Superintendent's Newsletter
October 2026
Dear School Community,
Earlier this month, the ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation held its inaugural gala. The ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation has supported our schools for many years. Specifically, providing financial support to fund programming and initiatives proposed by our teachers beyond the operational budgets! As a result, our students have benefited from enhanced learning opportunities and activities that would not have been possible without the financial support of the ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation.
I want to personally thank the ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation board members and all our community members for making the gala such a success! It was incredible to spend the night with so many of community members and local business partners that chose to sponsor this special event. The ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation Gala was able to raise thousands of dollars that will help provide many more incredible learning opportunities in the future.
Thank you, families, for always being strong partners in the educational process and happenings in our schools.
For those families that celebrate Halloween – I hope it is fun and safe holiday!
Please take a few minutes to review the information in this month’s Superintendent’s Newsletter.
Respectfully,
Michael S. Nelson
Superintendent of Schools
Center School
ORRHS Pep Rally
Class of 2027
From Dr. Fedorowicz
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
Professional Development Day November 3rd:
On November 3, staff will participate in professional development focused on strengthening instructional practices and supporting student learning. Elementary educators will engage in follow-up training with Sarah Ward on executive functioning strategies, followed by collaborative work with The Writing Revolution (TWR) to strengthen writing instruction across content areas. Secondary educators will focus on executive functioning strategies with Sarah Ward and apply MTSS practices to develop targeted lessons that address individual student needs, including opportunities for additional support and enrichment. These sessions will provide practical strategies teachers can incorporate into their classrooms to support student learning, independence, and growth.
Visiting Classrooms:
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving teaching and learning, the administrative team continues to conduct brief, non-evaluative classroom visits together to identify patterns and trends in instruction, student engagement, and learning experiences.
This year, we have already completed Learning Walks at Center School and Sippican Elementary School. These visits provide opportunities to recognize instructional strengths, gather insights, and identify opportunities to further support teaching and learning.
We are continuing to look at how our newly implemented curriculum programs are being used to support meaningful, engaging, and skills-based learning across content areas. Learning Walks will continue throughout the year, keeping the focus on instructional growth, collaboration, and improved student learning rather than evaluation. We are looking forward to visiting all the schools.
From Ms. Grable
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (S.E.P.A.C.) is a group of parents, caregivers, and community members who work together to support students with disabilities and their families. This Council provides annual training on parent/guardian rights and identifies topics of interest related to the various needs of students within our communities. Please look for future S.E.P.A.C. Meeting dates on our website.
All are welcome.
S.E.P.A.C. Officers:
Marion - Binu Oien
Mattapoisett- Kristine Rodrigues
Rochester/ORR - Beth Jupin
S.E.P.A.C. flyer courtesy of S.E.P.A.C. Officer Kristina Rodrigues
We are hiring substitutes! Substitute positions are available in all our schools for teachers, instructional assistants, nurses and cafeteria staff. Apply online using the links below!
From the District Wellness Committee
Practicing Gratitude for Mental Well-being
As we enter the busy holiday season, taking a few moments each day to practice gratitude can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost overall mood. Try starting or ending your day by jotting down three specific things you're grateful for—whether it's a supportive colleague, a warm cup of coffee, or a great moment in class. Small daily reflection can make a big impact on overall well-being!
The District's Wellness Committee meets throughout the school year and is composed of administration, faculty and staff, school committee and school community members. Members work on goals for promoting health and wellness throughout the school system aligned with the District Wellness Program Policy.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to share the MCAS Family Portal with you. This online tool lets you see your student’s MCAS test results.
MCAS results from spring 2026 are available. You will also see your student’s results from past years (2023–2025), if available. This information is only applicable to students who have taken the MCAS before (3rd grade or above). Read more.
Annually, voluntary student insurance is available for all students of our schools. Visit out website to review the options by clicking here.
The Old Rochester Regional School District & MA Superintendency Union #55 provides students with Acer Chromebooks and Samsung Chromebooks. School Device Coverage (SDC) is available to insure the devices that will be given to your student as part of this year's 1:1 device program. Insurance is a one-time charge of $23 for the entire school year. This insurance program will protect you in the event that your device is lost, stolen, or damaged accidentally. You may file a claim against any number of incidents that take place with no deductibles, no added fees, and no claims limits. Read more.
Over the summer, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) mailed out new chip/tap EBT cards to clients. Individuals/families receiving DTA benefits (e.g., SNAP, TAFDC cash benefits) must activate their new chip/tap card by November 29, 2026, before their old card is deactivated. After November 29, their old EBT card will no longer work.
To help clients activate their card and spread the word, DTA has created a handout and poster in multiple languages, partner guide and frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Questions please contact Alana Davidson at (617) 352-3506 | Alana.Davidson2@mass.gov
This month, the Joint School Committee heard a presentation from administration on the Vision2028 update. View the presentation to see goals for our schools this year! Many members also supported and/or joined us at the Tri-Town Education Foundation's first annual gala!
Click here for the complete schedule, meeting resources and minutes.
Upcoming meetings (subject to change):
Mattapoisett School Committee - November 3rd
Rochester School Commitee - November 12th
ORR School Committee - November 19th
ORRconnect is also on Facebook!
Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with school happenings.
You can follow all of our schools on Facebook too!
This mobile app allows families to receive targeted, real-time updates right at their fingertips regarding school happenings. Families can filter content, calendars and settings unique to one building or all.
Search ORRconnect in the app store!