Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Michael S. Nelson is pleased to share that Heidi Letendre has been named Principal of Rochester Memorial School. Letendre has served as interim principal since the beginning of the school year.
“We are thrilled to have Principal Letendre leading Rochester Memorial School in a permanent capacity,” said Superintendent Nelson. “She has demonstrated great leadership and has already had such a positive impact on our students and staff members.”
Prior to her interim role at Rochester Memorial, Letendre served as Principal for 10 years in Middleborough, where she managed daily school operations as well as proactively changed the school schedule to best support student learning and teaching practices. Previously, she worked at the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District for 10 years.
“I am delighted that Mrs. Letendre has accepted the position of Principal at Rochester Memorial School,” said Rochester Memorial School Committee Chair Sharon Hartley. “She is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and positive school leader who has already embraced our school community.”
As Memorial School’s Interim Principal, Letendre implemented with staff a new program called “IntoReading.” The program, which is a new challenging literacy curriculum and a large undertaking by Principal Letendre and staff members, involving several trainings, meetings, data review and more.
She also implemented the Celebrations Committee, in which faculty, staff, and Letendre plan throughout the school year. The goal is to enhance school culture and show appreciation for Rochester Memorial educators. In addition, the committee is looking for ways to highlight students and plan events.
Letendre said, “It has been my pleasure to be the Interim Principal at Rochester Memorial School this past year. Right from the beginning, the faculty and staff have been very welcoming and supportive, which made my transition as Interim Principal feel seamless. What has stood out to me, is the genuine care, concern and dedication of the RMS faculty and staff. Everyone who works at RMS truly wants what is best for each student and it shows through their positive attitudes and work ethic. Overall, it has been a very positive and rewarding experience working with this team of educators, and I am honored to be part of this community and look forward to serving as the Rochester Memorial School Principal in the years ahead.”
Letendre has developed positive relationships with faculty, staff and students. Her short-term goals as Principal are to continue to build her relationships and make more community connections.
“As the principal, it is important to create and maintain a safe learning environment for everyone. This starts with understanding the dynamics of the school and community and building trust among all stakeholders,” Letendre added.
“Our main goal is always to increase student achievement and to provide a positive and safe learning environment. It is my responsibility to advocate for the needs of our students and educators so our students can achieve greater academic, social, emotional success while building relationships and feeling part of an inclusive school community.”
Letendre continues to support Rochester Memorial’s curriculum implementation and assist teachers with the process. She hopes to work collaboratively to define tiered instructional practices while being in alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plan.
“As always, our focus starts with the student and supporting the whole child. I look forward to engaging in this collaborative work in the years ahead,” said Letendre.