Blue Knight Highlights

What's Happening in the Sandwich Schools - May 11, 2025

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OAK RIDGE SCIENTISTS SHARE THEIR RESEARCH

Congratulations to the 5th and 6th grade Oak Ridge students who displayed their scientific research in the annual Oak Ridge Science Fair this past Tuesday, May 6. Approximately 30 fifth and sixth grade students presented their findings on a whole host of scientific topics, from the effects of water on germinating plant seeds to the effects of ingredients in making the "perfect" chocolate chip cookie. It was outstanding to see these students so deftly use terms such as independent/dependent variables and controls and then present their results with such confidence! Many thanks to Oak Ridge Science Coach Christine Skirvan for organizing the event. A special thank you to the judges—Principal Trish Hill, Math Coach Susan Maciel, Science National Honor Society Club Advisor Rebecca Wheeler, and her students from SMHS: Lauren Frazel, Emma Grady, Shreya Shukla, and Nathan Surla. The Science Fair winners may be found at this link.

Below: Sixth grader Ben Curry displays his research asking the question, "Is the 5 second rule really a thing to keep you safe from bacteria?" (Spoiler alert: NO!)

Also, Fifth grader Kayla Scott explains her research on the decomposition of milk plastic to two Sandwich Middle High School students acting as judges.

The image shows a young participant standing next to a science project display board. The board is titled "5 Second Rule" in large red letters with a golden balloon shaped like the number 5 above it. The display features colorful decorations, including cartoon bacteria and images of petri dishes. It includes sections labeled "Question," "Hypothesis," "Material," "Procedure," "Result," and "Conclusion." Each section contains text and small photographs or illustrations. Various colored buttons or pins are used to hold the sections in place. In front of the display are several petri dishes, and a sign with the participant's name and grade is visible. The participant wears glasses, a gray Under Armour shirt, and a blue jacket, with a name tag reading "Ben Curry, 6th Grade."

The image shows a classroom or exhibition hall with several students gathered around display boards set on a long black table against a wall. The room has blue-tiled walls with a door to the left covered with blue trim. A clock on the wall reads 10:10. The display boards feature projects labeled "Water Pressure" and "The Decomposition of Milk Plastic." Several students are engaged in conversation around the projects. One student holding a paper is talking to two others who appear to be listening attentively. More posters and adults accompanied by children can be seen in the background on the left.

SMHS BASEBALL TEAM FOSTERS CONNECTIONS BETWEEN STUDENTS

Despite some wet weather yesterday, the Sandwich Middle High School Baseball Team had a great turnout for annual clinic with the Sandwich Little League. The team had close to 60 players, ranging from 4 years old to 13. Head Coach Brian Tomasini is very proud of his players on how they represented SMHS. They did an outstanding job of leading the future Blue Knights through some skills, drills, and games during the morning clinic. The Little League players had a ton of fun, and it was great to see high school students out there leading the way!

The image shows a large group of people, mostly children and a few adults, gathered on a sports field. They are arranged in several rows, with the younger children sitting or kneeling in the front and the older children and adults standing behind them. All individuals are dressed in casual sports attire, with many wearing baseball caps. The field is a green synthetic turf with white markings, presumably for a football or soccer field. Behind the group, there is a backdrop of lush green trees, and two football goalposts are visible. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cloudy day.

The image depicts a group of young children gathered around a few Sandwich High School students, likely in a discussion or instruction setting on an athletic field. The children, dressed in casual sportswear such as hoodies and baseball caps, appear to be listening attentively. Most of them are wearing blue Sandwich Knights baseball caps. The background shows a soccer field with a goalpost, surrounded by a running track, and a line of trees under an overcast sky. The field is enclosed by a chain-link fence. The atmosphere suggests a sports coaching or team meeting.

SANDWICH MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS BRING HOME AWARDS

On Friday, May 9, the Sandwich Middle High School Band and Sandwich Soul competed in the Music in the Parks Music Festival in Holyoke, MA. This program features an adjudicated performance at the United Congregational Church of Holyoke followed by an enjoyable time and awards banquets at Six Flags New England in Agawam. The SMHS Band was honored with an excellent rating award! Sandwich Soul came home with a first place superior rating award, and took the Overall Highest Points award in the entire choral competition. Junior Thomas (TJ) MacDonald won Best Vocal Soloist award for the choral competition. Congratulations to our talented students!

