2025-26 School year

The Colonial Fund has been opening doors and inspiring curiosity, confidence, purpose, and growth, through classroom experiences, career programs, and real-world learning opportunities beyond school walls.  Students are exploring future careers, engaging in hands-on STEM learning, discovering new interests in the arts and history, and building meaningful connections with professionals and community partners.

Below is an overview of what our students have experienced this year, thanks to support from the Colonial Fund:

• SHS Career Fair on March 3rd: This event included 40 different career options for all members of the sophomore class to explore.

   

(l) National Aviation Academy, (m) Graphic Design Artist, (r) Information Technology

   

(l) Tufts Veterinary School, (m) Military, (r) SELCO

• OMS Career Day on April 7th: This event included all students in grades 7 and 8 (over 950 students). Students chose three careers in which they were most interested from 44 different careers represented.

  

(l) Acute care nurse, (m) Business/Entrepreneurship, (l) Drone Technology

  

(l) Electrical Engineering, (m) NAM (non-animal methodologies for drug testing), (l) Nutritionist

• The new Quarter 4 SHS Senior Internship Program: Students transitioned from the classroom to the workplace for a six week hands-on professional learning experiences. The program culminated in an Internship & Work-Based Learning Showcase on Friday, May 15th. 

                                          

• Arts enrichment opportunities that include the purchase of new marching percussion and drumline equipment. Students were excited to use the new equipment in the Memorial Day Parade, and look forward to future events including the Town of Shrewsbury’s 300th Anniversary Celebration.    

  

• Health and Wellness initiatives included the SHS Health Fairs on December 9, 2025 and June 4, 2026. Students completed projects and interacted with a multitude of career professionals. We are grateful to our community partners and our alumni for sharing their knowledge and their experiences.

  

(l) Bryan Dental showing good dental practices, (r) Mental Health Awareness student presentation

• Local History exploration, enabling elementary students to connect with the rich history of our community through site visits and immersive learning experiences (Shrewsbury Historic District and Town Center).

    

• Lunch and Learn sessions.  Every Friday at Oak Middle School, business professionals—including SHS alumni, parents, and community members—met with students to share their career journeys, their role and experiences in the field, and advice, during each of the school’s five lunch periods. These casual, interactive conversations gave students the opportunity to explore career paths, ask questions, and connect with professionals from a variety of fields.

  

(l) Veterinarian, (m) Doctor of Nursing Practice, (r) Video Game Designers

• This school year also marked the exciting introduction of the Anatomage Table, purchased a year ago with the help of donations to the Colonial Fund and grants from community partners. Throughout this school year, students have used the Anatomage Table to

• Evaluate EKGs and compare normal and abnormal heart rhythms
• Explore realistic 3D anatomy and better understand the differences between textbook diagrams and real human anatomy
• Examine histological samples and connect them to corresponding anatomical structures
• Learn about medical imaging technologies and why specific imaging techniques are used for different conditions
• Participate in interactive review games and collaborative classroom activities

The Anatomage Table has also enhanced visits from healthcare and medical guest speakers, helping students better understand the anatomy, procedures, and technologies used in real-world medical careers.

                 

(viewing a real cadaver's skeleton (l), viewing muscles (m), and querying the AT (r).)

See more photos and videos on the Anatomage Table - pictures and videos page.