Rockland Public Schools Honors Long-Serving Retirees, Celebrates Successful Fundraisers
Three educators with combined 79 years of service set to retire as student groups raise thousands for activities
ROCKLAND, MA - October 28 - Rockland Public Schools is bidding farewell to three long-serving educators while celebrating the success of recent student fundraising efforts.
The school committee recognized three retiring staff members with a combined 79 years of service to the district. Joyce Chrysalis, who started in 2006, is retiring after 18 years. Velma Redding, who began in 2001, has served for 23 years. Pam Sheridan, the longest-serving of the group, started in 1987 and will retire in February after an impressive 38-year career.
"We always circle back to how many years people work here and stay here with Rockland Public Schools. And I think those are some incredible numbers. We appreciate it," said Chair Jill Maroney.
The retirements highlight the district's ability to retain experienced staff, with each educator dedicating nearly two decades or more to Rockland's students.
In addition to honoring its long-serving staff, the school committee received reports on several successful fundraising initiatives by student groups.
The Varsity Golf Team's popcorn and mixed nuts sale proved particularly fruitful. The team collected $4,097, with expenses of $1,669, resulting in a net profit of $2,428.98.
"From a very small golf team," noted member Jaime Hennessy, emphasizing the impressive nature of the fundraiser.
Maroney added, "That was impressive."
The girls' soccer team also found success using an online platform called Snap Raise. Their efforts resulted in $4,700 in collections, with $1,050 in expenses, netting $3,650 for the team.
These fundraisers demonstrate innovative approaches to supporting school programs and activities. The success of these initiatives provides additional resources for student experiences and equipment.
Other fundraising efforts approved during the meeting include:
- Turkey Feather Fundraisers at Esten and Phelps schools to provide Thanksgiving dinners for families in need
- An Orion's Giveback Night for the Phelps PAC to cover field trip and enrichment costs
- A Dining for a Cause event at Domino's to offset costs for a Philadelphia trip and field trips for the Middle School PAC
- A "Name the Stage" fundraiser for the Middle School PAC
- The Shamrock Classic basketball game between teachers and eighth graders
- A Powder Puff Game hosted by the Classes of 2025 and 2026
- The third annual Gingerbread Build to benefit South Shore Habitat for Humanity
- A Cupcake Charlies sale by the Classes of 2025 and 2026
The meeting also highlighted recent community events, including Project Pumpkin at Rockland High School and a Trunk or Treat event at Phelps Elementary School.
"It was great to see all the families there," said Hennessy about the Trunk or Treat event.
In other news, Superintendent Dr. Kahn reported on a new partnership with the South Shore Conservatory's Imagine Arts program. The initiative exposes kindergartners and preschoolers to dance and other arts, expanding on existing programs in the public schools.
"It's an extension of what we already do here in the public schools. So that's very exciting," Dr. Alan Cron said.
The superintendent also thanked the Rolling Wave Foundation for providing a bicycle to a middle school student in need, emphasizing the impact of community support on individual students.
"I always love to hear stories like that," Dr. Cron said.
As the meeting concluded, committee members congratulated the cheerleading team on their recent first-place competition finish and wished good luck to all teams entering playoffs.
The next school committee meeting will take place after the upcoming election day on Nov. 5, when schools will be closed to students.