New School Naming Questionnaire

Dear Scituate Community,

The New School Naming Task Force reconvened on Tuesday evening, June 2, 2026. Between the members of the task force and other guests, we had about 20 people in attendance in person and via zoom. During the meeting we reviewed the work to date and everyone understands how we arrived at the three choices currently on the table. As a reminder, these are Manning Elementary School, Irwin Elementary School, and Satuit Elementary School. 

The School Committee has authorized the addition of 2 names for consideration. We discussed criteria for adding additional names such as; (a) Being a part of Scituate life - more than a simple connection, (b) someone who can be verified by the Scituate Historical Society, (c) name able to be easily pronounced by elementary school children, (d) perhaps a direction toward education, (e) and could consider a place-based name such as “Minot” or “North.”  As the new elementary school will have a very different identity than either the current Cushing or Hatherly, we agreed not to pursue either current name or a combination of the two. The new school should have a new name even though it's being built on the Hatherly property. 

Ahead of the meeting on June 2, 2026, two members of the community submitted additional names for consideration; Sgt. Michael J. Kelley, a fallen hero who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in 2005 and Claire K. McDonough, a long time resident who was on the Conservation Commission and wrote an “Around Town” column in the Mariner. At the meeting on June 2, 2026, a member of the committee also put forth Daniel Ward as a possible candidate, the founder of the Mossing Industry in Scituate. 

The Task Force agreed to collect additional submissions from the community and consider them at its next meeting during the second week of August. Date and time TBD.  We are asking any member of the community who would like to submit a name for consideration to fill out this form. Any suggested name must be accompanied by a detailed rationale. These submissions are due by July 30, 2026.  

Thank you and know of my best wishes for a peaceful and relaxing summer,

Dr. Thomas R. Raab, Superintendent of Schools