Superintendent's Newsletter

Dear School Community,

It is my immense pleasure to formally welcome our families and students to the 2023-2024 school year.

As the summer comes to an end - we are excited about the school year ahead and all the joy it will surely bring. The beginning of any school year is always met with anticipation, optimism, and enthusiasm for the teaching and learning that is about to start.

Our faculty and staff members have been hard at work preparing the school buildings, grounds, and classrooms for our students return on August 30, 2023.

"Welcome Back Newsletters" have been shared (linked below for your reference) by all of our principals with their families with important information regarding the start of the school year.

Additionally, I've included information that families may find helpful in this newsletter as we start the school year together. Throughout the school year, the Superintendent's Office will continue to share school-system happenings with our families.

We are eager to greet our students tomorrow morning and begin what I am sure will be a wonderful school year - thank you for your support and partnership.

With all respect,

Michael S. Nelson

Superintendent of Schools

We are excited to announce the Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union No. 55 has adopted a new district-wide elementary K-6 literacy program, Into Reading by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Read the full notification letter here.

2023-2024 Bus Routes are available on our website. Please allow for a 10 minute variance before and after the times indicated on this link for at least the first five (5) to seven (7) school days. This will ensure that our students will be at their bus stops at the time of pick up.

Earlier this month, Massachusetts became the 8th state in the nation to invest in permanent free meals for all children in public schools. Each student will receive 1 FREE Breakfast and 1 FREE Lunch per day. Additional meals are available for a fee. Visit our Food and Nutrition Services webpage for monthly menus, to download the mobile menu app and more.

As our schools continue to try to use less and less paper, we are asking that all parents and caregivers update all forms for their student(s) in Powerschool. Below is a video made by Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner that provides assistance on how to complete the process. If you require support regarding your login and/or password please contact IT Specialist John Ashley (johnashley@oldrochester.org).

This school year parents and caregivers will have the option to secure an insurance policy through School Device Coverage (SDC) to protect their student's school issued Chromebook for $25. The decision to enroll in the program is voluntary and at your discretion.

If enrolled, this insurance program can protect your student's Chromebook in the event that it is lost, stolen, or damaged accidentally. This policy allows you to file a claim against any number of incidents that may take place with no deductibles, no added fees, and no claims limits.

To obtain coverage, please apply online here or print the attached form and return it to the school. If you have any questions or require additional information - please contact SDC at 888-978-3515.

I am pleased to announce that our new website has officially been launched: https://www.oldrochester.org/. On the top right of the page, click on 'Schools' to select your school of choice. You can also subscribe to our district-wide calendar or school specific calendars. If you have any trouble with the website, please email weareor@oldrochester.org.

Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 proudly serves the students from Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. The mission of our school system is to inspire all students to think, to learn and to care.

Email: michaelneslon@oldrochester.org
Website: www.oldrochester.org
Location: 135 Marion Road, Mattapoisett, MA, USA
Phone: 508-758-2772