SPS Weekly Newsletter

This week's header photo (above) features the Dawe School 5th grade band performing on Friday at the Dawe's 4th and 5th grade band and chorus concert. The other elementary schools will have their winter band and chorus concerts next week. More details are included further down in this newsletter.

For my weekly message, I want to bring attention to a Complete Streets survey the town is conducting that will help shape Stoughton’s traffic/safety plan for our roads over the next few years.

As mentioned in the flyer below, the town is looking to improve the walking, biking, transit, and vehicle experience in Stoughton through the development of a new Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. Examples of projects include improvements to intersections, roads, sidewalks, signage, bike lanes, etc.

Where many of our students walk to school and our high school students, families, staff, and community members drive on the town’s roadways on a daily basis, your feedback would be appreciated.

Your feedback can be submitted until December 20 using this online public comment tool.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Joseph F. Baeta, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Stoughton Public Schools

Here are all of the fall 2024 Hockomock League all stars and honorable mentions from Stoughton High. Congratulations to these student-athletes for being honored as one of the top players in their respective sports in the entire league!

Students in the RISE II program at the Gibbons School recently went on a field trip, walking up Morton St. to Andy's Country Store to purchase some snacks and drinks.

"This experience fosters real-life learning, enhances students' communication skills and independence, and introduces fundamental money management concepts. Additionally, the students learn and practice sidewalk safety and etiquette," Ms. Stone, RISE teacher at the Gibbons, explains.

On Wednesday, more than 75 students attended the ever growing Stoughton High Military Day that features service members from all seven branches of the military. They host information on military careers, particularly STEM, and very fun and engaging activities such as cybersecurity games, remote control vehicles, and getting up close with Humvees.

Ms. Guba, the College and Career Counselor at SHS, was awarded the “Patriots Pride” medal from Lt. Col. Diontenese Y. Monroe along with the “Award of Excellence” from The U.S. Army for her continued support of her students. Congratulations!

Each elementary school will be holding a 4th and 5th grade winter concert this month, featuring band and chorus performances. Families of the 4th and 5th grade students are invited to attend.

The Stoughton High School winter concert, featuring both instrumental and choral groups, is on Wednesday, December 18 at 7pm in the SHS Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend. The O'Donnell Middle School is holding its winter concerts in January.

A true act of kindness sparks another! A great message from the Hansen School this holiday season!

The Stoughton Public Schools and the Stoughton Historical Society are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2025 Academic Hall of Fame for Extraordinary Achievement are being accepted. Eligible nominees are graduates of Stoughton High School who have achieved notable success in his/her chosen profession either from a singular extraordinary accomplishment, career of exceptional achievement, or significant contribution to society.

Candidates may be nominated by any former Stoughton High School student, any present or past employee of the Stoughton Public Schools, or any present or past Stoughton resident. All previous nominations will be reviewed.

All nominations must be accompanied by a resume, which includes: date of graduation, degree(s), work experience, hobbies and awards/recognitions. The nominee will be asked to submit a portfolio documenting his/her work. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 31, 2025.

Review of applications will be made by a committee composed of the Superintendent of Schools, Stoughton High School Principal, a member of the National Honor Society, and two members of the Stoughton Historical Society.

Please submit nominations to: Dr. Joseph Baeta, Superintendent of Schools, 31 Pierce Street, Stoughton, MA 02072.

The Stoughton School Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 in the conference room at the SPS District Office, 31 Pierce St. The public portion of the meeting starts at 7pm. An agenda for the meeting can be found here.

Stoughton's Holiday Parade of Lights is this Saturday, December 14, starting at 5pm! The parade begins at Stoughton High, goes through the center of town, and ends at the corner of Park St. and Leach St. The Stoughton High Marching Black Knights will be participating!

The 9th Annual Stoughton Police Department Fill-a-Cruiser Toy Drive is underway! Police officers will be standing by a cruiser parked outside of the Stoughton Police Station at 26 Rose St. from 10am through 4pm this Saturday, December 14, with hopes of filling the vehicle with donated toys, gift cards, clothes, and other unwrapped presents for children of all different ages. Click here for more information.

Additionally, the Stoughton High students taking part in the Norfolk County District Attorney's Peer Leadership Program are organizing a drive for the Stoughton and Canton animal shelters. See the flyer below for more details and for the items they are looking to collect. Donations will be collected at the Stoughton Police Station. Students/staff may bring donations to SHS during school hours.

Did you know that Stoughton Public Schools has partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members? Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health, social services, or substance use treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of circumstance.

• Call: 888-515-0595 (available 24/7/365 with multilingual support)
• Visit: caresolace.com/stoughtonschools to search or click “Book Appointment”.

For updates throughout the week, be sure to follow Stoughton Public Schools on social media: