ORR’s Football and Soccer

on

            Before the fall sports contests truly began at ORR this week, a lot of rumors were swirling concerning a few hot topics. Would the Phillips brothers help lead a young football team to victory over Martha’s Vineyard? Would boys’ and girls’ soccer be able to win over Seekonk despite losing a considerable amount of seniors? Would the girls’ field hockey team look to win their fifth straight SCC title with an opening victory over rival Dighton Rehoboth?

The first week of games helps to make a first impression on students and fans of ORR athletics to see how their teams will perform during the season. This week, the teams did not disappoint.

The ORR football team started off their season with a 25-0 victory over Martha’s Vineyard. Quarterback Nolan Bergeron ran for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while his brother Hayden Bergeron provided a key interception in the third quarter to halt a Vineyard drive. Richie Phillips ran for 115 yards on 10 carries and supplied the Bulldogs with a touchdown. The football team looks to go 2-0 with a game against Bishop Stang at home on September 14.The game’s time is undecided due to a recently issued EEE curfew.

The football program was not the only team with early season success. Both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams won their games against Seekonk on Friday. The girls won 2-0 with key goals from freshman Midfielder Sarah Beaulieu and senior Forward Hannah Walsh. Senior captain Alison Francis assisted Beaulieu in her first-half goal. Sophomore Goalie Mikayla Demanche made seven stops in net, lifting the Lady Bulldogs to their first victory of the season. On the boys’ side, senior Alex Milde scored the lone goal of the game to lift the boys to a 1-0 victory over Seekonk.

The ORR field hockey team tied their first game against rival Dighton Rehoboth with a scoreless game. According to Coach Polly Lawrence, senior Forward Katie Wilbur and Defender Madison Durr both played well.

A Brief Look at ORR’S Newest Faces

on

Last year marked the departure of four integral parts of the ORR high school faculty; each carried their weight in teaching skills as well as intellect. This year marks the arrival of three young, bright, new minds with their eyes set on similar sights.

            There are two different departments in the school represented by the new teachers: the Science Department and the English Department. Ms. Champagne, a Chemistry teacher, jumped right into her new job teaching classes such as AP Chemistry, Chemistry A, and Essentials of Chemistry. She enthusiastically fills a vital role that was left empty by the egress of Ms. Sullivan.

            The English Department suffered a colossal loss last year with three significant teachers leaving their classrooms at ORR: Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Ribeiro and Ms. Dall. Each held their jobs as educators in the highest esteem and had an incalculable impact on their students.

            Amy Medeiros, a graduate of Bridgewater State University, fills one of the open spots. She began teaching here last year as a long-term substitute, but has a classroom all to herself for the first time this year. She chose Old Rochester as one of her top three schools to perform her student teaching and was thrilled when asked to stay.

            She teaches freshman, sophomore and junior-year English classes, and states that while it is more work and more responsibility, it is a “good challenge.” While she loves English in general, sophomore-year English, or American Literature, is her favorite.

             As a full-time teacher, she gets her own homeroom, develops a curriculum, and she feels students “don’t compare [her] to other teachers” as they often did when she was a long-term substitute. Her passion for teaching came to her during her senior year of high school. She had a teacher that inspired her and it “really rubbed off.”

            When asked her opinion of our school in general, she responded with a simple, “I love it.” Her appreciation for the “awesome students” and “supportive, collaborative environment” has made her time here so far pleasant all-around.

            Michael Beson, a graduate from Fordham University and Union College, also joins the department. In his second full year of teaching, Mr. Beson taught in Winthrop, MA last school year. He believes his choice of Old Rochester to be a good one: he believes the class sizes to be “perfect” and the environment to be “incredibly positive.”

            He commented that he has seen “harder-working students here in two weeks than all year” at his other school. He believes it makes a big difference when “students have ownership of their work.” He teaches freshmen, juniors and has a Creative Writing elective. His favorite subject to teach is his Creative Writing class. He remarked that while writing is something “most students struggle with,” it is his favorite to teach because it is “the most rewarding.”

            His passion for teaching stemmed from his aversion of continuing working “Nine to five in the corporate world.” He grew sick of not being able to laugh or smile or be happy doing his job. According to him, “not a day goes by where I don’t do that in the classroom.”

New Faces Welcomed to ORR Community

on

Four new administrators were welcomed by the Old Rochester Regional School Committee at their first meeting of the 2012-2013 academic year on Wednesday, September 12. The new Facilities Director, Eugene Jones, and District Technology Director, Ryan McGee, were on hand to present their reports at the beginning of the meeting, while the new School Business Administrator, Catherine Antonellis, accepted well-wishes from the Committee before taking her permitted leave from the meeting.

“I believe she will be a benefit,” said Superintendent Douglas White. “I welcome her as the new School Business Administrator.”

“I look forward to working with all of you and meeting you personally,” Antonellis told the Committee.

The new Cross-District ELL Specialist, Teeh Mazzoni, was not present at the meeting but has not yet begun her duties at ORR. She will transition into her new role starting Monday.

“We had a full vetting of many candidates during the summer,” said the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Elise Frangos, also thanking the number of individuals who served on the hiring committee.

In addition to the four administrators, there are ten new teachers serving the Old Rochester Regional School District this academic year.

“This summer we had an August teacher induction day,” White said in his report.

Frangos, in her report and later discourse on the 2012-2013 professional development plan, explained the nature of the new teacher induction program.

“We assign one colleague to serve as a mentor for the duration of the year,” Frangos said. The mentor and mentee are required to keep a log detailing their 16 hours of mentorship, in addition to meeting once a month to discuss topics of mutual interest.

“The log is confidential. All I look for is the collection of hours and the nature of the meetings,” Frangos said.

The professional development plan, a 60-page document from which Frangos culled excerpts for discussion, emphasizes the Common Core requirements and takes a new look at forming relationships between the schools in the district.

“We’re set up against a backdrop of really cultivated educational change. [The intent] is to keep teachers up to the minute on instructional techniques,” Frangos said.

Besides organizing workshops, Frangos is creating professional learning communities for job-alike teachers in the different Tri-Town schools. The physical education teachers, for example, would be in a professional learning community, as would the art teachers and other teachers who are the only one in their school. Frangos offers the communities as a cure to loneliness in the district.

In other business, White presented the new Superintendent Evaluation, which is a five-step process beginning with a self-evaluation. In the next step, White would meet with the school committees. The third step, implementation, would require the amassing and study of evidential support that White is meeting the goals for each school committee. Finally, there would be a cumulative evaluation not unlike the previous Superintendent Evaluation.

“It’s a rubric with different criteria from what you’ve used to evaluate me in the past,” White said.

In the Principal’s Report for ORRJHS, Kevin Brogioli asked the Committee to consider a change regarding the cost of intramural sports. Currently, there is a $75 rate per intramural season. Brogioli asked the Committee to change these fees to an annual $25 due, with an additional $50 for traveling teams.

“We’ve been having trouble funding coaches and consequently, many teams haven’t started their seasons,” Brogioli explained the situation.

The Committee voted in favor of the change.

Also in the Junior High news, Brogioli sought approval from the Committee for an alternative Survival trip. Survival, a popular week-long camping trip for seventh graders, excludes students who have received disciplinary actions. Brogioli hopes to institute a two-day camping trip for a target group of male students, described to have respect and authority issues, to be chaperoned by himself, ORRHS Assistant Principal Michael Parker and Mattapoisett Police Officer Mitchell Suzan. The trip, which would require the students to write a self-reflection and form relationships with both each other and the adults, would ease their transition into the high school.

“I’m confident of our ability to get them to work on small group goals,” Brogioli said, stressing that these students were good kids.

Chairperson Peter Bangs questioned how the Committee would respond to probable claims from parents that the trip would reward bad behavior.

Frangos answered that the trip could be tried as a pilot program, possibly increasing over time to include other groups of students and offer an alternative to physical education.

In ORRHS Principal Michael Devoll’s report, the student body is currently quantified as 713 students, of whom 47 are school-choice.  However, one school-choice slot has opened this week as a student chose not to come to ORR. Devoll said that he is addressing the situation by calling the next student on the wait list.

“I’ve always thought 700 was a healthy number,” Devoll said regarding the statistics.

Devoll also spoke about the retirement of Estela Johnston, a Spanish teacher, whose last class is Friday.

“Traditionally, the teacher would be here to be honored, but she could not attend,” Devoll said. Instead, Johnston will attend the October 10 meeting.

Also from Devoll’s report, the ORR Swim Team is doing well in its fundraising, having already met its goals for this year. Furthermore, Devoll said the pool time might cost less than originally anticipated.

Finally, Devoll announced the fall play and spring musical, which will be Romeo and Juliet and Oklahoma!, respectively.

The Committee, after a brief discussion, voted to retract its requirement to approve school plays, provided that the school continue to announce their season to the Committee, as well as disclaim the age-appropriateness of the shows to the public.

After a discussion of the low enrollment in the Tri-Town Early Childhood Preschool Program, the Committee voted to make an exception from the enrollment criteria for two children, ages 2 years and 9 months, who have IEPs. Normally, enrollment in the preschool is limited to three and four year-olds. The exception, provided for by state legislation, will only occur for this academic year.

Currently, ORRHS is working on an advertising campaign to bolster the preschool’s enrollment, which is at less than half. In addition to a public announcement airing on local television, Devoll will make arrangements for a banner to be hung outside the school.

In its other business, the Committee discussed the use of both Galileo (a diagnostic testing system) and SchoolDude, a maintenance and technology computer program. A long testing window for Galileo will allow teachers of ELA, science and mathematics to frequently assess their success in the classroom, leaving plenty of time for MCAS preparation. SchoolDude will allow teachers to request room maintenance or technological help without resorting to the hallway hailing of district custodians and technology staff.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Committee accepted the open comments from Colin Everett, President of the Old Rochester Professional Educators Association.

“It occurred to me,” Everett said, “that it’s been 11 months. In the past 11 months, we only negotiated twice. We wanted to negotiate in the fall, we wanted to negotiate in the winter, we wanted to negotiate in the spring.”

Everett assessed the Association’s membership as eager for a resolution. “The only way is to negotiate it,” he said.

Everett concluded his comments by expressing his concerns for the expense of delaying negotiations. “I think it owes to both parties to negotiate. Going through the state, it’s going to cost the district, it’s going to cost the Association.”

The next meeting of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee will be on Wednesday, October 10 in the School Committee Conference Room in the Superintendent’s Office.

By Anne Smith


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Possible New Homes On Indian Cove Road

on

The first hearing of the night was for Susan Domolky, regarding her Notice of Intent to trim dead or downed trees and brush for property at 85 Moorings Road.  Domolky would also like to remove Japanese knotweed and phragmites in order to create a wetland restoration planting area.

The previous owner was planning to maintain the same area, but sold the property to the Domolky family before the project was realized.

“Part of what we’ve shown is a transition to do more of a planting area to create a curve-shape around the edge of the pond,” said Susan Nilson of CLE Engineering, who represented the Domolky family at the meeting.

The biggest focus of the project would be on the invasive knotweed and phragmites.

“The trimming and the cleaning is really being done to try to clean it up,” she said.

“That species is so invasive. It’s a mess out there,” said Commission member Steve Gonsalves.

“We’re not asking to clear it down to grade. We’re going to save everything we can,” Nilson said.

The Commission voted to continue the hearing because the project has not yet been issued a DEP file number.

Then the Commission had a hearing regarding a Request for Determination of Applicability for the construction of a temporary storage shed at Tabor Academy on 215 Front Street.

“I would say we have to define temporary,” said Commission Clerk Norman Hills.  No one from Tabor or their engineering firm were present at the meeting.

The submitted plans offered two ways to anchor the building: bolted-down sonotubes or a concrete slab.  In addition, the storage shed would be used for only one year.

“A slab isn’t very temporary,” said Commission member Joel Hartley.

The Conservation Commission voted in favor of the project, but are requiring the shed be anchored by sonotubes.

Next, the Commission held a continued hearing for Peter and Asha Wallace of 167 Converse Road, regarding their Notice of Intent to maintain two existing view corridors that span from the edge of their lawn to a local salt marsh.

Clerk Norm Hills said that, upon their site inspection, there were conflicts between the location of flags on site and on the plans.

“I went out there and I found a flag west of the wetland line,” Hills said.

Dave Davignon of Schneider and Associates, who represented the Wallaces, concurred that there were minor inconsistencies.

“This wetlands study seems to say we were justified in doubting the line, but we still can’t say for sure where it is,” said Commission member Joel Hartley.

Hills was also concerned about the amount of trees that would be removed during the project.

“There are several trees out there that, if you look at them, you know they’re going to come down, but they’re not the ones you’ve indicated,” he said.

The Commission said that there were several trees in the area marked for razing and trimming and asked that the trees be re-labeled so that only the dying trees would be removed.

The Commission voted to continue the hearing until the September 26 meeting so that the trees can be re-marked and another site inspection can take place.

Then, the Conservation Commission heard Davignon again, this time on behalf of the Indian Cove Association to discuss the redevelopment of the boatyard site.

“As you know, this is a boatyard facility and they have a purchase and sales agreement to make it into three single-house lots,” Davignon said.

While frontage for the area would be considered to be off Aucoot Road, Marion Fire and EMS request that Indian Cove Road be the primary way for access to the properties.

Hills voiced concern over the process for removing the existing buildings, some of which are fairly large.

“The buildings on the boatyard have been falling apart for some time.  With taxes going up, this has become nothing but a detrimental liability,” said Kenneth Jacobsen, another representative for the project.  Jacobsen also said that some of the buildings were built on foundations, while others were not.

“Ultimately we’ll be filing a Notice of Intent for two things: one for bringing a road across the wetland, and then we’ll be proposing to build a driveway in the layout here that will be 12-foot and gravel,” said Davignon.  “We wanted to bring this to you to see if it is a permittable project.”

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at 7:00 pm at the Town House.

By Eric Tripoli

Commending the Highway Department

on

I would like to commend the Town of Mattapoisett Highway Department and Engineering Department for their choice of construction companies involved in the drainage and repaving projects on lower North Street and Barstow Street. The work began in mid-May and was completed on September 6. Both construction companies, Gravity Construction & I.W. Harding, were highly professional and genuinely concerned with the welfare of the residents of both streets. The work involved was a massive undertaking and, though sometimes a bit inconvenient for parking, etc., was completed with minimal complications. The end result is obvious in our beautiful new sidewalks, curbs and resurfaced streets. Again, thanks for a job well-planned and beautifully done.

Sincerely,

Patricia W. Cole

The Good at ORR

on

To the Editor:

Recent editorials have appeared in The Wanderer, which focus on the alleged failures and shortcomings of the Old Rochester Regional School District. As a group of retired teachers of the Old Rochester Regional High School with over 150 years of teaching invested in the high school, we feel compelled to respond.

Data for the sake of data is ill advised and a waste of time. However, it can be useful for targeting areas of concern and acknowledging areas of strength. Indeed, data supports that Old Rochester is not lowering its standards, but meeting them and even exceeding them in some areas. In 2010, 100 percent of students taking the MCAS state exam passed both the English Language Arts and Science and Technology MCAS exams while 98 percent passed the Mathematics exam. In November of 2011, the College Board named 10 ORR students AP Scholars, having earned a three or better on five Advanced Placement exams. Additionally, the school district was distinguished as one of 367 schools in the nation and Canada for its AP programs, one of 30 cited in the state. These statistics indicate that students of all ability levels are mastering the skills and concepts needed to succeed.

Old Rochester embraces the philosophy that “to teach all students fairly, you have to teach all students differently.” Teachers differentiate instruction by presenting new material in a multi-modal environment, addressing the needs of students with diverse learning styles. Teachers also create a variety of assessment tools allowing and encouraging students to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways.

Old Rochester is one of the few truly inclusive high schools in the state, a result of the collaboration and support of administration, the Special Education Department, classroom teachers, students and parents. Consequently, the majority of Special Need students pass standardized tests, complete graduation requirements and often continue on to higher educational institutions.

There are students, who despite the supports that teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors have put in place, experience the frustration of repeated failure. NovaNet, a computer-based curriculum, is offered to students whose educational needs have not been met in the traditional classroom. Students in danger of failing or dropping out of school are offered the opportunity to complete courses through this program. The courses are not easy to pass; they require work and determination. One recent graduate used this program to become the first in his family to receive a high school diploma. NovaNet also offers students a wide range of courses that are not available at ORR. These include traditional introductory college bound courses as well as advanced placement courses. It is an option that successfully meets the needs of a few students.

The technological world in which we reside is one that requires more and higher education. As a nation, we know that this is fact and that the wide divergence in education across this country must be addressed. In an effort to set minimum educational standards across this nation, standardized tests were developed. They are a fact and they are not going to disappear. The reality is that schools will be judged on AYP and other statistics. Comparison between schools and among states will be made. We cannot escape standardized tests. We have to learn to live with the time that will be invested for the gathering and examination of the data. We may not like it, but “that’s the way it is.”

Good education embraces change. Some of the changes that we (as parents, teachers and administrators) fight the most become very effective learning tools, while others fail and are discarded. It is important that we keep trying new ideas.

There is so much GOOD at Old Rochester. Students are learning skills and mastering concepts. They meet and exceed many state standards. Many matriculate at very competitive colleges and universities. There are always things that we would or should change, or improve. But we should also focus on all of the children who have become responsible, well-educated adults because of the dedication of the teachers, administrators, parents and students of the Old Rochester Regional School District.

Susan Chlebus

Nancy Duggan

Richard Ellis

Claire Flynn

Judith Johnson

Nancy O’Brien

 

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Friends of the Mattapoisett Library

on

Thank you for making August 24 to 25 very special. The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library’s first Jewelry and Accessory sale was just plain fun. How delightful it was to watch so many customers pleased with their finds – from the young girl who came back for the domino pin to the women who took home the black feather evening purse. The money we earned supports the library’s programs, the Children’s Program, the Junior Friends and the many museum passes. We couldn’t have done this without the help of the Friends, the guidance of Director Susan Pizzolato, the kindness of Patty Catoe and the generosity of the many donors who sifted through the jewelry, scarves and purses that made the sale. We are grateful. And, since we’ve heard such good things about the sale, we’ll keep you posted in time for the next one.

Rayna Caplan,

Friends of the Mattapoisett Library

Thank You

on

To the Editor:

Just wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to everyone for your prayers, comforting words and many acts of kindness given to our family at this very difficult time. A special thank you to friends at the First Congregational Church of Rochester for everything you did to help us after the service. Your hard work is much appreciated. It is easy to understand why Steph so deeply loved her hometown of Rochester and her church family. The staggering pain that comes with losing a loved one has been lessened by the care and compassion you have shown us. Thank you so much.

The family of Stephanie (Lawrence) Meservey

Low Turnout for Ascertainment Hearing

on

Only two residents showed up to ask questions for the Ascertainment Hearing at the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting on Tuesday, September 11 in the Mattapoisett Library. The hearing was held to hear resident’s concerns regarding the upcoming five-year contract that the town will be signing with Comcast regarding cable television access.

Both residents expressed a desire to inquire the possibility of getting basic cable while also getting some cable channels a la carte. They are not interested in paying for the 15 – 20 channels that they do not use.

“Is there any way we can unbundle some of the channels a la carte instead of paying an exorbitant fee?” asked Mattapoisett resident Herb Webb.

There were no Comcast representatives on site to answer questions; however, a stenographer recorded the questions to bring back to the company so they can keep them in mind during contract negotiations. Mattapoisett signed a contract with Comcast in 2008 for five years. In 2013, they will need to renew their contract.

In other news, the Board approved a motocross event to be held on October 28, 2012 at the Mattapoisett Landfill. After a successful event last spring, Bruce Rocha, Jr. is hoping to repeat the event in the fall and potentially again in April 2013.

“It was all positive feedback,” said Selectman Jordan Collyer. “Everybody was pleased. The conditions were good. There was no damage reported.”

The Board also approved a 5K that is tentatively planned for next October. The 3.2-mile race will benefit the Healing Little Hearts Organization. The organization raises money for pediatric cardiac research for the Children’s Hospital in Boston. Kelly Weglowski and her husband Marc started the organization in 2007 when their son Brady was born with a rare heart defect. Kelly will team up with Kathleen McArdle to coordinate the event

“I think it would be great event for the town,” said Weglowski.

Recreation Department Chairman Jeremy Collier met with the Board to give an update on Fall/Winter programs for the town of Mattapoisett. Residents can look forward to adult yoga and cooking classes this coming winter. Also, gymnastics, Irish step dancing, hip-hop dance and Special Olympics will be available for children starting this fall.

“We’ve been very hard at work. We’ve got a refreshed board. We want to know what the town wants,” he said.

Collier also mentioned that the Recreation Department is seeking two members to fill vacancies.

On Sunday, October 14 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, a Scallop Fest will be held in Shipyard Park. A variety of seafood will be available for purchase and entertainment will be provided. All proceeds raised will benefit the Town Tree Lighting.

The Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen will meet again on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 pm in Mattapoisett Town Hall.

By Katy Fitzpatrick

EEE Risk Increased to Critical

on

The risk for infection of the deadly EEE Virus was increased from High to Critical this week after pools of mosquitoes carrying the illness turned up in both Rochester and Mattapoisett.  The summer of 2012 has brought one of the highest concentrations of harmful mosquitoes to the state in history.

“This is the worst it has been because it’s not only concentrated in our area, but it’s populated throughout the state,” said Marion and Rochester Health Officer Karen Walega. “It’s an historic year for the mosquitoes.”

The first positive sample of EEE mosquitoes turned up on Friday, September 7 in Mattapoisett. The Massachusetts Department of Health sampled several pools of mosquitoes in town when they found mosquitoes carrying the illness. The second positive sample of EEE was found in a horse stable in Rochester on Monday, September 10.

“Having a confirmed horse with EEE really kicks everything up a few notches,” said Walega. “Having EEE in the horse population makes it very easy for it to be transferred to humans.”

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness can affect people of all ages, but those under the age of 15 and over the age of 50 are at the greatest risk.

So far this summer, there have been three human cases of EEE detected. Most recently, a girl under the age of 18 was hospitalized last week and is fighting the illness. A Worcester man in his 70s died from EEE in August.

In order to prevent mosquito bites, residents are urged to stay indoors and curtail all outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours from dusk until dawn. Additionally, strong repellants as well as long pants and sleeves should be worn while outdoors. Any standing water on any property should be drained and all screens should be repaired if there are holes.

The Plymouth County Mosquito Control will be conducting a ground spraying from the hours of 3:00 am to 6:00 am in Rochester and in Mattapoisett on Friday, September 14, weather permitting. Both towns will be sprayed in their entirety, school included.

Residents should continue taking precautions until the first hard frost of the season when a large majority of the mosquitoes will be killed off. That frost usually occurs in late October or early November.

For the latest information on the mosquito situation across the state of Massachusetts, log on to www.mass.gov/dph.

By Katy Fitzpatrick