SHARON — What began as a simple classroom writing assignment turned into an unforgettable moment for a fifth-grade class in Sharon after New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye publicly acknowledged their letters during a press conference ahead of the Super Bowl.
Matt Cavoli, a fifth-grade teacher at Heights Elementary School, had his students write letters wishing Maye good luck prior to the Patriots’ AFC Championship game. The assignment was designed to teach students how to properly write and address letters while incorporating lessons in geography, science, and critical thinking. Students learned about travel logistics, high altitude conditions, and the physical challenges athletes face when playing away games.
Cavoli later shared photos of the students’ letters on his social media account, where the post quickly gained traction, drawing attention well beyond the classroom. What he didn’t expect was for the letters to reach Maye himself.
“I had no idea what was coming,” Cavoli said. “Then my phone started blowing up, and people kept telling me Drake Maye had talked about my class. It didn’t feel real.”
During a press conference, Maye mentioned the letters, quoted some of the students’ messages, and shared that his wife had read the letters aloud to him. The moment instantly became a point of pride for the students, their families, and the school community.
“The next day at school was unbelievable,” Cavoli said. “The kids were so proud. Seeing them that excited about a school assignment was the coolest feeling in the world.”
Parents also shared in the excitement, many expressing how meaningful it was for students to see their words recognized on such a public stage. Cavoli said the experience reinforced the impact that creative, real-world learning can have on students.
Known for his interactive teaching style, Cavoli regularly transforms his classroom into immersive learning environments, including courtrooms, hospitals, and debate halls. He believes students learn best through experiences rather than memorization.
“Kids remember experiences,” Cavoli said. “They don’t always remember what’s in a textbook, but they remember moments.”
Following the Patriots’ AFC Championship win, Cavoli announced another class-wide challenge tied to the team’s Super Bowl appearance. If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, Cavoli promised his students they would receive zero homework for the rest of the month — a pledge that sent excitement through the classroom and further energized students who may not have previously followed football.
Many students now plan to watch the Super Bowl knowing their letters were acknowledged and that their homework may be on the line. For Cavoli, the experience went beyond football.
“It showed them that their voices matter,” he said. “And that something small can turn into something really special.”
Readers can follow Cavoli’s classroom adventures and lighthearted moments by following @mrcavoli on TikTok, where he regularly shares creative lessons and highlights from his fifth-grade classroom.
