The Rochester School Committee was thrilled to hear from three sixth-grade students during its December 2 meeting.
The students, also inside Rochester Memorial School but connecting to the committee meeting via Zoom, attended to present on the NexTrex Summer Cycling Challenge, a project-based learning experience focused on plastics recycling.
“We are doing this challenge because plastic film does not decompose on its own,” explained student John Ferreira. “This means that the plastic film ends up in nature and can harm wildlife when eaten. It doesn’t digest on its own so some animals will end up getting sick. We are cleaning the earth and trying to reduce the amount of plastic film in our environment.”
The plastic film that is collected is given to NexTrex to recycle and use in the company’s composite outdoor decking and furniture products.
“There are certain expectations to the plastic that you bring in. The first one is that plastic must be clean. The recycling label must have a ‘2’ or a ‘4,’ explained student Allison Alpert. “(The company) will decline some whole bags (of recyclables) if some rules are not followed.”
Student Avery White told the committee that the project began on November 15 and closes on April 15, 2022. So far the group has collected 416 pounds of plastic film. Posters are being created and will be distributed.
“This is another example of us focusing our lens on teaching and learning,” said Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, who thanked the sixth-grade teachers for making the connection between “what happens here during the day and the school committee members.”
Committee Chairperson Sharon Hartley complimented the students on their presentation.
For more information on the NexTrex Summer Cycling Challenge, visit the Rochester PTO Facebook page or the website recycle.trex.com.
The committee heard a presentation from administration on MCAS data.
The scoring rubric was devised in four levels: Exceeding Expectations (530-560); Meeting Expectations (500-529); Partially Meeting Expectations (470-499); and Not Meeting Expectations (440-469).
A Student Growth Percentile was established by going back to 2019 comparative scores, and an action plan was presented.
Medeiros and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Janell Pearson-Campbell worked on the MCAS presentation.
The committee voted to authorize the Town of Rochester to enact a contract with Solect Energy, which plans to erect a solar canopy in the RMS parking lot. The plan was approved at Town Meeting.
RMS Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Brian Ouellette retired from his duties after 38 years and was honored by Principal Derek Medeiros, who said when he became principal Ouellette was the first friendly face to greet him at the door.
“I felt like I was the principal of this school for five years walking around with you, telling me all the different components to it, who people were, and what made this place such a wonderful place,” said Medeiros. “I know we joke around a lot about it bud, but I don’t know what we’re going to do without you. I really don’t. When we talk about the heart and soul of our school, you truly are that heart and soul.
“From the bottom of my heart not only as the building principal but as a parent, thank you for all you do for our students because the first thing they see every day when they come is how beautiful this building looks, and that’s because of you.”
Hartley and Nelson also spoke, and in keeping with RMS retirement’s tradition, Hartley presented Ouellette with the dedication of the book “Stuff You Need to Know,” a volume to be added to the school library in Ouellette’s honor.
In his Central Office report, Nelson said an uptick in COVID-19 cases is anticipated. RMS has had 35 positive cases during the 2021-22 academic year, according to Nelson. Six were in isolation as of the December 2 committee meeting.
“The testing program continues to be instrumental,” said Nelson, crediting that program for the ability to sustain in-person learning. “I know the mask continues to be a debated issue statewide and nationally.” The mask mandate from DESE is currently slated to expire on January 15, 2022.
The Central Office report included reports from Pearson-Campbell and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber.
Medeiros updated the committee on RMS activities beginning with alumna Taylor Green, a National Honor Society member attending ORR who is running a book drive. Before Thanksgiving, all RMS students were screened for dyslexia.
The five-member Budget Subcommittee met earlier in the day and according to Nelson, set up a calendar for meetings to guide the FY23 budget process.
Committee member Jason Chisholm, who represents Rochester on the ORR School Committee, reported on that committee’s October 20 meeting, noting the importance of expanding social-emotional learning to students’ parents.
The committee voted to approve a donation of a book from Heather Burke, Marion resident and chairperson of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee. The book “Monty and Rose, Nest at Montrose” was written by Tamima Itani about piping plovers.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence for the victims in the Oakland County Michigan high school shooting.
That committee entered executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining and to comply with provisions related to laws or federal-grant requirements.
The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, January 6, and the Joint School Committee is scheduled to meet on January 20. Both meetings start at 6:30 pm.
Rochester School Committee
By Mick Colageo