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Sandwich Public Schools

A legacy of purpose and possibility

CASTLE CHRONICLES 03.09.26

Posted Date: 03/09/26 (07:37 AM)


CASTLE CHRONICLES

March 9, 2026
 

BOSTON BRUINS HONOR STUTZMAN

Liz Stutzman honored by MIAA Bruins-MIAA
Sandwich Middle High School student-athlete ELISABETH STUTZMAN has been selected by the Cape and Islands League to receive the 2026 Boston Bruins–MIAA Sportsmanship Award, a prestigious honor presented annually to one individual from each high school ice hockey league in Massachusetts who exemplifies the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship.

Elisabeth is a standout multi-sport athlete at SMHS, competing in field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse. In addition to her athletic achievements, she also serves as the school’s Morgan’s Message ambassador, helping raise awareness about the importance of mental health among student-athletes and encouraging open conversations within the athletic community.

Elisabeth will be honored on March 19 at TD Garden prior to the Boston Bruins game. She and a guest will attend a special reception hosted by the Bruins before the award presentation.

This recognition highlights not only Elisabeth’s athletic accomplishments but also her leadership, character, and commitment to supporting her fellow student-athletes.

The SMHS community congratulates Elisabeth on this outstanding achievement!
Liz Stuzman playing hockey
Liz with Maddie Ramsey before game
 

All the World’s a Stage for SMHS Seniors

Seniors who went to see a play
Sandwich Middle High School seniors recently traveled to Providence, Rhode Island to see The Winter’s Tale performed at the Trinity Repertory Company. The live performance gave students the opportunity to experience Shakespeare’s work as it was meant to be seen—on stage—bringing the language, characters, and dramatic storytelling to life in a way that goes beyond the classroom.

After the performance, students enjoyed lunch together at Maria’s Cucina, giving them time to reflect on the show, and spend time with classmates during the trip.

The outing provided a valuable cultural experience and a chance for seniors to connect literature, theater, and community as part of their studies.

Thank you to grade 12 English teacher, Mr. Scott Childress, for organizing such a wonderful experience for our students.
Seniors at a play in Providence
Seniors at a shakesphere play
walking into the theatre
seniors at lunch together
 

SMHS Students Attend Mentoring Breakfast

group shot with speaker at mentoring meeting
Students from Sandwich Middle High School’s Innovation Career Pathway courses attended the Annual Women & Girls Mentoring Breakfast, hosted by the Cape & Islands Workforce Board (MassHire) in celebration of Women’s History Month.

The event brought together young women from across the region with professional mentors for meaningful conversations about leadership, career pathways, and opportunities for the future.
The featured speaker, Rebekah Gregory, a Boston Marathon Survivor & Inspirational Speaker, shared a powerful message of resilience, perseverance, and hope, encouraging students to pursue bold futures and believe in their own strength.

This experience is part of the SMHS Innovation Career Pathways commitment to connecting students with real-world mentors and career exploration opportunities.

Annual Women & Girls Mentoring Breakfast
Mentoring meeting group shot
Guest speaker at mentoring meeting
 

SMHS DECA Prepares for State Competition

deca flyer saying good luck at states
Best of luck to the DECA state qualifiers as they compete at states later this week! To learn more about our DECA chapter, see this year's digital program
Sandwich DECA Digital Program
 

MATHCOUNTS TEAM COMPETES AT STATES

MATHCOUNTS team photo
MATHCOUNTS team photo
The SMHS MATHCOUNTS team traveled to Burlington, Massachusetts this weekend 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)

Special thanks to middle school math teacher, Ms. Sarah Greer, for her leadership as MATCOUNTS advisor.

Creativity Takes Flight in Pottery II

pottery birdhouses
pottery birdhouses
Students in Mr. Rigazio’s Pottery II class have been hard at work creating unique ceramic birdhouses entirely by hand: shaping slabs of clay, adding structural details, and carving textures to give each piece its own character.

From rustic cottages to more abstract forms, every birdhouse reflects the creativity and craftsmanship of the student who made it.  

The project allows students to apply skills they’ve developed throughout the course while experimenting with design, texture, and form.

Please keep a bird's eye out to see these beautiful birdhouses displayed once finished!
birdhouses
birdhouses
final birdohouse
very detailed birdhouse
 

✨ Meet the Class of 2026: Weekly Feature by Lillian Barbosa✨

 

ABIGAIL COTTER

ALL ABOUT ABIGAIL COTTER: Quote: "Try your hardest and have fun!"

@SMHS-SPORTS: Varsity Field Hockey CAPTAIN

CLUBS: DECA President, best buddies

What senior event are you most excited for?
BOSTON Boat Cruise

What’s your go to song? What are you listening to / Chris stapleton

What’s your favorite lunch spot on cape?
THE Flying Bridge

What’s your favorite beach on cape? 
mayflower BEACH
 

EVAN PESTILLI

ALL ABOUT Evan Pestilli
Quote: "Play Sandwich Hockey."

@SMHS- Sports: baseball 7-10, Varsity Hockey

What senior event are you most excited for? Hockey Playoffs

ACCOMPLISHMENTS- Owner of EP’s lawncare & landscaping

Go to song?  This love, pantera

Dream Job?  WWe WRESTLER

What’s your favorite lunch spot on cape? JD’s

What’s your favorite beach on Cape? Scrats Beach
 

Covert Kindness Spreads Positivity

message on a heart
During the month of February, 7th grade students in Ms. Mell-Taylor’s classes took part in a Covert Kindness Challenge. At the end of each class, student groups were given just a few minutes to work together to select a staff member and write a thoughtful, encouraging message. The twist? They had to secretly deliver their note without being seen!

This challenge not only strengthened students’ teamwork and collaboration skills, but also helped them recognize the positive impact they can have on the wider SMHS community.

To our knowledge, they were only “caught” once!
 

Shake, Rattle, and Clay: 7th Graders Create Animal Maracas

7th graders posing for picture with clay project
Seventh-grade art students are combining creativity and craftsmanship in a hands-on clay project: designing and building their own animal-shaped maracas!

The project introduces students to the three primary hand building techniques: pinch, coil, and slab.

Once completed and glazed, the maracas will showcase both the artistic creativity and technical skills of the students while transforming their clay sculptures into playful musical instruments.

Stay tuned! We’ll share photos of the finished maracas once they are completed!
7th graders working with clay
7th graders working with clay
7th grade working with cay
7th grade working with cay
 

Be Part of a Wildlife Rescue Story

flyer for supply drive
Spring is arriving soon — and with it comes baby wildlife in need of help. This is the busiest season of the year for Cape Wildlife Center, as injured and orphaned animals are brought in daily for care, rehabilitation, and a second chance at life.

You can be part of their rescue story.
The Environmental Club is hosting a Wildlife Supply Drive to support the Center during this critical time. We are collecting many items, including:
  • Cheerios (used for baby animals)
  • Wet dog and cat food
  • Paper towels

Donation boxes will be located outside the main office, and we will be collecting items for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16.

To learn more about this fundraiser or the SMHS Environmental Club, look for our posters around the school or contact Ms. Fudala, or Ms. Ferreira.
 

Graduation Bouquets and Custom Class T-Shirts Available for Preorder

Flyer for graduation preorders
Order now and pick-up on graduation day!

Custom Class of 2026 t-shirts are a unique keepsake that feature the SMHS Knight logo on the front and every graduate’s name printed on the back.

Bouquets will also be available as a thoughtful gift to congratulate graduates as they leave the stage and celebrate with family and friends.

To place an order in advance click the link below or families can scan the QR code on the flyer to order directly from their phone.
Graduation Preorders
 

GET YOUR CLASS of 2026 YARD SIGN!

Order a yard sign for your graduating senior: Class of 2026. Order by March 13, 2026
Celebrate your senior in style! Class of 2026 yard signs are now on sale for $25.00 each. It's the perfect way to recognize your graduate and show some senior pride right from your front yard!

Be sure to order your sign by March 12! Let's fill the neighborhoods with celebration for our amazing senior class!
 

Build the Ultimate Leprechaun Trap

Leprechaun flyer
Get ready for some St. Patrick’s Day fun! Sandwich Middle High School will host a Leprechaun Trap Building event on Thursday, March 12 from 4:00–6:00 PM in the SMHS cafeteria.

Students will have the opportunity to design and build their own creative traps in hopes of catching a mischievous leprechaun. The event is a fun, hands-on activity that encourages creativity and problem-solving while celebrating the spirit of the holiday.

