Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Heidi Letendre, with support from Rochester Town Administrator Cameron Durant and the Rochester School Committee, are pleased to share the details of a joint initiative set to launch between Rochester Memorial School and the Rochester Police Department.
A space within Rochester Memorial School has been designated as a Rochester Police satellite office, in which on-duty Rochester Police officers will be able to use as a secondary space for administrative police duties.
The initiative was developed by Superintendent Nelson, Principal Heidi Letendre, and Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr., with support from the Rochester School Committee, to provide an extra measure of safety and security for students and staff during the school day.
“I am pleased to see the collaboration that has gone into the effort to create a satellite police office for the Rochester Police Department at the Rochester Memorial School,” said Town Administrator Durant. “This partnership ensures a stronger presence and deeper connections between our officers, students, and educators, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.”
The District launched a similar initiative at Sippican Elementary School in 2022.
“A safe and secure environment in school is our top priority,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This initiative will provide a meaningful added layer of safety and security. I would also like to express my appreciation to Chief Assad and his officers for their partnership and ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of our students.”
The satellite office will be available to a limited number of officers at any time during the school day, but it might not always be staffed.
“We appreciate this opportunity to continue forging our relationship with Rochester Memorial School,” said Chief Assad. “We’re happy to do anything we can to further bolster the safety and security of our community’s youngest members.”
Police officers who use the satellite office will not serve as school resource officers at this time, nor will they have any involvement in day-to-day school operations, activities or discipline. However, should it be necessary, the Rochester Police officers will be present and able to quickly respond and assist in the event of an emergency in the Rochester Memorial School building or on its grounds.
“Opening a new police satellite office at the Rochester Memorial School can only enhance the safety of our students and staff,” said Principal Letendre. “This cooperative agreement will benefit our staff, students and local police. It should also provide parents with a little extra peace of mind.”