'A giant undertaking' - School Committee accepts consolidation recommendation

By Carol Britton Meyer 

The school committee voted Monday night to accept the Best Educational Use of School Facilities Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendation to consolidate all grades into two buildings, with a PreK-7 configuration at Jacobs Elementary School and grades 8-12 at Hull High School. The Memorial Middle School would be used for other municipal and educational uses.

Following some discussion at its summer retreat, the committee took its formal vote at the first meeting of the new school year. The ad hoc committee had recommended Option 4 to the committee in June; other options ranged from making no changes to surrendering the middle school building entirely. The final decision on consolidation rests with the school committee, with the overriding focus of doing what is in the best interests of Hull Public Schools students. A timeline has not been established for the realignment of grades.

Chair Stephanie Peters asked fellow board members to compile a list of questions and concerns for consideration at the next and upcoming school meetings as the process moves forward.

“This is a giant undertaking for the town and a big decision. In the short-term, we will proceed with Option 4. The goal is to keep this on the agenda for every meeting,” she said. “We talked at the retreat about having a SC meeting where the main agenda topic would be the BEUSF so that the public is aware of what we are considering.”

The ad hoc committee’s recommendation came after contemplating during the 2021-22 school year the pros and cons of possible school consolidation based on the earlier report from the MARS consulting group.

Before making its recommendation, the committee considered the results of a community stakeholder survey and input from a number of forums that gathered input from teachers, students, parents, community members, and others.

The overall purpose of the BEUSF report, upon which the ad hoc committee’s work is based, was to evaluate the educational adequacy of the three school buildings currently in use – Hull High School, Memorial Middle School, and Jacobs Elementary School – in view of declining enrollments and other factors.

Under the chosen option, the school committee would maintain control of the Memorial Middle School, which could be repurposed for other public/municipal purposes.

Option 4 would also provide an opportunity to develop a memorandum of understanding between the select board and the school committee to guide future use of the middle school building.

Choosing Option 1 would have meant that the Hull Public Schools would continue to operate under the current model — Jacobs, Pre-K-5; Memorial Middle School, grades 6-8; and Hull High School, grades 9-12.

New uniforms, livestream, eSports generate positive energy as Hull High opens season

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull High School sports season “started off well,” Athletic Director Connor Duhaime told the school committee Monday night. Beyond physical sports, eSports and livestreaming of games, rallies, and other activities will be offered his year.

Excitement is mounting among HHS athletes, but also among students who don’t wish to participate in traditional athletics but are looking forward to accessing eSports. This name is short for electronic sports, a form of competition using video games.

“HHS is one of the pioneer schools to offer this option,” Duhaime said. “This way students who don’t participate in sports can feel like they are part of the [sports scene]. This is a way for them to connect with what it means to be a Pirate.”

Beyond that, livestreaming of Hull High – and also youth football games on Sundays by Hudl.com – has become a popular option to attending sports events in person, whether indoors or outdoors. Plans to install the equipment are under way, with support from parents and the Hull Boosters Club.

The livestreaming goes through YouTube free of charge. More information will be provided to families soon.

“Contributions from the Boosters and Hull youth sports is making this possible,” Duhaime said.

Back to the subject of in-person games, with a number of wins already accomplished, Hull students participating on sports teams are enthusiastic.

“There’s a new energy around this building [referring to the high school, where school committee meetings are held], and it has translated to our athletics,” Duhaime said. “We also have new uniforms, which generate excitement and show the athletes that we care about how they present themselves. They are representing the town, the community, and our school.”

Turf field usage by other towns was high during the summer is and expected to increase.

“People are learning what we have down here – the location and the restaurants and businesses that are in town,” Duhaime said. “Everything is growing and evolving around this facility.”

He also said he hears positive feedback from people who use the walking track, which is open to the public.

“It’s not just for the kids but for the entire community,” he explained.

Duhaime sang the praises of athletic trainer Lexie Watkins. “We’re fortunate to have her,” he said. “I don’t have an assistant athletics director, but if I did it would be Lexie. It takes a village to run an athletic department.”

Watkins works with athletes in the training room near the high school gym. “It looks like a college training room,” he noted.

Another popular attraction is the refrigerator in Watkins’ office stocked with Gatorade products that athletes using the training center can purchase. “The kids love it,” Duhaime noted.

School committee member Ernest Minelli asked if the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association allows any form of sponsorship on school uniforms to raise money for HHS sports.

While Duhaime wasn’t certain, he noted that there’s “nothing that says you can or you can’t” and that he expected to see this done more often in the future in different communities. Minelli suggested that absent any restriction, perhaps HPS could be one of the first districts to go that route.

Hull Artists to open their workspaces for two-day studio tour this weekend

The Hull Artists Open Studios is scheduled for Sept. 17-18, giving the public a chance to visit with and learn more about the artists in their home studios and at other locations around town.

In July, a similar tour drew 500 people, and organizers are hopeful that the fall version, which features more than 20 artists at 13 locations, will match or exceed that showing. The hours for this weekend’s event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

This year’s sponsors, who enable the Hull Artists to better promote the event, are the O’Brien family and Jake’s Seafood Restaurant (the lead sponsor), Charisma Realty, Rockland-based Panopticon, Inc., and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Fliers are available at businesses around Hull that feature a map of the studio locations, as well as a description of the artists and their art.

For further details, visit HullArtists.com/OpenStudios or stop in at Hull Artists’ Gallery Nantasket, 121 Nantasket Ave., on the first floor of the Ocean Place Condominiums.

The Open Studios tour is one of three major events this weekend in Hull – as Hull Porchfest takes place on Saturday and the annual car show is scheduled for Sunday morning.

Dozens of performers ready to serenade Kenberma area with music during PorchFest

Fast becoming a treasured Hull tradition, Hull PorchFest ’22 arrives Saturday in the Kenberma neighborhood. This year’s porch-style music festival, the third staging of the event, brings almost 40 performers or bands to 14 porches, driveways, or yards.
The free event will take place within a walkable, contained area for enhanced pedestrian safety. Event organizers match musicians with hosts and create the performance schedule. There is no rain date, so organizers are hoping for mild, rain-free weather.
According to founder and organizer, Tom Hardey, the goal of past PorchFests hasn’t changed. “We want to cultivate more civic pride and community bonding and to present Hull in a positive, entertaining way both to residents and to out-of-town visitors. We also want to benefit local restaurant and bar businesses,” he said. “Most importantly, we strive always to be a source of aid to worthy organizations in need.”
New this year is a kick-off performance by Frankie Always & the Sometimes Band, starting at noon on the sidewalk in front of Nantasket Hardware. The full festival schedule starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m.
Also new to Hull PorchFest are food concessions by local restaurants SandBar, at the intersection of Revere Street and Massasoit Avenue, and Daddy’s Dogs at the intersection of Kenberma Street and Manomet Avenue.

The Hull PorchFest merchandise and information tent, available from 1p.m. to 4 p.m., will be located at 81 Revere St. in front of the property owner’s garage.
Portable toilets will be located at both the public parking lot at the intersection of Kenberma Street and Nantasket Avenue, where limited parking is available, and at 93 Revere St.
Organizers advise the use of the northernmost HRA parking area at Phipps Street for out-of-town guests. Visitors are advised that the event footprint will be barricaded on the perimeter and manned by Hull Police for the duration of the event to ensure pedestrian safety. Local resident and band traffic only will be allowed on Massasoit, Samoset, and Manomet avenues, bounded by Kenberma Street to the north and Revere Street to the south.
For full information, map and downloadable schedules visit www.hullporchfest.org or the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/hullporchfest.

Public invited to 9/11 ceremony

The public is invited to join with other members of the community to commemorate and remember those lost and injured by the acts of terrorism on Sept. 11, 2001.

Organizer Mary Jane Silva said former Select Board member John Reilly will be master of ceremonies at the event in the Boyer Auditorium at Temple Beth Sholom, 600 Nantasket Ave.

