The Cohasset Compass

October 23, 2026

Dear Cohasset Public School Community,

On Wednesday, October 21, the Cohasset Public Schools celebrated Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. This was our third year taking part, and it keeps growing. This year, our K–5 classes at Osgood and Deer Hill paired up as buddies, with middle and high school volunteers travelled to our elementary campus to serve as community leaders and mentors. Together they talked about why Unity Day matters: what makes each of us unique also makes our community stronger and more vibrant. Students listened to a read-aloud of The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater. Then each of them finished the sentence “Unity is ___” on an orange sticky note and added it to banners at both schools. The day was full of joy, thoughtful exchanges, and a sense that each one of us matters.

Days like this remind me why a sense of belonging is essential for every child and adult in our schools. When students feel seen, valued and connected to the people around them, they are more willing to take risks, try new things and support one another. Research proves that students who feel an authentic sense of belonging and that they matter, achieve at higher levels.

Belonging doesn’t come from one event. It grows from the many small moments in a school day: a kind word in the hallway, an older student helping a younger one, a classmate who listens. Again and again this fall, I’ve seen our students, staff and families show up for one another in big and small ways. Those everyday acts of care are what make Cohasset such a special place to learn and grow.

This work is at the heart of the Community Engagement focus of our Strategic Plan. We want to strengthen the connections between our four schools and within our district, and to deepen our ties to the wider community we serve. Whether you’re a student, staff member, family member or neighbor, you have a part in it. Thank you for all the ways you help make our schools places where everyone belongs.

Please click on the image below to see the Unity Day slide show shared at last night's School Committee meeting.

Ever Onward,

Sarah

CPS FY28 Budget Planning

At this week's School Committee meeting (10/21), we had the first read for the FY28 budget priorities and the first read of the FY28 capital requests. We will have the second read and possible vote at our 11/4 meeting. In sharing both with you here, we hope to the wider CPS community will engage in the process with us. Please reach out directly to Superintendent Shannon with any questions.

CPS FY28 Budget Priorities - FIRST READ

FY28 Capital Budget Requests - FIRST READ

🎉 A Job Extremely Well Done! 🎉

Spring 2026 MCAS, AP, and SAT Update

The 2026 assessments results are in and show Cohasset is doing extremely well - with students at Deer Hill and the High School showing substantial progress towards MCAS targets and the middle school meeting or exceeding MCAS targets. Results also indicate areas in need of growth and the staff will be conducting further inquiry in the upcoming weeks to determine changes that should be made. Overall, we have many reasons to celebrate the learning and ability for students to show their learning on these assessments. Congratulations and thank you to our students, educators, families and the community.

Please click on the image below to access Dr. Wilcox's full school committee presentation outlining our student achievement on 2026 MCAS, AP Exams, and SATs.

Congratulations to our Skipper Athletes & Coaches!

CPS Free & Reduced Lunch Forms

Although school meals are free for all in Massachusetts, it remains extremely important for all families to complete the household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2026-27 school year so that our district can continue to establish eligibility for P-EBT benefits, waive local fees (ie. athletics, field trips, etc), and serve families most effectively.

When returning the Application, we also ask that you complete and return the Sharing Information with Other Programs form as well. If your student(s) qualify for free or reduced price meals, this allows us to share your information with other programs in the school so that your student can receive additional benefits.

Please return your completed Free & Reduced Meal Application to your student's school office. There is one application per household, please. For more information follow these links: Free and Reduced Price Meals and CPS Nutrition and CPS Food Services. If you have any questions please contact our Director of Food Services, Vinicio Cordon at vcordon@cohassetk12.org.

South Shore Backpackers: Supporting Students & Families Beyond the School Day

Cohasset Public Schools is excited to partner with South Shore Backpackers to pilot a new food-access program for Cohasset families beginning in Fall 2026.

South Shore Backpackers is a partnership between Wellspring and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church designed to provide nutritious, kid-friendly food for students and their families during weekends and school breaks—times when school meals are not available. The program is built around a simple idea: when families have access to good food, students are better supported to learn, grow, and thrive.

Families who feel they could benefit from additional food support are invited to complete a confidential Family Interest Indicator Form. Completing the form simply lets the program team know that your family may be interested; it is not a commitment to participate.

Confidentiality is a central part of the program. We understand that asking for food assistance can feel personal, and we want families to feel comfortable exploring this resource without stigma or concern about their privacy. Information submitted through the interest form will be handled confidentially and discreetly and used to help CPS and South Shore Backpackers plan the program and connect interested families with available support.

If your family could use additional food support on weekends or during school breaks, we encourage you to learn more and complete the confidential interest form. You can access the form through the CLICK HERE button or QR code on the program flyer. Questions about the program can be directed to John Scopelleti at JScopelleti@cohassetk12.org.

Cohasset Embraces and Models The Dignity Index

High Quality - and FREE - Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Mass Partnership for Youth (MPY): Parenting Solutions at Your Finger Tips

MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students' families thrive. Explore this curated collection of quick videos and informative handouts thoughtfully grouped by relevant topics. Each segment below is filled with proven, practical, and easy-to-implement video solutions on a wide range of parenting challenges.

Some offerings include: