RPS Superintendent's Update
Dr. Branco - 8/29/23
Welcome Back
Dear RPS Community,
I hope this message finds you and your family well rested and rejuvenated as we close out a fun filled, relaxing summer and get ready for a new school year. I am excited to see our students back in classrooms collaborating with their peers as they engage in a wide variety of learning activities throughout the year.
As I reflect upon my first year in the District, I am thankful for everyone’s support of, and engagement in, my entry planning process, and believe that the collaborative nature of this process brought together a variety of important perspectives from internal and external stakeholders. This work led to the development of a new Strategy for District Improvement (SDI) which will frame and guide our work over the next few years.
Collectively, RPS staff have focused on establishing and maintaining a culture of inclusivity, trust, and accountability that is intended to provide all members of our learning community with a strong sense of belonging and opportunities intended to enhance growth and achievement. While we are far from perfect in this area, I am proud of the work we have done together and believe that we have laid a strong foundation to build upon in the years to come.
Over the summer we have made a number of building and grounds improvements, have invested in professional development for teachers, and have made final preparations for the implementation of new programming in areas such as elementary literacy and high school engineering and computer science.
We have also been focused on maintaining and improving our safety and security measures on campus. This includes upgrading/adding to our keyless entry systems, adding security cameras, and adding the Raptor Visitor Management System to the entrance of both buildings. As a result, once the school day has started, all visitors and students will be required to enter the elementary school through the main entrance, and the middle-high school through the main lobby entrance near the gym and cafe. Once school has started, students and visitors will not be permitted to enter through any other doors. Upon arrival, visitors will check in with the staff member at the entrance and provide a driver’s license or ID that will be scanned into the system generating a visitors badge. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work to implement this new technology and protocol.
As we look to the future, we will continue to evolve as a school district. This includes the challenging work of rightsizing our organization in an effort to provide our community with a school district that strives to be an inclusive and comprehensive learning environment that recognizes and responds to the identity, individuality, and voice of all members while establishing a community that intentionally meets their needs and prepares students to maximize their potential and become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators, leaders, and creatives who positively impact our world. Part of this evolution includes transitioning from our current structure of a middle school and high school functioning as two separate schools in one building, to a 6-12 middle-high school. This change will take place for the 24-25 school year. The District Leadership Team recognizes the importance of maintaining the middle school model for our younger students while also providing our older students with a comprehensive high school experience. I am confident that, through collaboration and thoughtful planning, we will successfully transition to this model.
The first day of school brings optimism and possibilities for new and renewed relationships, a strong sense of belonging for all, impactful learning experiences, and positive growth and achievement for all students. It is my privilege to serve as the Superintendent of the Rockport Public Schools. I wish each and every one of you a wonderful school year!
Rockport Public Schools
Email: mbranco@rpk12.org
Website: rpk12.org/
Location: 32 Jerdens Lane, Rockport, MA, USA
Phone: (978)546-1200
Twitter: @Mark_Branco