Hatfield School Committee Approves Lacrosse Co-op With Smith Vocational

HATFIELD — November 10, 2021 — Hatfield School Committee unanimously approved a cost-free lacrosse co-op with Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School at its November 10 meeting. Athletic Director Allison told the committee that Smith Vocational will cover all coaching, equipment, and field costs, with Smith Academy responsible only for supplying players — a prior survey found six to eight boys and six to eight girls interested in the sport. The committee also received a formal presentation from student Angela Rivero, president and co-founder of the newly formed Smith Academy Student Equity Alliance, who called on the school to actively address racism rather than "become complicit" through avoidance. Superintendent Michael Wood disclosed he will undergo surgery to remove a small ear-canal tumor, and Principal Connor Driscoll acknowledged that communication to parents during a recent shelter-in-place at the high school had fallen short: "that was on me." The district reported 13 confirmed COVID-19 cases and approximately 84 students and staff under test-and-stay protocols heading into a holiday weekend.