ORR Celebrates 50 Years: Do You Remember?

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Looking back at Old Rochester Regional in 1961, because it was a new school, with new friends coming together from Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester, the administration and classmates formed several clubs to help the students acclimate to new surroundings. How many of the following are still in existence and how many have gone the way of the dinosaur? Girls Glee Club, Traffic Squad, Student Council, Senior Activities, Chef’s Club, Needle Craft, Debating Society, Future Teachers and/or Nurses.

The Class of 1962 was a great class. For a bunch of kids from three different towns, we all soon meshed and focused on our goal – graduation and having a great senior year. Are Senior Favorites still chosen? Back then they certainly were and they were a highlight in our yearbook. For our class, the following were chosen: Friendliest: Barbara Harriman and Bill Hall; Class Clowns: Charles Morgan and Judy Ryder; Class Dreamer: Helen Smith and John Duff; Best Looking: Judy Furnans and Michael Beauchemin. Other categories were: Most Likely to Succeed, Best Dressed, Most Flirtatious, and Most Ambitious.

Don’t forget the groundbreaking done by two 1962 female classmates, Barbara Harriman and Judy Furnans. They were the first female team to go down the Mattapoisett River in the Rochester Memorial Boat Race in 1962. Nice going, ladies!

By the Class of 1962

Rochester Kindergarten Registration

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On January 24, the parent orientation for incoming Kindergarten students for the 2012/2013 school year will begin at 5:45 pm. Kindergarten registration will take place during the week of January 30 from 9:30 to 11:30 am and from 1:00 to 2:30 pm each day. Completed registration paperwork should be presented at this time.

When coming to register, parents must bring the child’s birth certificate, a valid driver’s license, two verifications of home address, a record of immunization, and a physician’s certificate showing the date and results of a lead-screening. Each student must have a physical examination dated no more than one year prior to the beginning of classes. The school will accommodate your personal schedule, but if possible, please register your child on the appropriate days:

Last name begins with A-C – Register Tuesday, January 31.

Last name begins with D-L – Register Wednesday, February 1.

Last name begins with M-P – Register Thursday, February 2.

Last name begins with Q-Z – Register Friday, February 3.

Loft School Open House

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Loft School in Marion is hosting an open house on Thursday, January 19 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. for the 2012/2013 school year. Parents of preschool and pre-K age children are invited to attend to learn more about Loft programs, see the classrooms and meet the staff. Loft School is located at 124 Front Street (at St. Gabriel’s Church) in Marion. For more information, call 508-748-1243 or visit www.loftschool.org.

Solar Panels, Capital Projects in 2012

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Solar panels, affordable housing for seniors and roadwork all are on the mind of Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Gagne as he looks into the year 2012.

“I’m looking at advancing photovoltaic projects to produce revenue to help with the increase in SEMASS fees,” Mr. Gagne said. Also, town buildings are in need of repairs. “The Town Hall needs a lot of work. This is one priority that we’ll have to address,” he said.

Capital improvements for the harbor through Harbormaster office also are the Town Administrator’s radar. “We are looking at a complete electrical service update, and need replacement timber, piling and rehabilitation work,” he said. The estimated cost of such a project is still being investigated, he said.

A project also important to Mr. Gagne is adding to the stock of available affordable housing for seniors in Mattapoisett.

“I hear from quite a few Mattapoisett seniors who can’t get affordable housing, and end up in subsidized housing in New Bedford. We need to find a way to keep them here,” he said. His office is at “ground zero” on the effort, thus at the stage of undertaking a “full analysis” of potential sites before moving forward.

“We’re going to do site evaluations and look at locations’ approximation to services,” he said.

In addition, the Town Administrator plans to work with Highway Surveyor Barry Denham to fix a list of roads in need of repair.

“We have a list of the top ten areas that need roadwork – from paving, sidewalk work, curb resetting – scattered throughout the town,” he said. Currently the town is pursuing grant monies in addition to Chapter 90 funds to “get as much work done as we can,” he said.

Mr. Gagne said although it is not an immediate priority, the town is working with local businesses to hear their thoughts and ideas on Route 6. He said one meeting has been conducted so far, and now the focus is looking how to rehab Route 6 in the future, so if the state is prepared to fix up the road, the town is ready to respond with its ideas.

