A Year in Review at Sandwich High School
by Dr. Ellin Booras, principal – SHS/STEM Academy
The word that best describes the 2014-2015 school year is transformative. Just as we knew they would, the students took the lead in opening their hearts to their new STEM neighbors. The high school students were able to capture all that is magic about the energy and positive outlook of middle school students, and see them as valued young learners who will someday inherit the castle! Looking back, it is hard to imagine the hallways and classrooms as they once were. The current sophomore class has adopted their STEM brethren and took great pride in assisting at field day and preparing for the arrival of next year’s freshman class.
SHS celebrated a year of unprecedented student achievement as evidenced in college acceptances. Student after student received the good news they wanted. SHS will be represented at MIT, Brown, Middlebury, and Rhode Island School of Design, among the most competitive schools in the country. As importantly, over 86% of our graduates are continuing their education at schools which are fortunate to receive our Blue Knights. Senior mentors performed their magic again as the current freshman class of 2018 earned the deserved reputation of being a group of hard working young students focused and well prepared for the high school experience.
SHS is eagerly preparing for next year’s commitment to Project Based Learning and Project Lead the Way as parents of current STEM students provide valued feedback and insight regarding their expectations of a linking the high school experience to the wonderful work underway in the STEM Academy.
Sandwich Soul reached a new zenith as this amazing group of talented vocalists won awards in regional competition. Soul has developed a strong following, as has KTC. Students and community members are already eager to attend the fall production. The 2015-2016 school year will be remembered for its long winter. However, the joy and energy of young people melted formidable snow banks as they cheered for our outstanding boys basketball team as they kept on winning!
Events such as Homecoming, prom, senior week, after prom, graduation were all wonderful examples of what can happen when outstanding young men and women unite in Blue Knight Pride and model its essential message: Treat people the way you wish to be treated and always put team before self.
Thank you to all our students and teachers grades 7-12 for a truly transformative year and one that portends a great future! Special thanks to STEM and SHS parents for your ongoing dedication and hard work.