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Sandwich Public Schools

A legacy of purpose and possibility

CASTLE CHRONICLES 01.05.26

Posted Date: 01/05/26 (07:46 AM)


CASTLE CHRONICLES

January 5, 2026
Happy New Year 2026
 

Important Upcoming Dates

  • January 16: No school for students. Districtwide Professional Development Day for staff.
  • January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. No school.
  • January 20: Routine morning classes and period 3 midyear exam from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM. Dismissal is at 2:00 PM.
  • January 21: Midyear exams for periods 4 and 5. Dismissal is at 11:00 AM.
  • January 22: Midyear exams for periods 6 and 7. Dismissal is at 11:00 AM.
  • January 23: Midyear exams for periods 1 and 2. Dismissal is at 11:00 AM.

All students in grades 7 -12 follow the exam schedule.

Breakfast will be served and bus transportation will be provided daily during our exam period.

Please contact your student's teachers if you have any questions about the exams.
 

SWEET SUCCESS: GINGERBREAD EDITION

building gingerbread houses
Prior to the holiday break, the Class of 2026 spent time together building gingerbread houses. This is a fun annual tradition for the senior class and there's no doubt that our students enjoyed it!
Senior girls building gingerbread houses
Senior boys building gingerbread houses
Senior boys building gingerbread houses
Senior girls building gingerbread houses
grinch gingerbread house
stranger things themed gingerbread
snoopy gingerbread
Candland gingerbread
 

SPREADING KINDNESS THROUGH SERVICE

nhs students
Members of the National Honor Society held their annual Stockings for the Unhoused service project. Students assembled 40 thoughtfully prepared stockings, each intended to bring warmth and care during the winter season.

The stockings were distributed at a community breakfast through StreetReach in Hyannis, which supports individuals experiencing homelessness on Cape Cod.

Each stocking featured a personalized holiday card, warm socks, toiletries, snacks, and gift cards to local restaurants, along with other useful items.

This annual service project reflects the kindness, generosity, and community spirit of our NHS students. Thank you to everyone who helped make this tradition possible!
NHS STUDENTS MAKING STOCKINGS
NHS STUDENTS MAKING STOCKINGS
 

SMHS AND OAK RIDGE STUDENTS COLLABORATE THROUGH COMPUTER SCIENCE

PTLW STUDENTS WITH 6TH GRADERS
PTLW STUDENTS WITH 6TH GRADERS
PTLW STUDENTS WITH 6TH GRADERS
PTLW STUDENTS WITH 6TH GRADERS
Sandwich Middle High School students visited 6th graders in their technology class at Oak Ridge School for a hands-on Computer Science experience. As part of the visit, students tested creative mobile apps designed by pairs of high school students enrolled in the Project Lead The Way Computer Science Essentials course.

Sixth graders rotated through interactive stations, explored each app, and provided feedback directly to the student creator, taking on the role of real app testers.

This experience gave younger students an engaging preview of the opportunities available at the high school while allowing our Computer Science students to share their learning, communicate their ideas, and receive authentic feedback from a real audience.
 

SHARING MUSIC AT DECATUR HOUSE

Members of our Jazz Band volunteered their time after school to learn and rehearse a special set of holiday and jazz selections, which they shared with residents at Decatur House.

As Decatur House offers assisted living to many members of our community, it was wonderful to see residents come out of their apartments to gather, listen, and enjoy the music together.

One memorable moment came when a retired pianist and music teacher, now a resident, connected with student pianist Paxton Staley. The resident was delighted by Paxton’s improvisation, and it was heartwarming to see the two share a conversation after the performance.

Thank you to our students for giving their time and talent to bring music, connection, and joy to our community. 💙🎷
Grades 7-12 Jazz band at the Decatur house
Grades 7-12 Jazz band at the Decatur house
Grades 7-12 Jazz band at the Decatur house
Grades 7-12 Jazz band at the Decatur house
 

SMHS MUSICIANS TOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Prior to the holiday break, students from Sandwich Soul and the SMHS Band performed at Oak Ridge School and Forestdale School, sharing their talents while encouraging and inspiring younger students.

The performances gave elementary students an exciting glimpse into future musical opportunities at Sandwich Middle High School, while allowing current musicians to showcase their skills, confidence, and love of music. The visits highlighted the strong sense of connection and mentorship within our school community.
students performing holiday concert
students performing holiday concert
students performing holiday concert
students performing holiday concert
 

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

MARTIN MULROY

MARTIN MULROY: Quote: "Work hard, play hard."
ALL ABOUT MARTY:

@SMHS- KTC Co-president, played Angel in RENT and Hermes in Hadestown 

Sandwich Soul: Tenor Section Leader, World Language Honor Society: President, National Honor Society: Vice President

accomplishments: finalist for the National Musical theater awards in MA for playing Hermes in Hadestown, nomination for best supporting actor in MA for Hermes in Hadestown, qualified and got into All State Music festival in March 2025

What senior event are you most excited for? graduation

Go to song?- Running on Empty by Jackson Browne

Dream Job? Astrophysicist at NASA 

What’s your favorite lunch spot on cape? The Daily Brew and Cafe Riverview 

What’s your favorite beach on Cape? 
East Sandwich Beach
 

MAYLIN ALTY

MAYLIN ALTY: 
Quote: "Put your best foot forward, get involved, have fun and always be kind!."

ALL ABOUT Maylin:

@SMHS; sports: Tennis team
clubs: Latin Club, Key Club, Chicas for Change

What senior event are you most excited for? 
Six Flags Amusement park

Go to song? 
Pipe Down - Drake

Dream Job? interventional radiologist assistant 

What’s your favorite beach on Cape? 
Old Silver Beach
 

KNIGHTS HIT THE SLOPES

FLYER FOR SKI TRIP
2026 Sandwich Middle High School Ski and Snowboard Trip

Waterville Valley-February 7, 2026
This trip is open to 8-12 grade SMHS students

 *ALL 8th and 9th GRADE STUDENTS MUST HAVE A PARTNER OR GROUP TO SKI WITH*

First come first serve- Trips fill up fast! Turn permission slips and forms in ASAP
*The Bus will leave SHS parking lot PROMPTLY at 5:15 AM*
The bus will be returning to SMHS at approximately 8:00 PM.

*Rentals are available at the mountain but renting prior to the trip is a good option.

**Students are required to wear a helmet at all times while skiing and snowboarding**
Rental helmets are available at the mountain.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Contact Mike McNeill at mmcneill@sandwich.k12.ma.us or stop by room C326

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COST

Waterville Valley- February 7, 2026
  • Bus & Lift Ticket: $123
  • Rental (Skis or Snowboard, Boots & Poles): $51 
  • Helmet Rentals: $13
  • Bus Only: $45

Never been skiing or boarding? -YOU MUST See Mr. McNeill-(C326) for learn to ski/ride packages and you must have a learn to ski/ride buddy.

-NO REFUNDS    
*Checks are to be made payable to Sandwich Middle High School
*Include trip date & student name in the memo
Permission Slip
 

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