OHS Weekly Wag 🐾

Sixth grade scientists jumped into a new OpenSciEd unit this week: Cells and Systems. The unit opened with a compelling real-world phenomenon—an emergency room report detailing a middle school student’s foot injury after a kettlebell accident in gym class. Students examined x-rays and post-op notes to better understand what happens inside the body after an injury.

Later in the week, students worked together to model the healing process using a collaborative routine called the Scientist Circle. In this structure, one student creates the model while the rest of the class contributes ideas to guide its development. This approach ensures that every student participates in the scientific thinking and discussion behind the model.

This week, fifth-grade students had the opportunity to try out a new type of science performance task being piloted by the state in preparation for the updated MCAS Science test launching in 2027. These new tasks will be embedded in this May’s Science MCAS but will not count toward a student’s score. Each task features a storyline connected to a real-world phenomenon, an interactive simulation, and follow-up questions that reflect the kind of thinking scientists engage in every day.

In this example task, students explored the question: How might light pollution affect fireflies? After watching a video and recording their “noticings and wonderings,” students worked with a partner to annotate an informational text and discuss the relationship between firefly structures, functions, and behaviors. They then used a simulation to compare natural and artificial light before constructing an explanation—grounded in evidence—about how light pollution could affect firefly reproduction.

Our students were surprised—and excited—to discover that the structure of the task closely mirrored their OpenSciEd lessons. It’s encouraging to know that the work our ORR students are doing every day in science is already preparing them for the future of science learning and assessment!

During technology class with Mrs. Lourenco, students had a blast experimenting with circuits and coding using Makey Makey kits! Through hands-on exploration, they deepened their understanding of programming and how electrical circuits work—all while having a lot of fun testing out their creations.

Our Buddy Bench has been placed in its permanent location on the OHS playground, complete with a plaque honoring the memory of Mrs. Jenny Rusinoski. The bench was purchased through a grant from the Feinstein Foundation in recognition of Mrs. Rusinoski’s tireless dedication to the students and staff of Mattapoisett, especially those she supported in special education.

Students are already enjoying the bench during recess as a welcoming spot to connect with others, take a break, or offer a moment of kindness—just as Mrs. Rusinoski would have wanted.

Monday, April 14th:

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

-Sportfit 3:00-4:00

-Fly Five Information Night 6:00 ORRJ

Tuesday, April 15th:

-Chorus 7:45-8:40 am

-Crafting 3:00-4:00

-Jazz Band 3:00-4:00

-Running Club 3:00-4:00

Wednesday, April 16th:

-Concert Band 7:45-8:40 am

-Spring Picture Day (see details below)

-Center Stage Kids 3:00-4:00

Thursday, April 17th:

-Concert Band 7:45-8:40 am

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

-Robotics 3:00-4:00

-6th-grade Parent Night at JHS Media Center

Friday, April 18th:

-5th Grade Field Trip to the Boston Tea Party Museum

April 21-25- Spring Break, No School

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

• YEARBOOKS! We are excited to share that this year there will be an OHS yearbook and a Center School yearbook. Each yearbook will have all grades from the school in the book! Order online note the different school codes. Visit https://shop.memorybook.com/login OHS code = 259602M Center School code = 251190M. Order a yearbook by April 21 for $20. If you want to personalize the front - that order needs to be placed by April 14 and is $24. For an additional cost, you can buy advertising space, put a personal message for your child or a love line.

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