Stoneham High School athletes marked homecoming week with a pep rally and a volleyball win, while the School Committee moved to modernize how the district rents out its gyms and fields.

STONEHAM --

HIGH SCHOOL -- Student representative Jayden told the School Committee on Sept. 24 that Stoneham High School sports "are now in the middle of their season," highlighting a big win for the girls volleyball team. A football game was underway that evening, described as the team's second home game of the season, held alongside homecoming spirit week activities and Friday's homecoming dance. Earlier in the week, the school held a pep rally for student-athletes; Superintendent DeFrancisco said team captains were introduced and a video of the event, shot by Chris Serino, was shown to the committee. DeFrancisco called the new gymnasium's sound system a highlight of her 23 years attending Stoneham pep rallies.

COMMUNITY -- The School Committee heard a presentation on a new facilities rental software system for school gyms and fields, presented by Dave Pignone, Chris Serino and Diane Johnson. Officials said the district currently manages rentals through a manual Google Form process, including manual scheduling, invoicing and insurance-certificate tracking, and that gyms and fields are the only facilities currently rented out. The new high school's gym and field space is expected to draw additional rental interest once it opens, and officials framed the new system as a way to make the process more transparent, efficient and automated for the community groups that book town athletic space.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.