Rockland public schools

Rockland Music Students Treated to Concert as Part of Jazz Study

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Rockland Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron
34 MacKinlay Way,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rockland Music Students Treated to Concert as Part of Jazz Study

ROCKLAND — Middle and high school music students received a special concert from members of the South Shore Jazz Collective last month as part of their studies.

Left to right: Peter Kontrimis on bass, John Piazza on trumpet, Mark White on guitar and Superintendent Alan Cron on trombone perform a jazz selection for Rockland Middle School students. (Courtesy Photo Rockland Public Schools)

On Monday, Nov. 19, the Jazz Collective performed three shows in the lecture hall for middle school band and chorus students, as well as high school general music students, faculty and staff.

The members of the Jazz Collective who visited Rockland students included Kenny Hadley on drums, Peter Kontrimis on bass and Mark White on guitar. Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron, on trombone, and Music Director John Piazza Jr., on trumpet, also made a guest appearance in the shows.

While Rockland has put on shows for students before, the jazz concert marked the first time middle school students got to experience a live band performance, and for many, the first time they’d been exposed to American jazz.

In an effort to enhance outside classroom learning, Rockland Public Schools worked with the Rockland Cultural Council to secure a grant to bring this one of a kind show to students. The RCC receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which distributes money to communities through the Local Cultural Council Program to support the arts.

“I’m so thankful to the MCC and LCC for funding these concerts,” Piazza Jr. said. “Opportunities like this give young musicians something tangible to work towards. Students need to know what they are going for. It’s not enough to tell them, we need to show them.”

Members of the Jazz Collective showcased their skills with a variety of songs, including several holiday favorites, like “Jingle Bells,” as well as Thelonious Monk’s “Blue Monk” and the “Flintstones” theme song — which is based off rhythm changes developed in American composer George Gershwin’s song, “I Got Rhythm.”

Prior to each jazz selection, Piazza Jr. spoke to students about the history of jazz and the unique improvisational aspect of the tunes they would be hearing.

“It was great to see that the things we learn in class are things real musicians always use,” said senior Jessica Dunphy.

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Rockland’s Rogers Middle School Hosts Inspirational Guest Speaker Randy Pierce

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Rockland Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron
34 MacKinlay Way,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 9, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Rockland’s Rogers Middle School Hosts Inspirational Guest Speaker Randy Pierce

ROCKLAND — English Language Arts Department Chair Janet Cook is pleased to announce that Rockland’s Rogers Middle School recently hosted a special guest speaker who spoke to students about perseverance and courage.

Motivational speaker Randy Pierce gave his presentation entitled “20/20 Vision Quest: Achieve a Vision Beyond Your Sight” to the students in attendance on Tuesday.

Pierce is blind, having lost his sight over a two-week period in his early twenties. He refused to be hindered by his blindness and is now an accomplished entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, hiker, runner and martial artist.

“Mr. Pierce’s message of perseverance in the face of adversity is an important lesson for students to learn,” Cook said. “He serves as a great example for anyone who may be facing a tough time in their life.”

The presentation coincides with the students’ recent completion of the book ‘Out of My Mind,’ which was about a spirited 11-year-old with cerebral palsy.

Pierce encouraged students to face obstacles head-on and to look at them as problems to be solved. He challenged each student to reach their peak potential.

RMS students will be raising money through an upcoming read-a-thon and the funds raised will go toward Pierce’s charitable organization, 2020 Vision Quest. The organization helps pay for guide dog training and support programs for people who are losing or have lost their vision.

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Jefferson Elementary School Students Embrace Literacy During School-Wide Events

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Rockland Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron
34 MacKinlay Way,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Jefferson Elementary School Students Embrace Literacy During School-Wide Events

ROCKLAND — As part of Jefferson Elementary School’s emphasis on reading and family literacy, students engaged in two school-wide activities that brought classroom learning to life.

On Oct. 17, the Jefferson Parent Advisory Council hosted its annual Book Bingo Night. As in years past, it was a resounding success, with record attendance and a standing-room-only crowd. Much to students’ surprise, at the conclusion of the friendly competition, participants got to pick out and bring home a new children’s book to share with their families.

Two weeks later, on Oct. 31, the halls of Jefferson were abuzz with wondrous words and creative costumes. The elementary school hosted its first Vocabulary Parade and teachers and students alike were dressed to define the rich vocabulary words they had been studying.

“Everybody, from students, to faculty and staff had a great time during the Vocabulary Parade, which I hope will become annual tradition at Jefferson,” said fourth grade teacher Jade Marszalek, who organized and emceed the event. “I was so impressed by everyone’s dedication to making this new literacy event a fun learning experience.”

The art teacher donned an “unkempt” appearance while a third grade student sporting a dinosaur mask and claws made a fine example of “fierce.”

Students in soccer gear showed off their understanding of “speedy,” while a fourth grade student with face paint and a football player’s attire took “rowdy” to the next level.

“Students did an excellent job showcasing their creativity and understanding of some of their favorite vocabulary words,” STEM teacher Rachel Mack said. “This year’s parade was a scholarly success and students are already eager for what next year’s will bring!”

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Photos: Esten Elementary School Students and Parents Share Breakfast With a Book

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Rockland Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron
34 MacKinlay Way,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Esten Elementary School Students and Parents Share Breakfast With a Book

ROCKLAND – Esten Elementary School students and their parents started their day a different way at the school’s Breakfast With a Book events last week.

Parents had the chance to come into school and spend the morning reading with their child, and were then encouraged to discuss the book while sharing doughnut holes and drinks.

Kindergarten through fourth grade parents joined their students last week, on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25.

The events, which merged Esten’s existing “Munchkins with Mom” and “Donuts for Dads” programs, was planned by teachers Kaithlyn Juffre, Samantha Fortin and Carol Hocking. Rockland Title One Coordinator Diane Hayes was on hand at the event to talk with parents about the importance of reading together with their children.

Approximately 200 parents came to Esten to participate in the events, which has become an annual tradition for the school.

“The children love having their parents come to school with them,” Principal Marilyn Smith said. “Sharing a book and having breakfast is a nice way for our kids to share the place where they spend so much of their time. It gives them a real sense of pride.”

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