One initiative that Mr. Gagne said likely will be abandoned is Southeastern Regional Transit Authority’s Seaside Shuttle that transports passengers from Mattapoisett to Fairhaven and Acushnet. The shuttle was launched as a pilot program in the fall of 2010.

“Unfortunately, in these tight times, that will not be funded. It just does not have the ridership. It just doesn’t seem to catch on, unfortunately,” he said.

“I see it going by empty a lot of times. Maybe it’s one of those things that is not going to work in that fashion,” he said.

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

Commission Approves Holly Woods Culvert Repair

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Following the urging of Holly Woods Road neighbors and Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray, the Conservation Commission approved an RDA with a negative determination at its January 9 to repair a collapsed culvert. Applicant Joseph Szaro of 38 Holly Woods Road had requested the removal and replacement of the old culvert, which some residents consider a safety hazard to vehicles.

The original hearing on the culvert – which is located in the Holly Woods area – took place last month and was postponed as the Commission felt it contained insufficient details on the proposed work.

Mr. Szaro, present at the meeting, presented the full scope of the operation for the replacement of the two 36-inch and 12-feet wide pipes – from erosion controls (silt fence and hay bales), the type of base (6-inch crushed stone) to the seeding and loaming plan.

“We definitely are getting a lot more than what we got at the original hearing,” said Conservation Commissioner Bob Rogers on the submission.

Two neighbors at the meeting encouraged the commission to clear the way for the work to begin. “We have a repair issue here. I’d like to get it done, not only for safety reasons, but for expenses… The expediting of the project is very much appreciated,” said resident Bill Fredericks.

Likewise, in written comments to the board presented through Building Inspector Andy Bobola, Fire Chief Andrew Murray cited safety issues to emergency vehicles presented by the culvert and asked for the commission to expedite its repair.

The commission – except for Chairman Peter Newton who recused himself as he is a neighbor of the applicant – approved the request unanimously.

In other business:

• The commission unanimously approved an RDA with a negative determination for an enlarged bedroom and bathroom for handicap accessibility at 27 Silvershell Ave.

• The commission requested that Mr. Bobola investigate the possibility of it purchasing a two-acre, 18,000 square-foot unbuildable lot on the north side of Cove St. for possible future use as a parking area to access Angelica Point.

By Laura Fedak Pedulli

Grant Could Fund Technology Director

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A grant application to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education could possibly secure funds up to $500,000 for the purpose of finding new and efficient ways to deliver core local services, including a technology director’s position, said Superintendent Doug White at the Mattapoisett School Committee meeting held at Center School on January 9.

The funding of a new position for a technology director topped the wish list in a discussion of the fiscal year school budget for 2013, which is now gearing up. All the school committees in the district voted to move forward in including the salary in the upcoming FY2013 budget.

In discussing the grant, Mr. White said that ORR District qualifies to apply for the grant due to the percentage of local funding by the towns. Across the state, many school districts have an average funding of 82 percent of their budget coming from local town funds, while the ORR District is funded 90 percent by the towns.

The deadline for the grant is January 17 and the announcement of grant recipients will be in late February. If awarded the grant, the area of focus will be to develop and implement and coordinate technology services including infrastructure, communications, curriculum and data analysis to all schools in the district. Currently, each school handles its own technology needs, which aren’t coordinated with any of the other schools or the central office. Mr. White said that if grant monies are awarded, they could be used immediately to start the process of coordinating technology services.

Chairman Grace Knox asked each of the principals to prepare a list of weighted priorities for the school board to use during budget crunch time.

Superintendent Doug White said that he had recently met with town managers and they wanted to look at two scenarios: a level services budget (same services as FY 2012) and a level funded budget (same dollars as FY 2012).

“The towns want to see both budgets and would like to continue with level service, if fiscally possible,” said Mr. White. In the discussion, it was noted that the towns fund approximately 90 percent of the school budget, while the state funds the difference through Chapter 70 monies.

In her Principal’s Report, Ms. Bowman reported that all students in grade three participated in an English Language Arts/Reading assessment on January 5, 2012, using an assessment tool, known as Galileo. The assessment will help identify students’ weakness and proficiencies in performance levels prior to the Spring 2012 MCAS assessment. A Math assessment will be given to all grade three students on March 13, 2012.

