BuzzAround Raynham

April 26, 2026



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time

High Five Friday Brings Positive Start to School Days in Raynham and Bridgewater

Students across Raynham and Bridgewater started their school day with an extra boost of positivity this week as officers from the Raynham and Bridgewater Police Departments took part in “High Five Friday,” greeting students with high-fives as they arrived at school.

The simple gesture is part of a growing community outreach effort used in schools across the country to strengthen relationships between students and local law enforcement. While it may look lighthearted on the surface, the goal is intentional: build trust, familiarity, and comfort through consistent positive interactions in everyday spaces.

“High Five Friday” programs are rooted in community policing strategies that focus on visibility and connection rather than enforcement alone. By showing up during arrival time (one of the most routine parts of a student’s day) officers have the opportunity to be seen in a friendly, approachable role, helping to reshape how young people experience public safety.

Research and reporting on similar programs have noted that these kinds of school-based interactions can help reduce anxiety around police presence and support stronger long-term relationships between youth and law enforcement by creating early, non-enforcement touchpoints.

In practice, the impact is simple but meaningful: students are greeted by name, offered a high-five or smile, and welcomed into their school day with a moment of encouragement. For officers, it’s a chance to be present in the community outside of emergency calls and enforcement situations, reinforcing a sense of approachability and partnership.

The Raynham and Bridgewater Police Departments’ participation reflects that broader mission of connection. By engaging with students in a positive and familiar way, officers are helping build early relationships that can carry forward as students grow within the community.

While the moment itself is brief, educators and law enforcement leaders alike often point to its longer-term value, which is creating everyday interactions that remind students that police officers are part of the community - not just responders in moments of crisis.

As schools continue to focus on both safety and student well-being, programs like High Five Friday show how small gestures can play a larger role in shaping school culture - one greeting at a time.

Written by: Sky Blanton, SNHU Buzz Around Intern

Sources: BW-RAYNFB, CBSNewsHighFiveFridays

Historical Tidbit: The First Raynham Meetinghouse

The first meetinghouse would have

looked like this.

The first meeting house, begun two years prior to the town's incorporation in 1731, was a very simple building without blinds, a steeple or a bell. 

In 1773, the first meeting house was replaced by a simple structure, also without a steeple. The second meeting house was built by a local carpenter, Israel Washburn. 

Although a schoolmaster was first paid in Raynham in 1742, no schools are known to have been built at that time.

sec.state.ma.us

Links and contact information for the Town of Raynham can be found on Hive Connect

Congratulations

Lauren McHugh

you won a $15 gift certificate to

 Sarcastic Swine BBQ in Abington

Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.

Enter for this week's prize of

a $15 gift certificate at Annie's Bookstop - Raynham

43-year old village bookstore * Gently used & new books * free events

Triumph Music and Movement at RAYN Public Library

Mon, April 27

10:45-11:30a

RAYN Public Library

760 Main St. Miss Kerry will engage you and your child (ages 3-5) with song, music, and dance. Create wonderful music as you learn about a variety of styles. Explore through movement and fun educational games.

Source: RAYNPubLibEvents

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Grant's Rental



The weather is warming up, and Grants Rental has just what you need for outdoor projects and events!

Rent Our Wood Chippers (6 in & 12 in capacity),

Towable Lifts, and all sorts of equiptment to help with your yard projects.

And when you're done, we're here for your party! Canopies, Chairs, Tables, Propane Grills & Yard Games



10 Bedford Street, Bridgewater (508) 279-0950



grantsrental.com. Like us on Facebook

Climate Can- Do: Re-use Your Empty Glass Jars

Before you toss out that empty jam, pasta sauce, or pickle jar, pause for a moment and think of the many ways it can live a second, even third, life. Reusing glass jars is a simple, practical way to reduce plastic waste, save money, and make your kitchen more sustainable.

