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Sandwich Public Schools

A legacy of purpose and possibility

Castle Chronicles 10.05.26

Posted Date: 10/05/26 (07:59 AM)


CASTLE CHRONICLES

October 5, 2026

SMHS EARNS STATE RECOGNITION

SCHOOL OF RECOGNITION AWARD PRESENTED TO SANDWICH MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL in recognition of strong academic achievement and high student growth. Only 56 schools in the state have been recognized for this award. Higher achievement. Stronger Futures.
For the 2026 accountability data released by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in September 2026, exactly 56 public schools were designated as Schools of Recognition. This represents approximately 3% of all public schools across the state. Sandwich Middle High School is proud to be one of the 56 schools awarded the title School of Recognition. 
 

GRAVITY IN ACTION!

Grade 8 student on the ropes course at Heritage adventure Park.
Grade 8 students playing a Pictionary game at Heritage Adventure Park
Grade 8 student climbing the ropes course.
Grade 8 student on the ropes course.
Grade 8 student on the ropes course.
Two grade 8 students wearing their climbing gear and pointing at each other.
Grade 8 student on the ropes course.
Our brave 8th graders took learning to new heights during an exciting field trip to Heritage Adventure Park’s aerial ropes course! Swinging through the treetops, students got a hands-on look at real-world physics and gravity in action, seeing their science concepts come to life in the most dynamic way possible.

Beyond the science, it was a day filled with laughter, teamwork, games and personal triumphs as students stepped out of their comfort zones, conquered new heights, and cheered each other on. 

A hearty THANK YOU to our amazing PTSA for their generous donation, which helped offset the cost and made this memorable experience possible for our 8th grade class. We are grateful for your ongoing support!
 

AP WORLD DEBATES THE FUTURE OF AI

AP World students at the Edward M. Kennedy Museum participating in the Senate Immersion Module.
Photo of a screen displaying AI Data Privacy and Social Media. Students participated in debate and discussion regarding laws around AI privacy.
Students seated in the senate room at the Edward M. Kennedy Museum and role-playing the positions of Republicans, Democrats and Independents on legislature involving the use of AI.
Students from Mr. Everett's AP World History: Modern class visited the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on Tuesday, September 29 to participate in a Senate Immersion Module on technology reform, specifically addressing legislation on artificial intelligence. 

When students entered, they were assigned roles as senators. Students acted as Republicans, Democrats, and a few Independents, balancing their party's positions on AI with their state's needs and their own personal values. 

Working in four separate subcommittees, students made decisions on what provisions and amendments the bill would contain. Students caucused with their parties to make sure those priorities were met, and finally, they spoke and debated on the senate floor to present their positions and persuade their peers. The final bill was approved 20-10 with four provisions and four amendments. 
 

FRESHMEN CLASS OFFICER ELECTIONS

Class of 2031 elections for Class Officer positions will take place during Knight Time on October 9. Anyone interested in running must give their speech to Ms. Davis in the Guidance Office by October 8. All freshmen are welcome to run.
 

MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS OFFICER ELECTIONS

Middle school class officer elections will occur this week. Interested 7th graders please see Ms. Macdonald in room A205 and interested 8th graders, please see Mr. Duffany in A307. Get Involved! Lead your Class! Make a Difference! All are welcome!
 

MEDICAL DETECTIVES GO BANANAS FOR SUTURING!

Two 8th graders learning to suture by using a banana in their Medical detectives class
Photo of a banana with markings on t and a split open section that Medical detective students in 8th grade will use to learn how to suture.
Mr. Gifford and Mr. Watson's 8th grade Medical Detectives students tried their hand at surgical precision using bananas as their very first "patients"! 

This engaging, hands-on elective introduces students to foundational medical concepts and clinical skills through interactive, real-world activities. Judging by their careful stitches, our future healthcare professionals are already off to a fruit-ful start! :)
 

STEPPING OUT OF THE TEXTBOOKS

Mike Welch, SMHS history teacher dressed as Dr. Nathaniel Freeman at the Nye Museum on Old County Road in Sandwich, MA
Mike Welch, Jr. dressed as Dr. Nathaniel Freeman at the Nye Museum.
Sandwich Community Television recently visited the Nye Museum to interview and spotlight SMHS history teacher extraordinaire and passionate re-enactor of American history, Mr. Michael Welch, Jr.. 

Mr. Welch assumed the role of Dr. Nathaniel Freeman in the interview that took place at the Nye Museum in Sandwich. SMHS is very fortunate to have talented faculty members, like Mr. Welch, who embrace their subject content so enthusiastically.
 

SENIOR MASQUERADE: OCTOBER 29

Senior Masquerade on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Prizes for best costume, best duo, best group: gift cards and much more!

Help Make the Class of 2027 Senior Masquerade Unforgettable!

We are seeking donations from Class of 2027 parents and guardians to help make this year's Senior Masquerade a huge success! We are looking for individually wrapped candy, wrapped snacks, and gift cards to use as costume contest prizes. Please drop off all donations in the main office clearly labeled "Senior Masquerade."

The Masquerade is a cherished annual tradition and consistently one of the most fun, memorable events of senior year. 

Thank you so much for your generous support in creating a fantastic evening for our seniors!
 

MU ALPHA THETA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

MUALPHA THETA 
Dominique Fougere
Math teacher
dfougere@sandwich.k12.ma.us

Love Math? Apply to Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society!

Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society is accepting applications from students in grades 9-12 until Friday, October 9. The application is linked here.
 

