Back to school: New staff, programs in FreeLake district

LAKEVILLE — Bust out the backpacks and pack the lunch boxes — the Freetown-Lakeville school year kicks off Sept. 2.

With new programs, electives and staff joining the district, there are plenty of changes this year. But the first shift students, parents and teachers will notice comes when the bell rings: start times have changed across all grade levels to better accommodate bus schedules.

Apponequet Regional High School will begin at 7:15 a.m. and dismiss at 1:48 p.m. Freetown-Lakeville Middle School will run from 7:20 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. George R. Austin Intermediate School will start at 8:20 a.m. and end at 2:35 p.m. Assawompset Elementary in Lakeville and Freetown Elementary will both begin at 9:20 a.m. and dismiss at 3:30 p.m.

Superintendent Barbara Starkie said the changes aim to reduce wait times for buses.

In addition to the schedule shift, students will see new faces throughout the district. Leading the list is Bryan Oliveira, the new principal of Freetown-Lakeville Middle School. He replaces Jacqueline Francisco, who left to become the visual arts coordinator for Taunton Public Schools.

“As the new principal, I’m proud to lead a school that fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to grow both academically and personally,” wrote Oliveira. “We have a dedicated group of teachers that  inspire curiosity and creativity through engaging lessons and hands-on learning experiences.” 

Oliveira is joined by Assistant Principal Jen Gargiulo and 12 other new staff members — including teachers, nurses and librarians — hired primarily due to retirements and departures.

While the School Committee cut 11 positions last spring due to budget constraints — mostly at the high school and elementary levels — staffing has otherwise remained steady. However, Freetown and Assawompset Elementary are welcoming two new paraprofessionals and one new teacher, respectively.

Students will also have the opportunity to engage with several new programs, electives and clubs across multiple grade levels.

At Apponequet, a new Innovation Career Pathway in healthcare is launching in partnership with Bridgewater State University. Students who complete the course will earn first aid and CPR certifications, along with hands-on experience to prepare them for careers in the medical field. Administrators hope to eventually expand the program to include a phlebotomy certification.

The high school is also introducing a “Life Suite,” a program designed for “students in transition” ages 18 to 22. It offers practical life skills such as budgeting, decorating, cooking and cleaning in a mock apartment setting.

 “It’s a mock apartment connected to a kitchen. We’ll put in a bed, a dresser. We’re putting in a table and chairs. We’re pretty proud of it,” said Apponequet Principal Kahlan Dessert.

At Freetown-Lakeville Middle School, educators have added “Project Lead the Way” to the seventh-grade STEM curriculum. Students will follow a design process that culminates in the creation of a therapeutic toy for a child with cerebral palsy.

Freetown Elementary is also launching a new afterschool Art Club.

While Apponequet held its new student orientation on Aug. 25, families at the elementary and middle school levels will soon have their own opportunities to connect with educators. 

Freetown-Lakeville Middle School will hold a back-to-school night on Sept. 11. Assawompset Elementary will host an open house on Sept. 25, the same day Freetown Elementary will welcome preschoolers and their families for an open house.

For more information on upcoming events, schedule changes and more, visit the Freetown-Lakeville School District website.