No one on the Joint School Committee could foresee what Good Friday would look like this year now that it has been designated as a full school day, but the final attendance numbers for students and staff from the six schools reflect a significant difference in attendance from any other regular day of school.
Old Rochester Regional High School, although it had the least amount of staff members absent, four total, had the highest number of absent students in the district, which soared to 21 percent of students out on April 3.
ORRHS Principal Michael Devoll declined to comment on the rate of absent students; however, the usual number of students absent on an average school day is roughly four to six-percent, as it is in most schools, according to ORR Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Diana Russo.
ORR Junior High School saw six staff members absent, a number that ORRJHS Principal Kevin Brogioli said was like any average day, yet 20 percent of students stayed home on Good Friday, a significant difference from the usual four percent.
When asked if he would like to see Good Friday remain a school day next year, Brogioli replied, “I believe that a school district should try to understand and reflect the norms of its community around matters such as religious observances.” He continued, “I always thought it would be a good idea to move our spring break to the week before Easter, which would make this a non-issue.”
The elementary school principals did not respond for comment; however, Rochester Memorial School saw 11 staff members absent on Good Friday and 10 percent of students stayed home.
Center School and Old Hammondtown School both had eight staff members absent and 12 percent of students out, while Sippican School had nine of its staff members out and 13 percent absent.
Superintendent Doug White did not respond for comment.
By Jean Perry
Thanks for the update. I hope this sends a message to some members of the school committee that they represent the community, and their decisions should reflect the opinions and feelings of the people who elected them. In circumstances when there are large numbers of people with polarizing opinions, it’s time to take it to the next level and perform due diligence. My feelings on this issue were always a reflection of the way this was handled.