Curriculum Director Elise Frangos discussed the two upcoming professional development days on January 13 and January 27. A chart was presented showing all the offerings for teachers, most revolving around the MCAS common core standards and goals in English language arts and mathematics.

Ms. Frangos also discussed the new supervisory and evaluation plan that the Board of Education and the Massachusetts Teachers Association put into place for use in September of 2012. The evaluation tool places teacher assessments in categories, with those in the unsatisfactory or needs improvement given a specific amount of time to improve. The complex plan includes student assessment of teachers and ties MCAS scores directly to teacher evaluations.

Chairwoman Grace Knox asked about children who were looking for napkins and spoons which were recently put in a place where only cafeteria staff could access them. “I wasn’t sure what this was all about,” said Ms. Knox. Ms. Meagher said that both students and faculty, who were not purchasing lunch were using salad dressings, condiments, napkins and utensils and she moved these items to a more secure place to reduce unnecessary expenses. Ms. Knox recommended that napkins and utensils be available to students who bring their lunch.

In other news:

• The first annual adult spelling bee will be held on March 9 at ORRHS. Rosemary Bowman, principal of Center School is coordinating the effort. She hopes that 25 teams, paying $50 per team, hopefully sponsored by local businesses and groups will participate.

• A Health Night, to be held in March, will bring together children and families to learn more about nutrition and other healthy lifestyle activities. A date for this event will be announced soon.

• Old Hammondtown School began the after school foreign language classes on January 9. Latin and Spanish classes will be taught to 4, 5 and 6 graders by high school students. The sessions will run for four weeks.

• Principal Matt D’Andrea said that he received a thank you note from St. Vincent DePaul Society thanking the students for their donation of 600 can goods and a $160 check, which was the profit from the student/teacher basketball game.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry

Rochester Awaits ORR Reimbursement

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At their January 9, 2012 meeting, the Rochester Board of Selectmen learned that the Old Rochester Regional School District had a balance of over $1 million in their “E and D” (excess and deficiency) account.

The E and D account represents the difference in the regional school’s revenues and expenses. With a current annual budget of about $15 million, ORR can only retain 5 percent of the E and D balance, and then it must return the difference to the contributing towns, said Rochester Town Administrator Richard LaCamera.

With the E and D total being about $168,000 over the 5 percent threshold, the Town of Rochester is likely owed about $56,000, Mr. LaCamera said.

Last year’s E and D balance was $1.2 million, Mr. LaCamera told the Board.

“I will be requesting of the superintendent copies of the balances,” said Mr. LaCamera. “I’d like to understand why there is a significant amount of money again… This has an effect on 2013’s budget as well.”

“It’s a little disturbing when we have… tight fiscal years,” said Selectman Naida Parker.

Also on the topic of Old Rochester Regional services, Mr. LaCamera informed the Board that Town Treasurer Cindy Mello had discovered a mistake in the town’s contributions to the Plymouth County Retirement Association (PCRA). Rochester had been overcharged in the contributions for five Old Rochester clerical employees, said Mr. LaCamera. Because the employees were from Old Rochester, the Town of Rochester was only responsible for 35 percent of their contributions to the PCRA, but they had contributed the full amount of $204,000 over the course of several years.

“Based upon the calculations… we are responsible for 35 percent [of that total],” said Mr. LaCamera, who said that the town would be rectifying the problem and would seek reimbursement.

“I applaud Cindy for catching this,” said Selectman Bradford Morse.

On the topic of Fiscal Year 2013’s budget, Mr. LaCamera said that the current forecast shows “no increases in staff, no increase in costs and services… pretty much a level funded budget.” After Governor Deval Patrick announces details on the state budget at a conference on January 20, municipalities will have a better idea of what their budgets will be.

“I can tell you that this year is going to be the most challenging year the town has experienced,” Mr. LaCamera said. He said that the town would try to maintain services and keep all its employees but no promises could be made with the projected level-funded budget.

After reviewing a list of 2011 town accomplishments – which included the conclusion of RMS’ construction, the finalization of an Affordable Housing Plan and the establishment of a Water Commission – the Board tackled the topic of Town Hall needs.