The ceremony will begin on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. and will feature music by the South Shore Men of Harmony, the Interfaith Choir, and Lily Sestito and her brother, Tony Carbone, performing the moving song, “The Prayer.”

Other guest speakers and participants are expected at the solemn ceremony.

Surf camp staffer rescues swimmer on ‘unguarded’ section of DCR beach

TO THE RESCUE. When he spotted a swimmer in trouble in the water and no DCR lifeguards in sight, Northeast Surf Camp’s Matthew Lees jumped into the water and helped get her safely to shore. [Courtesy photo]

By Carol Britton Meyer

An employee of a surfing camp pulled a struggling swimmer from the ocean last week in a section of the beach that was “unguarded” due to a lack of personnel, according to a witness and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

During camp operated by Northeast Surfing on Aug. 31, owner Ronnie Lees and others on the beach noticed a woman drifting out to sea at about 11 a.m., “with people screaming,” he recently recounted to The Hull Times.

According to Lees, his 19-year-old son, Matthew – an aquatic first responder certified by the American Lifeguard Association – was working at the surf camp along the Hull Redevelopment Authority stretch of beach that morning. He grabbed a surfboard paddle and headed into the rip current to try to save the woman’s life.

“The woman was one breath away from drowning and had swallowed a lot of water,” Lees said.

When Matthew reached the woman, “she was barely breathing and was on her last breath,” Lees recalled. “He was able to get her onto the surfboard paddle parallel with the beach and got her to safety. Someone had called 911, and the Hull fire and police departments arrived at the scene. The woman was complaining of cramps and other medical issues.”

Once emergency personnel arrived, the Northeast Surfing staff got out of the way. Around the same time, Lees reported, DCR lifeguards showed up in “a small golf cart-type vehicle” to assist the woman.

DCR Deputy Communications Director/Press Secretary Ilyse Wolberg said the DCR’s lifeguard services at Nantasket Beach began for the season on May 28 and ended on Labor Day, Sept. 5.

“Lifeguards remained on duty at the beach throughout the end of August. However, due to some guards returning to school and other various obligations, lifeguards were stationed at the center of the beach near the main bath house to serve the highest concentration of visitors,” Wolberg told the Times. “On August 31, 2022, a member of the public alerted Nantasket Beach lifeguards of an incident when another visitor was struggling in the water at an unguarded area. Once lifeguards arrived on scene the swimmer was out of the water and refused further care.”

According to Town Manager Philip Lemnios, the area where the incident occurred is under the control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

“The lifeguards, their schedule, and presence are also under the control of the DCR,” he said.

Hull Police Chief John Dunn suggested that the newspaper contact the harbormaster and the fire department for information about the incident “as they are the primary agencies for this.”

Harbormaster Kurt Bornheim told the Times that he was dispatched for that call and was on his way to the front beach “when the person was pulled from the water. I [then] returned to the harbormaster dock at Steamboat Wharf.”

Hull Deputy Fire Chief William Frazier said his department responded to the Cook Bathhouse at about 11 a.m., and crews reported that “all parties were safely on the  shore and were denying the need for medical treatment.”

“There haven’t been any lifeguards down this side of the beach for a while,” Lees told the Times on the day of the incident. He said that this was not the first time Northeast Surfing staff assisted swimmers who were struggling in that area when there were no lifeguards, “but today was more serious.”

He noted that his company had three lifeguards, and another surf camp operating at the beach had one lifeguard on the beach that day, “all private.”

Lees noted that his son didn’t hesitate “for one second” when he saw the woman struggling.

“He just ran in,” he said, noting that with his son’s experience with surf camps that provide ocean safety classes and explain how to deal with rip currents, he knew “exactly what to do.”

Wolberg said that “when lifeguards aren’t on duty at a particular station, such as at less popular areas away from the center of the beach, proper signage is posted to inform visitors.

“Furthermore, DCR utilizes a flag system at its designated swimming locations, including Nantasket Beach, to inform visitors of abnormal water conditions, such as water quality information, marine life in the area, and hazardous surf conditions,” she added. “Also, if waters become too hazardous, the agency will close the water to swimming until conditions subside.”

