Rockland School Committee Approves New Contracts, Celebrates Student Performances
Kindergarteners showcase learning through music and movement while committee ratifies agreements with cafeteria workers and custodians
ROCKLAND - May 12 - The Rockland School Committee unanimously approves new three-year contracts for cafeteria workers and custodians during their May 12 meeting, while also enjoying a special performance from Esten Early Childhood Center kindergarteners.
Students from Esten, accompanied by Catherine Piazza from South Shore Conservatory, demonstrated their learning through songs, movement activities, and a reading of "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle. The performance showcased how music and movement help develop essential educational skills.
"There was phonemic awareness, there was math, there was self-regulation," noted committee member Michele Bissonnette. "I started listening to gross and small motor activities, they were listening, they were speaking, and then everything that you just saw there, that's your foundation for learning."
Chair Jill Maroney observed how naturally the learning occurred, saying, "They didn't realize they were doing all of that, right? They just were singing and dancing."
The committee ratified new three-year contracts for both cafeteria workers and custodians. Both agreements include 2.5 percent raises in each of the first two years, with a third-year increase also set at 2.5 percent.
Dr. Alan Cron, superintendent, explained that both contracts now include a one-year probationary period instead of the previous 90-day period. The cafeteria workers' contract includes a slight increase in uniform allowance, while the custodial agreement adds provisions for additional duties during detailed shifts for various events.
Both contracts were ratified unanimously by their respective units before coming to the committee for final approval.
Committee members took time to recognize the contributions of these staff members beyond their basic job duties.
"I'd just like to say how hard they work every day and how important at all levels of the district they are to kiddos," said Dr. Cron about the cafeteria workers. "Making sure they get the right food every day that they need and there's a lot to keep track of. But it's just how much they love the children is apparent every single time you go into the cafeteria."
He highlighted their creativity in providing breakfast after the bell and ensuring free snacks are available for students who need them.
Regarding custodians, Dr. Cron noted, "There are kiddos who, in each building, the custodian is their person. Their favorite person. And each and every one of them just fully embrace that."
He added that custodians connect with students through shared interests like music, sports, and other activities, while maintaining spotless buildings.
"They provide a very important function, feeding our kids, keeping our buildings clean, and keeping our buildings operating," Dr. Cron said. "But their work here, we ask more of them than that. We ask them to be part of the community. We ask them to help support our mission."
In his superintendent's report, Dr. Cron also recognized:
* The Rockland High School Chorus, which performed with the Snug Harbor Community Chorus at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center
* School nurses, who saw 2,845 children during April
* Upcoming senior activities and the comprehensive program that teaches graduating students CPR, finance, and other life skills
As the school year enters its final weeks, committee members reminded families that despite the many end-of-year activities, academic work remains important.
The committee also acknowledged the recent arts festival and wished families a happy Memorial Day, as their next meeting will take place after the holiday.
Maroney referred to this time of year as "ceremony season," noting, "We've made it sort of through the whole year, and now for us, we end up with all these wonderful invites to sort of the fun at the end of the year."