Mr. LaCamera suggested that the Board could form an exploratory committee to consider the possibility of building a new Town Hall on town-owned land on Dexter Lane near the Council on Aging and the Police Station.

The town currently leases the Rochester Women’s Clubhouse on Marion Road as an annex building for the Town Hall, but a larger building would eliminate the need for the lease, Mr. LaCamera said, and the annual $32,000 expenditure could be weighed in funding considerations.

“I don’t think we’ll ask the tax payers to raise their taxes at this point, so we need to look at multiple options,” said Mr. LaCamera.

“Because an override would not fly,” agreed Selectman Parker.

The Board voted to form a five-person committee to explore the cost and needs associated with building a new Town Hall at the Dexter Lane property.

Also at the meeting, the Board:

• Declared several broken and unused computers and printers to be surplus.

• Announced to the public that Christmas tree pick-up would begin on Friday, January 13. Residents should put their Christmas trees out on the curb for removal.

The next meetings of the Rochester Board of Selectmen are scheduled for January 23, February 6 and 27 and March 12 and 26.

By Anne Kakley

Quahogs at the Mattapoisett Library

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The winters of New England may be unpredictable, but one thing that remains constant is the Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s reading programs for children. No matter how foul – or benign – the weather may be, the youth of Mattapoisett often spend their winter vacations reading books suggested to them by the librarians. This year, however, the winter reading program is going to be a bit different with the addition of the Quahog Book Award. For the first time in the history of the library, children from grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 will be voting on the recipients (one per grade) of this new award, which is a seal that will be affixed to the book copies belonging to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library.

“[The award] will encourage children to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of ten nominated titles,” said Jessica Noblet, the Secretary of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library and initiator of the Quahog Book Award. “Each grade level will be given their own list of ten nominated books from which they can read as many titles as they choose.” The ten books on each list were nominated by the Quahog Committee, which Ms. Noblet said consists of the Friends, children’s librarians, and school library media specialists. The lists include books from various genres so as to appeal to all interests.

“Flyers will be sent home with students at Center School and Old Hammondtown School,” Ms. Noblet said about the winter reading program. “The students need to come into the library and register to participate, at which time they will be given the list of books for their grade level.” Ms. Noblet added that the children need to register at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library by January 20. The winter reading program continues through the month of February into mid-March, with the voting period taking place between March 17 and March 23. “Voting on their favorites will be done by ballot at the library,” Ms. Noblet said.

Unlike the other reading programs that the Mattapoisett Free Public Library has, namely the summer reading program, this winter reading program will not have drop-in crafts or special story times. (Dates and times for the regular story times are available in the children’s room at the librarian’s desk.) Also, the winter reading program is different from the summer reading program in that it is not part of a national initiative to increase literacy. The Quahog Book Award is only being done at Mattapoisett library, Ms. Noblet said, and is not part of the SAILS Library Network.

The four winners of the Quahog Book Award will be announced on Tuesday, March 27, at 5:30 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at a pizza party. All winter reading program participants will be invited to attend. “The Quahog Book Seal is in the process of being created,” Ms. Noblet said about its design, “but it will be circular and simple. It will have a drawing of a quahog and state ‘Quahog Book Award chosen by Mattapoisett Youth.’” The style is in keeping with the Caldecott Medal.

Children who read at least five nominees from their grade’s list will be invited to a sleepover in the library, to be called “Quahog Night.” The sleepover will be from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am and will have snacks, games, movies, and crafts. “We will hold a sleepover for the girls on Friday, March 23,” Ms. Noblet said, “and a sleepover for the boys on Friday, March 30.”

“This is the first year we are launching the award / program,” Ms. Noblet said, “and it is only being offered to grades 3 – 6. If we find that it is successful and interest is shown at the young adult level, we will consider including them next year.”

By Anne Smith

Seawolves Dominate at Wrestling Match

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At Tabor Academy, sports picked up again in full swing; all teams prepared to buckle down and shake off the Winter Break rust. Some teams had to play as early as Wednesday, the first official day of school for Tabor.

On Saturday, January 7, Tabor Academy Wrestling prepared itself for a quad meet, three straight matches against Thayer Academy, Loomis Chaffee, and Hyde Connecticut School. Against Thayer, the Seawolves quickly picked up the pace; besides a couple of unfortunate hiccups, Tabor shook off its cobwebs and dominated Thayer, 64 to 12.