Voters head to polls for state primary Sept. 6

In the first four days of early voting in advance of Tuesday’s State Primary Election, about 100 people cast their ballots in person at town hall, Town Clerk Lori West reported Wednesday.

Early voting began on Saturday and continues through today [Thursday]. The election will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Hull High School, 180 Main St., with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

West said that more than 1,600 of Hull’s 8,824 registered voters requested ballots by mail.

Races on the ballot include governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, governor’s council, county commissioner, district attorney, Representative in Congress, state Representative and state Senator, among others.

Voters who are registered with either the Democratic or Republican parties must take the ballot matching their registration; unenrolled voters may choose a party ballot without changing their voting status.

Sample ballots for Hull voters are available by clicking here.

The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

-- Christopher Haraden

Citizens rally to maintain tradition of Hull’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony

By Carol Britton Meyer

There will be a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Hull this year after all.

Following the recent decision to adjust the frequency of town-sponsored 9/11 events to an every-five-years schedule rather than annually as has been the case for nearly two decades, two Hull citizens are planning a ceremony on their own to carry on the tradition.

Former select board member John Reilly explained that when he talked with Mary Jane Silva, who has been involved with organizing the ceremony since 2002, after she first heard this news, she told him how disappointed she and a number of others who participated regularly in the annual event were when they heard it was canceled.

“I told Mary Jane that I would help if she and others who have been involved in the past wanted to organize a 9/11 ceremony as a private group, which they did,” Reilly told The Hull Times.

He will return in his former role as master of ceremonies and as the main event organizer, with assistance from Silva and others.

The remembrance was organized by Reilly and others since the 9/11 attacks in 2001, and most recently by select board member Domenico Sestito, Fire Chief Chris Russo, Silva, Town Manager Philip Lemnios, and other town officials and members of the community.

“Due to reasons within [rather than outside] our control, citizens of Hull have come together and planned an evening of honor and remembrance,” Silva said. “Rabbi David Grossman has graciously invited us to hold the event in the Boyer Auditorium at Temple Beth Sholom [600 Nantasket Ave.]. After a brief hiatus, John will resume his role as emcee for this event.”

The event is planned for Sunday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. and will feature music by the South Shore Men of Harmony, the Interfaith Choir, and Lily Sestito and her brother, Tony Carbone, performing the moving song, “The Prayer.”

Plans, which are still in the works, may also include a keynote speaker and a high school student doing a reading.

“I really think our youth should be involved,” Silva said.

The format will be similar to past ceremonies, with adjustments made according to participation of various groups, Reilly said. “All are welcome.”

 Local officials will be invited, along with the state Representative and Senator and Congressman Stephen Lynch, but there is no expectation of formal town involvement, according to Reilly.

Lemnios explained last week the reason behind planning a five-year remembrance moving forward.

“At the conclusion of last year’s event, it was observed by many in attendance that we should go on a five-year schedule to allow the event to be re-invigorated,” he said. “This event was becoming overly repetitive, with attendance diminishing in part because much of what can be said has been said over the years.”

At the same time, Lemnios noted there is nothing that would prevent Silva or another resident from hosting an event this year. “What occurred is important and will never be forgotten,” he said at the time.

Fire Chief Chris Russo, who participated in the recovery effort in the aftermath of the terror attacks in New York, said he agreed that large-scale ceremonies could be scaled back after the passage of time.

“I understand there is passion and respect that motivate residents to keep us all remembering our country’s history, especially tragic events, and we welcome the community’s help and support,” Russo said. “This doesn’t mean we will ever forget – trust me, many of us will never,  ever forget what we saw first-hand, nor will the families that lost loved ones.”

Russo said that this year and going forward, the fire department will host a small gathering at Central Fire Station on the morning of Sept. 11 and that the public will be invited.

In response to an email about the event that citizens are planning, Lemnios responded, “It is good to see that those who need to meet and observe the events of September 11 will have a venue to do so.”

