Upon her season-opening report to the Mattapoisett School Committee on September 21, Chairperson Carly Lavin focused on the Old Rochester Regional School District’s new literacy program launched last year.
“This is a massive change … a long-term goal, and it’s going to require real passion and perseverance to successfully implement,” said Lavin, identifying the program as new opportunities for children to see leaders’ model grit. “We need grit from everybody at this table and in our schools as well as our families. It’s going to be easy to get overwhelmed or potentially discouraged, but I urge everybody to stay the course.”
With that, she thanked the teachers for their willingness to start a new program.
As the committee gathered to kick off the 2023-24 academic year, milestone recognitions were recognized, and new teachers were welcomed aboard.
For Center School, Jennifer Aguiar (elementary teacher) and Lori Sevigny (principal’s secretary) were both recognized for 30 years of service, Cynthia Dawicki (RBT paraprofessional) for 25 years, Virginia Rotchford (paraprofessional) for 20 years, Laura Mirabito (Library/Media specialist), Caroyln Pawlishen (Reading specialist) and Sarah Mendes (elementary teacher) for 15 years each, and Jane Zajac (Kindergarten teacher) for 10 years.
For Center School and Old Hammondtown, Lisa Lourenco (technology coordinator) was recognized for 25 years of service, Chad Cabeceiras (physical education) for 20 years, and Benjamin Squire (science teacher) for 10 years.
Also for Old Hammondtown, Elementary teachers Stacey Barrows, Amy Casi and Kristen Sunde were all recognized for 20 years. Sherri Panek (paraprofessional) and Elizabeth Valliere (elementary teacher) were recognized for 15 years. Stella Brogioli (paraprofessional) and elementary teachers Sara Jacobsen and Kate Williams were all recognized for 10 years.
Longtime ORR staffer Kristine Lincoln was welcomed as interim director of Student Services. Teah Keogh has returned to her old role as English Language Learning specialist, ORR graduate Katie Crowley joins the Center School staff as a lunch/recess aid, Alda Medeiros joins Mattapoisett schools as Special Education secretary and Katie Trudell will teach Grade 5.
The ORR District bids adieu to Craig Davidson (director of Student Services); Kathy Dranchak (ELL specialist); Kayleigh Lake (Lunch/Recess aide) and Colleen Johns (Library specialist.)
After reviewing a request from Kimberly Clough, granddaughter of Franklin A. Caswell, Jr., to place a plaque at Caswell Circle at Old Hammondtown School in Mr. Caswell’s honor, the committee voted to approve.
Old Hammondtown Principal Kevin Tavares remembered how Caswell, known as “Bronc,” worked at Center School and went to Old Hammondtown upon its opening in 1966. He said Caswell raised the American flag at the school every day and injected positivity with his sense of humor.
Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson reported on an opening-day event held to bring together the faculty and staffs of all six district schools, and student speaker Nia Gonzalez stole the show with her keynote address. The Sippican Elementary School Grade 6 student and Project 351 participant impressed the gathering of faculty and staff.
Joining the Marion and Rochester school districts, the committee voted to approve an OpenSciEd grant for Grade 5 in the amount of $4,100 for training costs and materials in a continuation of ongoing work.
ORR Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz said this will be the first opportunity to bring the program to two units this year to make the program continuous for Grades 5-8.
The committee voted to approve the disposal of materials (curriculum no longer aligning with district needs).
The committee voted to approve updates to the Student Handbook.
Lavin credited ORR Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber for his commitment to come in during the pandemic and adjust financial expectations.
Nelson discussed new features on the ORR District’s improved website.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett School Committee
By Mick Colageo