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Sandwich Public Schools

A legacy of purpose and possibility

Castle Chronicles 08.24.26

Posted Date: 08/24/26 (01:04 PM)


CASTLE CHRONICLES

SANDWICH MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL

August 24, 2026

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

WELCOME BACK, KNIGHTS!

We hope all students and families enjoyed a wonderful summer and are returning refreshed and ready for a successful school year!

Please note that dismissal on Wednesdays is at 1:00 PM. September 2, being a Wednesday, will be a 1:00 PM dismissal.

For those new to SMHS, The Castle Chronicles is our weekly newsletter published each Monday. In this edition, you’ll find information about schedules, upcoming events, breakfast and lunch, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and key contact details.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Here's to a successful, fun-filled, exciting new school year!

Jeanne M. Nelson
SMHS Principal
 

Parent Pick-Up & Drop-Off Procedures

Parent Drop-Off: Please use the entrance closest to Route 6 or Route 6A. Follow the traffic pattern. 
Pull all the way forward.
Please be wary of pedestrians and new student drivers. 
Please drive slowly!
SCHOOL BUS ROUTES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DISTRICT WEBSITE: SANDWICHK12.ORG

There are two SMHS parent drop-off areas. One is located in the upper parking lot by the baseball field, the other is at the cafeteria entrance at the end of the main driveway. Please use the entrance of your choice and follow the traffic pattern.

School starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Dismissal is at 1:00 PM on Wednesdays.

To ensure clear access for buses, arriving for parent pick-up at 2:10 PM or 1:10 PM (on Wednesdays) is helpful.

Note: Parent pick-up is located in the upper parking lot by the baseball field.

Please drive slowly on campus. It is a very busy place with many pedestrians and new student drivers. Thank you!
 
What to Bring poster with images of backpack, computer, lunch items and paper and pencil. Please bring the following items:
Charged Chromebook
Notebook, pen, pencil
Assignment notebook
Padlock for gym locker if your student has PE first semester
Water bottle
Lunch if not eating cafeteria food
Gear for after school activities 

Teachers will provide students with a recommended supply list the first week of school.

WHAT TO BRING?

Students should bring the following items on the first day:
  • Fully charged Chromebook
  • Lunch if students do not plan to eat the cafeteria lunch
  • Water bottle
  • Padlock for gym locker if students have PE scheduled first semester
  • Gear for after school activities, if needed
 

DAILY ROTATING SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 2 WILL BE A DAY 7

SEPTEMBER 2nd WILL BE A DAY 7.
Each student has seven classes.
Six classes meet each day.
Throughout a seven day cycle, each class will be dropped once.
All classes rotate through the schedule.
Classes meet at different times over the course of the seven days.
Periods are 51 minutes with the exception of the lunch block.
During the lunch block, students will have a 20 minute lunch and 66 minutes of class time.
Knight Time meets on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for 28 minutes.
Wednesdays are early release days with dismissal at 1:00 PM.

SCHEDULE INFORMATION

  • SEPTEMBER 2nd WILL BE A DAY 7 Wednesday schedule with dismissal at 1:00 PM.
  • Each student has seven classes.
  • Six classes meet each day.
  • Throughout a seven day cycle, each class will be dropped once.
  • All classes rotate through the schedule.
  • Classes meet at different times over the course of the seven days.
  • Periods are 51 minutes with the exception of the lunch block.
  • During the lunch block, students will have a 20 minute lunch and 66 minutes of class time.
  • Knight Time meets on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for 28 minutes.
  • Wednesdays are early release days with dismissal at 1:00 PM.
 

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Mark your calendars for the SMHS OPEN HOUSE on September 10, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. It's a great opportunity to meet your student's teachers and learn more about their classes.

During Open House attendees will follow a structured schedule and visit each class period. Please bring a copy of your student's schedule. Student schedules will also be available for you in the main lobby.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for September 30 and October 14. There are afternoon and evening conference times available. More information regarding scheduling the conferences will be forthcoming.

School picture day is scheduled for September 22, 2026. All SMHS families will receive electronic ordering information from Interstate Studio as the date approaches.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark your calendars for the SMHS OPEN HOUSE on September 10, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. It's a great opportunity to meet your student's teachers and learn more about their classes.

During Open House attendees will follow a structured schedule and visit each class period. Please bring a copy of your student's schedule. Student schedules will also be available for you in the main lobby.

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for September 30 and October 14. There are afternoon and evening conference times available. More information regarding scheduling the conferences will be forthcoming.

School picture day is scheduled for September 22, 2026. All SMHS families will receive electronic ordering information from Interstate Studio as the date approaches.
 
Free breakfast is available daily in the cafeteria and at a grab-and-go kiosk on the 2nd floor lobby.

All students are entitled to one free lunch daily which includes an entree, fruit, vegetable, grain and milk. Second lunches, snacks, potato chips, and seltzer waters must be purchased.

Money can be added to your student's cafeteria account at www.myschoolbucks.com.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH ARE FREE FOR 2026-2027

Free breakfast is available daily in the cafeteria and at a grab-and-go kiosk on the 2nd floor lobby.

All students are entitled to one free lunch daily which includes an entree, fruit, vegetable, grain and milk. Second lunches, snacks, potato chips, and seltzer waters must be purchased.

Money can be added to your student's cafeteria account at www.myschoolbucks.com.
 

SMHS Mobile Phone / Personal Electronic Device Policy

By restricting the use of mobile phones and personal electronic devices, we aim to create a safe and productive learning environment marked by high student engagement, dynamic class discussions, enhanced focus and improved academic performance.
In September 2024, this policy was adopted and implemented and we are pleased to report that SMHS students responded favorably, parents were supportive and teachers reported higher engagement and more active participation in class activities.
1-1 Chromebook Policies
Tech Support: Ms. Amanda Morris
Tech Support: Mr. Matt Fenton
Damage/Repair issues: Please send an email to help@sandwich.k12.ma.us
 

INFORMATION FROM THE NURSING DEPARTMENT

White nurse cap with red cross in the center and two blue knight emblems.

INFORMATION FROM THE SMHS NURSES

Please find important back to school information from our SMHS nurses HERE.

If your student will be returning to school with a mobility-impacting injury, please contact the school nurse prior to the first day of school.

Terese Dashuta, middle school nurse: tdashuta@sandwich.k12.ma.us

Cindy Desimone, high school nurse: cdesimone@sandwich.k12.ma.us
 

Contact Information

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns. We value our school-family partnerships and recognize the importance of open, proactive communication.

To report an absence, please email shsattendance@sandwich.k12.ma.us
Contact the main office at (508) 888-4900. To email a staff member please use the first letter of their first name followed by their surname @sandwich.k12.ma.us
 

JOIN THE SMHS PTSA!

Blue poster of a large Blue Knight icon that says: Join the PTSA today! Enrich opportunities for SMHS students!

JOIN THE SMHS PTSA!

Joining the SMHS PTSA is a great way to support our school community! Your membership helps fund fun and enriching activities for our students and strengthens the partnership between home and school. Purchasing a membership does not require active participation—though your involvement is always welcome!

Memberships cost $25.00 and can be purchased HERE.

The first SMHS PTSA meeting will be held on September 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the SMHS library. We hope to see you there!

PTSA GENERAL MEETING: SEPTEMBER 8

PTSA General Meeting will be September 8 at 7:00 PM in the SMHS library. All are welcome!