Rogers Middle School is overhauling its daily operations with a newly synchronized schedule designed to maximize staffing and expand academic offerings. Principal Rich McAllister presented the revised plan to the School Committee on Monday, describing a year-long research process aimed at improving academic outcomes despite recent economic constraints. The new model places the entire building on the same schedule, allowing special education and English Learner (EL) staff to move fluidly between grades without leaving students unsupervised.

A cornerstone of the change is the introduction of an 87-minute long block for seventh and eighth graders, which McAllister said facilitates deeper project-based learning and lab work. The schedule also reintroduces daily recess for fifth and sixth graders, a move Chair Jill Maroney noted has been a priority for local families. We've been hearing for years that parents feel that fifth and sixth grade is still young and without recess, they just—their bodies are still so busy that it's a hard time to focus all day long, Maroney said. Member Melissa Mauro-Small inquired about safety protocols for the new outdoor time, asking if the school would follow the same temperature thresholds as Phelps Elementary, reminding parents to pack the gloves as the seasons change.

The academic impact of the realignment includes a new STEAM program—covering science, technology, engineering, art, and manufacturing—designed to bridge the gap between elementary STEM and high school technical offerings. World Language instruction is also shifting from half-year exposures to full-year alternating days. McAllister noted this allows students to reach Level 2 proficiency before entering high school, accelerating their path to AP courses. Member Jaime Hennessy praised the creative solution, noting that last year was really hard economically... this is incredible because I feel like it not only sort of overcame those challenges but also improved what we can offer the students. Member Emily Davidson added that she loved the connectivity the new plan creates between the different school buildings.

Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron lauded the staff for their flexibility during the transition. This is asking a lot of staff, and they have owned it and taken it on the whole nine yards, Cron said, adding that while a perfectly aligned high school and middle school schedule was currently unaffordable, this model represents significant progress. Motion Made by an unidentified member to approve the Rogers Middle School schedule. Motion Passed (5-0).

The committee also addressed district-wide safety, with Dr. Cron issuing a stern warning regarding the rise of electric bikes and scooters on campus. Cron reported that some devices are reaching speeds of 30 mph, creating dangerous conditions during congested pick-up and drop-off times. We have students who are coming to school, leaving school on these electric scooters and it's dangerous, Cron said, suggesting the district may eventually need to ban them from campus during school hours. This concern follows recent board discussions regarding a potential safety partnership with the Rockland Police to address a lack of helmet use among student riders.

In financial news, the committee reviewed student activity reports for June and July, which Chair Maroney highlighted as a transparent look at how community fundraising supports student life. Motion Made by an unidentified member to approve the student activity financial reports for June and July. Motion Passed (5-0). The board then moved to support a massive wave of student initiatives. Motion Made by an unidentified member to approve 14 separate fundraisers, including the RHS Student Government’s Project Pumpkin and a Cross Country 5K. Motion Passed (5-0).

During community updates, Member Michele Bissonnette highlighted a new family engagement and empowerment course at Phelps Elementary organized by Emily Craton, which recently focused on helping parents navigate Class Dojo. Student Representative Erin Maroney reminded the community that the Class of 2026 Senior Sunrise will begin at 6:00 a.m. at the stadium, with Homecoming scheduled for October 18. The committee also finalized a series of routine administrative reports. Motion Made by an unidentified member to approve the monthly administrator reports for June, July, and August. Motion Passed (5-0).