May 16, 2025
Dear Cohasset Public Schools Community,
One of my favorite things about Cohasset is how much of a village we truly are. The community rallies around the schools when we most need it and are incredibly supportive both in partnership and with financial support. Over the last month, many different organizations have come forward to support our schools and though we've thanked them at recent School Committee meetings, it's important that we recognize them publicly here as well. Each gift we've received is incredibly generous and makes a difference in our students' and staffs' experiences. Thank you to:
The Cohasset Diversity Committee who donated $5000 toward 6-12 professional development for staff on engaging in rigorous dialogue across difference.
The South Shore Music Circus who donated $1500 to the Deer Hill for their 5th grade circus and $1500 to CHS to support the officiating course offered to students.
Abington Bank who donated $1500 to support our Credit for Life program for the CHS senior class.
The Cohasset PSO who donated many times to support our grade level field trips and performances and MOSAIC, enabling us to celebrate the many cultures and traditions of our families. The Cohasset PSO is also continuing to fund our CMS/CHS Library book refurbishment project. This year, alone, they donated $10,000 to this important and impactful project.
The Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF) who just announced they were donating $81,100 to our schools to fund the following projects:
At the Osgood School:
A Playground Communication Board
This grant funds a Playground Communication Board to be installed at the Osgood School playground. The grant would cover the purchase of a custom board with the school logo, a durable frame, and installation costs. The board is designed to support the growing population of neurodiverse students, as well as those with anxiety or communication challenges, by providing visual tools that foster interaction, inclusion, and self-expression during recess. All students, including those in the Rise program and summer camp attendees, will benefit from the board’s inclusive design.
At the Deer Hill School:
Ninja Warrior' Equipment for Deer Hill Gym
This grant would fund an upgrade and expansion of the gymnastics unit by integrating an 'American Ninja Warrior'–style course to promote physical strength, confidence, and engagement among students of all ability levels. The updated curriculum will emphasize structured play, independence, teamwork, and personal growth, aiming to develop well-rounded, confident, and physically active students. With new equipment and a refreshed approach, the unit will support mental and physical well-being, offering students diverse pathways to success both in and out of the classroom.
Indoor Recess Supplies
This grant seeks to enhance indoor recess by providing updated board games, card games, and art supplies that promote teamwork, creativity, and social interaction. Replacing the current mix of donated items, the new materials will reduce conflicts and foster a more inclusive, engaging environment. The resources will also support “Skipper Play Time,” a weekly initiative encouraging collaborative play between students and staff. Overall, the project aims to build social skills, creativity, and a positive school culture through structured, enjoyable indoor activities.
At the Cohasset Middle School:
Inspiration Speaker and Author: Ed Gerety
This grant would fund a school-wide presentation by Ed Gerety, a nationally recognized speaker specializing in youth leadership, emotional well-being, and personal growth. His dynamic “Catching Waves: Shaping Your Future Today” program aims to inspire middle school students to build self-awareness, resilience, gratitude, and kindness while equipping them with essential life skills for academic and personal success. The presentation, planned for early in the school year, will set a positive tone by encouraging responsibility, respectful behavior, and self-belief. Included in the cost is a one-year subscription to Ed’s online “Lessons in Leadership” curriculum, providing continued support for students and staff throughout the year.
Cameras for CMS Yearbook Club
This grant funds two point-and-shoot cameras and accessories to replace students’ reliance on personal cell phones for photography. The cameras will enhance student focus and productivity during Yearbook Club, improve the quality and efficiency of yearbook production, and potentially spark student interest in photography as a hobby or career path. The equipment will benefit the club for years to come and may also be used by staff for documenting school events.
Washington DC Trip Subsidies (Grades 8-12)
This grant provides subsidies to support a three-day trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will offer students in grades 8–12 immersive educational experiences aligned with the U.S. History, Civics, ELA, and Law curricula. Students will visit national landmarks, museums, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), deepening their understanding of American history, government, and higher education pathways. The trip also fosters cross-grade collaboration between Cohasset Middle and High Schools. The grant will provide financial assistance to ensure equitable access, aiming to inspire academic motivation, college readiness, and long-term student excellence.
At the Cohasset High School:
Certified Arborist Presentation
This project supports a town-wide collaboration with the Cohasset Conservation Trust and Open Space and Recreation Committee to plant native trees as part of a $20,000 Urban Community and Forestry Grant. Using this grant, a Certified Arborist will be hired to educate students on the environmental benefits of native trees and proper planting techniques. Centered around Earth Day, this initiative promotes interdisciplinary learning, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship, empowering students through hands-on experience and community collaboration.
CMHS Courtyard Outdoor Wellness Classroom
This project will create an outdoor Wellness Classroom and Recreation Space in the courtyard between the Middle and High School, featuring commercial-grade table tennis, foosball, and chess tables, along with portable outdoor desk-chairs and an ADA-compliant surface. The space will serve as a flexible outdoor classroom and safe recreation area for use during classes, lunch, breaks, and before or after school. It supports physical activity, social interaction, and alternative learning environments, contributing to student wellness and engagement. The grant will fund equipment, installation, and site preparation.
THANK YOU to each organization for your thoughtful and generous support of our schools. We are so very grateful!
Ever Onward,
Sarah
Keeping up with our Anxious Generation purposeful play and responsible risk taking challenges, I am inviting you to join in on our May activities. This month, our challenges are:
Purposeful Play Challenge
Let's get creative this month! May is here and so are the flowers and planting season. Plant a garden together. Build the plan, head to the store together to pick out what you're going to plant, get messy in the dirt as you dig, and then watch as what you did together grows. Celebrate your success. Bonus points if you plant a new fruit or vegetable that your child tries as a new food once it's planted!
Responsible Risk Taking Challenge
This month let your child plan a solo adventure within safe boundaries according to their age. Let your child walk to a neighbor’s house, deliver a letter to the mailbox by themselves, ride their bike to somewhere of their choice, or stay home alone. Independence builds confidence!
We are also excited to announce that the Cohasset Public Schools has a new Facebook page. Our District used to rely on Twitter to share news, announcements, and updates, however, we are shifting away from that platform and will now be sharing similar information via Facebook. We invite you to click here to Like and Follow our page to stay on top off all of the latest CPS news.
