Superintendent's Newsletter

Dear School Community,

The summer days are officially here and I hope all of our families are finding opportunities to enjoy the warmth and sunshine!

I want to take this opportunity to thank our faculty, staff members, school committee members, stakeholders, parents, guardians, and STUDENTS for a very successful 2023-2024 school year.

There is much to be proud of as a school community when we reflect on the accomplishments of our students this past year.

It is an absolute privilege to serve our schools and three communities that truly value education and the development of our students.

Please take a few minutes to read through this month's newsletter.

With all respect,

Michael S. Nelson

Superintendent of Schools

The Class of 2024 Old Rochester Regional High School Graduation Ceremony was held on Saturday, June 1. During the ceremony, eight students were recognized for being the first class to complete the Chapter 74 Early Childhood Education program. The graduating seniors from the program were Anna Pereira, Lila Bangs, Abigail Durr, Jaeleigh Black, Rylie Coughlin, Emily Borges, Nashajia Monteiro and Aubrey Heise. Read more.

I pleased to announce Stephanie Wells's appointment as the new principal of the Old Hammondtown School. Ms. Wells will begin the position on July 1 and will replace retiring principal Kevin Tavares. Read more.

I am also pleased to annouce Greg Thomas will be joining us as Assistant Principal of Sippican Elementary School. Mr. Thomas will also being his position on July 1st. Read more.

Throughout each school year, the School Committees in Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Old Rochester each review and approve multiple grants that support our students. Local, state and federal grant opportunities are applied for by our teachers, staff and administrators that provide additional funds to support all of our schools. Read more.

The 2024-2025 School Calendar is available online here. The first day of school for grades 1-12 is August 28, 2024 and the first day of school for Kindergarten is August 30, 2024.

Herstory is an intergenerational oral history project pairing students in high school and college with women over the age of 65 who have ties to New Bedford’s fishing community. ORRHS Junior, Aubrey Sylvia-Everett participated in this project, which included workshop training and a reception at the Fishing Heritage Center. Read more.

Recently, the JHS Jazz Band, Chorus, and Concert Bands performed their spring concert. The Chorus performed popular selections under the direction of Choral Music Director, Angie Vaughn. The audience was also treated to the world premiere of "The Scorpion Slayer," a piece composed especially for our students, made possible by a grant awarded to Instrumental Music Director, Richard Laprise, through the ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund. See photos.

This month at School Committee meetings, our members reviewed Student Handbook drafts for 2024-2025, approved School Committee dates for 2024-2025 and approved many grants.

Click here for the complete schedule, meeting resources and minutes.

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