Plastic storage containers are convenient, but over time they can warp, stain, retain odors, and even leach chemicals into your food - especially when exposed to heat. Glass jars, on the other hand, are durable, non-toxic, and endlessly reusable. By cleaning and repurposing them, you can store dry goods like oats, flour, or beans, keep leftovers fresh, or use them for beverages like iced coffee or smoothies - cutting down on the need to buy new plastic containers and reducing landfill waste and microplastic pollution.

Beyond reducing plastic waste, reusing jars also saves energy and resources. Manufacturing new containers requires water, raw materials, and energy, all of which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Each jar you reuse is one less item that has to be produced, shipped, and eventually discarded.

Start small! Collect jars with lids, wash them thoroughly, and store them neatly in your kitchen. Add labels for easy organization, and over time, you’ll find even more ways to use them throughout your home - all while reducing your environmental footprint.

Written by: Sky Blanton, SNHU Buzz Around Intern

Info from: IRERETeam

Image from: MindfulofTheHome

Friends of the Library Book Sale & Donation Week

Raynham Public Library

760 S. Main St.

Support the Friends of the Library Book Sale by donating gently used items and shopping the sale!

Donation Days:

Mon, May 4

Tues, May 5

Wed, May 6

All Day

Donations are welcome! Accepting books or materials in new or like-new condition. Volunteers dedicate significant time and effort to organizing and displaying items for the community, so please only donate books that are suitable for resale.

Member Preview Sale:

Thurs, May 7

1:00-4:00p

Friends of the Library members get early access to shop the sale! Not a member yet? Membership is affordable and makes a meaningful impact. Join at the Main Desk or online.

Public Book Sale:

Fri, May 8

Sat, May 9

10:00-4:00p

The Friends of the Library support programs and resources that help the library serve as a vibrant community hub for learning and discovery. Proceeds help fund museum and zoo passes, summer reading programs, and more.

Source: RaynhamPubLibraryEvents

Teacher Appreciation Week at Laliberte Elementary

Mon, May 4 - Fri, May 8

Join the Laliberte Parent Organization (LPO) in celebrating and showing gratitude for our incredible educators and administration who support students every day.

To help families make the week extra special, a “Teacher Favorites” list has been compiled, including preferences such as favorite colors, flowers, snacks, beverages, candy, morning stops, restaurants, stores, and more for faculty and staff.

We encourage families who would like to share a token of appreciation to use this guide as inspiration when recognizing their school community.

View Teachers Favorites Google Sheet

To get in contact for appreciation coordination, please email LPO.

Source: LPOFB

Annual Town Meeting

Mon, May 18, 2026

7-10p

Raynham Middle School Auditorium

420 Titicut Road

www.town.raynham.ma.us

Transfer Station Information

Time for spring cleaning! Here is when and where you can drop off various garbage and recycling:

Brush Pile

• 8a to 1p
• Every Sat (March 28th to Nov 28th)
• Gardiner St

Paint Collection - by appointment only

• Call 508-824-2718
• Every 3rd Sat of the month (Apr to Nov)
• 1555 King Philip St

Info From: town.raynham.ma.us

BITK Youth Conference Highlights Student Leadership and Lasting Impact

This year’s Be in the Know (BITK) Youth Conference was driven by student leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to mental health awareness and prevention. The event showed impactful work happening across southeastern Massachusetts, culminating in awards that recognized both innovation and lasting influence.

Coordinated by High Point Prevention Services, the coalition brings together about 40 student leaders from more than 11 cities and towns, meeting virtually to advance mental health awareness and substance use prevention.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Oliveira of Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School for winning the Legacy Award. Oliveira, a graduating senior, was recognized for her dedication to prevention and mental health advocacy. Known for her thoughtful leadership, she has built a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and support within her school community. Her ability to uplift others while leading with purpose leaves behind a lasting impact that will continue beyond her time at Bristol-Plymouth.

Written by: Sky Blanton, SNHU Buzz Around Intern

Source: BR Bridging Lives / Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative

Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 

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At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 

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