Old Rochester Regional School District & Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 News

Official Website

Welcome to the Old Rochester and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 School District News. The purpose of this site is to communicate timely and relevant information about the schools in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester to all stakeholders.

Michael S. Nelson, M.Ed.
Superintendent, email

Old Rochester Regional School District
MA Superintendency Union #55

135 Marion Road
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Office: 508-758-2772 X1956
Fax: 508-758-2802

Old Rochester Regional School District Earns Best Communities for Music Education Distinction for the Third Straight Year

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MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is proud to share that the Old Rochester Regional School District earned the distinction of being one of the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for the third year in a row.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, and The NAMM Foundation announced the 2025 BCME awards on Monday, May 12.

“This recognition from the NAMM Foundation is a testament to the incredible support our music program receives from the entire Old Rochester community,” said Old Rochester Regional Junior High School general music and band teacher Richard Laprise. “From passionate students and dedicated educators to supportive families and school leadership, it truly takes a village to build a thriving music education program. We’re proud to be part of a district that values the arts and understands the lasting impact music has on our students’ lives.”

“Being recognized as a BCME award winner is a powerful affirmation of the Old Rochester Regional School District’s commitment to the arts and to nurturing the talents of our young musicians,” said Pedro Silva, music teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School. “Earning this distinction for the third consecutive year reflects our dedication, vision, and the strong values at the heart of our program. It shows that the work we’re doing matters. We’re excited to keep growing our music education offerings and to continue supporting our students as they explore, create, and achieve their full potential through music.”

The Old Rochester Regional School District was among 1,000 awardees from across the country that earned the BCME award or the Support Music Merit Award. Now in its 26th year, the BCME designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

Awardees were selected through a rigorous application and review process, which included verified data on funding, instruction time, participation, and community engagement. To ensure the integrity and reliability of the program, the data analysis for all applications was conducted by WolfBrown, an esteemed independent research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

“Music education has numerous positive effects on communities,” said John Mlynczak, a former educator who is now president and CEO of NAMM. “The Best Communities for Music Education award winners serve as models for the power of music education to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and NAMM is honored to recognize the 2025 recipients.”

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s awardees for their outstanding commitment to music education access,” said Julia Rubio, executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “These districts and schools demonstrate that access to music learning helps students thrive, in school and in life, and we celebrate their dedication to creating inclusive learning environments.”

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner celebrated the distinction, congratulating the district’s music education teachers, students, parents, support staff and administrative team.

“Earning a BCME award for the third year in a row is an immense source of pride for our schools,” said Principal Coellner. “Music education plays an important role in our students’ overall learning and development. The tri-town has produced some excellent musicians over the years, and we owe that to the amazing music education program we have in our communities. Congratulations to all of our teachers, our administrative team and the students for helping to make this all possible.”

“This recognition reinforces what we already know—our district believes in the power of music education, and we’re proud to support students as they grow as musicians and as people,” said Principal Devoll. “Three years in a row tells me this isn’t a fluke; it’s who we are. We’ll keep investing in our music program and making sure our students have every opportunity to thrive.”

“In the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55, we believe in providing a robust music education for learners of all ages and ability because we know that it builds confidence, creativity and community,” said Superintendent Nelson. “We’re proud that we’re able to provide a meaningful and relevant music education that inspires our student to not only continue their musical studies, but to spark their creativity in all areas of their lives. We are humbled and grateful that our work has been recognized by NAMM through this distinguished award for a third consecutive year.”

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Old Rochester Regional High School Earns New Innovation Career Pathways Designations for Business/Finance and Advanced Manufacturing (Architecture) Programs

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The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced new Innovation Career Pathway designations for 37 high schools last Wednesday at the 2025 Massachusetts STEM Summit at Gillette Stadium. Old Rochester Regional High School was one of 20 Massachusetts districts receiving a designated pathway for the first time.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced new Innovation Career Pathway designations for 37 high schools last Wednesday at the 2025 Massachusetts STEM Summit at Gillette Stadium. Old Rochester Regional High School was one of 20 Massachusetts districts receiving a designated pathway for the first time. (Photo Courtesy Massachusetts Executive Office of Education)

MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz, Principal Michael Devoll and Assistant Principal Lauren Millette are excited to announce that Old Rochester Regional High School has been awarded an Innovation Career Pathway (ICP) designation for Business & Finance and Advanced Manufacturing (Architecture) programs from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

DESE announced Old Rochester Regional High School’s new ICP designations during the 2025 Massachusetts STEM Summit at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, May 7. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced new Innovation Career Pathway designations for 37 high schools, including 20 districts receiving a designated pathway for the first time.

“We want to transform the high school experience, and expanding Innovation Career Pathways is one crucial way we are working to do just that,” said Massachusetts Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I am excited that the program will reach nearly 30 percent of high schools across Massachusetts as we work to reimagine High School, increasing student engagement for thousands of students and creating new opportunities for them to find their own paths to successful futures.”

ICPs are designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology, engineering, health care, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. They are designed to create strong partnerships with employers in order to expose students to career options and help them develop knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of study before they graduate high school.

“We are incredibly thankful and proud to have earned the Innovation Career Pathway designation,” said Assistant Principal Millette. “This recognition affirms our commitment to providing our students with meaningful, career-connected learning experiences that prepare them for success beyond high school.”

ICP programs give students the opportunity to participate in work-based learning in high-demand industries and also bolster workforce pipelines to meet employers’ needs.

“Assistant Principal Lauren Millette led the effort to secure these new Innovation Career Pathway designations for Business & Finance and Advanced Manufacturing programs,” said Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz. “Lauren led our team through an arduous, very competitive, multi-phase application process. Their hard work will pay off over the next year and greatly benefit Old Rochester’s current and future students.”

Old Rochester Regional High School’s new ICP programs will be implemented during the 2025-26 school year. This is Old Rochester’s first ICP designation.

“We owe our new Innovation Career Pathways designations to Assistant Principal Lauren Millette and her dedicated team,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “These new offerings at Old Rochester Regional High School will enable our educators to prepare our students for competitive careers in the region’s most rewarding and in-demand fields.”

“Innovation Career Pathways have a positive impact for our high school students and for the future of our workforce,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “By expanding access to applied learning in fields like clean energy, life sciences, and information technology, we’re preparing young people for successful careers in some of the fastest-growing industries in our state. Our administration will keep investing in pathways that empower students to discover their passions and build a strong, equitable economy for Massachusetts.”

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Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 Begin Registration for 2025 SAIL Summer Program

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Students participate in the 2024 Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL), an educational summer recreation program now heading into its 18th year.
Students participate in the 2024 Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL), an educational summer recreation program now heading into its 18th year. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55)

MATTAPOISETT— Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jaime Curley are pleased to announce that registration is open to students of all grades for an educational summer recreation program called Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL), which is now being offered for the 18th year by the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55.

Available slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A completed online registration form, online health form, and a check for the tuition fee, if applicable, must be submitted for each student by June 4, 2025.

The program is held at the Old Rochester Regional High School, running for six weeks, broken into two, three-week sessions. Held on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Session A will run from July 1 through July 17 and Session B will run from July 22 through Aug. 7.

The tuition is $225 per student for each three-week session, or $450 total to enroll a student in both three-week sessions.

Each session offers participating students a choice from a variety of exciting courses designed to keep students learning and having fun during the summer. Grade levels associated with all courses refer to student placement as of August 2025.

Course titles include “Learning Through Sports,” offering an education while working out both the mind and body; “Creative Minds, Creative Writing,” exploring the elements of a story, teaching students about imagery, similes, metaphors and personifications; “Summer Sports Squad,” delving into the history and mathematical concepts that are essential to the roles of a sports analyst, journalist and athlete; and “Living Creatures,” blending biology, mathematics, art and English, while discussing everything from molecules to microbes, and mice to mammoths.

A full course selection, online registration, health forms and additional information can be found on the school district website by going to www.oldrochester.org/summer-sail-program.

The program is being led by SAIL Co-Directors Kyle C. Letendre and Charles West.

“We look forward to another exciting, enriching summer with our students,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Curley. “Now in its 18th year, the SAIL program keeps students engaged in learning while having fun during the summer. We are grateful to our co-directors, Mr. Letendre and Mr. West, along with all of our wonderful staff, who help make this summer program possible.”

“The SAIL program is such a great resource for our students to continue their education during the summer in a way that’s engaging and fun,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Each year, our amazing SAIL staff members do an outstanding job to make this program a fun and engaging experience for all of our students who participate, keeping their developing minds active during the summer. We look forward to another summer adventure of learning and fun.”

If anyone has questions about the SAIL program they should not hesitate to contact the program’s co-directors by email at kyleletendre@oldrochester.org or charleswest@oldrochester.org.

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Members of the Marion Police Department and Comfort Dog Norman visited students participating in the 2024 SAIL summer program.
Members of the Marion Police Department and Comfort Dog Norman visited students participating in the 2024 SAIL summer program. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55)

Old Rochester Regional High School Unveils Alumni Wall, Recognizing Classes of 1962-1965

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Old Rochester Regional High School unveiled the new Alumni Wall, recognizing members of the Classes of 1962-1965, at a reception held on Thursday, May 1. Bill Garcia (left) was president of the Class of 1965.
Old Rochester Regional High School unveiled the new Alumni Wall, recognizing members of the Classes of 1962-1965, at a reception held on Thursday, May 1. Bill Garcia (left) was president of the Class of 1965. (Photos Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to report that Old Rochester Regional High School celebrated the unveiling of the ORR Alumni Wall with a reception held on Thursday, May 1, sponsored by the National Honor Society and attended by the graduates of the Classes of 1962-1965.

About 30 members of the four original classes of Old Rochester Regional High School attended the event, celebrating the new Alumni Wall and paying tribute to the school’s establishment in the fall of 1961, when 718 students from Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester first entered its doors. After alumni viewed the wall, NHS students led them on tours of the school.

The wall has been a two-year effort by the National Honor Society and its advisors, English teachers Kathleen Brunelle and Randy Allain. The funding for the project and reception, as well as gifts for the alumni, came from National Honor Society fundraising efforts.

The school’s opening in the fall of 1961 marked the first time that students in the tri-town area came together under one roof, including grades 7-12.

“The classes of 1962 through 1965 are more like one large class, bonded by that experience,” said Kathleen Brunelle, an English teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School, who spearheaded the ORR Alumni Wall project and the reception.

Brunelle read the following dedication at the event, which is now posted on the wall.

“The Class of 1962 started the year as seniors. They were the first official graduates of Old Rochester Regional High School, establishing the Bulldog tradition,” Brunelle said. “The Class of 1963 entered as juniors and spent only two years in the new school but quickly made it their own. The Class of 1964, sophomores, enjoyed three years in their new home and pulled together despite turbulent times. The Class of 1965 earned the distinction of being the first graduating class to have competed all four years of high school at Old Rochester.”

“These four classes remain forever bonded by their years at ORR. They established ties and traditions that continue to guide the school today,” Brunelle continued. “They are our foundation and they are our history. For these reasons, we dedicate this alumni hallway to them — the classes of ’62-’65 — the original students of Old Rochester Regional High School.”

The National Honor Society offered thanks to the following individuals for helping to make the Alumni Wall and the reception possible:

  • Tony Tranfaglia, owner of Village Signs
  • Allison Barker, who helped design and place the letters for the Alumni Wall
  • Michael Bauer, who put up the images that make up the Alumni Wall
  • Principal Michael Devoll, who gave approval for the project and helped choose the images and fonts
  • Alumni Dick Morgado, Vincent Pina, and Edyie Johnson, for their emails, support and communications that helped make the event a success
  • Dana Palmer-Donnelly, vice president of the Bulldog Pride Association
  • National Honor Society students, for their preparations for the event, especially Nolan Bushnell, who helped to spearhead the event

Superintendent Nelson thanked the National Honor Society for its work to make the Alumni Wall possible, along with its co-advisors English teachers Kathleen Brunelle and Randy Allain.

“It was a pleasure marking this historic event nearly 65 years later, bringing our alumni together to celebrate and unveiling the new ORR Alumni Wall,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Thank you to our National Honor Society co-advisors and all of our National Honor Society members for all their hard work to make the ORR Alumni Wall come together and for making this event such a success.”

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Old Rochester Regional High School first opened its doors during the fall of 1961. The school unveiled a new Alumni Wall, recognizing members of the Classes of 1962-1965.
Old Rochester Regional High School first opened its doors during the fall of 1961. The school unveiled a new Alumni Wall, recognizing members of the Classes of 1962-1965. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Charlie Jefferson, of the Class of 1962, is known as "the original Bulldog." Jefferson, who played football for Old Rochester Regional High School, suggested that the school adopt the name Bulldogs.
Charlie Jefferson, of the Class of 1962, is known as “the original Bulldog.” Jefferson, who played football for Old Rochester Regional High School, suggested that the school adopt the name Bulldogs. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Vincent Pina was president of the Class of 1964.
Vincent Pina was president of the Class of 1964. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
From left to right, Carol Oliviera Regan, John DeMello, and Kathy DeMello, of the Class of 1965.
From left to right, Carol Oliviera Regan, John DeMello, and Kathy DeMello, of the Class of 1965. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Members of the Class of 1962.
Members of the Class of 1962. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Bill Garcia, president of the Class of 1965.
Bill Garcia, president of the Class of 1965. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Old Rochester Regional High School unveiled the new Alumni Wall, recognizing members of the Classes of 1962-1965, at a reception held on Thursday, May 1.
Old Rochester Regional High School unveiled the new Alumni Wall, recognizing members of the Classes of 1962-1965, at a reception held on Thursday, May 1. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

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