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Sandwich Public Schools

A legacy of purpose and possibility

5/15/26: Week Ahead

Posted Date: 05/15/26 (12:07 PM)


Oak Ridge School logo

Week Ahead

Oak Ridge School

May 15, 2026

This Week on the Ridge

Collage of images from student learning experiences this week
We wrapped up another successful week of MCAS testing! Just two more days to go as our 5th grade students complete the Science MCAS on Monday and Tuesday. We are proud of all of our students for their focus, perseverance, and hard work throughout the testing season.

There have also been some wonderful new touches around Oak Ridge this week, including beautiful new flowers in the front garden—thank you, Mrs. Kellogg! We also unveiled a brand new banner created by Ms. Smith to warmly welcome students each day.

Great learning continues to happen across our specials classes as well, from analyzing fingerprints in health class to building small circuits in technology.

Our 3rd and 4th grade students enjoyed an engaging assembly with comic book writer and graphic novelist Mat Heagerty, sponsored by the PTA and our 6th grade Student Council. Mat shared his personal experiences navigating school with dyslexia and ADHD and explained how graphic novels helped him become a reader and eventually inspired him to become a writer himself. He spoke about the importance of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance, even when first attempts are unsuccessful. Students especially enjoyed helping him create and draw characters during the presentation, reinforcing the value of sharing ideas and working together.

We also welcomed students from SMHS, who visited our 6th grade students to introduce the Playbook Initiative. The session was facilitated by two graduating seniors and provided students with an opportunity to learn from and connect with student leaders from the high school community.
 

Reminders & Updates

Grades 5 & 6 Social

A few quick notes for parents regarding the upcoming Social on May 15th:

The Social will run from 5:00–7:00 PM. Students will receive pizza and a water with their ticket. Concessions will also be available for purchase for $2 each.

Drop-off will begin at 5:00 PM. Parents do not need to walk students to the door. Please park in the parking lots only and avoid parking in the bus loop.

Pickup will be at 7:00 PM. Again, please do not park in the bus loop. Parents should park in the lots and walk into the school to retrieve their student. There will be a sign-out sheet at the door.

Please encourage students to leave cell phones at home. Any phones brought to the event will need to be left in the office during the Social and will be returned at pickup.
We look forward to a fun evening!

Art Chopped

Next week Oak Ridge will host the second annual "Art Chopped! Final" 5th Grade Competition. Throughout the school year, each 5th grade homeroom enjoyed a fast-paced friendly art competition resulting in one winning team for each homeroom. This Thursday, May 21, these teams will face off in a final competition. Inspired by the Food Network show "Chopped!", eight teams of 5th graders will create art using a set theme and supplies from mystery boxes. After two rounds, all but two teams will be chopped! The final and third round will result in this year's 5th grade champion team! The entire 5th grade will be our audience during specials.
 

Marigold of the Week

Marian Ferrick, Former 5th Grade Teacher & Math Interventionist

Marian worked in the Sandwich Public Schools for 44 years. She has come back to assist with MCAS testing for the past six years. Her nickname, 44, is now changed to 50! Thank you, 50 for all of your support during MCAS.
 
Nature Day: Outdoor Education & Rubber Duck Race

Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 12:00–3:00 PM
Cost: $10 per duck
Rain Date: Sunday, May 31
Location: 85 Old County Road, East Sandwich, MA

What’s happening:

🦆 Rubber Duck Race
📚 Titcomb’s Storytime
🌾 Grist Milling Demonstration
🐸 Pond Life Station
🌱 Native Plant Sale
🎨 Nature Crafts
🐦 Birdwatching

Good to know:

This is a fundraiser supporting the Nye Museum & Sandwich Conservation Trust
Designed as a hands-on, outdoor learning experience for kids and families
2026 Walk for HOPE
Falmouth • Hyannis • Orleans

Sunday, May 31

Join your neighbors in support of a thriving, year-round Cape and Islands community!
By walking for HOPE, you help us offer viable solutions when locals come to us in crisis, needing help to stay in their homes or find emergency shelter.

Get Registered

Sign up at
HACWalkforHope.org
to walk as an individual, start a team, or join a team!

Get Involved

Share why safe, stable housing is important to you and ask your network to pledge their support for your 3-mile walk!

Get Moving

Walk with us in Falmouth, Hyannis, or Orleans.
Registration & Opening Ceremonies at 12 noon
All walks begin at 1 PM!

Website:
hacwalkforhope.org

Housing matters, and hope begins with you.

Presented by Housing Assistance
⚾ 3rd Annual Colby Lippincott Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament

Registration is now open for this community event supporting the Pay It Forward Scholarship at Sandwich Middle High School.

📅 Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🌧 Rain Date: Sunday, August 9
📍 Location: Sandwich Middle High School
365 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd, East Sandwich, MA 02537

👥 Teams & Age Groups

24 Adult Teams + 12 Youth Teams
36 teams total
Youth Division: Ages 8–12
Adult Division: Ages 13+

💲 Registration

Registration fees have been waived
Donations are welcome

🎉 Extras

Prizes for the most creative team name and T-shirt design

All proceeds benefit the Pay It Forward Scholarship at SMHS through the Colby Lippincott Memorial Fund.
Collage of positive phone calls home (3 students)

Important Dates

5/18 & 5-19 - Grade 5 Science MCAS
5/25 - Memorial Day/ No school
5/26 - Grades 5 & 6 Science Fair
6/4 - Band and Choral Spring Concert @ 6:30 pm
6/9 - PTA Meeting @ Oak Ridge (6 pm)
6/15 - Grade 6 Oak Crest Cove Field Trip (Rain Date: 6/16)
6/19 - Juneteenth- No School
6/22 - Field Day (Rain Date: 6/23)
6/24 - Grade 6 Breakfast
6/25 - Last Day (Half-Day)
 
Oak Ridge Logo

Thanks for reading!

Dr. Anna Dunphy, Principal
adunphy@sandwich.k12.ma.us

Dr. Mary Kate Stevens, Assistant Principal (Grades 4 & 5)
mstevens@sandwich.k12.ma.us

Mr. Matthew MacLean, Assistant Principal (Grades 3 & 6)
mmaclean@sandwich.k12.ma.us