Roderick School Announcements
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we look forward to a successful year for all students and families. Thank you for your ongoing support as it ensures that our students continue to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns as we start the new year; please don't hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Martes
Principal
Roderick School Specials Update
I am writing to provide clarification regarding recent updates to the specials at the Roderick Elementary School and how it will impact Music and Library services moving forward.
At the School Committee meeting on December 17th, it was decided that beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, General Music will return as a special subject at the Roderick Elementary School, replacing the Library class that is currently offered. As Dr. Cameron discussed in December, this change reflects a commitment to addressing gaps in our programming caused by budget cuts during the Great Recession of 2008, which eliminated General Music at the Roderick and the Library class at Delaney. Since then, WPS has prioritized reinstating programming, beginning with the successful restoration of a full year of Art for each grade. With the addition of General Music at the Roderick School, we can once again ensure that all Roderick students will be provided with learning opportunities outline in the DESE Arts Curriculum Framework.
I want to assure Roderick School families that this change will not affect the Instrumental Music or Chorus programs, which will continue to operate in its current form, providing students with the opportunity to deepen their musical skills. Similarly, the Roderick Library will continue to circulate books to students with embedded times for classrooms to use the Roderick Library. This plan will be similar to the Delaney School schedule as the Roderick Library will continue to be a valuable resource for fostering the love of reading and the ability to access resources to enhance research and other classroom learning activities.
Additionally, we look forward to collaborating with the Fiske Public Library to provide Roderick students with access to the SAILS network to retrieve books not available in the WPS system. Additionally, many of the research skills taught in Library class will be taught in the classroom based on the DESE Curriculum Frameworks. We look forward to providing Roderick students with opportunities to access even more resources with literature and research in the classroom setting.
It is important to emphasize that this decision does not reflect on the excellence of our Library staff. Roderick Library and Media Specialist, Gretchen Lopez, is an invaluable member of the Roderick Team and her dedication to supporting students, including organizing this year’s WPS Literacy Night, will continue throughout the school year.
Over the coming months, Dr. Cameron, Dr. Beauchaine and I will communicate the specifics of the transition with the WPS community. We look forward to providing General Music to all WPS students and we will continue to keep families informed as additional plans are finalized.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback.
Roderick Nurses Notes
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful and restful break. Here are a few updates from the nurses’ office:
*Physicals-Please send in an updated physical for your student for the 2024-2025 school year.
*Illness- There are colds and GI bugs going around! If your child is not feeling well, please keep them home. Students must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school. If they are dismissed from school due to illness, they must stay home the next day. If there is any doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the office, 781-847-5316, or email montic@wrenthamschools.org if unsure when to keep your child home.
*Snacks and Water-Please remember to pack your child a reusable water bottle and snack. There are limited supplies available in the nurses’ office.
*Clothing Donations- Doing some winter cleaning and organizing? The nurses’ office is in need of boys pants large (size 10-12) and x-large (size 14-16).
King Philip High School Jazz Band Performance
On Wednesday, December 18th, the Roderick students were treated to a fantastic performance by the talented KP Jazz Band. The music filled the Roderick Cafeteria and brought energy and joy to everyone at the assembly. We are very grateful to the KP Jazz Band for sharing their talents with us and inspiring the Roderick students!