The second match of the meet was promised to be Tabor’s most challenging; Loomis Chaffee and Tabor have gone back and forth consistently over the years, trading close wins and losses. Last year, Tabor and Loomis were tied at the final bout, 30 to 30, when Tabor sophomore Clayton Caliendo pinned his opponent to give the Seawolves the win. This year, the meeting was not nearly as close. Beginning with Clayton at 126 lbs, the Seawolves jumped out to a lead and didn’t look back. All three captains earned a win for the team and Tabor Academy won all but two bouts. Freshmen Dylan Genasci Smith, Aldair Vivar, and John Anderson all won great matches, with John closing out a 61 to 12 Tabor victory. Tabor’s only two losses came from rough opponents against Patrick Montolio from Plymouth and Kiernan Reynolds, who once again volunteered to wrestle above his weight, from Marion. Both wrestled incredibly well and fought, just as much as the rest of the team, with immense heart and pride. After such an intense match, Tabor faced a depleted Hyde squad and won with confidence, 72 to 12.

Tabor Wrestling enjoyed winning three matches, but the coaches were just as proud of the team’s attitude as they were of the wins. After the match, Coach Leary said, “We went out there, wrestled our guts out against a great team, and I loved it.”

Both Coach Leary and Coach Bozzi praised Tabor Wrestling’s never-say-die style and their policy of outworking their opponents. The Seawolves’ fans really showed up loud and proud in the wrestling room on Saturday; their presence definitely contributed to the team’s excitement and intensity. Tabor Academy Wrestling now has a record of 7 and 2; on Wednesday, they leave for St. Sebastian’s School. Their next home meet is next Saturday against Tilton School, Worcester Academy, Wilbraham and Monson Academy, and Williston Northampton School.

By Jacob Farias

Guidance Announcements

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The pace at Old Rochester Regional High School is picking up now that the students and staff have returned from their winter vacation. Unfortunately, the pace of school is faster than normal for the month of January; every week in the month has only four school days. Students have no school on January 13 and 27, which are in-service days for the teachers, and of course January 16 is a holiday for all. Students should be keeping track of their work for this month very carefully, as the grades for term two close on January 25 and it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of having a four-day weekend.

There will be a Masquerade Dance (formerly known as the Snow Ball) on Saturday, January 21 at 7:10 pm in the cafeteria of the high school. Tickets may be purchased for $5 each during the remainder of this week, and may be purchased for $7 the entirety of next week. The dance requires semi-formal attire. Masquerade masks are optional (although encouraged).

The following are notices from the guidance office. First, freshmen who are interested in the Project Contemporary Competitiveness summer enrichment program may get more information about the program and an application from guidance. PCC is a 6-week tuition-based program on the campus of Stonehill College. Freshmen who are planning to apply to the summer program need to turn in their application, $25 check, letters of recommendation, and short essay to Ms. McPhee no later than Thursday, January 26.

Next, sophomores and juniors who are interested in possibly pursuing a career in engineering should sign up in the guidance office if they wish to attend an Engineering Career Presentation by various alumni of MIT. The date of the presentation, which is going to be hosted by guidance, will be announced at a later time – the guidance office only requires to have a list of potential participants by Tuesday, January 31.

Students who are currently taking Advanced Placement classes should have received the 2012 AP Bulletin for parents and students from their teachers this week. The bulletin contains information about the 2012 dates of the exams and test-taking policies, as well as how to send scores to colleges. Students who are taking an AP exam in May must pay a $13 non-refundable deposit (per exam) to the guidance office between Wednesday, February 8 and Friday, February 17. Checks should be made payable to ORRHS/Advanced Placement Exam and be given to Ms Bertrand. The total cost of the AP exam may be paid at this time if the student prefers – please note that each exam costs $87.00 in total. Students taking an AP exam who receive Federal Services for Free and Reduced should speak with Ms. Perry in the guidance office as soon as possible.

Finally, the 2012 yearbook is now on sale. Students can purchase the yearbook online by going to balfour.com, or they can speak to senior Rachael Reints or Ms. Blake in school for details and to complete and order form. Each yearbook costs $95 this year.

By Anne Smith