Seekonk School News

Official School News Blog

Welcome to the Seekonk Public School News Page.

This is our official news blog and social media portal and is managed by the Superintendent’s Office of the Seekonk Public Schools.  On the pages below, you will find the latest news and happenings in our school district. Thank you for visiting!

Rebecca Kidwell, Ed.D
Superintendent

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Seekonk’s Hurley Middle School Recognized as Special Olympics National Banner School and NELMS Spotlight School

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Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School has been recognized as a Special Olympics National Banner School. At a March Madness Assembly held on March 20, the school’s Unified Bocce and Basketball Teams were recognized and participated in a basketball shoot-out. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

SEEKONK — Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell and Principal Alexis Bouchard are proud to announce that Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School (HMS) has been recognized as a Special Olympics National Banner School and New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) Spotlight School.

Principal Bouchard hosted a March Madness Assembly on Thursday, March 20, to recognize her students’ accomplishments. The event featured performances by the HMS Pep Band, Cheer Team, Drama Team, Unified Bocce and Basketball Teams, and Dance Club.

 

Banner School

Unified Champion Schools is a strategy for schools Pre-K through university that intentionally promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments, utilizing three interconnected components: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement.

“I’m so proud of all the work we have done over the years to provide more inclusive opportunities for students,” said Principal Bouchard. “It truly is who we are as a community, and this Special Olympics National Banner School recognition exemplifies our core values of The Warrior Way!”

Unified Coaches Melissa Skodras, Ashley Armoush, and Deb Moura stood with members of the HMS Unified Bocce and Basketball Teams, who then participated in a brief shoot-out contest on the pair of hoops bookending the school gymnasium.

Principal Bouchard also recognized the beloved HMS Head Custodian Tony Balasco “for being a true HMS warrior.” Balasco, who is set to retire at the end of the school year, helped unveil the school’s two newest banners during the assembly.

Special Olympics Massachusetts recently announced HMS, already a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, was also set to receive national banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities.

HMS met 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect — standards developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.

“Receiving National Banner recognition is truly an outstanding and well-deserved achievement! It shows that they have truly embraced what it means to be inclusive both on and off the playing field, in the classrooms, and in their communities,” said Patti Doherty, Vice President of Schools and Community Development for Special Olympics Massachusetts. “Not only do these schools offer Unified sports, youth leadership, and whole school engagement within their school, but they have elevated it to the next level and have reached the standards of excellence set forth at a national level.”

 

Spotlight School

HMS has also again been recognized as a NELMS Spotlight School. Only 31 Spotlight Schools, including HMS, have been identified by NELMS throughout New England.

“Our decision is based on evidence and observations made during our visiting team’s recent visit and your application materials,” wrote NELMS Assistant Executive Director Tim Allen, Spotlight School Coordinator. “The visiting team uses a rubric with 18 indicators worth 3 points each. (HMS) scored 48/54 — a very high score!”

According to Allen, various indicators showed that HMS has continued to progress and remains committed to effective instruction, collaboration, teaming, and a solid understanding of the young adolescent.

“I could not be more proud of the very high rating of 48 out of 54 from the NELMS Spotlight School site visit,” said Principal Bouchard. “I am grateful for the many opportunities our students have here at HMS, which is only possible because of the passionate dedicated HMS staff.”

The NELMS assessment team recognized HMS for the following achievements (among others):

  • There is a real sense of community within HMS.
  • HMS educators respect and value young adolescents.
  • HMS policies and practices are student-centered, unbiased, and fairly implemented.
  • HMS student attendance has been steady over the last three years at around 95%.

 

MCAS Success

The March Madness Assembly also took time to recognize HMS students’ stellar success on last year’s Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams.

“I was so proud to recognize so many students for their individual growth in the MCAS assessments from the 2023-24 school year,” said Principal Bouchard. “Students will be awarded with a certificate, and as a school our MCAS Accountability Percentile increased by 10% from 2023 to 2024!”

“The staff and students at Hurley Middle School have worked very hard to earn each of these prestigious distinctions,” said Superintendent Kidwell. “HMS continues to make the District proud, each and every year.”

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At a March Madness Assembly held on March 20, HMS’ Unified Basketball Team was recognized, and members participated in a basketball shoot-out. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

Beloved HMS Head Custodian Tony Balasco helped unveil the school’s two newest banners during the March Madness Assembly. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

HMS has been recognized as a Special Olympics National Banner School. They recently hung a new banner to celebrate the achievement. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

The HMS Dance Club performed at the March Madness Assembly. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

The HMS Cheer Team performed at the March Madness Assembly. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

HMS’ Unified Bocce and Basketball Teams were recognized at a March Madness Assembly held on March 20. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

Beloved HMS Head Custodian Tony Balasco helped unveil the school’s two newest banners during the March Madness Assembly. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

HMS has three Unified Coaches — Melissa Skodras, Ashley Armoush and Deb Moura. Two of the coaches, Melissa Skodras and Ashley Armoush, posed for a photo under the school’s newest Special Olympics National Banner during Friday’s March Madness Assembly. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

At a March Madness Assembly held on March 20, HMS’ Unified Basketball Team was recognized, and members participated in a basketball shoot-out. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

At a March Madness Assembly held on March 20, HMS’ Unified Basketball Team was recognized, and members participated in a basketball shoot-out. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

The HMS Pep Band played to punctuate the school’s March Madness Assembly, sampling tunes from Ozzy Osbourne to the White Stripes. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

HMS Principal Alexis Bouchard hosted a March Madness Assembly last week to celebrate several recent achievements — Special Olympics National Banner certification, recognition as a New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) Spotlight School, and stellar school-wide MCAS score improvements. (Photo Courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

Hurley Middle School Student Grace Goudreau Named Project 351 Ambassador for Seekonk

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Grace Goudreau, an eighth grader at Hurley Middle School, was selected to serve as Project 351 Ambassador for Seekonk Public Schools. The term for a Project 351 Ambassador lasts for a year. (Photo courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

SEEKONK — Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell and Principal Alexis Bouchard are proud to announce that Hurley Middle School eighth grader Grace Goudreau is representing Seekonk Public Schools as the district’s Ambassador for Project 351, a statewide youth-led service initiative.

Grace, 14, of Seekonk, joins eighth grade representatives from each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns for a year of leadership development and community service.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, Ambassadors gathered at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston for Project 351’s annual Launch Day. They were joined by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, and other community leaders for a day of inspiration and volunteer service.

This year, Project 351 celebrates its 15th year with a collective social impact on more than 1.4 million lives. Project 351’s annual Launch celebration honored the legacy of civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

During Launch Day, Grace and her fellow Ambassadors participated in several service projects, such as assembling wellness kits for newborns and distributing food to families in need, including poor families and recent immigrants. She described Launch Day as an inspirational experience.

“It was very inspiring to be at Launch Day because I got to be around more people like me who want to help out the community and make an impact,” she said. “My favorite memory was doing all the community service to help people that are less fortunate than us. I was also able to build new friendships and connections with fellow Ambassadors.”

Wearing their signature navy T-shirts, other ambassadors were mobilized to help provide service at partner sites, including Brighton High School, Cradles to Crayons in Newton and La Colaborativa in Chelsea. In total, the day of service helped more than 34,000 community members.

The day concluded with a celebration at the JFK Museum. The Ambassadors enjoyed food from a grilled cheese bar, a popcorn bar, and a punch station. The Ambassadors gathered there reflected on their efforts and were told about how many lives they impacted through their day of service — thousands in just a few hours.

The Launch Day celebrations kicked off 12 months of leadership development through Alumni mentorship and enrichment through Project 351’s Service Leadership Academy. Through Project 351, Ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to mobilize their hometowns in service campaigns that address critical issues, including hunger, clothing insecurity, and educational equity.

Looking ahead, Grace hopes to focus on certain causes, such as helping children afflicted by poverty.

“The cause I am most interested in is children in need of help due to poverty,” she said. “This topic is important to me because I feel that all children deserve to have opportunities and the ability to be comfortable and confident no matter the financial issues. Some ways that I want to help children suffering from poverty is by collecting canned goods, clothing, and toys to allow them the ability for a more enjoyable life with the basic resources needed.”

Grace said it was an honor to be chosen as a Project 351 Ambassador for Seekonk Public Schools.

“I think being a youth leader is very important and I’m excited to be able to help more people in the community and spread more kindness,” she said. “I am excited to have the tools and steps to help lead and spread love in my community.”

Principal Bouchard applauded Grace and spoke about the potential for her role as Ambassador to promote meaningful service opportunities back home in Seekonk.

“Not only is Grace gracefully representing Seekonk on a statewide level, but she’s also bringing back what she’s learned to make a difference in our own community,” Principal Bouchard said. “We’re proud of her for leading with kindness. And we look forward to seeing the impact on our community during her time as an Ambassador and beyond. We wish her success in this new role.”

Throughout the 15-year history of Project 351, the youth-led service program has enlisted 5,588 youth Ambassadors, including many eighth graders.

“Project 351 is powered by the idealism and ideas of eighth grade change-makers,” said Project 351 Founder and Executive Director Carolyn Casey. “We celebrate the transformative good made possible when we unite in common cause. And we uplift the values they stand for — kindness, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all.”

Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell thanked Grace for her youth leadership efforts.

“We are incredibly proud of Grace for representing Seekonk with compassion, kindness and dedication,” Superintendent Kidwell said. “I have no doubt that Grace will take the many lessons and experiences from Project 351 and use them to make a meaningful impact in our community.”

About Project 351

Founded in 2011, Project 351 is a youth-led movement for change powered by an eighth-grade unsung hero and high school Alumni mentors selected to represent every city and town in Massachusetts. Youth are recognized by hometown educators for an exemplary ethic of service; values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude; and devotion to equity and inclusion. The Ambassadors’ 12-month term of leadership development and service is the foundation of Project 351’s leadership model. High school, college, and career Alumni steward Project 351’s mission and model of impact as mentors, program leaders, and governance. Through the 35ONE enrichment continuum, a new generation of leaders develops the skills, knowledge, and courage to achieve bold change. Click here for more information.

Seekonk High School Coach Joe DeMelo Named MIAA Baseball Coach of the Year

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Seekonk High School baseball coach Joe DeMelo has been named the MIAA Baseball Coach of the Year for 2023-24. (Photo courtesy Seekonk Public Schools)

SEEKONK — Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell, Principal William Whalen and Athletic Director John Moran are pleased to announce that Seekonk High School baseball coach Joe DeMelo has been named the MIAA Baseball Coach of the Year.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) informed DeMelo on Oct. 9 that he was selected for the 2023-24 MIAA Coach of the Year Award for Baseball.

DeMelo has coached Seekonk High’s varsity baseball team since 2011. The team has performed very well during his tenure, particularly in the last three seasons. The baseball team has made the Division 4 state championship the last three seasons and won in 2023 and 2024. The team was a combined 44-7 during the two championship seasons.

The baseball team finished its spring season 23-3, including a 13-2 South Coast Conference record. Seekonk defeated Pittsfield, 8-0, in the June Division 4 state championship game.

“I am grateful to receive this recognition from the MIAA,” Coach DeMelo said. “We’ve had an incredible team and a great bunch of young men for the last three years, and their hard work has paid off with back-to-back state titles. It is an honor to lead them.”

DeMelo will be presented the award during the MIAA Awards Banquet in Milford on Dec. 11.

“We are extremely appreciative of all that Coach DeMelo has done for Seekonk High School’s baseball program and Warrior Athletics,” Athletic Director Moran said. “We are excited to celebrate this wonderful accomplishment with him.”

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Seekonk Public Schools Welcomes 13 New Staff Members at Annual New Hire Orientation

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SEEKONK — Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell is pleased to announce that Seekonk Public Schools welcomed 13 new staff members at its annual New Hire Orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School.

New hires for the 2024-2025 school year include:

  • Kaylee Mahar – Martin Elementary School Teacher
  • Tiffany Rainho – Martin Elementary School Teacher
  • Brenna Carrellas – Martin Elementary School Library Media Specialist
  • George Piquette – Hurley Middle School Mathematics Teacher
  • Abigail McCoy – Aitken Elementary School Library Media Specialist
  • Robert Marx – Hurley Middle School General Music/Band Teacher
  • Laurie Soares – Aitken Elementary School Nurse
  • Joshua Rodrigues – Hurley Middle School Technology Education/STEM Teacher
  • Noah Berndt – Hurley Middle School World Language Teacher
  • Lillian Rodriguez -Tavares – Seekonk High School Biology Teacher
  • Lily Powers – Aitken Elementary School Special Education Teacher
  • Ryan Durkay – Aitken Elementary School Special Education Teacher
  • Crystal Tavares – Hurley Middle School Special Education Teacher

“We are thrilled to welcome this group of educators to our faculty,” said Superintendent Kidwell. “Our building principals have spent a significant amount of time screening applicants, interviewing candidates and selecting a group of highly qualified educators to join our team.  We are especially excited to welcome back former staff members who have previously worked in our district and have opted to return. In addition, we are excited to welcome back individuals who served as long-term substitutes last school year and already know our district.”

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, Zachary Waddicor and Director of Technology and Digital Learning Trisha Leary organized the event. During the orientation, new hires also met with School Business Administrator Dr. Ryan McGee and Director of Student Service George Kelleher.

New hires discussed an array of topics relating to the school district including technology integration, professional development initiatives, educator evaluation and resources available to support teaching and learning.  Attendees were also given access to various district software accounts to help them get acclimated to the instructional tools the district provides through technology.

“Every year we welcome a new group of highly skilled educators to our school district,” said Assistant Superintendent Waddicor. “The district administrative team is committed to supporting our newly hired faculty members and New Hire Orientation is our first opportunity to share the great work we do in the Seekonk Public Schools. It is great to see how excited our new faculty members are to join the Seekonk team.”

The district will welcome all faculty back on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

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