing event cards and colorful hand-drawn illustrations depicting key moments leading up to the American Revolution.
Three Grade 8 students sit together at their desks working on a large paper timeline. One student uses a laptop while the others discuss placement of event cards and illustrations.
 

DNA, MEET YOUR MATCH!

PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE students practiced using micropipettes, an essential lab skill for accurate measurement and analysis. Mastering these techniques prepares students to analyze DNA through gel electrophoresis, ensuring their learning is both relevant and builds progressively toward more advanced scientific skills.
Student practicing precision pipetting with colorful liquid samples while following a “Pipette the Rainbow
Smart Board in front of the class with the assignment.
Student practicing precision pipetting with colorful liquid samples while following a “Pipette the Rainbow
Two students practice precision pipetting with colorful liquid samples while following a “Pipette the Rainbow” activity projected on the classroom board. Boxes of lab supplies and pipettes are spread across the table.
 

🎓THIS WEEK'S COLLEGE VISITS TO SMHS

Hey Juniors & Seniors — curious about different colleges? Want to hear what campus life is really like? This is your chance! College reps will be visiting SMHS next week to chat, share info, and answer your questions.
This is a great way to explore schools, make connections, and get the inside scoop on different colleges!
Sign up through Naviance.
This weeks college visits
 

✨ Meet the Class of 2026: Weekly Feature by Lillian Barbosa✨

VANESSA BUTLER

ALL ABOUT VANESSA BUTLER
@SMHS- CLUBS: Best buddies, adaptive dance

Outside SMHS- Working at Falmouth Hospital as a nursing assistant
 
What senior event are you most excited for? Senior week

What’s your go to song? Sunny side of heaven, Fleetwood Mac

Dream job?- I.C.U. nurse

What’s your favorite lunch spot 
on cape? Anejo

What’s your favorite beach on Cape? Indian Trail Beach
 

DAMIEN MADDOX

ALL ABOUT DAMIEN MADDOX
@SMHS- SPORTS: Unified Track
 
What senior event are you most excited for? BOSTON Boat Cruise

What’s your go to song? No Scrubs,TLC

Dream job? Actor

Fun Fact- I'm hilarious if you get to know me!

What’s your favorite lunch spot on cape? Sandwich Pizza House

What’s your favorite beach on Cape? Snake pond beach
 

LUKE CALESHU

ALL ABOUT LUKE CALESHU
@SMHS- SPORTS: Basketball, track, tennis 
CLUBS: NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Key club, COMPUTER SCIENCE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, Best Buddies

Go to song? Syndicate: The Fray

Fun Fact- I didn’t bleach my hair over the summeR!

What’s your favorite lunch spot on cape? Any food is good food

What’s your favorite beach on Cape? BeachcombeR
 
SEPAC MEETING
MEET & GREET
November 4 at the Oak Ridge School library from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 
All are welcome!
Agenda: Meet the new Director of Pupil Services, Jennifer Healy and hear a brief overview of your rights & your child's IEPs
Light Refreshments
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mary Kate Lott sepacsandwich@gmail.com
Let's Build Connections!
We hope to see you there!
 
SMHS PTSA MEETING
NOVEMBER 4 AT 7:00 PM IN THE SMHS LIBRARY
OPEN TO PARENTS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
 

BREWING CULTURE & CONVERSATION

SMHS AP Spanish students standing outside the Snowy Owl Coffee shop on Rte. 6A in Sandwich.
SMHS ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH students visited SNOWY OWL COFFEE ROASTERS on Route 6A in Sandwich, where owner Manuel Ainzuain welcomed them for an extraordinary Spanish-language experience.

Students learned about his journey from Lima, Peru to Cape Cod, explored the art and science of coffee roasting, and discussed the rewards and challenges of running a local business... all completely in Spanish, from start to finish!

A sincere GRACIAS to Mr. Ainzuain for generously sharing his time and providing our students with a behind-the-scenes look at how truly delicious coffee is made right in our own community.

At SMHS, meaningful, real-world learning experiences like this help students connect classroom learning to authentic culture, language, and community.
 

SMHS FOOD PANTRY OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Cape Kid Meals has partnered with SMHS to assist all SANDWICH PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILIES in need. 

The SMHS food pantry will be open every Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM in room A100 at SMHS. Families can visit in person or place a food order by scanning the QR code. No appointment necessary.
Cape Kid Meals has partnered with SMHS to assist all SANDWICH PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILIES in need. 

The SMHS food pantry will be open every Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM in room A100 at SMHS. Families can visit in person or place a food order by scanning the QR code. No appointment necessary.
 

PAID STUDENT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SMHS students are invited to apply for a 50-hour virtual internship with the Work-Based Learning Alliance (WBLA), a nonprofit organization that connects high school students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Internships are paid and focus on clean energy and sustainability, helping students gain professional skills, build connections with industry mentors, and explore future career paths.

This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in S.T.E.M. careers, environment, or business innovation.

Application Deadline: November 13, 2025
REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW.

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Internship Coordinator, Ms. Ginger Lavelle at glavelle@sandwich.k12.ma.us
internship flyer
Internship flyer 2
Learn More and Register
 

GRADE 7 DANCE: NOVEMBER 7, 2025

7th GRADE DANCE: WINTER WONDERLAND
POSTER THAT HAS THE FOLLOW TEXT:
Come join us for a night of fun! It's a great way to kick off the winter and make memories you won't forget!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025
SMHS CAFETERIA FROM 6:00 pm - 8:00 PM
Permission slips available November 3 - November 7. 
Cost: $10.00
Snack Bar items: $1.00
GRADE 7 PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
If you'd like to donate snacks for the Grade 7 dance, you can sign-up here: https://signup.com/go/BWFjUGq
 

GRADE 8 DANCE: NOVEMBER 14, 2025

Grade 8 Dance on November 14 in the SMHS Cafeteria from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. 
Tickets are $10.00 and will be sold during lunches from 11/10-11/14.
The theme is a Night in Rio. 
The poster has images of colorful feathers and masks and Rio dancers.
GRADE 8 PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

If you'd like to donate snacks for the Grade 8 dance, please sign-up here: https://signup.com/go/tegscJS
 
SMHS students! Earn community service hours by helping LAST BEST CRAFT FAIR vendors move their items both at set-up and break-down.
Earn community service hours 
SMHS student volunteers needed
last best Craft Fair Vendor Move-IN and Out
December 7, Sunday from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and/or 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 
Sandwich Middle High School
 

SANDWICH PUBLIC SCHOOLS U-KNIGHTED IN SERVICE

Who? Students, staff, and families of Sandwich
What? Rake leaves for elderly members of our community
Where? Town of Sandwich 
When? Saturday, Nov. 22 - Sunday, Nov. 23
Why? To help the seniors in our community & give back to our town
How? Get a group (team) together with an adult team leader.

Sign up using the form. On the service weekend bring your rake, leaf blower, tarps, gloves, water, snacks, etc. to the location to rake with your team to help our community!
U-Knighted Community Raking Event.
Volunteer to rake the yards of elderly members of our school community. 
Choose the day and time that works for you.
November 22 or November 23.
To register, complete this form.
Questions? Please contact Kristen Macdonald at kmacdonald@sandwich.k12.ma.us
 
SANDWICH CREST: bLUE AND WHITE WITH A KNIGHT ON HORSEBACK HOLDING A FLAG WITH AN S ON IT. UNDER THE HORSE IS THE WORD BLUE KNIGHTS.

SMHS BLUE KNIGHTS