EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence School Committee at its meeting Tuesday night, May 12, voted unanimously to approve the dedication of the band room at high school in the honor of long-time district music instructor Richard “Rick” Vars.
Several members of the public, including his great friend and former peer George Sarganis, espoused the virtue of the measure, which recognizes the contributions of Mr. Vars to the discipline during his many years of instruction at city schools.
The move necessitated some expediency so Mr. Vars, who, unfortunately, is suffering from terminal cancer, could be properly honored for his service.
It was also announced an award named in his honor will henceforth be given annually to a Martin Middle School eighth grade student who shares Mr. Vars’ passion for music.
Similarly, the Committee agreed to acknowledge the contributions of recently deceased teacher Ron Rossi. Mr. Rossi, a science teacher in the district, passed away unexpectedly.
The Committee said it will seek input from Mr. Rossi’s family and former colleagues to determine the proper form of the remembrance.
A couple more quick hitters from Tuesday’s nearly five hour School Committee meeting had the board approve both the creation of a Unified basketball team and the reintroduction of freshmen baseball at East Providence High School.
The Unified basketball program, in existence for the better part of a decade statewide, brings Special Needs students and partners from the general school population together on the court during the spring sports season.
Department athletic director Bob Duarte said EPHS principal Janet Sheehan approached him earlier this term about the possibility of starting the program, which is backed both logistically and financially by Special Olympics. Mr. Duarte said there is minimal cost to the district.
The cost of bringing back the freshmen baseball to EPHS will also be low, according to the athletic director and varsity head coach Bobby Rodericks.
Mr. Duarte explained the program was discontinued about 10 years ago due to lack of interest. However, there’s been a surge in baseball numbers the past two years, with upwards of 50 players trying out for the program.
A full and complete wrap-up of Tuesday’s Committee meeting will appear in the May 21 edition of The Post.