Superintendent's Newsletter
October 2024
Dear School Community,
This past weekend we celebrated Homecoming 2024 in our school community. Specifically, at our high school all of our students were engaged in school spirit activities. It was fun watching our freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors participate in a school-wide pep rally that included class skits! These types of events help cultivate school culture and ensure that our students feel a sense of belonging.
Our elementary schools have also been busy hosting parent/guardians conferences in recent weeks. We know that students perform best academically and grow socially when there are strong connections between school and home. As always, we are appreciative of our families taking time to meet with the teachers of their children.
In closing, the classrooms in all our schools continue to be environments where our students are engaged in meaningful learning. When visiting with our students - they are impressive, fun, and inquisitive!
Please take a few minutes to read through this month's newsletter updates.
With all respect,
Michael S. Nelson
Superintendent of Schools
From Dr. Fedorowicz
As we continue to update and align our curriculum to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education across the elementary districts for consistency in student learning, we are starting to see the benefits of the alignment as students progress through the grades having common learning experiences.
It is amazing to see the new curriculum and instruction being utilized by our school community as strategic, high quality practices. For example, our OpenSciEd science uses the CER or Claim, Evidence and Reasoning approach that integrates problem-solving skills for students. Recently, Junior High School students participated in OpenSciEd lessons to investigate and explore chemical reactions and matter.
In walking through our elementary schools, our teachers are using strategic instructional approaches to expand in other subjects where students are able to embed enhanced inquiry approaches into their learning. Social studies classes used the CER approach and were excited about sharing their presentations. Joining in on a Kindergarten art lesson allowed me to engage with students while learning to draw pumpkins. Last, being able to participate in some morning meetings were a fun part of community building with the students.
It is another great start to the school year and I am excited about our forward movement related to teaching and learning in year two of our district-wide strategic plan! Please reach out to Dr. Shari Fedorowicz at sharifedorowicz@oldrochester.org or 508-758-2772, ext. 1955 with any questions.
From Dr. Curley
Thank you to the families who attended the “Meet and Greets” over the last month! It was great meeting you. There was a good turnout at our first SEPAC meeting; Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP presentation, which was held virtually.
On Friday, October 18th, a pep rally was held for the Unified Basketball Team to celebrate their undefeated 2023 season. They played against Dighton Rehoboth that same day at home and won to continue their winning streak! Thank you to all who came to support the team! Please join us on Wednesday November 13th at 6 PM to support ORR's Unified Basketball team as they take on police officers from Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett in an annual competition which raises funds for the Unified team's uniforms, transportation and more. Unified T-Shirts will also be for sale at the game for $20. All proceeds benefit the ORRHS Unified Sports Programs. This event will be held at the ORRHS Gymnasium.
The special education teams throughout the districts have begun using the new IEP form. When you receive the meeting invite for your child’s IEP meeting, please use the link provided to view the new document. Please reach out to Dr. Jaime Curley at jaimecurley@oldrochester.org or 508-758-2772, ext 1942 with any questions.
Lauren Millette has been appointed interim high school assistant principal. Millette most recently served as the Director of Guidance for the Old Rochester Regional High School and Junior High School for three years. Lauren has served our students exceptionally as our director of guidance and we look forward to her continuing her positive impact in this new role. Read more.
Part of our schools' vision is to provide every student with the necessary skills and developed mindset to embrace future opportunities and become responsible, lifelong learners and contributing global citizens. Earlier this month, 175 district student leaders attended a Project 351 workshop at the ORR High School where they participated in various leadership and community service themed activities. The workshop included high school, junior high and elementary school students who met for approximately two hours each. Read more.
A steering committee through the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) was formed to develop a Digital Equity Plan in order to enable Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester an opportunity to leverage regional resources. A Digital Equity Plan seeks to understand and address barriers to digital access to ensure residents of all backgrounds and ages have a fast, affordable and reliable connection to the Internet. Representatives from each town office and local school officials are members of the steering committee. Please complete this survey to assist the committee and residents of the Tri-Town. Public workshops will also be available and more details will be shared accordingly.
Old Rochester Regional Junior High School will be hosting the 31st Annual ORRJHS Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Banquet on November 24th. Tickets are available at the local Council on Aging organizations. Read more.
On Friday, Oct. 18, Principal Devoll, Athletic Director Carrig, and Coach Fenton presented a banner commemorating the Unified Basketball team's undefeated season at a pep rally with all ORRHS students present. Read more.
Did you know that our districts are served by five regular school committees? Recently, our school committees reviewed and approved donations and grants, approved travel and upcoming trips and advertising for the athletic department. Click here for the complete schedule, meeting resources and minutes. Upcoming meetings:
November 14th - Rochester School Committee
November 21st - Mattapoisett School Committee
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