Important Reminders on Quarantine from Superintendent Cummings
Dear Parents,
As we pass the “90-day” mark which indicates the middle of the school year, I want to again thank you for your active support of our students and teachers in the midst of this pandemic. While hope is emerging as vaccines are distributed throughout the state and country, we do need to remain cautious and vigilant to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
While our schools are maintaining social distancing, mask wearing, and enhanced cleaning processes, we continue to have student and staff cases of Covid-19 due to exposure outside of the school setting. I encourage you to keep yourselves and our schools safe by following the recommendations of the Rhode Island Department of Health including social distancing, masking, and limiting social contact.
One particular area of concern is travel to states that may be experiencing a positivity rate greater than 5% or areas which have cases of highly infectious strains of Covid-19, commonly referred to as the “U.K. Variant” or the “South African Variant.” With the February break approaching, I want to ensure all members of our community are familiar with the RIDOH recommended travel quarantine guidelines under which schools operate.
Schools differ from the general public guidelines in that RIDOH recommends that students complete a full 14-day quarantine after travel. Thus, there is no current provision for “testing out” of the 14-day travel related quarantine requirement for students who travel to a state with a 5% or above positivity rate. RIDOH has indicated that while the CDC guidance has changed, the Rhode Island guidance has not. Therefore, any student who travels to a state with a positivity rate of 5% or greater or other RIDOH identified area with high community spread will need to quarantine for 14 days before he or she is allowed to return to school.
To read the full update, please click below.
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Open Enrollment for Mariners Integrated Preschool
Applications are now being accepted for full-day preschool at the Narragansett Elementary School.
Options include 3 or 5 full-days for the 2021-2022 school year.
For questions about the program, please contact Jill Hague, Asst. Director of Student Services at Jhague@nssk12.org or 401-792-9426.
To learn more and register, please click the button below!
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School Committee Meeting
Our next scheduled regular business meeting is Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 6:00pm.
Please note the time change to 6:00pm
To join on the night of the meeting, please use the information below to join.
Attend By Calling In:
- Phone: 1 929 205 6099
- Meeting ID: 840 8283 5898
- Passcode: 262131
Attend by Video:
- Link: CLICK HERE
- Meeting ID: 840 8283 5898
- Passcode: 262131
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Over the past year, so many of our dedicated employees have been working in and out of the classrooms to ensure the safety and wellness of our students and the entire school community.
This month, we would like to highlight two of the many employees who have done an amazing job in continuing the operational flow throughout the school year.
Bob Leonard
Bob began his time with the Narragansett School System in March of 2015. Since then, Bob has served so many different departments and both in district and out of district students including Special Education, Athletics, off-site field trips, and so much more as he always helps the team when needed. His peers and supervisors shared that he has a work ethic like no other and never stops moving. A little known fact is that Bob is a proud Marine as well as a former owner/operator of a trolley business in Boston!
Dave Hordern
Dave has been with our district since 2005. He currently serves as a nighttime employee at the Pier Middle School. Dave is described by the staff as an easy going, good natured guy who is always willing to help out and show the "newbies' the ropes!
Thank you both for your service within the Narragansett School System!
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New Equity and Diversity Committee
This year, we have a newly formed Equity/Diversity Committee in our district. The committee is currently composed of teachers, support staff, administrators, and school committee members. In the future we will be opening this up for students and parents to join if interested.
We are pleased to share the current goals and the focus of this year's committee:
- Staff who are highly aware of their own beliefs, attitudes, and biases and those of others.
- Students who are empowered to use their own cultural characteristics, experiences, and perspectives for academic success.
- A curriculum that engages and affirms students’ and teachers’ identities, worldviews, and cultural and experiential reference points in the process of learning.
The committee has been meeting monthly to engage in common readings and professional development as well as designing Professional development for the entire NSS staff in partnership with The Center for School Change. An engaging workshop took place for the whole district on January 25th which encouraged conversations, sharing, and goal setting for classrooms and offices across the district. A big thank you to Curriculum Director, Gail Dandurand, who has worked hard on building this committee and creating enriching experiences.
We look forward to continuing to update the community on the progress of this very important piece of our district.
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SurveyWorks 2021 is Live!
This statewide survey is sent out annually to hear from Rhode Islanders directly about their experiences in our state's public schools.
Survey Window: NOW through Tuesday, March 30th.
HOW TO:
- Access the survey HERE!
- Choose your school from dropdown menu.
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Health and Wellness Resources
Our Health and Wellness Committee meets regularly throughout the year to ensure our district has resources available to them to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Most recently, they shared the newest newsletter from Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition, which is an organization that is committed to making all RI schools healthy places for children to learn, grow and thrive.
Please enjoy their latest publication, which can be found below!
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Teacher Assistant Training with EBEC
Register now for the East Bay Educational Collaborative’s (EBEC) TA training, which provides those interested with Teacher Assistant qualification in a Rhode Island school district.
This training will be presented via Zoom. A minimum of 8 paid registrations is required for this training to take place, and you will be notified if the required number of registrants is not reached. A bachelor's degree or ParaPro certificate may also be required depending on the district.
For more information please visit the EBEC website. Attendance is required at all 6 classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, February 16, 17, 18, & 22, 23, 24 from 9:00 A.M. to 12 P.M. |
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A Note from Narragansett Prevention Partnership
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It’s February - the shortest month of the year…but it sure can feel like the longest. Cold, short days can certainly dampen anybody’s mood. And for those living with mental health issues, the frequently gray skies, cold temperatures, short days, and ongoing COVID restrictions can compound feelings of isolation, disconnectedness, anxiety, or depression. Now more than ever we need to find ways to stay connected, informed, and supported.
To help you stay informed, connected, and supported, Narragansett Prevention Partnership is pleased
to share this great list of resources on Youth Mental Health & Resilience from the RI Department of
Health and RI Student Assistance Services. You can find those resources by clicking the button below. Information includes links to previously recorded presentations that you can watch at your convenience, as well as a list of upcoming live webinars with registration links. If you cannot attend a live webinar that you are interested in, it will be recorded and posted on the RI Youth Mental Health YouTube channel after the live event. The links to that channel can be found in the list of resources.
If your child or someone else you know may be experiencing mental health challenges during this complicated year, get comfortable in your favorite chair and gain the knowledge that can help you connect with them. Connections bring hope and help foster resilience in all of us.
Wishing you brighter days ahead,
Narragansett Prevention Partnership
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The 2021 Town Banner Contest Has Begun! |
The Town of Narragansett, RI and Narragansett School System is excited to once again host a town banner contest, but this time asking both Middle and High School students to help design the newest artwork for the town.
Two student designs will be chosen to adorn the streets of Narragansett for the upcoming installment, which will be in the Spring of 2022.
Who Can Submit: Students in Grades 5-12
Deadline for Submissions: May 14, 2021
How to Submit: Follow the website below and read the official guidelines. Once students create artwork, they will be able to upload completed documents to the form, which is linked on the website and on the template.
Students can draw, use computer programs, paint, or use any art technique they're most comfortable with. Those needing some guidance or help, please be sure to reach out to your art teachers, Ms. Burke (NPS) and Ms. Gabrilowitz (NHS).
Good Luck!
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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:
- Gail Dandurand | NES- New Preschool Curriculum Implementation Year Supplies- $490.00
- Jane Flood- NES- Communication Boards for School Setting- $393.70
- Leah Mitchell- NES- Through Others Eyes, A Literature Voyage- $422.54
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!
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Narragansett Elementary School |
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Important Elementary School Dates
February 15-19th- February Break
March 1st-7th: Virtual Book Fair
March 15th: PD-Distance Learning Day
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Please Share Your Feedback Through SurveyWorks!
We would like you to take the annual Rhode Island Department of Education survey. Parents are asked to reflect on the school their child attends and provide feedback. Your input is necessary for us to celebrate our accomplishments and reflect on our needs. The topics that are addressed are School Safety, School Climate, and Family Support and Engagement.
