Seekonk Public Schools Recognizes Student and Staff Accomplishments

Seekonk -- Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet would like to recognize the many accomplishments of students and staff throughout Seekonk Public Schools.

"Throughout the year, we have an endless stream of exciting accomplishments to the point where it becomes hard to share all the positive news surrounding our district's staff and students," Superintendent Drolet said. "I would like to take this opportunity to publicly recognize some of the great accomplishments to celebrate within our district."

Jennifer St. Michel Named Recipient of MassCUE Pathfinder Award

In October, Hurley Middle School (HMS) library/media specialist Jennifer St. Michel was presented with the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCUE) Pathfinder Award at the annual MassCUE Conference at Gillette Stadium.

St. Michel was nominated by her peers for this award for going above and beyond to share with her colleagues including building websites for teacher's classrooms, promoting cultural diversity in the middle school library, encouraging teachers to use technology such as the green screen in their classrooms, help with the use of interactive panels for the Drama Club, and more. She also volunteers her time at the Seekonk Public Library.

In addition to her recognition at the MassCUE Conference, St. Michel also presented a session with Suzanne Larson called "From Fee to Free: Moving to Google Sites for your District Web Platform" as well as another session with Kimberly DeLeo called "The Shark Infested Waters of Google Workspace & Free Graphic Design Apps." In addition, HMS teacher Tammi Miller presented a session, as well as Director of Technology and Digital Learning Colleen Terrill and Superintendent Drolet.

Marine Science Class Incorporates Scuba Diving Into Curriculum

This year marked the first year in which Seekonk High School (SHS) marine science teacher Matthew Wills invited students' families to participate in his class's scuba diving experience. Additionally, Michael Lombardi, SHS Class of 1997 and professional diver, was also invited to join Wills's class underwater.

For the past sixteen years, Wills has incorporated scuba diving into his marine science class in collaboration with East Bay Dive Center in Warren, R.I. The program, Seekonk’s Discover SCUBA Diving, is a modified introduction to a scuba diving course that connects to the class's curriculum. The East Bay Dive Center has volunteered its time and equipment 18 times since its collaboration with the school began.

Following his visit, Lombardi wrote an article about his experience scuba diving alongside Seekonk High School students. To read the article, click here.

2nd Annual Seekonk Veterans/Seniors Community Leaf Rake

For the second year in a row, Seekonk High School Assistant Principal Matt Bosh has led and coordinated a leaf raking/yard cleaning volunteer event in which some staff, parents and many high school students rake and clean the yards of Seekonk Veterans and seniors in need.

Last year, five adults and 37 students raked five yards. This year, the effort has more than doubled with 17 adults and 151 students that volunteered to rake 13 yards on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Student Shoutouts

Seekonk High School junior Jack Hoskins is being recognized for his great show of sportsmanship during a volleyball match at Fairhaven.

On Oct. 19, Hoskins genuinely and wholeheartedly congratulated a player on the other team after the player hit Hoskins's backward shot and scored a point instead of Hoskins. After witnessing this show of sportsmanship, a Fairhaven parent emailed Athletic Director John Moran praising Hoskins. Hoskins was then also acknowledged by Principal William Whalen in the SHS Newsletter for his empathy, which is one of the district's Vision of Success competencies.

Seekonk High School sophomore Josh Toledo is also recognized for his selfless and very caring act of helping a staff member in need in November. A staff member was experiencing a medical emergency when Toledo broke her fall and then provided her comfort. The following day Toledo and Dr. Rosamaria Carlozzi checked up on the staff member as well. Toledo was also acknowledged in a November SHS Newsletter by Principal Whalen for exemplifying resilience, which is another one of the core competencies in the district's Vision of Success.