Narragansett School System | December 2022 Newsletter

Applications Open for CTE Programs!

Attention students interested in one of our four hands-on CTE programs! Applications are open and our team will begin reviews in January.

All applications MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 1, 2023 to be considered for the program.

Below are some helpful links and videos about our offered programs in Educator Preparation, Agriculture Science, Information and Computer Technology and Mechanical Trades in Plumbing as well as contacts if you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour or student shadow day.

NHS Guidance Office | Main Number- 401-792-9406

John O'Brien | Graduation by Proficiency Coordinator

jjobrien@nssk12.org | (401) 792-9400 x4025

Student Admissions

CTE Program Highlight

CTE Student Registration

Upcoming School Committee Meeting

Our next scheduled regular business meeting will take place in-person on

Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 7:00pm.

Those who wish to attend can join the meeting in the Town Hall Chambers at 25 5th Avenue, Narragansett, R.I. on the 2nd floor.

As always, for meeting schedules, agendas, and School Committee related information, you can visit the dedicated webpage by clicking below.

Late School Committee Member and Longtime Resident Honored by URI

The University of Rhode Island recently honored one of our longtime School Committee members and educators, Frank White. URI's "Legacy Panels," which honor distinguished College of Engineering faculty members and the like, now includes it's newest addition honoring Mr. White.

He was selected to be among this very group, including people like Igor Sikoursky (inventor of helicopters), Donald D. Arabian (NASA engineer who helped bring Apollo 13 safely back to Earth), and Lillian Moller Gilbreth (time-motion studies and well known from the book Cheaper by the Dozen). 

There was a wonderful ceremony for the induction that took place on Thursday, November 17th. Mr. White's family shared that "they found it all quite moving, honestly, and know that Frank would have loved it."

The plaque is located in Bliss Hall within the College of Engineering.

Congratulations to Mr. White's family as we are honored to have had him serve with us and make such a profound impact on students, staff and the community.

A Note from our NSS Nurses

As we enter the winter season, please help us monitor students for illness.

Please make sure your students are dressed warm, getting enough rest and are eating well and remember to keep your students home if they are not feeling well or have fevers. Students may return when they are fever free for 24 hours with no medication. 

Please inform the school nurse if your student tests positive for Covid, the Flu, or another illness so we are aware to ensure the health and safety of others.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

The NSS Nurses

NES- Shannon Oberheu

NPS- Julie Malloy

NHS- Kristen Field

WCCU Teacher Grants Awarded

We are pleased to share that three of our district educators have been selected to receive a grant awarded by the Westerly Community Credit Union | WCCU Teacher Grant Committee. Congratulations to the following recipients and how their funds will be used!

• Kristy Behbehani | NHS | Real World Personal Finance- $496.73
• Tara Reddington | NES | Sensory Calming Room- $500.00

We're excited to see these funds get put to wonderful use by our dedicated educators. A big thank you to the WCCU Teacher Grant Program for making opportunities like this possible, especially during a time when needed most!

A Message from the Narragansett Prevention Coalition

Dear Parents/Guardians:

With the first weekend of December over, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is squarely upon us!

While you may be thrilled to see holiday activities like fairs and festivals and performances back after

being interrupted by Covid for two years, you may also be feeling a bit overwhelmed after the lull in

activity those seasons. Want to prevent feeling runover by the holidays? Here are some simple tips to

help make this holiday season a happier and healthier one for you and your family...

• Set realistic expectations for you and your family. You may not be able to do all of the fun activities you hear about and have a perfectly decorated home and bake a 20 variety cookie platter. That’s okay! Pace yourself and set priorities that work for you.
• Help your kids set priorities and schedules to manage what they have to do and what they want to do. School assignments, holiday concerts, winter sports schedules, and holiday get-togethers can overwhelm kids too. Chart it all out with them and see which of the “want to do’s” can fit.
• Take breaks from the holiday hoopla to recharge. Some physical activity like a hike with the kids, a walk on the bike path with the dog, or ice skating with a friend can provide a much needed mental break and physical outlet. And don’t forget the benefit of getting some sunlight on these short winter days. Bundle up and get outside!
• If you’re heading to a party, make a habit of eating only lean protein, fruit and veggies before you go. Those foods will help fuel your body while keeping your diet and mind well-balanced.
• Prioritize a good night’s sleep. No one functions at their highest level or feels their best when they’re sleep deprived. You’ll be better able to move “full steam ahead” when you’ve had time to recharge.
• In addition to eating and sleeping well and ensuring some physical activity, good hand hygiene and making sure you’re up to date on seasonal vaccines can help keep you healthy and able to see the people you love and do the things you want to do.
• Remember: Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Quality time with loved ones is more about the time together than the wrapping!

Take care, be well, and enjoy the holiday season in ways that work for you!

December 12: K-4 Report Cards Go Home

December 13 & 15: Parent Teacher Conferences

December 23-January 2: NO SCHOOL (Holiday Recess)

HOPE for the HOLIDAYS Donation Drive

During this time of incredible uncertainty and struggle kids need holiday joy, we ask you to help us provide HOPE for the HOLIDAYS.

Please help the Johnnycake Center serve over 500 school-aged children throughout Narragansett and South Kingstown.

EVENT DETAILS: Fill the Trunk! Drive-Thru Drop Off Event.

When: Saturday, December 12th

Time: 9AM- 11AM

Location: Narragansett Elementary School Parking Lot (Follow the signs on event day)

Suggested donations:

• Gift cards to: Amazon, Walmart, VISA/MASTERCARD, Wakefield Mall retailers, And Local Narragansett and SK stores
• Clothing, pajamas, sweats for teens, coats, Toys, games, sports equipment, beauty products, Legos, and art supplies
• There will also be a box for gently used coats you may have to donate

NES Reminders from Nurse Oberheu

Winter is Here! The extra clothes in the clinic are reserved for emergencies and accidents. We do not have enough to accommodate wet clothes from puddle jumping and snow angels. Please send extra clothes and socks with your student on days when recess might include building snowmen.

Thank you!

Shannon Oberheu

NES nurse

December 14: NPS Winter Art Show | 6pm

December 14: NPS Winter Concert | 7pm

December 23-January 2: NO SCHOOL (Holiday Recess)

Holiday Drive Making an Impact

The NPS Food Drive in support of the Jonnycake Center for Hope is already making the holidays even brighter for families in our area.

Thanks to our newly activated NPS Student Council for organizing such a successful food drive and to all of the students grades 5 through 8 who participated . Together, NPS contributed over 500 pounds of food.

Seen here are students from grades 7&8 red team who were treated to popsicles and ice cream as part of a student council reward for collecting the most food items during the Thanksgiving food drive totaling more than 250 food items. Also shown is NPS Educator Christina Izzi making the delivery in November to the well-deserving organization who work to assist those in need every day.

December 13: FFA Holiday Sale | 4:30pm-7:30pm

December 16: NHS Chorus-Holiday Lights Spectacular | RWP Zoo- 6pm

December 21: NHS Winter Concert - 7 pm Gym

December 23-January 2: NO SCHOOL (Holiday Recess)

NHS Winter Concert has Been Rescheduled!

Please note that the NHS Winter Concert has been moved to December 21st at 7:00pm!

We hope you're still able to join us as we ring in the holiday season during a very festive week.

NHS Students Accepted into RIMEA All State Ensembles!

Congrats to the following Mariner Musicians who were recently accepted into RIMEA's All State Ensembles, and to NAfME's All Eastern Division Honors Ensembles. 

All State Students will perform at VMA in Providence in March of 2023, and All Eastern Students will perform in Rochester, NY in April 2023."

All State Instrumental

Senior Division:

Isabel Corson, 1st in state French Horn

Kevin Conrady, 1st in state Euphonium

Isabel Corson, 6th in state trumpet

Junior Division:

Ethan Smith, 1st in state Euphonium

JJ Brindamour, 1st in state baritone sax

Abigail Gibbs, 2nd in state bass clarinet

Forrest McNamara, 2nd in state mallet percussion

Grayson Edge, 5th in state trombone

Myles Harding, 6th in state, snare drum

Gavin Seger, 9th in state, clarinet

Senior Division Chorus:

Charlie Baer. (3rd in the state)

Audrey Collins

Reagan Donnelly

Niamh Fogarty

Gianna Thomas

Arianna Hughes (4th in the state)

Ava Irarragorry

Jaelin Lindsey

Sofia Sweet (3rd in the state)

Isabel Corson was selected into the NaFME All Eastern Band, and Charlie Baer and Sofia Sweet were both accepted into the NAfME All-Eastern Mixed Chorus.

DEADLINE APPROACHING! PrepareRI Summer 2023 Internship

Juniors - Check out this exciting, rewarding, and prestigious internship opportunity! 

This is a great way to expose your skill sets and gain real-world work experience in various fields!

Application deadline is January 22, 2023!

We would like to highlight, that though it is not a requirement for students to submit a resume, we encourage it as it be mandatory for students who make it to the employer matching phase. Here is a link to a Resume Builder so you can create your own resume: CLICK HERE.

Contact Mr. O'Brien | jjobrien@nssk12.org at the high school if you are interested.

The Athlete of the Month campaign highlights NHS students who exemplify sportsmanship, dedication, and standout participation in any sports offered at the school. Recipients receive a certificate as well as their picture featured on the wall in athletics for the entire month.

Congratulations to our athletes of the month!

Kylee Bennett, Senior, Volleyball

Senior Libero Kylee Bennett was on the top of her teams stat chart during the month of November when she and her team competed in the quarter and semi finals after moving up a division from the year prior. In 2 games Kylee had 21 Digs, 10 Aces and 7 kills. 

Aidan Friedt, Junior, Football

Quarterback Aidan Friedt played the final game of the season for Mariner Football against Exeter-West Greenwich/Prout on November 23rd. In this one game, he completed 17 of 21 passes for 317 yards. On top of that, Aidan threw for 8 touchdown passes and the team went on to win their last game on the season 54-32.