Dennis-Yarmouth committee hears public support to name Station Avenue gym for Patricia Watson; vote set for next meeting

The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee on June 2 heard public testimony backing a petition to rename the Station Avenue Elementary School gymnasium for Patricia Watson, a longtime physical education teacher who worked in the district for more than 30 years.

The request, presented as the second step of a three-step facility-naming policy, was introduced by Dr. Smith, superintendent, who explained the committee held a first reading at the prior meeting and opened the floor for public comment at this meeting. The committee will decide whether to approve the naming at its next scheduled meeting on June 16, 2025.

Kevin Rodenitis, a physical education teacher at Station Avenue Elementary who said he worked with Watson for 10 years, described Watson’s initiatives and impact on students and staff. “Patty founded the PE Pals program, where high school students mentored elementary students during physical education classes,” Rodenitis said. He listed other programs Watson led or helped organize, including a school triathlon fundraiser, pep rallies, Jump Rope for Heart and CPR training for staff.

Committee members who spoke in public comment and during discussion — including School Committee members identified in the record as Mr. Morris, Ms. Landers, Mr. Martin and Ms. Bemis — expressed strong support for moving the petition to a vote. Members noted the clear community backing and the group of Station Avenue staff who had formed a naming committee and followed the district’s policy steps.

Rodentis told the committee the family has been consulted and that a former student, Scott Nagel (now a teacher at Cape Cod Tech), has offered to donate a plaque to be installed at the gym entrances reading “Patricia Watson Gymnasium,” which the presenter said would be provided at no cost to the district.

No formal vote was taken at the June 2 meeting. The superintendent said the policy requires public comment at this stage and that a vote to approve or deny the naming will appear on the agenda at the committee’s next meeting on June 16.

Why it matters: The petition would permanently attach the name of a late staff member to a school facility, and the committee must follow its facility-naming policy before taking an official vote. If approved, the district said the plaque for the gym would be donated and not paid for by district funds.

Additional details: Rodenitis and the naming committee described the planned plaque location (above both entrances to the gym) and said family members are “very honored.” Committee members cautioned that a future vote is required and praised the applicants for following the district’s process.