On Friday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 6th, students family members, and staff participated in Walk, Ride, and Roll to School Day for the Oak Ridge and Forestdale Schools, respectively. Collectively over 200 folks made the easy, ~0.3 mi trip from Corpus Christi Church to Oak Ridge or Oak Crest Cove to Forestdale.

Walk, Ride, and Roll to School was celebrated by schools throughout Massachusetts on May 7th. A huge thank you to Sandwich Recreation, Sandwich Fire, and Police Departments for their support in the event.

Providing students with opportunities for physical movement before the start of the school day sets a positive tone for both learning and behavior. Activities such as walking, riding a bicycle or scooter help increase blood flow, improve focus, and regulate energy levels, allowing students to enter school more attentive and ready to engage. Morning movement can also support social interaction and emotional well-being, giving students a chance to connect with peers in a structured yet relaxed environment. By incorporating intentional physical activity into the start of the day also promotes healthier habits while enhancing students’ readiness to learn.

Thank you to all who participated!

Congratulations to the 26 Sandwich Middle High School juniors who were recently selected by the Faculty Council for induction into the SMHS Glass Chapter of the National Honor Society. The induction ceremony was held on Thursday, April 30, in the SMHS library. These students have met the NHS's high standards of scholarship, leadership, character, and service. They have done so through their cumulative grades and also a rigorous application process.

They are: Abigail Binienda, Grace Chanya, Broden Cochrane, Brendan Cronin, Addison DeCesare, Isabella DiGiacomo, Lilian Feth, Iris Gaffney, Delia Howell, Emma Keith, Olivia Lavery, Madison Lewis, Allie Loewen, Jane Malcolmson, Lauren Meyer, Bradley Moesman, Isabella Niemann, Casey Pestilli, Tenley Rothera, Caitlyn Smith, Jack Steele, Elisabeth Stutzman, Cora Tedeschi, Carly West, and Ashlyn White

This week the district welcomed NY Times bestselling author Susan Verde to Forestdale and Oak Ridge to work with students in grades 1-4.

Ms. Verde presented students with her book I Am Love: A Book of Compassion. I Am Love is a gentle, mindfulness-centered story that teaches children how to respond to difficult emotions with compassion and kindness. Through simple, affirming language, the book encourages readers to pause, breathe, and recognize that even when they feel hurt, angry, or overwhelmed, they can choose to act with love toward themselves and others. It emphasizes empathy, self-awareness, and the power of small, positive actions to repair relationships and build connection, reinforcing the idea that love is always a choice within reach.

A big thank you to the Sandwich Elementary PTA for their support and Cyndi Rotondi and Alexis Bronner for their coordination of this special presentation.

On Friday, May 1, Brian Taylor’s 4th period grade 8 Civics class traveled to the Forestdale School and met with grade two physical education classes to share the information they had researched on bike safety.

As part of their Civic Action Project, 8th graders researched issues surrounding biking in Sandwich which included meeting with local officials, including Sean Polay of the Sandwich Bike and Pedestrian Safety Committee, to better understand community needs. In addition, the class is working with the Cape Cod Chapter of the New England Mountain Biking Association to support bike trail maintenance efforts.

The Civic Action Project is part of the Massachusetts Civics curriculum, which empowers students with the skills and knowledge to make a real-world impact in their community.

On Friday May 7 Oak Ridge students ihad the opportunity to attend assemblies with the talented a cappella group Ball in the House. Students learned about the process of writing and performing music, explored how vocals can create rhythm and sound effects, and even had the chance to try out their own beatboxing skills!

The assemblies were engaging, interactive, and full of energy. Thank you to Ball in the House for inspiring our students through music, creativity, and performance! And thank you Sandwich Elementary PTA, for supporting this great student experience!

In the evening, Ball in the House delivered an outstanding community concert at the United Church of Christ in Sandwich Village. The event was co-sponsored by the SPS and the Sandwich Arts Alliance and featured a special performance by the group with the Oak Ridge Chorus! Enjoy a clip of the performance below.

Many thanks to Oak Ridge music teachers Reagan Nedder and Ben Healy for organizing this great experience.

The 3rd Annual Colby Lippincott Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Sandwich Middle High School.

This community event brings people together for a day of fun, competition, and connection, all while honoring Colby Lippincott’s legacy. In addition to the tournament, attendees can enjoy food trucks, a silent auction, and other activities throughout the day.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Colby Lippincott Memorial Fund.

In addition, commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase. T-shirts are $20 and will be sold at Sandwich Middle High School on Tuesday, May 6 from 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM in the lobby. They will also be available at varsity baseball games on May 7 and May 13 from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM.

Proceeds from t-shirt sales will go toward the Colby Lippincott “Pay It Forward” Scholarships awarded to SMHS seniors. To donate and learn more, please click on this link.