FFA Plant Sale is Next Month!

Our NHS FFA Team will soon host their annual plant sale.

Dates: May 11th & 18th, 2024

When: 9:00am-2:00pm

Where: 245 S. Pier Road, Narragansett, RI

Stop by during this two-day event to beautify your home for spring with plants, flowers and arrangements grown by students!

All proceeds will benefit the FFA program.

Tech and Curriculum News

On January 9, 2024, The State of Rhode Island released a Draft of their Digital Equity Plan for public comment. You can read more about it HERE.

Although efforts towards digital equity in Narragansett have always been at the core of the Technology Team's goals, The Narragansett School System is proud to announce that a Digital Equity Working Group (DEWG) with members including district administrators, Instructional Coaches and Teachers from all three schools, commenced in June of 2022.

This committee, a subset to the District Technology and District Equity/Diversity Committees, continues to meet six times per year to ensure that all students have access to and ownership of the tools that best support them as learners. They also help students develop the skills and competencies they require in order to best take advantage of these digital resources while communicating the value of not simply using these tools – but using them to engage with learning experiences that are targeted, authentic, relevant, socially connected, and growth-oriented.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Miller at vmiller@nssk12.org.

School Committee Meetings

Our next scheduled regular business meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 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.

News from NPW

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Prevention Week – A Celebration of Possibilities is just around the corner (May 12-18).

National Prevention Week raises awareness about the importance of positive mental health and substance misuse prevention. That makes now a perfect time to highlight some of the prevention work that has been going on in Narragansett and across South County.

Click below to learn more.

Help Boost Kids' Safety, Privacy, and Security

When kids go online, whether they're playing multiplayer games, using social media apps, or posting their latest creative expressions, it's important that they understand how to keep their private information safe. With tips on how to avoid scams and protect their personal data, tweens and teens can travel all over the digital world -- and still be in charge of their digital footprints.

CLICK HERE to check out These 4 Tips for Online Safety

Sign Up Now for Code Night!

Virtual Code Night is coming to Narragansett!

URI Computer Science Education Students will be hosting FREE one-hour long virtual coding sessions for students in grades 3 - 8pm.

When: May 2, 2024

First session will run from 6:30-7:30pm

Second session will run from 7:30-8:30pm

Click below to register or if you'd like more information, please reach out to Vanessa Miller vmiller@nssk12.org

VIEW EVENT FLYER!

Health and Wellness Committee Updates

School vacation is coming up! While your children could probably use a break, they do not get their usual school breakfast and lunch while on break. This can stress the family's budget.

Did you know that you can get free food for your children to help provide breakfast and lunch during school vacation from the Jonnycake Center for Hope SMILE program?

Parents/guardians just have to sign up to become members of Jonnycake Center for Hope. You can do so by stopping in to their offices at 22 Kersey Rd. South Kingstown (down the street from Peace Dale Elementary school), on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Bring a form of ID, proof of residency (lease, bill mailed to address, etc), and proof of dependents (ie: birth certificate, insurance policy, etc). Just fill out a 1 page form and have a short meeting with one of the friendly Jonnycake staff members and you're all set! 

Once a member, there is no sign-up required for SMILE. Each child receives 1 snack bag, 1 carton of shelf-stable milk, and provisions for a week’s worth (5 days) of breakfast and lunch to replace what they would receive at school. 

To pick-up, you simply come in when the market is open (Mon 10-3, Wed 12-6, Fri 10-3) and check in with Kharissa. The spring SMILE program will be running 4/15-4/19. SMILE runs during each school vacation including each week of summer vacation. Let Jonnycake add a SMILE.to your vacation.

Summer Writing Camps

The Rhode Island Writing Project (RIWP) is offering its annual Summer Writing Camp where students of all ages (K-12) who enjoy writing gather to create, craft, refine, and share their work with peers in a lively, interactive, atmosphere.

Staffed by experienced local educators, our camp facilitates instruction that helps attendees develop their skills and imagination as part of a fun and supportive writing community. 

This summer’s camp will welcome its participants to the campus of Rhode Island College for two weeks, July 8 - 19 (Monday - Friday), from 9:00 - 12:00. The cost is $225; some scholarship help is available.

Below is a link to our camp registration page, as well as links to a camp flyer and for more information, contact camp coordinator Jeff Lawton at riwpwritingcamp534@gmail.com.

RISAS April Resources

On behalf of RISAS, we are sharing their most recent newsletter with information you may find useful.

The Rhode Island Student Assistance Services (RISAS) provides evidence-based programs in schools and communities to prevent substance use and promote mental health.

April 15-19: SPRING RECESS

April 24: School Committee Meeting | 7pm

April 29: Grade 4 Transition to 5th Grade Meeting at 6:30 pm - NHS

May 2: Pizza Picnic | 5:30pm

May 24: Save the Date for Beach Blanket Bidding Fundraiser

Eclipse Learning and Fun!

Our students had a great time during the highly anticipated 2024 Partial Eclipse on April 8th.

Since our Elementary Students were still in school during the event, the district provided them with approved viewing glasses to help them enjoy the event safely.

Thanks to all our teachers who helped our students get even more excited about the eclipse once learning more about it and how rare witnessing it really is.

NES Makerspace Activities

Our dedicated NES teachers have created some fun Makerspace Activities for students to enjoy!

Emma Catanzaro's Spanish classes and Molly Hammell's music classes had a great time engaging in these project-based experiences. Ms. Catanzaro's project is "places in the community" and Ms. Hammell's is "instrument making".

Thank you to our educators for finding such unique ways to learn and play.

NES Basketball Game

Last month, student athletes from the Narragansett High School basketball teams participated in a March Madness Basketball game against NES staff and our district SROs.

NES students were filled with energy and cheered on the game for both teams.

Thanks to Maya DeAngelis, our NHS School Committee Liaison, for taking such great photos of the game.

April 15-19: SPRING RECESS

April 24: School Committee Meeting | 7pm

April 29: NPS Rising 5th Grade Parent Night | 5:30pm

May 24: Save the Date for Beach Blanket Bidding Fundraiser

Student Artwork on Display in Gallery

8th Grade student, Xander Smith-Neves, created a beautiful pencil drawing of a cat in his art class and when his family entered the piece into "Paint, Draw, Print," a juried show at the South County Art Association, his piece was chosen!

The juror of the Paint, Print & Drawing Annual Exhibition selected 86 artworks to grace the gallery walls.

Xander's artwork was on display from February 15th -March 9th.

Great job, Xander!

Grupo Ondas Visits NPS

On Friday, March 22nd, NPS hosted Grupo Ondas for a captivating capoeira workshop for 8th graders.

Instructors from Grupo Ondas Capoeira presented a program on this art form that involves movement, music and elements of

practical philosophy.

Last year, the students were able to learn about this art form through a participatory workshop. This year, instructors will be introducing them

to Maculelê, which is a stick-dance from Bahia.

Grupo Ondas was excited to return to the Narragansett Pier Middle School to share this history and cultural practice with students.

April 15-19: SPRING RECESS

April 24: School Committee Meeting | 7pm

May 3: Junior Prom

May 7: NHS PTO Meeting | 7pm

May 24: Save the Date for Beach Blanket Bidding Fundraiser

Narragansett CTE Students Excel at SkillsUSA State Championships and continue on to Nationals 

Congratulations to our Mechanical Trades and Information and Computer Technology CTE students who took part in this year's SkillsUSA State Champions!

Senior Ray McConnell, Narragansett Native secured second place, and Senior Darien Price from Bradford, R.I. claimed third place in the fiercely competitive Skills Plumbing competition, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication to their craft. To earn this achievement, competitors rough-in hot and cold-water lines and drainage systems. Water pipes are pressure tested on completed projects with professional plumbers and pipefitters serving as judges to ensure accuracy, workmanship, proper selection and use of tools and supplies and proper safety procedures.

Meanwhile, in the arena of Mobile Robotics, Anthony Insana (Grade 11) and Juan Rivera (Grade 12) clinched the Gold Medal, closely followed by Zackary Steagall (Grade 11) and Avery Sheely (Grade 9), who earned Silver.

Notably, Anthony Insana and Juan Rivera will represent Narragansett at the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia this June!

We are so incredibly proud of their hard work and true passion in this field while representing our Narragansett CTE Programs!

Narragansett High School Students Impress at the R.I. Home Show.

The 2024 Rhode Island Home Show, which took place the weekend of April 5, 2024 allowed FFA students to be involved in various activities to not only showcase their work within the program, but also prove how they're utilizing our beautiful resources right here in Rhode Island.

Students took part in the yearly floral design competition and led a display that promoted their maple syrup production with finished product available for sale. In the main landscaping area, the NHS students played a crucial role as they were responsible for helping force many of the plants on display in our own NHS greenhouse. In the days leading up to the event, students helped to plan the placement of each plant and assisted in the mulching and sod installation.

Students demonstrated the utmost professionalism, took charge of their projects, and collectively helped make this yearly event even more impressive. This collaboration continues to help shed light on the leadership found in our CTE programs and how our talented students accomplished many difficult and advanced tasks with detail and most of all, enthusiasm!

News from the Guidance Office

Here are some notables from our guidance councilors as we near Spring Break!

• Master scheduling for the 24-25 academic year is winding down. Counselors will be meeting with students to confirm course selections and adjust schedules.
• Our Junior Parent Night was a successful collaboration regarding upcoming responsibilities. If you have any questions or want a personalized meeting with your counselor, please let us know. We are happy to accommodate you.
• Mariner 201 classes are almost finished instructing sophomores on teen mental health first aid. 
• Save the Date: May 2, College Fair, Boston. Open to juniors. Please contact your counselor asap!

Personal Finance Class Helps Community

Our NHS Personal Finance Class is extending their generosity to directly benefit our neighbors. Below are the drives you can take part in until April 24th. Donation bins are in each of the school main offices.

👗 Clothing Drive: Clean out those closets and donate gently used clothing items to our drive! Your pre-loved garments can provide much-needed comfort and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness. Let's wrap them in warmth and love.

👶 Baby Items Drive: For the littlest members of our community, your donations of baby essentials are invaluable. From gently used strollers to playpens, every item ensures that babies in homeless shelters receive the care and support they deserve during their earliest stages of life.

NHS Club News

The RI Nano-Bio Engineering Academy, made up of 25 Juniors and Seniors from NHS and 8 from North Kingstown High School, will be presenting their research posters at a mini-conference in our library on April 30th at 2:45pm!

All are encouraged to come and see the results of the students' experiments. 

Coffee and desserts will be served.

Senior Project Judges Needed!

We're still looking for judges for Senior Project presentations. It's the best way to become familiar with the Senior Project and experience it firsthand. There are no qualifications or prior experience required - just enthusiasm and commitment to being a part of this exciting event in the lives of our seniors as these presentations truly depend on and are enriched by community involvement.

Presentation Day: Friday, May 17, 2024 | 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

New Judge's Training: All new judges are required to participate in a training session, which will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 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” is welcome to attend the session.

How to Sign Up: Please contact John O’Brien by clicking below for his email or call his office at 401-792-9400 x 4025. If using email, type “Senior Project Judge” in the subject line.

Students Recognized for Documentry Work 

Congratulations to Karuna Lohmann & Abigail Zelenak! They were recognized with an Honorable Mention for their C-SPAN Studentcam Documentary entitled A Red Line’s Trace: Redlining in the United States.

In addition, congratulations to Hannah Abrams, Payton Abrams, & Ava Bockoven! They were also recognized with an Honorable Mention for their C-SPAN Studentcam Documentary entitled Driving Into a Cleaner Future.

C-SPAN received documentaries from almost 3,200 students representing 42 states and Washington, D.C., Mariana Islands, Canada, and India.

Students were asked to create a 5-6 minute long video addressing the theme: "Looking Forward while Considering the Past."  

ON SALE NOW:

The 2023-2024 Yearbook

To order a yearbook for your student(s), please click on the link below.

Yearbook Order Form Link

The deadline for accepting orders is Thursday, April 25.

You will need to submit a separate form for each book. Please send your payment to the main office with cash or a check payable to "NSS" in an envelope with both your child's name and "Mrs. Maynard - Yearbook" on the front.

Book: $45

Book w/personalization: $50

Book w/Sr. Ad: $50

Book w/personalization and Sr. Ad: $55

Please email Mrs. Maynard, jmaynard@nssk12.org, with questions.

Music News!

On the weekend of March 23rd, the Rhode Island All-State Music Festival brought together the best band, orchestra, and chorus students from across the state at The VETS in Providence. Our NPS and NHS students were right there, shining bright in every ensemble!

Hats off to all our students for representing Narragansett with such grace and talent. Special kudos to our amazing NES music teacher, Molly Hammell, for her fantastic work as an ensemble manager and especially Director of Bands Dan Healey, who had the honor of conducting the Jr. All-State Band.

Mr. Healey's leadership and dedication made this weekend truly unforgettable. Way to go, Narragansett music family!

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 t-shirt as well as their picture featured on the wall in athletics for the entire month.

Congratulations to our athletes below!

Madison Tally | Senior | Girls Swimming

Senior Madison Tally supported the underclassman leading up to the championship meets often working on strokes and turns with them. She had her season best times when it mattered most at both division and states earning points in all her event! Madison and her team finished the season as the undefeated DII Regular Season Champions, the DII State Champion and 4th overall in the RIIL State Meet.

Cole Francis | Junior | Boys Indoor Track & Field

Junior Cole Francis continued his pursuit of leading the NHS record charts during the month of March. After competing in the State Meet for the RIIL, Cole qualified for the New England Championship. He completed the mile in 4:18, which was 4th overall and a new school record! When that was finished, he continued on as he qualified for the New Balance Nationals. He finished 15th overall for the junior class in the US with a time of 4:23. Cole wasn't done there, he earned himself a new school record for the 2 mile and finished 21st amongst the junior class in the US with a time of 9:23!