The cost to participate is $5 per student or $8 for two students, and food will be available for purchase during the event.

Please note that this is not a drop-off event. Students in grades K-6 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The event will take place at Sandwich Middle High School, 365 Quaker Meetinghouse Road in East Sandwich.

Families who would like to participate can scan the QR code on the flyer to register.
Bring your imagination and see if your trap is clever enough to catch a leprechaun! 🍀
 

Wrap Yourself in Blue Knight Pride & Support the Class of 2029!

Blanket fundraiser for the Class of 2029. $25.00 each. Scan the QR code for purchase
 

Munch Madness: The Pop-Tart Showdown

much madness
Get ready for Munch Madness! The Sandwich Public Library is hosting a Pop-Tart Showdown where tweens and teens can taste, judge, and crown the ultimate toaster pastry champion.
Students in grades 5–12 are invited to participate in a fun bracket-style challenge featuring a variety of popular Pop-Tart flavors. Participants will sample different flavors and decide which one deserves to advance through the bracket to become the ultimate winner.

📅 Wednesday, March 18
🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Boardwalk Room (Room 2)
Sandwich Public Library
142 Main St., Sandwich, MA

If you enjoy tasting snacks and judging which one is best, this event is for you! Space is limited, so registration is encouraged.
Note: This event will include tasting several Pop-Tart flavors. Patrons with food allergies should be aware that allergens may be present.
 

SPRING TESTING DATES

MCAS testing dates for 2026:
Grade 10 ELA: 3/24 and 3/25
Grades 7 & 8 ELA: 4/8 and 4/9
Grades 7 & 8 math: 5/14 and 5/15
Grade 8 science: 5/18 and 5/19
Grade 10 math: 5/20 and 5/21
Grade 8 civics: 5/28 and 5/29
Biology (grade 9 and 10 where applicable): 6/2 and 6/3
Please keep the upcoming testing dates in mind. 

Students in designated grades will participate in MCAS testing on the dates listed above. We are sharing the schedule early to help families avoid absences whenever possible. Strong attendance during testing is important, as these assessments provide valuable information about student learning and school progress.
Thank you for your support!
 

SENIOR WEEK FEES DUE MARCH 13

SENIOR WEEK ACTIVITIES
June 2: Martha's Vineyard Day! Bus departs at 8:00 AM 
June 3: Graduation practice at 8:00 AM followed by SIX FLAGS Amusement Park outing
June 4: 8:00 AM Graduation practice, 11:00 AM Cap & Gown pick-up, 12:00 PM Beach Picnic, 6:30 PM Senior Awards
June 5: 8:00 AM Graduation Practice, 10:00 AM School visits, 3:30 PM buses leave for the Boston Boat Cruise Dinner
June 6: 8:30 AM graduation breakfast and Graduation ceremony at 10:00 AM

Senior week fee is $125.00 and includes participation in all events. Fee due by March 13 and can be paid by check payable to SMHS.

Senior Week 2026 Will Be Here Before We Know It! 🎉

Seniors:

We are excited to announce a fun-filled and memorable Senior Week for the Class of 2026! This special week will celebrate your accomplishments and the incredible journey you have shared together at SMHS.
A variety of exciting events are planned to honor your final days as Blue Knights!

The Senior Week fee is $125.00, which includes admission to all scheduled events. Checks made payable to SMHS are due to Ms. Samantha Finlayson in the main office by March 13.

If you have questions about Senior Week activities, please contact senior class advisors Ms. Samantha Driscoll or Ms. Dominique Fougere.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding payment, please reach out to Jeanne Nelson.

We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026! It’s going to be an unforgettable week! 🎓✨
 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

parent teacher conferences flyer
Sandwich Middle High School will hold its second session of Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 18. All conferences are in person.

To schedule a conference, please use the QR code provided. If you have any questions about the sign-up platform, please contact Ms. Colleen Davidson at cdavidson@sandwich.k12.ma.us.

We would love to hear your thoughts on how we can improve your experience signing up for parent-teacher conferences. Please take a moment and complete this FEEDBACK FORM. Thank you!
 