The NES survey window runs from February 3rd through February 19th.
HOW TO:
- Access the survey HERE!
- Choose Narragansett Elementary from the dropdown menu.
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Snow Gear Reminder
We will be going outside as much as possible. Please send your child to school ready for the cold weather and snow. If there is snow, we will be playing in it!
Students need boots, hats, coats, and gloves and/or mittens as Students will be going out for both recess and PE.
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The Virtual Book Fair is Almost Here!
Get those reading list ready and mark your calendars as the NES Virtual Book Fair is around the corner.
This event is held in partnership with Wakefield
Books and will run from March 1st-March 7th.
Families can shop online or in store with 20% of the proceeds directly benefitting NES, which will be used to restock our very own library with some new and exciting titles!
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Valentines: School Love for Each Other
Over the past few days, students made their classmates' Valentine's Week a little more special! They showed their love and appreciation by decorating each other's classroom doors.
This activity was done to surprise their friends from another class!
Great job to our students for sharing positivity!
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Narragansett Pier Middle School |
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Important Pier School Dates
February 15-19th- February Break
February 23rd- Boys at home girls at Chariho
February 25th- Girls at home boys at Curtis Corner
February 27th- Sports sign up for cross country and soccer
March 1st: Deadline for NPS Spring Sports Signups
March 15th: PD-Distance Learning Day
March 30th- NJHS applications for 7th & 8th graders due
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Virtual Help for Students
Virtual homework and classwork help for students is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 beginning March 23.
Tuesdays will be for Science and Math and Thursdays for ELA and Social Studies.
Zoom links will be emailed to students on Monday, March 22. All are welcome!
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Upcoming Season of NPS Sports
Signups for spring sports are NOW OPEN!
Sports will include Soccer and Cross Country.
The new season of sports starts on Monday, March 15th, 2021. Students must be signed up on Family ID as well as have a Physical on file, and a new 2020 RIPCOA Risk Form notarized and turned in.
Be sure to sign up before March 1. 2021! Additional details related to the season will be sent out to those who have completed sign-ups. All three must be done so all student athletes can be ready for COVID-19 testing on March 8!
To become familiar with the state guidelines, please read the RI State Guidelines for youths that play on 2 teams, which can be found at the bottom paragraph of page 1. CLICK HERE TO READ
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Virtual Theater Update!
NPS Theater has been offering a series of weekly virtual workshop-style classes with concentrations in the many aspects of the theater.
These virtual workshops are highly interactive, and are hosted by current NPS Theater Staff, as well as several professional guest artists. Class topics include singing, acting, dancing, improv, makeup design, costume design, and playwriting.
As seen in the picture above, students worked on their theater make up skills in a previous session!
Classes are held on Mondays from 4-5pm via Zoom, as well as a couple of additional Friday evening sessions, including a Virtual Movie Night.
Students have had a wonderful experience in these classes so far, learning from professional theater artists, and getting to explore their creativity virtually! Middle school students in these classes have been joined by our HS Assistant Directors, who are tasked with leading a warm-up game each week, and serving as a role model and mentor for students during the classes.
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Important High School Dates
February 15-19th: February Break
February 23: Junior Parent Night
March 15th: PD-Distance Learning Day
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Watch Mariner Sports Anywhere
Thanks to the NFHS Network, fans can now have the option to watch Mariners home and many away girls and boys basketball games virtually.
This service offers subscribers the chance to stream live and on demand high school games on any device.
To learn more or to purchase a monthly pass for $10.99/mo, click below.
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A Note from Nurse Field's Desk
Dear Parents and Guardians of NHS 11th Graders,
I hope that you all are doing well and staying healthy in this trying time.
This is an early message to inform you that ALL 11th Graders are mandated to have an updated Physical Exam and a second meningitis vaccination prior to entering the 12th Grade OR turning the age of 16.
Please don't hesitate to call the school nurse at 792-9400 or email at kfield@nssk12.org if you have any questions. Take care and be safe.
Enjoy and Relax over the Winter Break!