COLLEGE VISITS TO SMHS

OLLEGE VISTS THIS WEEK
MA. COLLEGE OF PAHARMACY & HEALTH  
October 5 at 8:15 AM
MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY   
October 5 at 10:10 AM
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND             
October 6 at 8:15 AM
 BOSTON COLLEGE                                            
October 6 at 10:10 AM
University of Vermont
October 7 at 8:15 AM
Bridgewater State University                                             
October 9 at 10:10 AM
UMass Boston                             
October 13 at 8:15 AM
Throughout the fall months representatives from a wide variety of colleges and universities will be visiting SMHS. These visits offer a fantastic opportunity for interested juniors and seniors to connect directly with admissions counselors, learn more about specific academic programs, and ask questions about campus life.

How Your Student Can Attend:
  • Sign Up: Students must register for upcoming visits in advance through their Naviance account.
  • Get a Pass: On the morning of the scheduled visit, students should report to the Guidance Suite to collect their pass containing the meeting location.

We encourage all upperclassmen to explore the schedule in Naviance and take advantage of these valuable sessions as they plan for post-secondary education.

Questions? Please contact School Counseling Department Chair Averill Davis at atdavis@sandwich.k12.ma.us
 

READY, SET, BUDGET!

Seniors smiling and budgeting at the Credit for Life Fair
Seniors speaking to a Cape Cod 5 volunteer about how to budget life after high school.
A senior standing in the Credit for Life Fair and receiving feedback from a Cape Cod 5 volunteer.
A senior standing in the Credit for Life Fair and receiving feedback from a Cape Cod 5 volunteer.
Seniors circulating through the Credit for Life Fair and interacting with the volunteers.
Seniors circulating through the Credit for Life Fair and interacting with the volunteers.

Investing in the Future: Credit for Life Fair Prepares Seniors for Financial Success

The Class of 2027 took a major step toward independence by participating in the Cape Cod 5 Credit for Life Fair, an immersive financial literacy event designed to prepare students for life after high school.

To kick off the experience, each student selected a potential career path for their post-secondary future and was assigned a corresponding starting budget. Equipped with their financial profile, students navigated through interactive booths to speak directly with community professionals and key stakeholders. 

They exercised managing real-world expenses like housing, car loans, higher education debt, credit card management, and daily lifestyle costs. This interactive exercise challenged students to make thoughtful choices, balance a budget, and understand the real impact of financial decisions.

Financial literacy is an essential foundation for our students' long-term success. We extend our sincere gratitude to Cape Cod 5 and all of the community partners who generously volunteered their time to guide and empower our students during this memorable event.
 

HOMECOMING DANCE OCTOBER 17

Homecoming Dance for students in grades 9-12 will be on October 17 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the SMHS gymnasium. 
$20.00 ticket sales will begin the week of October 4.
Get Ready for Homecoming 2026! 🎈
Mark your calendars! High school students in grades 9–12 are invited to this year’s Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at SMHS.

Ticket & Guest Information:
  • Price: $20.00 per person
  • Sales Begin: The week of October 12 
  • Bringing an Outside Guest? Guest permission forms are now available in the Main Office! Please pick one up and return it before purchasing your guest's ticket.
We looking forward to a fun and memorable Homecoming Dance! 

If you have any questions, please contact senior class advisors Julie Meader jmeader@sandwich.k12.ma.us or Scott Childress schildress@sandwich.k12.ma.us
 

RADIO CLUB INTEREST MEETING 10.05.26 AT 2:15 PM

Blue Knight Radio Club: Make a show, share your voice and be part of the story. 
Meetings on Mondays from 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM in A201, Mr. Tansey's classroom. 
Interest meeting is Monday, October 5. All middle school students are welcome!
 
Picture Retake Day is October 30

School Picture Retake Day: Mark Your Calendars for October 30!

If your student missed the original picture day or you would like a do-over on their portrait, picture retake day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30.

Please keep an eye out for additional details, ordering info, and instructions, which will be sent electronically via InterState Studio in the coming weeks. For now, please save the date!
 

MENU INFORMATION

Menu information can be found HERE. 
A full salad bar, fresh fruit and various sandwich options are also available daily. 

Questions? Please contact Food Service Director Matt Carney at mcarney@sandwich.k12.ma.us
 
october 6 / ptsa general meeting / smhs library / 7:00 PM 
October 12 / no school / Columbus day
OCTOBER 14 / PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES / day & evening
october 17 / homecoming dance for grades 9-12 / 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
OCTOBER 26 / PSAT AT 7:30 AM FOR registered SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS
October 29 / senior masquerade / SMHS cafeteria / 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
October 30 / picture retake day
 

SEPAC MEETING OCTOBER 13 AT 6:00 PM

Sandwich SEPAC Meeting on October 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Forestdale School Library. Topics include a Special education update from Director of Pupil Services Jennifer Healy; Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP and there will be time for questions. 
If you have any questions, please email MaryKate Lott at sepacsandwich@gmail.com
 

Ready to Hoop? Youth Basketball Registration is Open!

Sandwich Youth Basketball has opportunities for students in the following grades: 
Learning Clinics for grades 1 and 2
Recreational League for grades 3-8
Travel League for grades 4-8
Sign up at www.sandwichyouthbasketball.org
 
Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe presents Mysterious Massachusetts Creepy Cape Cod on October 21 at 6:30 PM 
Join us on a fascinating journey through some of the Cape's most famous and intriguing paranormal stories. Event is recommended for ages 13 and up. Register through the QR code.

SMHS BLUE KNIGHTS