EASY as Pi(e)! 🥧

Pi Day!
Support Mu Alpha Theta, celebrate 3.14 and buy a pie from March 9 - March 13 in the main lobby before school from 7:00 AM - 7:25 AM. 
One pie is $3.00
Two pies are $5.00
In celebration of Pi Day (3.14), Mu Alpha Theta, SMHS's National Mathematics Honor Society, will be selling pies in the main lobby from March 9–March 13. Whether you’re irrationally excited about math or simply rational about dessert, this is your chance to support a great cause.

Please consider supporting Mu Alpha Theta by purchasing a pie. It’s the sweetest way to celebrate 3.14. We promise the results will be deliciously well-calculated!
 

REGISTER BY MARCH 12 FOR SPRING SPORTS!

spring sports flyer

Key Dates to Remember
  • Registration Deadline: March 12th
  • Season Start: March 16th (Athletic department will post specific tryout information as we get closer to the tryout date)

Please direct all questions relating to tryouts to the following coaches:

Baseball: Brian Tomasini (btomasini@sandwich.k12.ma.us)

Softball: Dana Battista (dana3battista@gmail.com)

Boys lacrosse: Mike Mcneill (mmcneill@sandwich.k12.ma.us)

Girls lacrosse: Kelsy Beaton (hambee2@aol.com)

Outdoor Track and Field: (lhoran@sandwich.k12.ma.us)

Boys Tennis: TBD

Girls Tennis: Peter Trimble (trimble.p@gmail.com)

Sailing: Steve Watson (swatson@sandwich.k12.ma.us)
 
 

PTSA FUNDRAISER: DINNER AT THE DUNBAR LAST WEEK TO RESERVE A TABLE

FLYER FOR PTSA
All are welcome! Get a group together & reserve a table! Enjoy a gourmet dinner at the Dunbar House while supporting the PTSA Blue Knight Senior Award fund. Awards are presented annually to 3 graduating SMHS seniors.
Get a reservation
 

SENIORS: APPLY NOW FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!

Scholarship Applications Now Open. See Naviance for Details. 
Types of Scholarships:
- Many scholarships available
- Open to High School Seniors
- Merit-based and non-merit based Options
- National, Regional and Local Opportunities

Why Apply?
- Reduce your financial Burden
- Gain recognition for your achievements
- Take Advantage of opportunities

For more information, see Melissa Murphy in the Guidance Office or call (508) 888-4900 or email mmurohy@sandwich.k12.ma.us

🎓 Don't Miss Out! Scholarship Opportunities Are Waiting

Seniors! As you begin to finalize your plans for next year, we want to remind you not to leave free money on the table!

There are currently incredible scholarship opportunities available that can significantly reduce your financial burden for college. While the process can sometimes feel daunting, please remember that not every application requires an essay. In fact, some of these scholarships are as simple as submitting a brief letter of interest!

Don't hesitate! Apply today! Your future self will thank you.

For a complete list of current opportunities, or if you have any questions about how to get started, please stop by the guidance office to see your school counselor or Mrs. Murphy. We are here to help you succeed!
 

BLUE KNIGHT SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP

BLUE KNIGHT AWARD SCHOLARSHIP
The SMHS PTSA is proud to announce the 2026 Blue Knight Senior Award, recognizing graduating seniors who exemplify what it means to be a Blue Knight.

The PTSA will award up to three one-time scholarships of $1,000 to members of the Class of 2026. These awards are designed to support seniors as they take their next steps after high school and to celebrate students who have made a positive impact on the SMHS community.

Applications are now open in Naviance under PTSA Scholarship.
📅 Deadline to apply: April 28, 2026
We encourage all eligible seniors to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.
 

SMHS FOOD PANTRY

Cape Kid Meals has partnered with SMHS to assist all SANDWICH PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILIES in need. 

The SMHS food pantry will be open every Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM in room A100 at SMHS. Families can visit in person or place a food order by scanning the QR code. No appointment necessary.
Cape Kid Meals has partnered with SMHS to assist all SANDWICH PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILIES in need. 

The SMHS food pantry will be open every Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM in room A100 at SMHS. Families can visit in person or place a food order by scanning the QR code. No appointment necessary.
SANDWICH CREST: bLUE AND WHITE WITH A KNIGHT ON HORSEBACK HOLDING A FLAG WITH AN S ON IT. UNDER THE HORSE IS THE WORD BLUE KNIGHTS.

SMHS BLUE KNIGHTS