Kristen Field RN at NHS
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PrepareRI “Virtual” Internship
To our NHS Juniors: The PrepareRI “Virtual” Internship application is now LIVE!
The 2021 PrepareRI “Virtual” Internship program is a rigorous industry project based learning experience where current high school juniors will be placed in a paid 6-week summer virtual internship. Students will work with employer partners to solve problem statements that employers identity as a real industry need.
This year’s program will be held Virtually
The application closes 2/15/21 at 11:59pm
Up to 300 juniors to be accepted
Interns will be paid $11.50/hour and expected to work 32 hours per week for 6 weeks
Internship program will run from July 12-August 25, 2021
Virtual information sessions will be provided to eleventh graders between January 19-February 12 and are open to all eleventh graders from all schools. Mr. O'Brien will provide you with the link to the session when available.
Please contact Mr. O’Brien in the Guidance Department if interested and explore the application by clicking below.
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Junior Parent Night 2021
There will be a upcoming Junior Parent meeting to save the date for.
When: Tuesday February 23, 2021: 6:30-7:30pm
The purpose of this meeting is to have an overview of the college application process for you followed by a Q & A with the guidance counselors.
Please be on the lookout for some materials via email prior to the Zoom meeting.
Hope to see you there!
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Exciting NHS Music News!
Congratulations to the following NHS Students have been accepted to the Rhode Island All-State Band, Chorus, & Orchestra (instruments and voice parts listed with student names). These students were selected from hundreds of auditionees across the state as the brightest and best musicians state-wide. These students will be participating in a virtual All-State festival in February, and will be part of a full All-State virtual performance in the Spring. We are so proud of them!
Charles Baer- All-State Chorus; Tenor
Noah Boldt- All-State Chorus; Bass
Kevin Conrady- All-State Band; Euphonium
Isabel Corson- All-State Orchestra; French Horn
Casey Fay-Wolfe- All State Chorus; Bass
Niamh Fogarty- All-State Chorus; Alto
McKenzie Gardner- All-State Chorus; Soprano
Alexander Gould- All-State Chorus; Bass and All-State Band; Tuba
Ryan Grundy- All-State Band; Percussion
Taylor Lloyd- All-State Chorus; Soprano
Evan Marley- All-State Chorus; Bass and All-State Band; Tuba
Isabella McElroy- All-State Chorus; Alto
Kimberly Perry- All-State Chorus; Alto
Natalie Portillo- All-State Chorus; Alto
Nathanael Richard- All-State Chorus; Tenor
Sofia Sweet- All-State Chorus; Soprano
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Congratulations to Isabella McElroy, Natalie Portillo, and Nathanael Richard on their acceptance to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME)'s All-Eastern Choral Ensembles!
NAfME selects the finest high school musicians from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont for their acceptance into the All-Eastern Honor Ensembles.
Our three NHS students were selected from 1150 All-State applicants and ranked by their state presidents to earn acceptance. Students accepted to All-Eastern ensembles will be participating in a "Virtual Weekend” experience March 4-6, 2021 that will include keynote speakers, masterclasses with professional musicians, rehearsals with their conductors as well as opportunities to learn and network with colleges and universities of various types and participate in mock auditions.
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January Athletes of the Month
The athletics department has developed a way to share the many successes of their athletes. The Athlete of the Month campaign highlights a student who exemplifies sportsmanship, dedication, and standout participation in any sports offered at the school. Students receive a certificate as well as their head shot featured on the wall in athletics for the entire month.
Congratulations to our athletes of the month!
Leah Hart, Senior, Girls Basketball
Senior Leah Hart is the girls top scorer for the start of the season, netting 36 points in just 2 games. Leah is not only producing on the scoreboard, but on the stat sheet as well, providing 10 assists and 12 rebounds.
Matt Calabro, Junior, Boys Basketball
The Boys Basketball team has made the move up into a tough Division I this year. But this has not been slowing down Junior, Matt Calabro, who is leading his team in points with 56 in the first 3 games. His season high 23 point night versus Cranston East helped the team capture it's first Division I win this past Wednesday.
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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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