RMS Explores ‘Flextime’ Option

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Rochester Memorial School Principal Derek Medeiros knows what direction he wants to take in order to lead his school toward the same success other elementary schools in Tri-Town achieved, with the first step being the establishment of “flextime” into the daily routine.

School administrators are crediting flextime within Center School, Old Hammondtown, and Sippican School for the success in high MCAS scores and the schools’ designations as commendation schools.

Flextime entails breaking classes into smaller groups according to student learning levels, to work with different teachers within their grade on different subjects during the day. The only challenge to getting this off the ground, says Medeiros, will be how to fit it into the schedule.

“Because any struggle in every school is time,” Medeiros said during the December 4 Rochester School Committee meeting.

Medeiros said another approach to raising standardized test scores would be a consistent curriculum throughout the school for cohesion as students transition to each grade level.

“We do not have a consistently aligned rigorous … curriculum in line,” said Medeiros. Teachers of grades K through 2 have been “pulling from different areas,” while grades 3 and up have been following one curriculum. Medeiros said one consistent curriculum throughout every grade level would assist along with flextime.

“[Flextime] is an explanation of the pronounced skill (in other schools),” stated Assistant Superintendent Elise Frangos.

Medeiros said RMS had flextime as part of the school day back in 2007 to 2009 before the new school building was built, and added that the effect of the absence of flextime is reflected in the school’s lower MCAS scores.

“Collaborative intervention is important,” said School Committee Chairman Sharon Hartley.

Medeiros did state that they should expect another possible dip in scores with the new PARCC exam this year, but any decrease in test scores will not count against the school during the pilot run of the assessment.

In other matters, the committee voted to approve the renegotiation of the lease for the private preschool now renting space at RMS.

Program Director Janet Gauvin asked the committee if she could change the terms of her lease and return to the initial rate of $1,000 per month for the next six months of the lease, which increased to $1,500 in November as per the lease and is set to increase again to $2,000 monthly in February.

Medeiros said the new program has taken longer than expected to procure a significant number of students. The goal is to register 25 students, and the program currently has 15.

“It’s hard to predict the enrollment data when you’re trying to start a program like this,” said Medeiros.

“It’s a good use of space,” said School Committee member Jennifer Kulak. “It’s early on in the business. We should extend it out there.”

Also during the meeting, Rochester School Committee members had their chance to try a little coding on code.org with the new Chromebooks the Old Rochester Regional School District purchased (three-year lease to own) this year. Some committee members doubted their own abilities to effectively complete the basic coding activities, but soon surprised themselves and lost themselves in the fun.

“Can’t get ‘em back,” said Superintendent White, unable to regain the attention of the committee members who were laughing and enjoying the Chromebooks. “And this is exactly what your kids will do.” White said he had his grandchildren experiment with the website and they also enjoyed it. “It’s better than babysitting,” joked White.

The committee is also excited about the recent improvements to the ORR School District and RMS websites with new Web Coordinator Erin Ptaszenski’s assistance over the past month.

The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for January 8 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

 

Elks Student of the Month

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The Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1548 sponsors the Elks Student of the Month and Student of the Year Awards for students enrolled in local area high schools. The criteria used in nominating a student includes a student who excels in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school and community service, industry and farming.

We congratulate Senior Michael Amato of Rochester for being selected by the Old Rochester Regional High School faculty and staff. Michael is a serious language student. He is currently enrolled in AP Spanish, Latin 5 and French 2. In order to reach the top levels in Spanish and Latin, he had to complete a year of course work (in each language) on his own outside of school. He is also enrolled in AP English, AP European History and AP Statistics. Michael is the administrator of the student council here at ORR. He is involved in the drama club. He has served as an aide in multiple language teachers’ classes over the past four years. He also volunteers assisting English language learning high school students with their homework one night a week through the Massachusetts Migrant Education program in New Bedford.

Elizabeth Taber Library Activities

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Christmas Vacation Drop-in Activities, December 22 – January.

– Create thank you note paper and get hints on writing great thank you notes!

– Learn about Hanukkah and Kwanza while making menorahs and Kwanza placemats!

– Celebrate wildlife by reading stories of the season and creating treats for the winter birds and squirrels!

All materials will be available in the Children’s Room during regular library hours.

MOBY: My Own Back Yard Program, December 22 – 30, Give the Birds a Gift – Create Pine Cone Bird Feeders! This program is federally funded with LSTA funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

School Committee Learns to Code

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The angry bird and pig that have recently made their way to other Tri-Town school committee meetings came to Mattapoisett on December 8 during a demonstration of the new Chromebooks students will be using, as well as the website code.org on which students will be learning how to code.

Students throughout Tri-Town, along with other students across the country, will be committing to the “Hour of Code” each week, and now Mattapoisett School Committee members understand what exactly students will be doing – having a ball and amazing themselves as they progress through different levels of coding activities aimed at introducing students to computer programming.

