SPS Weekly Newsletter

This week's header photo features the Honor Wind Band performing at the O'Donnell Middle School's 7th & 8th Grade Winter Band Concert on Wednesday. More concert photos can be found further down in this newsletter.

Being able to interact directly with our students is a highlight and something I look forward to. This week provided two such opportunities.

This school year I am continuing to meet with superintendent advisory councils at both the O’Donnell Middle School and Stoughton High School. These councils are made up of a diverse group of students and we meet monthly between December and April. This is a great way for me to hear directly from the students and get their perspective on what is working for them, what we can do better, and areas that need our attention. This week I met with the SHS students, pictured below. I appreciate how engaged and thoughtful they were during our time together.

I also reinstituted a tradition I had in my previous district - taking time to be a “teaching assistant” for a couple of hours in one of our classrooms. Teachers had the chance to voluntarily sign up. This week was my first teaching assistant visit and I had the pleasure of spending Thursday morning with Mrs. Radeff’s second grade class at the Wilkins School. I got to help with a small group phonics lesson during WIN (What I Need) block focusing on short and long vowels. I also enjoyed a question and answer session with the students. I had a great time working with this group of second graders. Thank you to Mrs. Radeff and her second graders for being such welcoming hosts! I am looking forward to my next teaching assistant visit at the Jones Early Childhood Center next week.

Finally, I want to personally invite you to a Community Forum this coming Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 7pm at the Stoughton High Auditorium (232 Pearl St.) to learn more about the New Elementary School Building Project. This will be a great opportunity to hear the latest updates and ask any questions you may have in advance of the special Town Meeting on February 3 when Town Meeting members will be asked to approve funding the project. I hope to see you there.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Joseph F. Baeta, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Stoughton Public Schools

The Stoughton Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In addition to there being no school on Monday, all school offices and the District Office will be closed Monday as well.

Enjoy the long weekend! We will see our students and staff back in the classroom on Tuesday!

Scroll further down this newsletter to learn more about Stoughton's MLK Day event.

Last week, 41 students from the Stoughton High DECA chapter showcased their knowledge and skills at the district competition, held over two action-packed days in Mansfield. Competing against more than 1,200 students from 17 surrounding high schools, SHS students demonstrated their dedication to learning and applying real-world business concepts. The competition is no small feat - each participant had to complete a rigorous 100-question exam testing their industry-specific knowledge and then perform in a role-play scenario where they were tasked with solving a realistic business problem on the spot. These challenges require a combination of critical thinking, confidence, and a deep understanding of their category, and our students rose to the occasion.

We are proud to announce that eight SHS students placed in the top five in their respective categories and have earned the opportunity to advance to the state competition in Boston at the end of February.

"This incredible achievement is a testament to their hard work and preparation, as well as their ability to stay composed under pressure," SHS DECA Advisor Kim Jeffery said. "The state competition will be another exciting opportunity for them to showcase their talents and further develop the skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional futures."

Congratulations to all participants for their efforts and success, and best of luck to those moving on to the next level!

SHS DECA winners:

• Arializ Michel-Gaines, 2nd place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
• Narumi Nakamura, 2nd place in Human Resource Management
• Makaila Graffeo, 3rd place in Restaurant and Food Management
• Max Pokraka, 3rd place in Quick Service Restaurant Management
• Heidi Zahra Dennis-Masi, 4th place in Principles of Hospitality
• Ava Kaplan, 4th place in Personal Finance Literacy
• Isabella Kuznitz, 5th place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
• Nya’Lia Lindsey, 5th place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing

The O'Donnell Middle School's 7th & 8th Grade Winter Band Concert took place on Wednesday. Take a look at some pictures below. The OMS 6th Grade Winter Band Concert takes place this coming Wednesday, January 22 at 7pm in the Stoughton High Auditorium.

OMS 7th Grade Band

OMS 8th Grade Band

OMS Jazz Ensemble

O'Donnell Middle School English Learner students took the ACCESS Test this week, which tests students' English proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Before testing began, the OMS ELE department held a rally in the Learning Commons to encourage and motivate the students. Teachers and administrators encouraged them to "ROCK THE TEST!" Students signed a test pledge to try their best, completed some fun activities, and took pictures at the photo booth.

Save the date - Opening night for the Stoughton High Theatre program's next production is in two weeks!

SHS Theatre presents The Laramie Project:

• Friday, January 31 at 6pm
• Saturday, February 1 at 6pm
• Sunday, February 2 at 4pm

All performances will take place in the SHS Auditorium. Tickets are available in advance by clicking here.

*Please note that the Laramie Project is based on a true story and actual interviews from real people surrounding the murder of Matthew Shepard. The play includes strong language and mature content including descriptions of homophobia, violence, and death.

Attention current 8th grade students and families: Please join the Stoughton High administration, department heads, and SHS student leaders on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Stoughton High School Auditorium for the 8th Grade SHS Showcase.

This program is an introduction to all our 8th grade students and families of all SHS has to offer our students. You will hear all about SHS classes, requirements, opportunities, activities, clubs, sports, music, drama, and much more! In addition, you will receive important information about the course selection process which will begin for incoming 9th grade students in February.

The Jones Early Childhood Center, located at 137 Walnut St., is holding an open house for new students on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The program runs from 5:30-6:30pm. Parents, guardians, and children are welcome! Come take a tour of the school and meet the staff!

Portuguese and Haitian Creole translators will be in attendance.

Information to be presented:

Half-day integrated programs

• Students must be at least three years old by August 31, 2025

• Students who are four years old can still be considered for the half-day classrooms

• Monday - Friday, morning Class: 8:30 - 11:00am or afternoon Class: 12:00 - 2:20pm

Full-day integrated programs

• Students must be four years old by August 31, 2025

• 8:20am - 2:20pm: Monday - Thursday

Handouts will be provided regarding the following:

• 2025-2026 classroom options: times, days, and tuition

• Frequently asked questions

• How to register handout

All newly enrolled students will participate in a screening process for classroom placements at the end of May.

Dates and times will be sent to parents at the beginning of April.

Online Registration for 2025 - 2026 for new students will begin on Monday February 3, 2025.

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 theme for this year's Martin Luther King Day event in Stoughton is “Pursuing Your Purpose”. Come together with the community to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on how we can each live with intention, drive, and impact. The event takes place Monday, January 20, 2025 from 10am-2pm at the Stoughton Public Library (84 Park Street).

This year’s event will feature inspiring speakers, community connections , and empowering discussions to help you pursue your purpose.

Let’s celebrate, learn, and inspire each other to make a difference - big or small - in our lives and communities.

See the flyer below for more details.

There are activities geared for teens this year as well. See the flyer for more details.

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. January 24th is the last day to donate.

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: