OHS Weekly Wag 🐾

Fourth graders put their math skills to the test during an “egg-citing” outdoor egg hunt. Students searched for colorful eggs, cracked them open to solve the math problems hidden inside, and earned a challenge egg with a fun task after every three problems completed. It was a great way to enjoy the spring-like weather while staying sharp with problem-solving—and having a whole lot of fun along the way!

On Friday, our fifth-grade students had the chance to bring their colonial studies to life with a visit to the Boston Tea Party Museum! From tossing tea into the harbor to touring historic ships and artifacts, students were fully immersed in one of the most pivotal events in American history. The interactive experience deepened their understanding of the causes of the American Revolution—and made for a memorable day of learning beyond the classroom.

A heartfelt thank you to the Feinstein Foundation for their generous grant support and to our amazing PTA for helping make field trips like this one possible. We are so grateful for these opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences!

Fifth graders have been diving into hands-on science through two exciting learning experiences. In one activity, students became citizen scientists by helping real-world Alzheimer's research—tracking blood vessels in mouse brains through an online platform that connects classrooms with scientists working to better understand the disease.

In another lesson from their OpenSciEd unit, students were challenged to answer the question, “How will you filter the contaminated water?” Working in teams, they brainstormed ideas, sketched their designs, selected the most promising approach, and built their own water filters. Then came the fun part—testing their designs to see how well they worked!

From contributing to medical research to solving environmental challenges, our 5th grade scientists are using their curiosity and creativity to make meaningful connections to the world around them.

As part of their OpenSciEd unit on cells and systems, sixth grade scientists rolled up their sleeves to explore the essential question: What do our bones, skin, and muscles do for us? Students conducted a hands-on dissection of a chicken wing to investigate how skin, muscles, and bones are connected and how they work together to allow movement.

After identifying each part and examining how they interact, students mapped the chicken wing’s structures to parts of the human foot to make sense of how similar systems work in the body. They concluded that bones move when muscles contract, and both must be connected and functioning for movement to happen. They also discovered that when one part of a system is injured or damaged, it impacts how the whole system functions. A powerful, messy, and memorable way to bring science to life!

Our Project 351 student ambassadors, with support from Mrs. Grant, our school adjustment counselor, helped package and organize donations from our OHS Junior Scholar Pantry to support local families in need. These generous donations came from our Kindness Week grade-level competition and from families who contributed during the 6th grade student/staff basketball game. Thank you to all who donated—your kindness is making a real difference in our community!

Monday, April 28th:

-Finger Knitting (Center School) 3:00-4:00

-Sportfit 3:00-4:00

Tuesday, April 29th:

-Chorus 7:45-8:40 am

-Crafting 3:00-4:00

-Jazz Band 3:00-4:00

-Running Club (Center School) 3:00-4:00

Wednesday, April 30th:

-Concert Band 7:45-8:40 am

-Center Stage Kids (Center School) 3:00-4:00

Thursday, May 1st:

-Concert Band 7:45-8:40 am

-4th Grade Instrument Lessons- Don't forget your instruments!

-Robotics 3:00-4:00

Friday, May 2nd:

-4th Grade Field Trip to Roger Williams Zoo

-School Lunch Hero Day! Special Thanks to Sue Daniel and Luis Rivera our own School Lunch Heroes!

May 6 and 7- Grade 5 Math MCAS

May 8 and 9- Grade 6 Math MCAS

May 13 and 14- Grade 4 Math MCAS

May 15 and 16- Grade 5 Science MCAS

May 19-23- Spring Bookfair

May 20- 6th Grade Cuttyhunk Boat Trip –Leave promptly at 8:30. Pick up at New Bedford Pier at 3:45

(Rain Date, May 22)

May 26- No School Memorial Day

May 28- Early Release 12:20, lunches served

May 30- OHS Field Day (Rain date June 3)

June 4- 6th grade visit to JRHS

June 4- Band and Chorus Spring Concert (1:30 and 5:00)

June 6- Grade 3 Step Up Day

June 9- 6th grade Canal Boat Trip

June 11- Last Day, 6th Grade Awards Ceremony 10:30, Dismissal 12:20 No lunches served

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. Take the Digital Equity Survey here: https://mbicx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxTlMGFVF8KjigC

We are happy to announce our continued partnership with the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC) in offering another Community Talks presentation. Please join us for a FREE virtual training with nationally recognized speaker Sarah Ward. This workshop is perfect for parents and caregivers of children of all ages.

"Powerful Strategies to Help Children Develop Independent Executive Function Skills"
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Online (link provided upon registration)

Don't miss this opportunity to learn simple tools that make a big difference! Click here to register!

We are looking for volunteers from our school community to serve on the District Wellness Committee. Please complete this form by May 9th if you are interested!

Phone: 508-758-6241

Main Office / Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Jennifer Janicki

School Nurse: Mrs. Amy Ripley

School Adjustment Counselor: Mrs. Bethanie Grant

In addition to this newsletter, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett

You can also download the ORR Connect App to get the latest updates.

See 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 following links from your mobile device.

From your Apple Mobile Device

From your Android Mobile Device

Finally, most communications to families will be emailed this year, as this is the most efficient and timely method. Please let us know if you would prefer to receive communication regarding your student via first-class mail.

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

Think, Learn, Care

Email: stephaniewells@oldrochester.org

Website: https://ohs.oldrochester.org/

Location: 20 Shaw St.

Phone: 508-758-6241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett