Castle Chronicles 09.14.26

Posted Date: 09/14/26 (08:13 AM)

CASTLE CHRONICLES

September 14, 2026

Thank you so much to all the parents and guardians who joined us for Open House on Thursday evening! The fantastic turnout was a wonderful reminder of the strong, supportive partnership we value with our SMHS families.

We are already off to a great start this school year, and working alongside you makes all the difference. Please know that our team is here for whatever you or your student may need. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime. Thank you again for your continued support!

THE CLASS OF 2027 KICKS OFF SENIOR YEAR AT CAMP BURGESS

Seniors enjoying their day at Camp Burgess

7th & 8th GRADERS FIND THEIR RHYTHM!

Grade 7 & 8 general music students playing music

middle school students playing music and drumming

We’re already making music! 🎶

Just one week into the school year, music and band teacher, Ben Haskell's 7th and 8th grade General Music students are diving into rhythm, drumming and Latin percussion.

Our 7th graders recently volunteered to collaborate and perform an interlocking “Cha-Cha” pattern across multiple instruments that required listening, working together, and keeping the beat!

It’s wonderful to see our students building confidence and teamwork while making music together so early in the year.

CLASS OF 2027 COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour for the Parents and Guardians of the Class of 2027 will be on Friday, September 18 from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM in the SMHS cafeteria.
Topics will include post-secondary planning, timelines, what to expect senior year, etc.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, QUESTIONS!

Students in the video broadcasting class

Our Video Production students are already gaining real-world experience just one week into the school year! Mr. Amaral’s classes kicked things off with mock press conferences, giving students the opportunity to practice both interviewing and responding to questions on the spot.

Using our state-of-the-art recording studio and professional video and audio equipment, students are developing authentic production skills while learning the importance of thoughtful questions, active listening, strong communication and effective follow-up.

The mock press conferences also gave students an opportunity to learn more about their classmates. By the end of the activity, they had a better understanding of how to prepare thoughtful questions, respond comfortably and conduct a successful interview.

FIND YOUR PEOPLE! CLUB FAIR THIS WEEK!

SMHS Club Fair will be on September 17, 2026 during Knight Time in the gym.

CLUB FAIR ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 DURING KNIGHT TIME

Joining an SMHS club is one of the best ways to turn everyday student life into an unforgettable experience. Whether your student wants to lead, create, compete, or just find their crowd, there is a space already waiting for them. We are proud to offer over 40 unique student-led clubs this year, giving everyone a chance to shine. All students in grades 7-12 will attend the Club Fair and all students are able to register for clubs.

What to Expect & How the Club Fair Works:

Explore: Students can wander among tables representing arts, academic teams, service groups, debate, robotics, student council and several other clubs to find what sparks their interest.
Meet the Leaders: Talk directly with current members and student officers to get the real scoop on club activities and meeting schedules.
The Knight Pass Advantage: To make participation as seamless as possible, we utilize the Knight Pass: a single, one-time payment fee that unlocks entry into as many clubs as your student wants to join all year long. Unlimited clubs, one simple pass!

Stay Tuned: Full details regarding official registration and how to purchase the Knight Pass will be sent out very soon. Encourage your student to check out all the clubs at the Club Fair!

COLLEGE VISITS TO SMHS

We are excited to share that starting this week, 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

KTC AUDITIONS FOR THE FALL PRODUCTION OF TRAP

KTC Presents TRAP by Stephen Gregg. Performance dates are November 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21.
Actor auditions are on September 15 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the auditorium. Excerpts from the script will be provided at the auditions and are available to read as well. Memorization is not required.

REGISTER NOW! PSAT: OCTOBER 26, 2026

PSAT Testing on October 26, 2026 at 7:30 Am in the SMHS Library. Please register by September 25. Permission slips are available in the School Counseling office. Questions? Contact Averill Davis at atdavis@sandwich.k12.ma.us

PSAT FOR INTERESTED STUDENTS IN GRADE 10 & GRADE 11

The PSAT will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 in the SMHS library starting at 7:30 AM.

Interested students should pick-up a permission slip in the Guidance/School Counseling office.

The cost of the exam is $25.00. Checks should be made payable to SMHS PSAT.

Permission slips are due by Friday, September 25, 2026.

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is more than just a practice SAT! It gives students an opportunity to see where they are academically, become familiar with the digital SAT format, identify areas for growth, explore future opportunities, and, in 11th grade, potentially qualify for National Merit recognition and scholarships.

Questions?

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

The PSAT Permission slip can be found attached below.

order your 2027 Yearbook Now! Prices increase after Sept. 25

PURCHASE YEARBOOKS NOW! PRICES INCREASE AFTER SEPT. 25

Order your yearbook now and save money!

Senior Parents/Guardians: You can purchase senior recognition ads for your student as well.

Click on the links below to get started!

Yearbook Purchase

Senior Recognition Ad Purchase

Note: Middle school students have their own yearbook and information will be forthcoming to order a middle school yearbook.

Questions? Please contact Scott Childress at schildress@sandwich.k12.ma.us

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

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY IS SEPTEMBER 22

SMHS PICTURE DAY IS SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

Picture Day for Sandwich Middle High School is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

This event's Order Code is 0682VMF. Order before Picture Day to receive free shipping to the school.

Order online at https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/0682VMF.

Please enter your student's ADVISORY teacher's name when ordering. Thank you!

Online ordering is available before and after Picture Day. Shipping and handling charges may apply to orders placed after Picture Day.

Picture Day Guide Website

SMHS School Council: 3rd Monday of every other month from 2:15 Pm - 3:00 pm.
Advise on school policy, promote school improvement, facilitate communication and support strategic planning. Interested? Please complete this form.

Volunteer for the SMHS School Council! All students, parents, guardians are welcome!

Important Dates
9/17: Club Fair during Knight Time
9/18: 8:30 - 9:30 Coffee with the counselors for parents of the Class of 2027
9/22: School Picture day
9/30: Parent Teacher Conferences
10/14: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher Conference sign-up information will be sent in a separate email this week.

CURRENT STANDINGS FOR THE PTSA DONATION WARS:

PTSA Activity Donations
Make a donation of $25.00 by October 2 and help your student's class!

The Race is ON!

The Juniors are still in the lead—but the race for the Top 3 is still WIDE OPEN! Every class has a shot at the prizes. The race will end Friday October 2nd!

Here’s what’s at stake:

1st Place: $1,000 for your class budget

2nd Place: $750

3rd Place: $500

And teachers, there’s something in it for you, too! If we reach at least 50% participation, at least TWO teachers will win $100 CASH prizes!

Every participation counts. Who’s ready to make a move?

Student $25 donation to the SMHS PTSA Activities Fund before October 2nd!

https://sandwichknights.givebacks.com/shop/items/1201369

Teacher $15 donation to the SMHS PTSA Activities Fund before October 2nd!

https://sandwichknights.givebacks.com/shop/items/1201378