The image depicts a group of Sandwich Soul performers on a stage in a church-like setting, featuring large stained glass windows and ornate wooden paneling. The group, dressed in themed costumes that include vests, dresses, and period clothing, is holding up their right fists, with some holding rifles, suggesting a theatrical production, possibly historical or revolutionary-themed. The student performers are standing in front of a choir area with a large red curtain in the center. The church interior features high vaulted ceilings, and arched windows with intricate stained glass panels. In the foreground, a person wearing a purple jacket sits in a pew.

HONOR A SANDWICH EDUCATOR WITH A GOLDEN APPLE AWARD!

Once again the Sandwich School Committee will be honoring educators and staff members who have gone above and beyond to partner with families to make a significant difference in the education and well-being of students. This program, called the Golden Apple Award, is to recognize excellence that exists across our district. The Committee will be recognizing four (4) educators/staff members at their regular meeting of June 11, 2025. Please consider a nomination for the Golden Apple Award using this form available at this link. The nomination period will close on May 19, 2025.

Below with the Sandwich School Committee are last year's Golden Apple awardees, Forestdale's Laura Tedeschi and Sandwich Middle High School's Haley Stockwell and Beth Donahue. Oak Ridge's Arthur Guerra was also honored with the award.

The image depicts a group of twelve people standing in a meeting room. In the foreground, three women are posed side by side, each holding a small, wrapped red box with an award. The woman on the left, Laura Tedeschi, is wearing a blue patterned dress, the middle woman, Haley Stockwell, is in a pink dress, and the woman on the right, Beth Donahue, is in a light blue top with a patterned skirt. Behind them, the men and women of the Sandwich School Committee, are arranged in a semi-circle, smiling for the camera. A large screen in the background displays various text, indicating the agenda for a school committee meeting..

SPRING CHORAL CONCERT THIS THURSDAY, MAY 15

Come enjoy some beautiful music this coming Thursday evening!

Sandwich Middle High School's Music Department is proud to present the 2025 Choral Spring Concert, "Lost and Found." It will be Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 pm in the Sandwich Middle High School Auditorium. The performance will be by the Sandwich Middle High School Choral Department. The suggested donation is $5.00.

COMMUNITY CORNER

Join in the fun at Touch-A-Truck on May 17th!

A free event for all that allows children the opportunity to explore all kinds of trucks like never before!

Event Information

Touch-A-Truck

When?

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10:00 AM

Where?

Sandwich Department of Public Works, 500 Route 130, Sandwich, MA

Touch-A-Truck event hosted by the Department of Public Works on Saturday, May 17, from 10 AM to 2 PM at 500 Route 130, Sandwich, MA, next to the Transfer Station. Event includes truck exploration and facility tours. Flyer features a large yellow construction vehicle.

PTA OPEN POSITIONS

Are you interested in getting more involved in our school community? Join the PTA! It’s a great way to stay connected, collaborate with fellow parents and staff, and make a meaningful impact on our students’ experience. Whether you can help a little or a lot, your voice and support are always welcome.

For more information and to get involved, please visit our website today!

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Clinic Information

The information contained on the flyer below is being shared to help families determine need when it comes to the MMR vaccine. It is for informational purposes only to help keep you and your family safe. Be well.

MMR Vaccine Clinic flyer from Barnstable County Health and Environment. The clinic is for protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. It will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at 16 Great Neck Road North, Mashpee, Massachusetts. Attendees can register online at www.capecod.gov/mmrvaccine. The flyer explains that measles is highly contagious and sometimes dangerous, and that the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and provides lifelong protection. It includes a chart showing who may need a measles vaccine, based on birth year. Those born between 1963 and 1967 are advised to get revaccinated. The flyer states that two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective. People with immunocompromising conditions need a doctor’s note. For questions or to check eligibility, call 508-375-6617. Learn more at capecod.gov/measles.

Summer STEM Offerings at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Students can spend time this summer learning everything they ever wanted to know about sharks at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy!