As teachers pull back from extracurricular activities, the principals of Old Rochester Regional schools are feeling the strain.

Teachers at the schools have been working without a contract for more than a year, although both ORR School Committee Chair Peter Bangs and ORR Professional Educators Association President Colin Everett say negotiations are progressing.

In the meantime, principals say many school activities are going unstaffed.

Junior High Principal Kevin Brogioli said teachers have decided to go “work to rule,” meaning they will not participate in activities beyond their contractual obligations.

Everett said the association hasn’t used that phrase and that teachers continue to do many extracurricular activities. “Sometimes you stop doing one or two things to draw attention to the situation,” he said.

Everett said teachers were frustrated after 11 months with only two negotiation meetings prior to September. Teachers have also been frustrated by additions to the administrative staff while teaching and instructional assistant positions have been cut, he said. By stepping back from some activities, teachers hope to  create a sense of urgency about resolving the contract issue.

Until that happens, Brogioli said, “Teachers who would normally volunteer for things are not. It does affect the climate.”

That includes the annual Thanksgiving banquet for senior citizens on Sunday that was in danger of cancellation when teachers decided not to volunteer. Brogioli said other staff and Mattapoisett police officers stepped up to help eighth grade students with the dinner.

“Things are starting to get challenging,” said High School Principal Mike Devoll. “What I’m finding is that it’s hard to get things done.”

Since September, the union and School Committee have met regularly to negotiate, and Everett said the whole issue could be moot as early as the end of Tuesday if they see “significant change.”

“We might almost be there. I’m optimistic, but I don’t want to be premature,” he said.