Silva said there has been some very positive feedback about the upcoming 9/11 event and expressed appreciation for all those who showed support for holding a ceremony this year as usual.

“With their help and dedication, they have made this all possible again. We invite the community to join us for an evening that they will truly remember.”

Watch for updates in next week’s edition of The Hull Times.

‘It’s a real party!’ Endless Summer festival to showcase Hull’s appeal in all seasons

By Carol Britton Meyer

The 17th Endless Summer Waterfront Festival – considered by many to be “the best late summer beach party in New England” – will feature something for everyone, ranging from live music on Nantasket Avenue all day long to contests and fun-filled activities for kids, vendors, and a variety of food.

Organizers say this year’s celebration promises to top them all.

The date of the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce-hosted event is Saturday, Sept. 10, from noon to 5 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 11. There’s no charge for admission, and there will be plenty of free parking. The trolley will run all weekend.

Endless Summer provides an opportunity to enjoy Nantasket Beach and to celebrate Hull’s “great community of people, businesses, schools, and town departments,” organizers say.

“Now that we’ve moved into the new normal following COVID, there seems to be a renewed enthusiasm for getting out and [enjoying more activities],” Chamber President and Shipwreck’d co-owner Adrian Muir told The Hull Times. “We have some exciting things planned.”

Performers include We’re Here for Now, Gracie Grace & All the Good Boys, and The Assisted Living Band as the closing act of the day. The three bands represent a wide range of musical interests and have different followings, Muir said.

This is the second time Assisted Living has played at this venue.

“It’s an absolute blast,” band member David Kellem told the Times. “The Endless Summer festival really showcases the best spirit of Nantasket Beach. September has become a great month weather-wise, though it can evoke some melancholy as the longer days and exciting feel of summer begin to wane.”

The Endless Summer festival is “perfectly timed to bring the beachfront feel alive one last time,” Kellem said. “It’s great to vibe to the dancing crowd under the bandstand, with the ocean waves providing some added percussion and rhythm. There are many children as well as seniors bopping their heads and jumping around to the music. It’s a real party!”

Endless Summer was created as a way to give Hull’s businesses one final boost before the end of the peak summer season. As the years went by, the opportunity to participate as vendors in the festival was opened up to outside businesses as well. Residents and visitors alike have a chance to enjoy the festival and all that Hull has to offer.

This year, sponsors and vendors come from further away than in the past, in addition to from Hull and other local communities. The Chamber has advertised more in Boston this summer, including details of Endless Summer, to help bring tourism back to Hull.

“Ferry ridership has dramatically increased on weekends, which means our Boston ads promoting local businesses are working. This past Sunday, one of the ferries was filled to capacity, which means some riders had to wait for the next one,” Muir said. “Residents of Boston and travelers are hearing about Hull. I haven’t seen a ferry actually have to leave people behind since before COVID. We’re seeing many more people getting on and off the ferry, and the trolley is bridging the gap [in helping people to get around town].”

Vendors and other participants will include Baystate Boutique & Consignment, Boston Irish Apparel, Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue, Caryn’s Corner, ELJ Collective, Friends of Nantasket Beach, Hull Board of Health, Hull Garden Club, Hull Pride, Hull Seaside Animal Rescue, Hull Youth Soccer, Jack Conway & Co, Inc., JKL Jewelry Designs, and KWC Marketing/Innseason Resorts.

Hull Seaside Animal Rescue Manager Ellen Whitney said the shelter is excited about being part of the event.

“We will be selling our apparel as well as offering information about our organization,” she said.

HSAR’s annual yard sale will take place on the same day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., “which leaves plenty of time for people to buy some wonderful items and treasures at our event and then take a stroll down to Endless Summer and check out all the great tables, food offerings, and my favorite – live music,” Whitney said.

During Endless Summer and at the yard sale, HSAR will be selling tickets to its bigger fundraiser on Oct. 13 at The Parrot, featuring a fun-filled night with musical guest Aldous Collins, a silent auction “and some pretty great items as well as food, because we all have to eat!” Whitney said.

Manet Community Health Center, Massachusetts Teachers Association, M&M Links Jewelry, Nantasket Hull Rotary, Owens Corning/Lux Renovations, Pasquale’s Historical & Nautical Gifts, Sassy Brunette Designs Glassware, Shipwreck’d at Pemberton Point, Sportobin Apparel, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, St. Nicholas United Methodist Church, Surfside Dental Studio, The Anchor of Hull, The Bead’s Sting, Tourist Trap Gift Shop, and William Hoyte Artwork also will participate.

Anchor of Hull, which has participated in Endless Summer for several years, will share promotional materials, resources, and information about the role of the organization – which provides a safe, sober, and supportive environment for building community, wellness, and recovery – as well as sell merchandise at its booth. “We also hand out free cotton candy, which is always a hit!” Program Director Emily Ludwig said.

Those who plan to spend time at Endless Summer are reminded to bring address labels for the 50/50 raffle that helps support the Chamber’s annual scholarship program that benefits students graduating from Hull High School.

“Using labels is easier than scribbling your name and phone number on the raffle stubs,” Muir explained. “Some people buy 50 tickets at a time.”

Food vendors include Aahhh-Roma LLC Wood Fired Pizza and Daddy’s Dogs. The festival will also feature a hotdog-eating contest sponsored by Shipwreck’d.

“Summer-experience towns such as Hull are at their best when throwing festivals and special events,” Kellem said. “The Assisted Living Band loves being a part of the good time.”

Muir and other event organizers are expecting a large and enthusiastic turnout from near and far for the celebration. He noted that more people from far outside the area are visiting Hull.

“We’ve met people from Connecticut, Australia, and Japan at our restaurant recently, in one instance the customers heard about us by word of mouth, while others read about Hull after traveling to Boston and came here for that reason,” he said.

Endless Summer is made possible with the support of grants from the Save the Harbor Save the Bay, Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Hull Cultural Council.

Visit www.hullchamber.com or the Endless Summer Facebook page for information on the event and to participate as a vendor or sponsor.

Individual and family sponsorships, which start at only $100, can be made as a tribute to, or in memory of, a loved one, an organization, or an experience enjoyed in Hull.

With start of school quickly approaching, Hull Public Schools welcome new teachers

NEW KIDS IN TOWN. Hull Public Schools administrators and Jake’s Seafood Restaurant hosted a luncheon for teachers who are new to the district this year. From left, Theodora [Teddi] Cowden, Brian Getchell, Memorial School Principal Anthony Hrivnak, Marina Labreux, Jacobs School Interim Assistant Principal Elaine Menice, Kelsey Quinn, Samantha Leary, School Business Administrator Diane Saniuk, Hull High School Principal Michael Knybel, Daniel O’Donnell, Superintendent Judy Kuehn, Jacob Dibley, Derek Skapars, Jacobs School Principal Kyle Shaw, Hannah Hutchinson, Nancy LeBlanc, Anthony Massari, Hull High School Assistant Principal Julie Burke, Director of Curriculum and Assessment Christine Cappadona, and Director of Student Services Kristen Ryan. [Skip Tull photo]

As the school district prepares for the start of the new year on Aug. 31, Jake’s Seafood Restaurant continued its tradition of hosting a luncheon to welcome new teachers to Hull as they become familiar with the town and their new roles. Superintendent Judith Kuehn and administrators provided these profiles of teachers who will be joining the Hull Public Schools this year.

Theodora (Teddi) Cowden taught fourth grade for two years at Saint Joseph School in Needham. Before having her own classroom, she was a teaching assistant and student teacher on Nantucket. This year, Ms. Cowden will be a long-term substitute grade four teacher at the Jacobs Elementary School. Ms. Cowden received her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University and her master’s degree from Merrimack College. She lives in Weymouth and is happy to be a part of the Hull community and to continue her teaching career here.

Jacob Dibley will be teaching mathematics at Memorial School. Mr. Dibley received his bachelor’s degree from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. He has taught in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District in Kotzebue, Alaska, overseas at the Banjul American Embassy School in The Gambia (a small country in western Africa), Wagner Public Schools in South Dakota, and for the Federal Way and Seattle school districts in Washington State. Mr. Dibley and his family have lived in Hull since 2019. His wife is a scientist who works on cancer research, and his two children will be in first and third grades in the upcoming school year at the Jacobs School.