Superintendent Doug White told committee members to “make the angry bird chase the pig,” and following a few keyboard strokes, that familiar sound of angry bird garble was followed by smiles and laughter.

“You just wrote your first line of code,” White told School Committee Chairman James Higgins.

“That’s funny,” said Higgins.

The district has recently purchased 345 new Chromebooks for students to use within all four school districts, and the Chromebooks will also be utilized during the new online PARCC exam that will replace the MCAS.

White said the addition of the new Chromebooks addresses one of the technology goals in the Strategic Plan, calling for more 1:1 personal devices to be integrated into the curriculum.

“I think it provides a whole new set of tools … to work collaboratively within the classrooms,” said White.

Also during the meeting, Business Administrator Patrick Spencer told the School Committee that playground repairs and the installation of the new fence around the playground at Center School would be completed before December 19, and the RFP calling for bids to repair the playground surfacing at Old Hammondtown School opens December 30.

The committee approved the updated Articles of Agreement with the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC), and they also approved authorizing a new Capital Reserve Fund capped at $500,000 for READS Collaborative.

The Mattapoisett School District will celebrate its status as a Commendation School by the State of Massachusetts for its third year in a row on January 12 at 1:45 pm at Old Hammondtown School.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for January 12 at 7:00 pm at Center School.

By Jean Perry

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Local Man is a World Champion

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Marcio Silva of Marion still cannot believe it. For him, being regarded as the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter in his division in the world still feels like a dream. How was it possible that he could go from an overweight worker stuck in an unfulfilling job to first place winner in the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation World Championship and living his dream of owning his own martial arts school?

“Because anybody can achieve what they put their mind to, pretty much,” said Silva. “Jiu-Jitsu changed my life and way of thinking for the better.”

When Silvia, 41, was five years old he began to learn Judo until he was 15. By the time he reached adulthood, he had stopped practicing Judo, got married, had two children, and worked at his family’s local rental company.

“I just didn’t have time to do anything,” said Silva, although the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) had piqued his interest and he heard about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which appealed to him. “I was 240 pounds overweight, so I said, ‘I have to do something about this.’”

He took a class in 2008 and immediately found his calling.

For those who are unfamiliar with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it is more than a martial art. BJJ is also considered a sport and a self-defense system with a focus on grappling and floor fighting. But for those who practice BJJ, it enhances physical fitness and builds character. It is a lifestyle, a way of existence.

“I tried a free class, and I never stopped doing it,” said Silva. “I just grabbed onto it and fell in love with it.”

Silva trained hard, with unwavering effort, and quickly progressed from white belt to blue belt to purple and to brown – a process that takes, on average, eight to ten years with hard work and consistent training. But Silva did it in about half the time, starting his first class in 2008 and then winning the world championship just six years later in 2014.

He trained with some of the best BJJ instructors in the world, traveling to Brazil and across the globe to work with other World Champions like Caio Terra, Marcelo Garcia, Ruben “Cobrinha” Charles, and Andre “Dedeco” Almeida.

He competed in several competitions every year and eventually began coaching children aged five to ten, as well as adults, and opened his own training center in New Bedford called Xcel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

It was not an easy road for Silva, though. He said his regular daytime job was really getting in the way of his training and competitions, which was discouraging for him. He experienced a few injuries along the way, too. Nothing terribly serious, said Silva, but there was pain that came with the gain.

“If you’re not getting injured, you’re not working hard enough,” said Silva.

Silva entered competitions and, win after win, started to make a name for himself. He even won first place in the absolute blue belt division of one competition. Silva, at 160 pounds, beat a fellow blue belt weighing 270 pounds.

In 2013, Silva joined the IBJJF World Championship in Long Beach California and lost during his first round of fighting. He had no idea that next year in 2014, he would be walking away as the World Champion.

He flew out unaccompanied to Long Beach this year, alone, wondering to himself, “How am I going to do this?” Other fighters arrived with their entourages, friends, and families. Silva, although on his own, knew his wife Carla and children Marciano, 18, and Cayla, 16, were cheering him on, waiting for updates online from the IBJJF website, which lost its live feed during the fight.

Round after round, match after match, Silva fought his way to the top to that incredible moment on November 2 when he was announced IBJJF World Champion.

“Wow!” said Silva. “It was a shock!” He said he just kept questioning reality. Is it real? Am I dreaming? Could this be real?

It is still just starting to set in for Silva. He said Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has humbled him, given him confidence – changed his life.

“Now all of a sudden I have a school, I’m a fighter,” said Silva. “I’m blessed, pretty much. I’m really blessed.”

Silva said, modestly, he expects his BJJ Master Dedeco will award Silva with a black belt in the next couple of weeks. He is anticipating competing in the IBJJF World Championship in 2015 as a black belt. Until then, Silva will continue on with his mission of competing and teaching BJJ at Xcel.

“I am going to keep coaching people. What it (BJJ) does for peoples’ lives is just amazing. It just changes you,” said Silva. “I want them to experience what I experienced, and achieve what I achieved … that’s what I’m after.”

