April Narragansett School System Newsletter
New CTE Program Added in Education!
Enrollment Now Open for New Education Program at NHS

Narragansett High School is expanding its CTE (Career and Technical Education) Pathway Program for students in district and across Rhode Island! New in 2019 is the Education Program , where students who have an interest or passion in teaching can explore this new opportunity and possibly begin their careers. Enrollment is now open with courses to begin in Fall 2019.

 The Education Program will give students who are considering a career as an educator the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in PK-12 classrooms, delve into core areas of study such as English and Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, and work with students and teachers across the Narragansett School System.  Students will participate in coursework aligned with the nationally accredited curriculum Educators Rising , and complete credentials in current educational topics such as Anti-Bias Instruction, Formative Assessment, Classroom Culture, Student Engagement, and Collaboration. Students will also have the opportunity to take key assessments needed for teaching such as ParaPro and Praxis Core Assessment . This program expansion was made possible through the support of the University of Rhode Island School of Education. To review the course sequence for this program, please click HERE .

Availability within this program is limited. 8th and 9th grade students who are interested must apply for enrollment through the online application that can be found below. We look forward to growing this new program at Narragansett High School and helping students achieve their goals of becoming educators in our community.
Upcoming Budget Dates

Town Council Public Hearing on Proposed Budget:  4/15/19 | 7:30pm

For any questions or concerns, please contact Superintendent Dr. Peter Cummings by email.

School Committee Summary

Each month, our School Committee gathers at Town Hall to discuss the current year, future goals, and initiatives taking place in our school system. We are pleased to share this great information through a  School Committee Summary . To view our most recent summary, please click below.
Students Dance the Night Away at Unity Ball

On Friday, March 15, The Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln hosted the 2019 Unity Ball. This free event was open to all members of unified sports teams throughout the state. Thirteen students from the Narragansett Unified basketball team attended as well as one student from a previous years Unified volleyball team, along with their coaches Krystal Cagnon, Kristin Shea, and staff members Dianna Whalen and Karen Mitchell.

Alyssa Naradowy, a senior from North Smithfield, organized the Unity Ball for her senior project and the night was a successful one including dancing, a photo booth, candy bar, and raffles. "It was a memorable night. Everyone was included and had a great time," shared Kallie Bonneau who attended the ball.

We're so happy to be able to share this successful event that celebrated a year of teamwork and positive energy!
Narragansett Educator Highlight
Each month, we are happy to share a little more about one of our educators here at our schools. We hope this will help better connect you with the wonderful individuals who work hard to give our students the best experience each year, while learning fun facts about them.
Karla Flaherty, NPS Math Teacher- Grade 5

It has been my privilege to teach at the Narragansett Pier School for over two decades. For most of that time, it has given me great pleasure to teach fifth grade mathematics. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I love our school and what I do!

My personal journey began growing up in Branford, Connecticut in an athletic and very competitive family with two brothers. After graduating from Boston College, I returned to Branford to teach for two years. I then moved to Rhode Island after I was married and beautiful Narragansett seemed like an ideal place to raise my children. They thrived in our town and all four visit often; Kara (32), Brendan (30), Jessica (29) and Derek (28) although living out of state, plan their summer vacations here every year. As they grew up, I decided to restart the career that I so loved; teaching! Fortunately, I was able to do so in our very fine Narragansett School System.

Every day I feel blessed to do the thing I feel so passionate about. I enjoy coming to school in the morning knowing that every day is different with new challenges. While I pride myself in having high expectations for every one of my students, I also derive satisfaction in figuring out each student’s learning style. In this respect, activating their full academic potential is a goal of mine for every child. Understanding my students’ strengths and interests is an important strategy to help them be the best they can be. Perhaps one of the things I look forward to is the student advisory structure in our school where I get to know these students through personalized learning activities. Becoming aware of these adolescents’ personal trials and tribulations helps me to be a better and more aware teacher. A final positive aspect of my teaching is my colleagues and coworkers. The support and professional interactions with them reflect an endless source of affirmation and joy. Their commitment and love for their jobs help me to grow and thrive as a professional.

Outside of school, I enjoy traveling to visit my children and spending time with friends. I also lap swim at the YMCA and love ocean swimming and reading on the beach. Also, I take great pride in my gardening each summer. Some people might not know that I was a competitive swimmer for Boston College and my husband Todd was the assistant Principal/Principal at Narragansett High School from 1978-1988.
Narragansett Elementary School
Important Upcoming Dates

April 8-10: NES Theater Show
April 8-12: Reading Week
April 9-11: PTO Book Fair
April 10: NES Family Night
April 15-19: APRIL VACATION
May 23 : NES Art Show
NES Annual Pizza Pig Out

On Friday, March 15th, NES hosted their annual Pizza Pig Out and Fun Fair!

Students, their families, and our staff enjoyed a night of indoor carnival-style games, raffles, and most importantly, Pizza! It also coincided with 'Green Day' in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. A special thanks to our volunteers, which included parents, friends, and members of our school committee.

We hope everyone had a great time with our school community!
Pennies for Patients

Last month, the Narragansett Elementary School was proud to once again take part in the  Pennies for Patients Fundraiser  in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

One of the most exciting parts is getting the chance to decorate Lisa Rustico, the school nurse, with band-aids for each donation made. The result proves that this was quite the successful event. Thanks to all who made this year's fundraising campaign possible.

We'll keep you updated on social media for donation totals once they're tallied!
NES Earth Week is Coming Up

Our NES “Green Team” worked hard to plan some Earth Week activities for students and we're excited to share the schedule below! 

April 22 - Garden Planning Days (NES Garden)
April 23 - Garden Planning Days (NES Garden)
April 24 - Max Man Presentation on Recycling (Cafe during Lunch)
April 25 - Book/Video Contest (Taking place in Classrooms)
April 26 - Composting Presentation (NES Cafe during Lunch)

Click below to video the full flyer with more information on each activity.
NES Art Show

A date for the the NES Art Show has been confirmed for next month.

When : May 23rd | 5-7pm
Where : NES Cafeteria

Grade levels K-4 will be participating and will have their artwork displayed, matted, and framed. You may purchase this for $25 with a portion going to the NES Art Dept! The school-wide theme of this year’s art show is collage with the sub-themes outlined below:

K: Birds, nests and eggs after Steve Jenkin's Mama Built a Little Nest
1: Abstract/geometric paper quilts
2: Self portraits 
3: Eric Carle inspired insects with custom printed papers
4: Animals inspired by Steve Jenkins

*Art work will be returned shortly after the show if not purchased.
Narragansett Pier Middle School
Important Upcoming Dates

April 9: RIMEA Choral Festival Grade 6 & 8 (Martin Middle School, E. Providence)
April 15-19: APRIL VACATION
April 25 : NPS Art Show
May 3: NPS Talent Show
May 14: National Jr. Honor Society- 7pm (NPS Gymnasium)
May 16 : NPS Honor Roll Breakfast- 9am (NPS Cafeteria)
May 23 : NPS Spring Concert- 7pm
Looking for NPS Career Day  Speakers!

On Wednesday, June 5th, 2019 at 8:30am NPS will host its annual Career Day to help students learn more about the many fields and occupations in the world, especially right here in Rhode Island.

We are currently looking for speakers from our community who would like to come in and talk to our students about their careers! You'll be joining industry experts from a range of careers to talk about their experiences in the field, their journey, and some tips to keep in mind as students begin their career exploration.

If interested, please email Vanessa Miller for more information by clicking the button below.

The event will encourage students to engage and ask questions to our welcomed guest speakers. We look forward to sharing even more about the event as it nears and hope it provides inspiration and guidance.
NPS Art Show 2019

The Narragansett Pier School is excited to announce the 2019 Art Show taking place this month!

When : Thursday, April 25th | 6-8 PM
Where : NPS art and music wing

The show is comprised of students in grades 5-8 who have chosen to participate. They have the choice of which piece they will showcase from their work over the past two years. We're excited for the various types of art and themes we will see!

Please note: Students who are a part of the art show may come pick up their art beginning on Monday, April 29th.
Students Create Unity Project

 Several students in the 6th grade enrichment class are taking part in a project in learning about disabilities.

The team's goal through this initiative is to promote the unity of students who are living with a disability of any kind with their peers.

To focus on this, students have developed a field day to take place on May 17th at the Narragansett Pier Middle School. It will include fun activities for everyone to participate in. The whole enrichment class as well as some additional staff and students will be taking part. Stay tuned for a recap on the event! 
NPS Students Participate in All-State Concert!

On Sunday, March 17, NPS had 4 singers participate in the RIMEA - Rhode Island Music Education Association All-State Chorus Concert. The students auditioned back in November and were chosen out of hundreds of students from all around the state. Congratulations to our singers!

Left to right: Sophia Sweet and Ella LaFrenier, who participated in the Junior All-State Mixed Chorus, and Kathryn Bootle and Ava Irarragorry who participated in the Junior All-State Treble Chorus.
Alumni Cleans up Softball Field

Coming home from college to lend a hand, Narragansett Alum Alex and Joe Millen helped take part in a clean up behind the NPS softball back stop. Alex is a Senior at RWU (NHS 2015) and Joe is a Freshman at CCRI (NHS 2018.) Both were NPS and NHS student athletes and BSA Eagle Scouts that know the meaning of Community service and Good Citizenship!

NPS Spring Sports Going Strong

All five NPS teams are in full swing this spring. Unified is enjoying great success with their last game taking place Thursday 4/11 at Curtis Corner.

Baseball is home Monday 4/22 and Wednesday 4/24.
Softball is home Thursday 4/11 and 4/25.
Track and Field will be home 5/1 and 5/7.

All NPS events start at 3:30pm and Narragansett teachers, students, parents, and supporters are encouraged to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine at NPS sporting events before the school year is over.

Mark your calendar for the NPS Boosters Ice Cream Social & Awards on June 4 at 5pm in the NPS Café!
March Madness Donation Success!

On March 18-22, March Madness Spirit Week took place at Narragansett Pier School in collaboration with the school's PBIS ( Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program ! During the week of events, the Pier School community came together and collected more than 385 pounds of pasta, string beans, and canned corn that the school donated to the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale for families in need.

Thanks to our students, staff, and families who helped make a difference to so many through this event!
NPS Baking Contest

NPS Students in Ms. Miller's 6th grade enrichment class are organizing Narragansett Pier School's first ever BAKING CONTEST!

The contest is open to students in grades 5 - 8.

Baking auditions will be held on April 26th after school with the main event on May 8th (time TBD)

Full flyer below!
Narragansett High School 
Important Upcoming Dates

April 9 - SAT Testing
April 10 - NHS Spring Concert - NHS Auditorium (7pm)
April 15-19: APRIL VACATION
April 25th Career Fair (8:30 - 10:30 AM)
Attention Sophomores!

We want to remind our Sophomores that the Career Fair is on  April 25th from 8:30-10:30am in the NHS Cafeteria.

This event takes place during the school day and is being hosted for Sophomore students only

Students will be able to explore nearly 30 careers and speak with individuals who are experts in their fields.
NHS Band at All-State Festival

On the weekend of March 16, more than 20 Narragansett High School students represented our district at the RI Music Education Association’s All-State Music Festival at The Vets in Providence. Not only did our school have a large representation, but our very own Lily Moskwa, Thomas Capaldi, Aidan Capaldi, Selina Amargo, and Ella Lafrenier auditioned and were selected as featured soloists during the concert! 

Congratulations to our students and we are so proud of how wonderfully they represent our high school music programs! To view more photos, please click below. 
South County Jazz Night

For the first time, a special event is being hosted by three school districts to celebrate music and community! The event is called South County Jazz Night and was created by Toni Silveira, band director at North Kingstown High School and President of the RI Music Education Association, NHS band director Daniel Healey and Fritz Benz, band directory of South Kingstown High School.
 
This new tradition will unite our neighboring schools   and will be bringing Jazz Bands together for a fun night of collegiality, celebration and charity. It will be a great night of young talent cheering each other in a positive atmosphere while collecting donations to benefit our shared community.

When: Thursday, April 25 | 7 pm
Where: North Kingstown High School Auditorium
Donation : $4.00 at the door
 
We hope to see you there!
DNA Day at NHS

On Tuesday, March 19th, the NHS Biology Department hosted an all day in-school science symposium for sophomores took place called "DNA Day."
The event kicked off with a keynote speaker from Brown University, Professor Dr. Ken Miller, who is the author of the biology textbook NHS currently uses.
Several activities immediately followed in 4 different science rooms. Students learned how to "pour a gel" and carry out the process of gel electrophoresis, which is separating DNA in order to solve a crime by identifying DNA fingerprints. They also extracted DNA from fruit, learned about the use of DNA in solving crimes in RI and discussed the bioethics of the use of human tissue samples, based on the best-selling book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Thanks to our science department for hosting such a wonderful and educational day as well as the special guests who came to share their knowledge with our students!
Last Call Sr. Project Judges Still Needed!

We're happy to welcome 3 new judges this year and are still looking for those who are interested. Every extra judge helps, especially new ones! It's the best way to become familiar with the Senior Project and experience it firsthand.

When : Friday, May 24, 2019 | 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
All new judges are required to participate in a training session, which will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 6pm.

Note:  Those who have already served as judges will be invited to participate again. Please look for an invitation in the spring. If your e-mail has changed, please notify John O’Brien. Training will not be required for returning judges, however, any returning judge who would like a “refresher” will be welcome to attend the session.

How to Sign Up:  Please contact John O’Brien by clicking below or calling 792-9400 x 4025. If using email, use “Senior Project Judge” in the subject line.
NHS Dodgeball Tournament

On March 6th, NHS faculty, staff and students took part in a dodgeball tournament as a fun, team building activity!

Participants showed some spectacular moments of athleticism as they dodged, ducked, dipped, and dove their way through the tournament bracket. The last game of the night was faculty vs students as the competition headed up. Congratulations to Hash Slinging Slashers for winning the tournament! Their team consisted of Jayme Xaykosy, Colby Corson, Aiden Moran, Matt Rocchio, Jordan Riendeau, and Eddie Blessing.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a successful one!
Narragansett FFA Shines at Home Show

More than 60 students in our Narragansett Agriculture Science Program helped prepare for the  RI Home Show  that took place this past weekend at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence.

They worked hard to arrange beautiful floral arrangements for a competition where first place went to Abigail Ahlborg and second place to Taylor Flint! Students also helped with detailed landscaping using many plants and trees that were forced in our own greenhouse on campus. They also constructed a Sugar Shack replica, which was then moved and reassembled at the main entrance to showcase the school's annual local maple syrup harvest.

Congratulations to our  Narragansett FFA team for another year of beautifying such a large event
 Narragansett Elementary School
55 Mumford Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882
(401) 792-9420

Narragansett Pier Middle School
235 S Pier Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882
(401) 792-9430
Narragansett High School
245 S Pier Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882
(401) 792-9400
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