Brian Getchell, who lives in Scituate, will be a science teacher at Memorial School this year. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program at Fitchburg State. Mr. Getchell has worked in Brockton and was a substitute teacher in Cohasset prior to that. He was a youth soccer and baseball coach and taught at a marine science camp on Catalina Island in California.

Hannah Hutchinson will be teaching social studies at Hull High School. A Quincy resident, MS. Hutchinson received her bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State University and has worked in Abington and summer school in Brockton, and has coached flag football and cheerleading. In her spare time, she is a drummer and enjoys playing punk rock music.

Samantha Leary will be joining the Jacobs School as a special education teacher. Ms. Leary is a recent graduate from Assumption University where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During her undergraduate studies, she student-taught in a second grade classroom at Heard Street Discovery Academy in Worcester. Additionally, while earning her master’s degree, Ms. Leary student-taught in a sixth grade special education classroom at Mill Pond School in Westborough. At Assumption, she played Division II golf for five years and was a two-year captain. Additionally, for the last eight years, she has worked as a golf instructor at South Shore Country Club in her hometown of Hingham. Teaching is Ms. Leary’s passion and she is excited to work alongside the wonderful staff and students at Jacobs Elementary.

Nancy LeBlanc has already started working at Hull High School as the lead guidance counselor. Ms. LeBlanc comes to Hull from Foxborough Regional Charter School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and her master’s degree from Assumption University. A Mansfield resident, Ms. LeBlanc is the mother of three boys – two are in college and the third is a rising sophomore in high school. She has been a National Junior Honor Society advisor, School Council advisor, and running club coach.

Marina Lebreux will be joining the Jacobs School staff as an occupational therapist. She was an occupational therapist for three years at Noble School District in North Berwick, Maine, working with students in grades K-5 and 8-12. She also worked per-diem as an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing home for three years. Ms. Lebreux received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of New England. While in undergrad, she coached junior varsity cheerleading for her high school. Ms. Lebreux lives in Weymouth and is very excited to be working with preschool and kindergarten-age students in Hull.

Anthony Massari lives in Cohasset and received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. He taught at Abigail Adams Middle School in Weymouth before coming to Hull as a Memorial School social studies teacher. This is Mr. Massari’s third career; he left the mutual fund industry to start his Boston Common Coffee Company in 2004. In addition to a love of history, he can brew a great cup of coffee and bake a delicious chocolate-chip cookie. Mr. Massari’s wife, a third grade teacher, is one of his inspirations to enter the teaching profession.

Daniel O’Donnell will be a guidance counselor at Hull High School. Mr. O’Donnell completed his student teaching at Canton High School, was a middle school counselor at Archbishop Williams High School, and a 7-12 guidance counselor at Avon Middle-High School. Mr. O’Donnell received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his master’s degree from Bridgewater State University. While at AWHS, he facilitated the after-school homework club. Last summer, Mr. O’Donnell worked in the transition program with Eddie Cameron at the high school. Mr. O’Donnell lives in Braintree.

Kelsey Quinn lives in Hanover. She received her bachelor’s degree from Endicott College and her master’s degree from American International College. This will be her seventh year teaching in the classroom. Ms. Quinn started as a fourth and fifth grade special education teacher in Medfield, and then taught second and third grade for two years in Lakeville. Before coming to Hull, Ms. Quinn taught third grade for the last three years in Groton. She will join the Jacobs Elementary School as a grade four teacher and is excited to settle down on the South Shore and become a part of the Hull Public Schools community.

Derek Skapars will be joining the high school staff as a woodshop teacher. He currently lives in Framingham. Mr. Skapars received his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and previously taught in Leominster and Barre. He also taught Adirondack chair-making at Mount Wachusett Community College. Mr. Skapars is the proud father of a baby boy named Beau who was born in July.