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Superintendent's Newsletter
April 30, 2024
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Message of the Month
Dear School Community,
As we head into the homestretch of the school year, there is still much to teach and much to learn during the final school days. Throughout the academic year our students, teachers, and staff members have prioritized building a community within their classrooms and school buildings - our families have also been part of this process. Building community takes intentional work and ongoing efforts by all. As the school year winds down it is important to pause and celebrate this work and the efforts that have been made throughout the year. It is my hope that all our students and families enjoy the excitement of the final weeks of school and all the events that are planned to celebrate the academic successes that have been achieved and the relationships that have been built.
With all respect,
Michael S. Nelson
Superintendent of Schools
Pictures of Superintendent School Visits
Ms. Barry's Class
Ms. Anderson's Class
New IEP Form
In September, our Districts will begin the transition to the new IEP form from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Our Student Services team has been attending trainings and preparing for this upcoming transition. IEP forms will be converted during the 2024-2025 school year. On May 14th, in collaboration with SMEC (Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative), we invite you to join us remotely for a presentation from Allan Blume regarding the new document. Mr. Blume has dedicated his career to enhancing the educational experiences of children with special needs. Register here.
Professional Development Survey
Kindergarten & Preschool Registration Now Open
Our elementary schools are now registering kindergarten students for the 2024-2025 school year. Learn more.
Project GROW offers high quality preschool education to Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester children ages 3-5 years old. Learn more.
The Tri-Town Preschool Program enrolls children ages 2.9 - 5 years old. In addition to providing a high quality preschool experience, this program serves as a model setting for high school students interested in Early Childhood Education. Learn more.
Now Available! ORRconnect Mobile App
We are pleased to announce ORRconnect has launched! This mobile app will allow families to receive targeted, real-time updates right at their fingertips regarding school happenings. Families can filter content, calendars and settings unique to one building or all. Check out the Mobile App Info Sheet for details on the information within our app. If you have questions, please email weareor@oldrochester.org.
Search ORRconnect in the app store or use the links from your mobile device.
ORRconnect on Facebook
ORRconnect is also on Facebook!
Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with school happenings.
In the School Community
Rochester Memorial Fourth Grade Teacher Stephanie Cyr and her class welcomed special guests Tom Lynch and Jason Brooks, the father of fourth-grade student Nicholas Brooks. Both Lynch and Brooks are experts from the Axess Group, a renewable energy corporation. Read more.
Old Rochester Regional School District has been recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. This is the third time ORR has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation, with the last time being in 2023. Read more.
Seniors recently participated in the inaugural Credit for Life Fair in the high school cafeteria in collaboration with Cape Cod 5 bank. Read more.
This month at School Committee meetings, our members heard a presentation of the new IEP form, discussed School Choice in each district and approved the Student Opportunity Act. Click here for the complete schedule, meeting resources and minutes.
Thursday, May 23rd - Marion School Committee
Thursday, June 6th - Rochester School Committee
Wednesday, June 12th - ORR School Committee
Thursday, June 13th - Mattapoisett School Committee