MATTAPOISETT — Four teachers in the Old Rochester Regional School district were awarded with grants to pursue projects, supplement classes and improve extracurricular activities.

During a Feb. 6 meeting of the Old Rochester Regional Joint School Committee, four grants totaling $1,846 were approved by the committee.

“This is an annual support system for our teachers,” said Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Mike Nelson.

Brian Almeida, who teaches technology and engineering at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, was awarded $490 to "solve a community problem using the engineering design process and 3D printers."

“My goal since joining the junior high school has been to renovate our workshop to include current equipment and transform it into a true makerspace,” said Almeida. “The 8th grade standards are all about manufacturing so what better way to learn about it than to actually make stuff.”

According to Almeida, his students participate in “Guppy Tank,” a play on the television show “Shark Tank,” where they come up with a community project and pitch it to teachers and school administrators. 

Eugenia Tilley, who teaches Latin at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School was awarded $360 to stock a Latin classroom library with four novice-level Latin books.

According to Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner the books “take ancient texts and puts them in a modern junior high style.”

“Introducing students to the Latin language in a fun and creative way will help ensure their further success in education,” said Tilley. “Providing them with a colorful and engaging classroom library will be a significant step in this direction.”

Allison Barker, a library media specialist at Old Rochester Regional High School was awarded $496 for equipment to aid in “digital storytelling.”

“Communicating in the 21st century includes digital storytelling,” said High School Principal Mike Devoll. “Our supplies were really not up to the level our students are at for the stories they want to tell.”

The money will be used to purchase microphones for podcasting, professional headphones and more.

These are items that kids “should have if they’re building stories for their senior projects,” said Devoll.

Andrew Apperson, who teaches social studies at Old Rochester Regional High School was awarded $500 for disc golf equipment.

“The money would be used towards tee pads, baskets [and signage] around campus to support the endeavor.” said Devoll.

All four grants were accepted with unanimous votes from the school committee.

“Thank you to the teachers who apply for grants and [do] all that work,” said Old Rochester Regional Joint School Committee Chairperson Michelle Smith.