Front and CENTER
November 8, 2026
Our Family Literacy Night was a wonderful evening filled with excitement, smiles, and a love of reading! Families came together to browse books, discover new favorites, and enjoy some delicious treats along the way. It was wonderful to see students so excited about choosing books and sharing their enthusiasm for reading with their families.
A big thank-you to all the families and PTA volunteers who came out and helped make the evening such a success. Your support and participation made this a memorable night for our school community!
- Monday, November 9, 2026 - Picture Retake Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - No School in Observance of Veteran's Day
Wednesday, November 25th, 2026 - Early Release Day - Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th - No School for Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, December 22, 9:00 AM - Center School Winter Concert
At Center School, we continually emphasize the importance of kindness and treating others with compassion and respect. We strive to recognize and celebrate these positive actions in the moment, providing students with meaningful feedback and encouragement. Throughout the year, our teachers and staff nominate students who demonstrate acts of kindness toward others. These students are then recognized and celebrated on our Caught Being Kind Board, where their pictures are displayed as a reminder of the many ways we can make a positive difference in our school community. We are proud of our students for showing kindness each and every day!
Would a little extra help make the holidays brighter for your family this year?
Each holiday season, our school community is fortunate to receive generous donations from local families and businesses. These donations help us support our Center School families during the holidays. In past years, we have been able to share food baskets and gift cards, and we are hopeful to offer assistance to even more families this year.
If your family could use a little extra support this holiday season, we invite you to complete the confidential form below to let us know. We want to make sure our families have the opportunity to enjoy a little extra holiday cheer!
If you prefer not to complete the form online or would like to speak with someone directly, please contact our school nurse, Mrs. Balsis, or our School Adjustment Counselor, Mrs. McManamon, at 508-758-2521. They would be happy to assist you.
Please submit your request by Friday, November 13th.
There is no need to hesitate or feel uncomfortable asking for help. We are here to support our families, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help make the holiday season a little brighter for everyone!
Dear Center School Families,
On Friday, students in grades K–3 participated in an important school safety training led by Mattapoisett Police Officer Ben Church, School Adjustment Counselor Mrs. McManamon, and me. We met with each grade level to introduce our ALICE safety protocols and discuss the purpose of our school's lockdown procedures.
Through age-appropriate slides, visuals, and examples, students learned simple safety steps, including identifying a safe place, turning off the lights, and listening carefully to adult directions.
We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Mattapoisett Police Department and their continued commitment to keeping our students safe.
We will conduct three school safety drills throughout the year, beginning in November. Families will be notified following each drill.
Our goal is to build confidence through preparation, not fear. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work together to keep our students safe and supported.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Charley West - Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Regular school attendance plays an important role in your child's success. Every day in school provides valuable opportunities to learn, grow, build friendships, and develop important life skills.
When students miss school, they may miss lessons and activities that are difficult to make up. Being present every day helps children stay on track academically, build confidence, and develop responsibility.
We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable, but we encourage families to make school attendance a priority.
Every day counts, every student matters, and every day is an opportunity to learn!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
- Please check your child's Golden Ticket!
Each student, or “Jr. Scholar,” has been assigned their own individually numbered Golden Ticket. Tickets will be sent home with students within the next week.
⭐ How It Works
🎟️ Keep your child’s ticket in a safe place!
📣 Check SMORE:
Mr. West will share the winning numbers in the weekly SMORE newsletter.
ORRconnect is available in the Apple and Android store. This mobile app allows families to receive targeted, real-time updates right at their fingertips regarding school happenings along with app alerts. Families can filter content, calendars and settings unique to one building or all.. If you have questions, please email weareor@oldrochester.org.
Search ORRconnect in the app store or use the links from your mobile device.
Center School
Charles West - Principal
Email: charleswest@oldrochester.org
Website: https://cs.oldrochester.org/
Location: 17 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Phone: 508-758-2521