Project 351 Influencers from all three elementary schools participate in a leadership training at Old Rochester Regional High School. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 have launched this year’s Playbook Initiative and Project 351 programming with two fall workshops already completed.
Through a partnership with the Boston Celtics and Project 351, the school system’s Playbook work connects student leaders in grades 4 through 12 from Old Rochester Regional High School, Old Rochester Regional Jr. High School, Sippican Elementary School, Old Hammondtown School and Rochester Memorial School.
This year’s work began with two student-led workshops and continued with the Playbook Immersion Summit on Nov. 14 at the Celtics’ Auerbach Center. ORRHS Assistant Principal and Playbook Coordinator Lauren Millette attended alongside two student trainers — junior Olivia Thompson and sophomore Luc Silveira.
Students heard from Boston Celtics leaders and staff, including Brad Stevens, Brian Scalabrine and Xavier Tillman Sr., while taking part in training on community-building, leadership and racial equity.
On Oct. 22, Project 351 Influencers from all three elementary schools participated in a morning of leadership training at ORRHS. High school Project 351 leaders ran activities that focused on the traits of effective leaders. Students then broke into small groups to talk through scenarios and situations when they would utilize those skills.
“Watching our students take the lead has been one of the best parts of this work,” said Assistant Principal and Playbook Coordinator Millette. “They show up prepared, they listen to one another and they create a space where their peers feel comfortable speaking up. Students build confidence during these workshops that they take back into our classrooms.”
One sixth-grade Project 351 Influencer said, “I got to work with some nice people and learned that sometimes being a leader means sticking up for yourself and others.” A fifth-grade Influencer added, “I learned a lot about what being a leader means and that there are different types of leaders.”
“When students lead other students, the learning feels immediate and real,” said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz. “These workshops help young people find their voice and practice leadership in a supportive setting. It has been powerful to watch the growth across all grade levels.”
At the elementary school level, principals saw the same impact.
“It was a great day of learning about one another’s feelings, and what makes us feel excited, brave, or confident,” said RMS Principal Heidi Letendre. “The students engaged in great conversations around inclusiveness. Congratulations to the high school team for putting on a great workshop for our young leaders in the making.”
“Our partnership with Project 351 and the Playbook Initiative gives students a chance to build community through meaningful dialogue,” said Sippican Principal Lynn Dessert. “These experiences help them understand their role in shaping a school where everyone feels seen.”
Staff members have also chosen three ORRJHS Project 351 Ambassadors, one from each town:
- Lilah Silveira (Marion)
- Elliot Jacobsen (Mattapoisett)
- Delaney Vieira (Rochester)
These ambassadors will join eighth-grade leaders from all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns for a year of service and statewide leadership training inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community.
“Our students step into this work ready to learn and listen, which results in building stronger school communities,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “The Playbook Initiative gives them the tools to lead with empathy. It also shows them that their voice matters in shaping a place where every student feels like they belong.”
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Old Rochester Regional High School student trainers Luc Silveira and Olivia Thompson share takeaways with students during a Project 351 workshop. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson speaks to students from the bleachers during a Project 351 workshop at Old Rochester Regional High School.(Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Old Rochester Regional High School Assistant Principal and Playbook Coordinator Lauren Millette and student trainers Olivia Thompson and Luc Silveira attended the Playbook Immersion Summit at The Auerbach Center on Nov. 14. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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