OHS Weekly Wag 🐾

As we begin the new year and welcome students back to school, I hope the holiday break offered your family time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy being together.

During the break, I came across a quote by Marshall Rosenberg that really stayed with me:

“Your presence is the most precious gift you can give to another human being.”

It resonated deeply as I reflected on the moments that mattered most to me over the past couple of weeks - quiet conversations, shared meals, laughter, playing games with family, or simply being side by side without an agenda. Those moments didn’t require anything elaborate. They asked only that we were truly present.

As we move into 2026, this idea of presence is something I hope to keep at the center of our work together as a school community. In a world filled with constant notifications, screens, and distractions, being fully present with one another can feel increasingly difficult for both children and adults. Yet it is also more important than ever.

At school, we see firsthand how challenging self-regulation around technology can be for students, even with strong structures in place. This is not a student-only challenge - it’s something many of us experience as adults as well. Pausing, noticing, and intentionally choosing moments of connection is a practice we are all still learning.

As families and educators, we share a powerful opportunity to model what presence looks like and to protect space for it in our daily lives. Small choices add up. A device put down. A conversation lingered in. A moment fully noticed.

Thank you for the care, partnership, and presence you bring to our school community. I look forward to continuing this work together in the new year ahead.

Warmly,
Principal Wells

In the game of life, every choice matters.
Choose Care, Curiosity, and Compassion.
#ChooseThe3Cs
#WEareOR

4th grade students took part in a rich, hands-on learning experience with Nate from the Marion Institute Grow Education Program. The lesson began with a short virtual field trip film on beekeeping and pollination, helping students build background knowledge and vocabulary around how honey bees live and why they matter.

After the film, Nate shared a demonstration beehive (no bees included) that students could take apart and explore, learning how a hive is structured and how each part supports the colony. Students also had the opportunity to taste test local honey, which was a first for many.

The lesson went beyond science. Students discussed the outsized impact honey bees have on the environment and food systems, and then connected that learning to civic engagement. Nate shared information about upcoming state legislation related to food literacy and farm-to-school initiatives, and students used what they learned to write postcards to lawmakers, sharing their voices and perspectives.

It was a meaningful example of how learning can connect science, community, and real-world action - even when it starts with something as small as a bee.

5th graders recently created Snow Monsters in art class with Mrs. Anderson. After all of the monsters were displayed, 4th grade students had the opportunity to vote for their favorite.

Stella’s Snow Monster received the most votes, making her this year’s winner. As a prize, Stella received a $15 gift card to Starbucks. Congratulations to Stella and to all of our 5th grade artists for their creativity and effort.

We are fortunate to share our school with students from the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC). Each Friday afternoon, 6th-grade students have begun taking turns visiting to read with SMEC students.

Through shared stories and time together, students are strengthening relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to learn and grow together as part of one school community.

Monday, January 5th:

-NO Jazz Band 7:45-8:40 am, doors open @ 7:40, Jazz Band will begin again on January 12th.

-Math Olympiad 3:00-4:00

-Sportfit 3:00-4:00

Tuesday, January 6th

-Chorus 7:45-8:40 am, doors open @ 7:40

-Calligraphy 3:00-4:00 @ Center School (Students take bus 7 to Center School)

-Lego Club 3:00-4:00 @ Center School (Students take bus 7 to Center School)

Wednesday, January 7th:

-Concert Band 7:45-8:40 am, doors open @ 7:40

Thursday, January 8th:

-Concert Band 7:45-8:40 am, doors open @ 7:40

-Game Time 3:00-4:00

-Yoga 3:00-4:00

-Robotics 3:00-4:00

February 22- Project 351 @ the high school 10-12

March 18- Project 351 @ the high school 10-12

March 30 and 31- Grade 6 ELA MCAS

April 1 and 2- Grades 4 & 5 ELA MCAS

May 4 and 5- Grades 4 & 5 Math

May 6 and 7- Grade 6 Math MCAS

May 13 and 14- Grade 5 Science MCAS

May 15 - Grade 5 Field Trip Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

May 19- 6th grade Cuttyhunk Field Trip, May 21st raindate

May 29- Field Day

Happy New Year! Hopefully, one of your resolutions this year is to keep on reading!!

Throughout January, we will be recommending great book series. Getting started on a series is a great way to keep reading, as there is often another book in the series you have not read yet. You can challenge your child to read all the books in at least one series this year!

Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland is a fantasy series where dragons are the main characters! You will not be able to put down these fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy adventure novels. If you like to use your imagination and read action-packed novels, this is the series for you!

We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday break. Right before vacation, the PTA gifted staff with a treat! Check out our facebook page or website for a photo.

Our next PTA meeting will be on 1/7/2026 at 7pm online. Check your email for a link to join us!

The PTA has some additional items for sale check out: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mattapoisett-ptas-shop to order!

Thanks

Mattapoisett PTA

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! The Booster’s Organization is happy to announce that we will be hosting The Harlem Wizards Basketball Team in January! Check out the link below for a fun, action packed video of the event! The link is now live to purchase your tickets in advance! The Harlem Wizards will be playing and putting on a show for us at the Old Rochester Regional High School Gymnasium on Monday January 26th, 2026! The game starts at 6:30pm, doors open at 5:30pm. There are several different ticket options that are available for purchase: ️GENERAL ADMISSION: Ticket includes general admission seating. Seating on a first come, first serve basis. Children 3 and under are FREE and do not need a ticket. $30.00 per ticket ️RESERVED STUDENT TICKET: Ticket includes seating in the reserved section and a Harlem Wizards color team photo. Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first served basis. $40.00 a ticket ️RESERVED ADULT TICKET: Ticket includes seating in the reserved section and a $5 souvenir gift certificate to use at the Harlem Wizards Souvenir Store on game night (all items picked up at game). Within the reserved section, seating is on a first come, first served basis. $40.00 per ticket ️COURTSIDE PLUS STUDENT TICKET K-12th grade Ticket includes courtside seating, a pregame meet & greet with Harlem Wizards players, and Harlem Wizards souvenirs including a Courtside Plus pass, and color team photo (all items picked up at game). Within the Courtside Plus section, seating is on a first come, first served basis. $60.00 per ticket ️COURTSIDE PLUS ADULT TICKET: Ticket includes courtside seating, a pregame meet & greet with Harlem Wizards players, and Harlem Wizards souvenirs including a Courtside Plus pass, and a $10 souvenir gift certificate to use at the Harlem Wizards Souvenir Store on game night (all items picked up at game). Within the Courtside Plus section, seating is on a first come, first served basis. $60.00 per ticket An online processing fee of $1.99 per ticket will be added to your final total and your ticket will be scanned for entry at the door. We hope to see you at the game for this fun event! https://api.harlemwizardsinabox.com/game/event/mattapoisettma01-26-26-06-30pm/

Dear Old Hammondtown School Families,

OHS is proud to participate in the Feinstein Junior Scholar Pantry for Schools program!

We are currently collecting the following items to support our school community:

• Used, clean Halloween costumes (planning for a swap next year!)

• Gently used clothing, especially warm-weather gear such as boots, coats, hats, and mittens

Please ensure that all donated clothing is washed and in good condition before sending it in.

In addition, we will be hosting a Food Drive this fall to help restock the pantry shelves for the holidays. Be on the lookout!

Your donations are greatly appreciated and make a meaningful difference for families in need.

If your family would like to access pantry items, please reach out confidentially to Ms. Grant at Bethaniegrant@oldrochester.org or ext 2104 or Mrs. Titcomb at Joytitcomb@oldrochester.org for assistance.

Thank you for your generosity and continued support!

Grade 4 Click Here Grade 5 Click Here Grade 6 Click Here

Topic/Lesson Support

• Scroll to click on the Topic Number for an Overview of the Topic

• Scroll down to the bottom of the page

• Click on the Lesson Number

• View the following videos:

(at the top of the page in blue)

* Visual Learning Animation

* Another Look Video

Phone: 508-758-6241

Main Office / Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Jennifer Janicki

School Nurse: Mrs. Amy Ripley

School Adjustment Counselor: Mrs. Bethanie Grant

In addition to this newsletter, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett

You can also download the ORR Connect App to get the latest updates.

See the Mobile App Info Sheet for details on the information within our app. If you have questions, please email weareor@oldrochester.org.

Search ORRconnect in the app store or use the following links from your mobile device.

From your Apple Mobile Device

From your Android Mobile Device

Finally, most communications to families will be emailed this year, as this is the most efficient and timely method. Please let us know if you would prefer to receive communication regarding your student via first-class mail.

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

Think, Learn, Care

Email: stephaniewells@oldrochester.org

Website: https://ohs.oldrochester.org/

Location: 20 Shaw St.

Phone: 508-758-6241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett