Blue Knight Highlights for March 8, 2026

Posted Date: 03/08/26 (10:47 PM)

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Blue Knight Highlights

What's Happening in the Sandwich Public Schools

March 8, 2026

Read Across America (and Generations)

A group of children and adults are gathered around a table, listening to a woman read a book.

A boy reads "The ÆSOP for CHILDREN" book at a table with other people in the background. at the Center for Active Living

A group of 4th grade students, their teacher, Katie Collins, and State Representative Steven Xiarhos pose for a photo in a classroom decorated with math-themed posters and large numbers.

Last week the Oak Ridge School kicked off a week and a half celebration of Read Across America through two outstanding events that highlighted the importance of community. On Thursday, March 5 the school partnered with the Sandwich Council on Aging to hold an event at the Center for Active Living (CAL) to have intergenerational reading between seniors and Oak Ridge students. It was fun to see youth and older adults inspired by new and old books and original pieces of writing from the students!

On Friday, mystery readers from the community (like State Representative Steven Xiarhos, pictured above with Katie Collins' 4th grade class) and across the district read to homerooms their book of choice or a favorite title.

At both Oak Ridge & Forestdale, Read Across America week continues this week with several spirit-day like theme, including Hat Day, Cozy Day, and Character Dress Up Day.

Updated SPS Calendar for 2025-26

Elmo is NOT happy with the snow or the make up days!

As of today, there have been a total of seven (7) snow days in the Sandwich Public Schools for the current 2025-26 school year. Five of those days occurred during the week of February 22, when we were in the midst and aftermath of the Blizzard of '26. As a result, we have had to adjust the 2025-26 school year calendar to meet the state's 180 instructional days requirement. There will be no adjustment to the senior class' end-of-year schedule; the graduation ceremony for the SMHS Class of 2026 will still occur on Saturday, June 6.

The last day for all students in grades PK-11 will be Thursday, June 25. It will be a half-day. The updated SPS calendar may be found at this link.

Grandpa Rapper's Delight at Forestdale

A man in a hat watches a projected image of a children's book illustration featuring a crab and a turtle.

A group of Forestdale children sit on the floor, attentively listening to a man in a blue hat.

On Tuesday, March 3rd, author/rapper G PA Rhymes visited Forestdale to meet with each grade level individually to do a reading of his latest book Fay's Kindness Parade. It was an interactive visit with students rapping and singing along. G PA (real name Gary Wakstein) is a Cape retiree whose writing celebrates friendship, kindness, environmental care, emotional resilience, and embracing differences.

A big THANK YOU to the Sandwich Elementary PTA for bringing in G PA and providing each student with a signed copy of his book!

Annual Support A Blue Knight Dinner

Poster for a "Support a Blue Knight Dinner" fundraiser for the SMHS PTSA Blue Knight Senior Award Fund.

Please join us on Saturday, March 28 at 6:00 pm at the Dunbar House in Sandwich Village for the annual Support a Blue Knight Dinner. Event is open to all; a portion of each dinner cost goes to fund the three $1000 Blue Knight Awards given annually to SMHS Seniors. Gather your friends & reserve a table at this link.

Sandwich Sailors Cap Bowling Season

A group of people, including children and adults, pose for a photo holding certificates and wearing medals.

Two people are bowling on adjacent lanes, with one person in the foreground releasing a bowling ball.

This past week the Sandwich Sailors had an amazing final day of Special Olympic Bowling at the Ryan Family Amusements Lanes in South Yarmouth to cap another successful season. It was extra special sharing the lanes with members of the Sandwich Police Department!, including SPS School Resource Officers Ofc. Marc Petersen and Ofc. Dan Halloran. Thank you for spending the afternoon with our athletes and helping us celebrate a fantastic season.

MATHCOUNTS Competes at States

A group of five middle school students and advisor Sarah Greer stand in front of a lush green living wall, each holding a MATHCOUNTS certificate.

Four young people sit at a white table in a modern cafeteria, with calculators and drinks on the table.

This past weekend, the MATHCOUNTS team traveled to Burlington, Massachusetts to compete in the State Competition. Out of the entire state, only 117 students qualified for this event. Sandwich Middle High School was proudly represented by four outstanding students who earned a spot in this highly competitive field, competing against some of the top math students in Massachusetts, including the reigning national champions.

Our team worked incredibly hard, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills, collaboration, and perseverance throughout the competition.

Congratulations to:

Owen Kravitz (8th)

Elijah Rotondi (8th)

Anthony Prizgintas (7th)

Emma Wallin (7th)

Many thanks to MATHCOUNTS Advisor Sarah Greer for her commitment. We are very proud of the students' accomplishments and the way they represented SMHS!

Sandwich Public Schools

270 Quaker Meetinghouse Road

East Sandwich, MA. 02537

(508) 888-1054
www.sandwichk12.org