Back to school: Somerset and Somerset Berkley Regional school district

School District: Somerset and Somerset Berkley

Start dates: Grades 1-8, Sept. 4, full day; kindergarten, Sept. 6, full day; preschool, Sept. 10; Somerset Berkley High School, Sept. 5, full day.

What’s new? Paving of North Elementary School parking lots and roads, $350,793 project cost and may need additional signage; enhanced security at North, South and Chace elementary schools and middle school with security vestibules, movement of phone and technology lines, HVAC, and movement of middle and North main offices, approximately $368,000.

Who’s new? Elizabeth Coogan, formerly of Fall River public schools, has been named to a new position as director of learning support and social and emotional learning, expanded job from director of guidance, following retirement. Ryan Robidoux, to newly created position of high school computer science teacher.

What families should know: In upcoming letter to families, Superintendent Jeff Schoonover will focus on “security and expectations” for the upcoming school year. “I want families to know that I think they are so fortunate to have the Somerset and Somerset Berkley school systems. I want to celebrate all the wonderful things going on in schools, to celebrate our student achievements, and to understand our teachers and administrators are working so hard for their kids,” Schoonover said.

He touted a first-time capstone course at the high school whereby two classes of senior students will focus on life success skills by incorporating internships or mentoring experiences in areas they are interested, whether they plan to attend college or take a different path after high school, as “a way to demonstrate what they have learned,” Schoonover said.