Castle Chronicles

For a text version of the Castle Chronicles, click HERE.

Blue Knight Television caught up with incredibly talented, SMHS junior MEGAN JAKUBICKA, who is currently competing in France at the U17 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS as a member of Slovakia’s National Soccer Team.

Congratulations to junior BREANNA PRINDLE for her outstanding POETRY OUT LOUD performance at the semi-finals, earning her a spot in the Poetry Out Loud State Finals! Breanna was one of eleven students who competed at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod on March 9. She recited two poems: When You Are Old by William Butler Yeats and What to Say Upon Being Asked to Be Friends by Julian Talamantez Brolaski. POETRY OUT LOUD STATE FINALS will showcase 15 Massachusetts students next Sunday, March 16 at the Old South Meeting House in Boston.

GOOD LUCK, BREANNA!

Fun fact: Massachusetts is first in the nation for the total number of students and teachers who participate in Poetry Out Loud at the school level.

School counselors will be meeting with parents and students over the next few weeks to schedule students for the 2025-2026 school year.

Please reach out to your student's counselor to schedule an appointment by calling (508) 888-4900 or emailing the counselor directly. Counselors are also available for appointments on March 19 during conference time.

HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS:

KATHY LUCAS: LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH A (Ms. Lucas is also the Director of Guidance)

SERENA SIMMS: LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH B - G

LYNNE DONOGHUE / TOM GORMAN: LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH H - M

CHRIS CARROLL: LAST NAMES BEGINNING WITH N-Z

MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR:

NICOLE ALEXANDER

Creativity and engineering skills are put to the test as our MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGINEERING CLASSES develop Pull Toys. After learning about 11 different VEX mechanical systems, students must design and build a prototype of a pull toy for toddlers. Students are able to apply their knowledge of mechanics in a fun and practical way, considering factors like movement, durability and safety. By blending STEM principles with creativity, the Pull Toy Project allows students to think like engineers while designing a toy that a young child would love.

AP U.S. HISTORY STUDENTS dove into the Progressive Era with a research and role-playing activity. Each student chose and researched a historical figure: either a Progressive reformer or a Gilded Age non-reformer. After collecting information on their lives, beliefs, and impact on society, they created a biography and designed a nameplate with a symbolic representation of their person. Then, students participated in a SPEED DATING ACTIVITY, staying in character as they discuss their figure’s views and contributions in short, fast-paced conversations. By assuming the character of their historical figure, peer-to-peer conversations were dynamic and fun. Students who dressed in costume could even earn bonus points!

SMHS's NATIONAL SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY is proud to host a series of guest speakers—accomplished professionals in the fields of medicine, hospital management and engineering—who will share their expertise, experiences, and insights with our students! We believe that real-world connections with industry professionals are invaluable, offering students a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of science beyond the classroom. These sessions are a priority for our school community because we recognize the power of learning directly from experts who are shaping the future of their fields. Special thanks to National Science Honor Society Advisor, Ms. REBECCA WHEELER for her leadership on this project.

In MRS. EVANS-GREEN's 7th GRADE HISTORY CLASS, students engaged in a BIG PAPER SILENT CONVERSATIONS ACTIVITY to explore the four types of government that shaped Ancient Greece. Around the classroom, large sheets of paper displayed definitions and images illustrating each government type. Moving silently, students analyzed the visuals and responded to guiding questions. Through their written comments, students made insightful observations—commenting on wealth disparities, noticing that only men were voting in democratic scenes, and asking critical questions about tyranny, such as Did anyone prefer this leader over the previous one? and What motivated these people to take power by force?

A BIG PAPER ACTIVITY encourages student discourse by providing opportunity for deep thinking, peer-driven learning, and allows quieter students to have their voices heard in an anonymous, reflective way. Without direct teacher facilitation, students lead their own inquiry, building connections and engaging in meaningful discourse.

MARINE BIOLOGY STUDENTS recently conducted DOGFISH SHARK DISSECTIONS. Students explored marine biology and anatomy, while examining the unique adaptations that make sharks such fascinating predators. From identifying organs to understanding how these creatures thrive in their environment, students gained valuable insight into biological systems in a way that textbooks simply can’t provide. It was an unforgettable lesson in marine science, curiosity and discovery!

Thank you to all of the parents/guardians and students who joined us on March 5 for parent-teacher conferences. Our next session of parent-teacher conferences is scheduled for MARCH 19 from 1:15 PM - 3:15 PM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. It's not too late to schedule a conference! Students are welcome and encouraged to attend conferences as well.

As you know, a strong school-family partnership plays a crucial role in student success, fostering open communication and collaboration to support each child’s growth and achievement. Please click on the photo above to schedule a conference.

We look forward to seeing you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH 13, 2025 AT SMHS FOR THE 2025 WELLNESS FAIR!

OVER 50 PARTICIPANTS PROVIDING INFORMATION, ASSESSMENTS, FOOD TASTINGS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES!

Class of 2025 graduation information and a detailed calendar of events was emailed to all Class of 2025 students and families on Friday, March 7. Please reach out to senior class advisors: Ms. KATHY BOCCALINI and Ms. COLLEEN MACDONALD with questions.

Parents/guardians of the Class of 2025: There are many scholarship opportunities available for graduating seniors. Please encourage your student to apply for local, regional and national scholarships. Information can be found HERE.

Questions? Please contact Ms. Kathy Lucas, Director of Guidance or Ms. Melissa Murphy in the Guidance Office.

Students who are waiting after school for rides, sports practice or extracurricular clubs to begin are encouraged to wait in the SMHS library. It's a quiet, supervised area where students can get some work done, study, read or meet classmates to collaborate on projects and assignments, etc.

For planning purposes, SMHS's 2025 spring MCAS testing dates are below for your convenience.