SPS Weekly Newsletter
In This Edition of the SPS Weekly Newsletter...
This week's header photo features the O'Donnell Middle School 8th Grade A Day Chorus at the OMS Spring Choral Concert on Tuesday. We will be sharing more photos from the OMS and SHS spring concerts in next week's newsletter.
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Stoughton Town Meeting continued this week. I am pleased to report that the School District budget was approved on Monday, May 12. Our three capital requests were also approved Monday night. Two of these requests are technology-related to replace a firewall and wireless access points. The other capital request is for a redistricting study to help us redraw the boundary lines for each elementary school district for implementation when the new elementary school is ready to open in September 2028. I once again want to thank Town Meeting members for their continued support of public education.
In regards to the budget, even though our requested increase of 6.98% from last year’s budget was approved, given the reality of the current economic situation, this unfortunately does not bring us to level services, which means maintaining the staffing and programming we currently have. Pressure points on the budget include rising costs, contractual obligations, transportation, and special services. Therefore, we will have to make some budgetary adjustments for next school year. We are currently reviewing all operations in order to minimally impact the classroom experience for our students. There will be further communication coming about any changes that will be required.
A few other items of note:
Bus registration for next school year is open. The registration form is available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Students entering grades K-12 next school year are eligible to apply. The cost to ride the bus is $375 per student with a family cap of $750. The deadline to apply is June 17, 2025. For more information, please click here.
Registration for Stoughton Public Schools summer programs that are fee-based opened on Monday. This includes a theatre program for elementary/middle school students (only a few spots left!) and one for high school students, as well as athletics programs for high schoolers. Please click here for more information. The deadline to sign up is June 13, 2025.
- We do have some job openings for next school year, including teaching and administrative assistant positions. Of particular note, we have posted special education teaching positions at the O’Donnell Middle School and Stoughton High School. You can always look at our most current job postings on the Employment Opportunities page on our website. The Human Resources department also plans to hold another hiring fair in the summer, so stay tuned for more information.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Joseph F. Baeta, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Stoughton Public Schools
DESE Honors Principal of the Year Mr. Cancellieri
Dawe School Principal Rob Cancellieri, the Massachusetts School Administrators' Association (MSAA) Elementary School Principal of the Year for 2025, was honored by DESE at a reception to celebrate the state's award-winning educators. The event took place in Devens on Tuesday. DESE, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, recognized Mr. Cancellieri along with principals of the year from middle school and high school, assistant principals of the year, and teachers of the year.
Stoughton High Students Take Part in Norfolk DA Peer Leadership Program
This school year, 10 Stoughton High students have been part of a peer leadership program organized by the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. This group meets monthly to learn from experts about the role of district attorneys and the court system, healthy relationships, the dangers of distracted driving and substance use, and how to properly use Narcan. Here in Stoughton, the work went beyond the meetings; they surveyed students and teachers to get feedback for a positive community norms campaign, volunteered by making and serving hot chocolate at the Parade of Lights, volunteered at the annual Health and Wellness Fair, and ran a successful donation drive to support the Stoughton and Canton animal control shelters.
The SHS students taking part in this program include Olivia Bento, Angie Berry, John Gallan, Caci Jenkins, Jacoby Matos, Ava McNamara, Julia Monaghan, Lauren Price, Victor Thomas, and Joe Vasconcelos. Locally, the students work with SPS Director of Health Services Danielle Gallan, as well as with Stoughton Prevention Coordinator Stephanie Patton and Stoughton Police Juvenile Detective Lindsay Bonda. The group is pictured together above at a conference at Gillette Stadium back in April.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these exceptional leaders each year," Mrs. Gallan said. "The Peer Leadership Program is one of the best parts of my work in our community and reminds me of my why in health care."
SHS Theatre Program Presents The Wiz
The Stoughton High Theatre Program presented its spring musical, The Wiz, last weekend. Congratulations to the cast and crew for a fantastic performance! Take a look at some pictures from opening night below...
SHS Boys Track & Field Wins Regular Season Division Title
The Stoughton High boys track and field team is the Hockomock League Davenport Division regular season champion this spring! Congratulations!
Stoughton traveled to Foxboro on Tuesday for the final Hockomock League dual meet of the spring and the Black Knights won 103-32, improving to a perfect 5-0 and clinching the regular season division championship!
Dawe Student Wins Calendar Art Contest
Dawe School third grader Mesoma Okonkwo was recently honored as one of the winners in the Casella Waste Systems 2026 calendar art contest! Of the 587 entries from across the state, Mesoma's drawing was one of 13 selected to be put in the 2026 calendar. Congratulations!
SHS Freshmen Receive Gold Medals at MICCA Festival
Stoughton High freshmen Jakob Tran and Jackson Gosule, pictured here left to right, attended the MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association) Solo and Small Ensemble festival as solo trombonists over the weekend and both received gold medals! Jakob and Jackson are tremendous musicians and have bright futures ahead of them. Bravo!
Gibbons School Art Show
The Gibbons School recently held an art show displaying student work in grades K-5. Take a look at some of the wonderful artwork that was on display by clicking here.
Spring Author Series
Author and illustrator David Biedrzycki visited the Hansen School on Monday as part of our Spring Author Series. He is pictured above with some of the students in attendance.
The next (and last) visit in the Spring Author Series is Monday, May 19 at 5pm when Peter Reynolds comes to the Gibbons School.
Students from all of our elementary schools are invited to attend these engaging and fun author presentations! The first 75 families at each event will receive a free copy of one of the author’s books.
Congratulations to Detective Bonda & Welcome Officer Paula!
Sharing some good news from one of our community partners, the Stoughton Police Department:
Chief Donna McNamara has promoted Officer Lindsay Bonda to Juvenile Detective. Detective Bonda has demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting and protecting our youth, and we know she will continue to serve the community with dedication and compassion in this new role.
We also welcome Officer Tiani Paula as our newest School Resource Officer! Officer Paula will be working closely with students, staff, and families in our schools to build strong relationships and foster a safe and supportive learning environment.
Congratulations to Detective Lindsay Bonda welcome Officer Tiani Paula!
We were honored to be on hand for the promotion ceremony last week! Dawe School Principal Rob Cancellieri, SHS Adjustment Counselor Georgeann Lewis, and Director of Health Services Danielle Gallan represented SPS. They are pictured with Chief McNamara, Detective Bonda, and Officer Paula.
Last Day for Late Bus is May 22
Please note that next Thursday, May 22 is the last day for late buses for the OMS & SHS this school year.
Community Safety Awareness Event on Saturday
Join the Stoughton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and the Stoughton Police Department for a Community Safety Awareness Event this Saturday, May 17 from 12-2pm at the Stoughton Police Station (26 Rose St.). This is an inclusive event filled with sensory activities, safety education, a tour of the police station, an appearance from Quill the therapy dog, and more! Click here for more information.
Once A Knight, Always A Knight 5K Walk/Run on Saturday
The annual Once A Knight, Always A Knight 5K Walk/Run is this Saturday, May 17. The race starts at 9am at Halloran Park in Stoughton (right near the District office/Jones Early Childhood Center).
For more information, including how to register and the race route, visit the Stoughton Recreation Department's website.
School Committee Meeting on May 20
The Stoughton School Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in the conference room at the SPS District Office, 31 Pierce St. The meeting starts at 6pm with an executive session. The public portion of the meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30pm. An agenda for the meeting can be found by clicking here.
Please note that the School Committee will be holding a public hearing on school choice at a meeting on May 27 at 6pm in the conference room at the SPS District Office. This public hearing will not be taking place at the May 20th meeting.
Message from the Stoughton Climate Action Plan Committee
Care Solace
Did you know that Stoughton Public Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members? Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health, social services, or substance use treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance.
- Call: 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365 with multilingual support)
- Visit: caresolace.com/stoughtonschools to search or click “Book Appointment”.
Important Links
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