By Jean Perry

marcio-silva-on-the-podium

Gerald “Butch” F. Silva

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Gerald “Butch” F. Silva, age 70, of Rochester, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Susan (Bellotti) Silva, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage.

Born in Acushnet, the son of the late Frank and Irene (Longtin) Silva, he was a life-long resident of the area.

Mr. Silva served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves in the Coastal Forces Unit, which was the only combat unit ever in the Coast Guard. He was the owner and operator of Bay State Window and Door, where he had started working with his dad when he was only 14 years old. Butch was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church, where he was a greeter and collector. He also served as President and Treasurer of the Couples Club at the church. He was very involved with the Lakeside Family Festival, where he organized the motorcycle run each year. Butch enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking and recently wood turning with his wife.

In addition to his wife survivors include: two daughters, Michelle Alves and her husband Gregory of Acushnet and Angela English and her husband David of Dartmouth; four grandchildren, Cameron Alves and his girlfriend Amanda Eldridge, Hannah Alves, Alex English and Zachary English; mother-in-law, Mary Bellotti; sister-in-law, Marie Crompton; niece, Kim Heydt and nephew, Craig Crompton. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Rapoza; several other nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his extended family at church and the V (VFW Post #6643) in East Freetown.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to his doctors, Dr. Gary Grosart, Dr. Kathryn Chen, Dr. Richard Demopoulos, as well as the staff at the SIC-U at St. Luke’s Hospital for their care and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral mass on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 10 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown. Burial will be private. Visiting hours, Monday 4-7 PM in the ROCK Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Butch may be made to, St. John Neumann Building Fund (Parish Center), 157 Middleboro Rd., P.O. Box 717, East Freetown, MA 02717.

For tributes/directions, www.rock-funeralhome.com

ORR Junior High School Holiday Concert

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Music Directors Angie Vaughn and Jim Farmer lead their students in the annual Holiday Concert. This free event takes place on Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 pm in the ORRJHS auditorium.

A selection of holiday classics and contemporary music is sure to delight the entire family.

You won’t want to miss this performance by the junior high chorus, as well as the jazz band, and seventh and eighth grade concert bands.

If you placed a candle order with an ORR music student, the Friends of Old Rochester Music will be at this concert distributing those candles.

ORRJH Students of the Month

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Kevin T. Brogioli, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, announces the following Students of the Month for November, 2014:

Green Team: Sydney Green and John Egger

Orange Team: Geneva Smith and Tyler Rose

Blue Team: Zoe Kelley and Nathan Przybyszewski

Red Team: Alanna Fitzpatrick and Patrick Igoe

Special Areas: Delaney Gosse and Colby Alves

Breakfast with Santa

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In 2014 the Mattapoisett Police Officer’s Association partnered up with the Mattapoisett Knight’s of Columbus in their already established “Breakfast with Santa.”  This year we asked for each family to bring a new or slightly used gift, jacket or book to later be delivered to Gift’s To Give.  The Assocoation had a great turn out and met their goal in filling a police cruiser. 

 

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Philip John Tully

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Philip John Tully made a peaceful transition from this mortal life to the eternal hereafter on Wednesday December 10, 2014 surrounded by the tender care of family and friends in the home in Mattapoisett that he loved. He was born May 24, 1953 in New Britain, CT. He was the son of the late George F. and Marie F. Tully and brother of the late Jeffrey A. Tully. He leaves behind his lifetime love and wife of 32 years, Barbara A. Tully who he referred to with great affection as “B”. He also leaves behind his dear sons Brendan G. Tully of Mattapoisett, and Colin J. Tully of Atlanta GA, in whom his fortitude, compassion and generosity are beautifully reflected. He will be dearly missed by his loving mother-in-law, admiring sisters and brothers-in-law, adoring nieces and nephews, appreciative cousins, respecting colleagues, and a grateful community.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Philip received his Masters degree in counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He was a licensed social worker employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where his entire adult work life was committed to the support of individuals with intellectual disabilities. During nearly 40 years of service he was blessed to bear witness to magnificent changes in how individuals with disabilities were able to see themselves and to many acts of personal courage as individuals sought and realized a better life for themselves.

Philip was an avid reader whose passion for history, love for his country, sharp wit, and facility with language, was appreciated by all who knew him and enjoyed good conversation and debate. He was an adventurous outdoorsman who saw God at work everywhere in nature. His stewardship of God’s creation was evident in his outdoor work at home and on the land he loved in the woods of Maine.

Throughout his journey with cancer Philip demonstrated unwavering strength, gratitude for exceptional care, tireless commitment to his work, selfless devotion to his family, and despite a desire to continue his journey on earth, an unshakable faith and acceptance of God’s will. May he rest in peace.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday December 15, 2014 at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday December 14, 2014 from 2-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Neediest Families Fund, 25 Elm St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.