October 9, 2025
Dear Staff and Families,
We come to the end of our first five weeks of school; halfway through our first quarter. Students have settled into their new routines and teachers have begun the school year with energy and focus to provide your students with an engaging learning experience.
Safety. During the month of October and November, we are conducting safety drills in our schools. Please contact your principal if you have any questions. Police detail officers will continue in elementary and Morse Pond Schools. The police cruisers will not be at the schools for the foreseeable future due to the amount of vehicle maintenance. You may see Mashpee detail officers along with Falmouth officers from time to time.
Terry Szuplat. I had the opportunity to listen to Terry Szuplat, an East Falmouth native, at Falmouth High School last week. He is the author of “Say it Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience,” and was a speech writer for President Obama for eight years. Mr. Szuplat was engaging, thoughtful, and inspiring as he shared insights about the power of words and the importance of communication. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students (and staff!) to learn from someone who has shaped messages that have reached millions.
Student Advisory Groups. Student Advisory Groups kicked off this month, allowing me to meet with small groups of students in grades 4–12. During our conversations, they share their thoughts about what they enjoy at school, what they’d like to see improved, and other topics that matter to them.
MY RIDE App. I’m pleased to share that the implementation of the MY RIDE App has been a success. All buses are now active on the tracking system. While occasional adjustments may need maintenance, overall the app has proven to be a very helpful tool for our families and staff.
Food Service. The Harvest of the Month for October is pears! On October 30th, the hot lunch menu will feature pear and cabbage Asian slaw served alongside chicken and broccoli rice. The pears will be sourced from a farm in Massachusetts. Chef Laura continues to create delicious and healthy meal options for our students.
Homecoming. Homecoming kicked off with a spirited Pep Rally on Friday, October 3rd, where students proudly showed their school pride. The varsity football team then took to the home field to face undefeated Nantucket. While the game didn’t end in our favor, our players showed great potential and promise for the future. The Cheer Team was enthusiastic and looked great in their new uniforms and the Marching Band rocked their skills and showmanship. They’re ready to showcase excellence at the UMASS Band Day on September 18.
Unified Basketball. The Unified Basketball Team played at home on Tuesday, October 7, led by coach Steve Femino and Assistant Coach Paul Lundberg. The students brought home a win! The high school gym was filled with excitement as our players took the court, supported by the cheerleaders, the Police Honor Guard, FHS Choral students, and an enthusiastic crowd of fans—a big thanks to Mr. Femino for organizing this heartwarming event. Unified Basketball is the best of the best! It’s the ultimate example of how everyone should treat each other every day; kindness, generosity of heart and where everyone belongs!
Have a great long weekend!
Sincerely,
Lori S. Duerr, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools