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Did You Know? SC Happenings November 8, 2017

Did You Know?  SC Happenings November 8, 2017

by Stephanie Hall –  Chair, Sandwich School Committee

*Senior Project update –  We heard from SHS Senior Project advisors Mr. Everett and Mr. Price regarding the timeline, project details and statistics on student progress.  We also had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss this issue at the table.  Dr. Gould noted that SHS Principal Mr. Mulcahy was out of town but would be at our next meeting on 11/29/17 to answer our additional questions and offer his guidance regarding this issue.

The School Committee welcomes additional comments from students, parents and community members on this issue!  Please feel free to contact us via email prior to our next meeting to share your ideas. 

*Oak Ridge National Park Trip – The Committee heard from OR teacher Ms. MacDonald regarding the proposed National Park trip planned for Spring 2018, this time to Yellowstone National Park and more.  The Committee was very supportive of the first National Park trip in June of 2017 and voted to approve this one also.  We appreciate the many efforts from teachers, parents and students as they prepare fundraising opportunities to offset their costs!

*MCAS Report –  Mrs. Wiklund presented an overview of MCAS data for our district including results for the next generation testing (Gr 3-8 ELA and Math) and Legacy testing (Grade 5 & 8 Science and Grade 10 – ELA, Math & Science).  While administrators will be working on detailed data analysis for their grade levels, some key understandings were identified.  One of the most important points highlighted by Mrs. Wiklund was that “our teachers teach the standards for each subject; they do not teach to the test.”  For more information on this year’s MCAS overall review, please click here to access the presentation: SC MCAS 2017 Presentation – Overview

*Technology Update –  Mr. Harper joined us to share his “State of Technology” report for the district.  You might recall that we received additional capital funds from the Town last year and the district made a commitment to begin work on a “to do” list – Mr. Harper reported a long list of accomplishments to date through FY17 including computer lab updates at Oak Ridge, wireless upgrades at all schools, added bandwidth, a new website and MUCH more.  He also gave the Committee a preview of what they are working on for this year and projects include upgraded wired and wireless infrastructure, more bandwidth, backup and disaster recovery and more again!  One of many unique and innovative ideas Mr. Harper introduced last year was a program called Tech Ventures where he works with students on development and implementation of practical solutions within the district.  This type of programming offers students real world experience with the support and guidance of our technology team and it will be offered again this year!  To learn more about technology in our district, please click here to access the presentation: SC Fall Tech update

*Coming up through the end of 2017 – As mentioned earlier, we will be hearing more about options on Senior Project during our meeting on 11/29/17.  We will also hear from Jon Nelson on the “State of Facilities” and similar to Technology, a report on the capital funds received from the Town.  Coming up in December and January, it’s all about the FY19 Budget!

As always, we welcome your input and participation.  Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 11/29/17 7pm at Sandwich Town Hall – there will be two public forums available.  You can watch the meeting on SCTV, Channel 14, view online anytime at www.sandwichcommunitytv.org and email the SC at

Happy Thanksgiving to all and enjoy the break!