Narragansett School System Community Newsletter
April 3, 2018
School Security Community Conversation

The Narragansett School System invites you to a School Security Community Conversation:

When : Wednesday, April 11| 6:00-7:00pm
Where Narragansett Town Hall

Join residents, parents, staff and members of our community to learn more about current initiatives as well as what future steps we’re taking to maintain the safety of each individual in our schools. Comments, questions and suggestions during this group conversation are welcome.
 
In attendance will be members of the Narragansett Town Council and School Committee, the Narragansett Police Chief, Narragansett Fire Chief, Town Manager, District Superintendent, School Administrators, Director of Operations, and the School Resource Officer.
Meeting Summaries

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 sharing this great information through a  School Committee Summary . To view our most recent summary, please click below.
Budget Presentation


On March 22, the School Committee held a condensed meeting (due to weather the night before) to vote on the new budget. Below you will find the presentation that was presented to the town and the school committee.
A Letter to our School Community

On Wednesday, March 14, the NHS student body came together with nationwide schools to remember the 17 lives that were lost during the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Leaders from the student and class council created this gathering as a way to take a stand and make an impact with the entire school.

Students who wished to participate were allowed by their teachers to 'walk out' of their classrooms and make their way to the auditorium, where there was a moment of silence, a remembrance for the fallen, and brief addresses from student leaders and our Narragansett Police Department, all focusing on the importance of communication, safety, and community.

Student Council President, Reilly Clancey, addressed her peers with a heartfelt and powerful speech that represented the need for action and support from the community and each other.

We are proud to share her speech with you and hope it serves as a reminder of the unity our school district experiences each day.
NHS Represent District at State of Education

Narragansett High School students and staff attended the 2018 State of Education event on March 19th at Potter Burns Elementary School in Pawtucket . R.I. Education Commissioner Ken Wagner joined more than 200 educators, students and elected officials to embrace student passion as they seek to improve educational outcomes throughout the state.

During the event, students and staff had the opportunity to showcase highlights from their districts while attendees visited each school table to learn more.

There was also a Q+A portion where students and their families could ask leaders questions about their school, the state's learning initiatives, or any subject that they wanted to bring light to. One of our own students had dialogue about RIDE requiring service trips or community projects due to his experience volunteering abroad where it was shared that one size doesn’t fit all, and we need to strike a balance that allows students to access rigorous, engaging opportunities, while still leaving flexibility for schools and districts. Thanks to our students and staff who shared the impact of our district with the entire state!
Sponsor and Support Beach Blanket Bidding

Beach Blanket Bidding is less than two months away! This highly anticipated event, which will benefit all three schools, will be held on  Friday, June 1st at the picturesque Dunes Club . As our dedicated PTO leaders continue to drive fundraising efforts, they would like to spread the message and request for our community to reach out to friends, family and business owners who would be willing to help with the donation of items for the auctions. Those interested in corporate and personal sponsorships are also welcome!

We are also very excited to announce the three " Golden Egg " winners from each of our schools. These lucky staff members will have a seat at our new and exciting King Midas table. Please congratulate:

NHS- Darlene Tyburski TA 
NPS- Hannah Hackett 6th Grade Math/Writing Teacher   
NES - Carol Prest 4th Grade Teacher

Our school community looks forward to making this event the most successful yet. See you there!   
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.
Lori Dubuc- School Psychologist, NES

How long have you been with the Narragansett School System and how do you support NES?
I have been with the Narragansett School System for 34 years as a School Psychologist. This role allows me to focus on character education, social emotional learning, social skills groups, and bully prevention. I am a member in groups such as the special education evaluation team, the NES School Improvement Team, 504 team, RTI Behavior team and Health and Wellness committee as well as a PBIS district coordinator.

Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Johnston, Rhode Island and love how welcoming the The Narragansett Community has always been. When I was first hired, the district special education office was entirely housed in what is now the conference room at NES!

What is your favorite part about teaching at your school?
I have lots of favorite things when it comes to the elementary school. The staff I work with are knowledgeable, caring and dedicated. Everyone is always willing to lend a hand and I especially enjoy helping students to acquire a positive self image and learn ways to manage strong feelings. There's nothing better than seeing a smile on a child's face when they feel connected to a caring adult.

Do you have any hobbies outside of the school day that you like to enjoy?
I enjoy biking, kayaking, gardening, walking and spending time with my grandsons. I also have an affinity for connecting with people and being a great listener when needed.
Narragansett Elementary School
Brien Jennings Releases Book Series

Our schools are full of talent, teachers and students alike! Below is a recent article featuring our NES Library Media Specialist, Brien Jennings, who has released a series of Children's Books focused on bringing media literacy to early readers.
Thank you, Brien, for sharing your passion with our students and staff here in Narragansett.
Help Raise Garden Club Funds!

Help support our ongoing garden project by attending an upcoming Pawsox Game during our Narragansett Elementary School Game night! This event will offer an exclusive ticket price of $10.

When: Saturday, May 5th
Where: McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket, RI
Time: 4:45pm- Gates Open | 6:15pm- First Pitch

Narragansett Elementary School will receive $5 from every $10 ticket sold through the fundraising link below and will help enrich our garden project! Each ticket will be loaded with $2 in ballpark credit that can be used at the concession and merchandise stands. Guests will also enjoy a wonderful fireworks display
USER ID: NarragansettES
Password: gopawsox
Pennies for Patients

From March 5th-23rd, the Narragansett Elementary School was proud to once again take part in the  Pennies for Patients Fundraiser  in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The final numbers are in and we collected $2568.55 for LLS, which surpassed last year's fundraising!

One of the most exciting parts is getting the change to decorate 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.
Pizza Pig Out Fun

On March 16th, 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, a cake walk, and most importantly, Pizza! It also coincided with 'Green Day' in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

We hope everyone had a great time with our school community!
Narragansett Pier Middle School
Please Note These Important NPS Dates

June 8th: NPS Talent Show
June 22nd: 8th Grade Promotion
National History Day Contest Results!

Each year, our Pier School students take part in a National History Day Contest through presentations they've created as a capstone project for 8th grade social studies . We're excited to share that twenty four students will be representing our school at the National History Day RI State Contest on Saturday, April 28th at Rhode Island College.

This is the 8th year that the Pier School has been participating in the National History Day Contest. This year, 8th graders researched a topic of their choice under the theme: "Conflict and Compromise in History." Students could also choose how they would like to best display their findings through either a documentary, website, exhibit, paper or performance. The in-depth research project culminated with a school-level contest on Thursday, February 15th. Many professionals, colleagues, and community members attended to act as judges including our school committee members, Rebekah Durkin, Frank White, John Skenyon and Diane Nobles and town council member, Matt Mannix. Other judges included NPS teaches, their administrative team and the NHS Social Studies department.

Students who achieved a 90% or more were awarded with an honorable mention on March 2nd at the awards ceremony. The top two projects in each category will be representing the Pier School at the NHD RI state Contest this month and will complete against other public, private, and home-school students for a chance to represent our whole state at the national contest held in College Park, Maryland in June.

Click below to view the full winner list and more pictures from the event. Congratulations to our winners!
Mariner Mayhem Talent Show

The NPS "Mariner Mayhem" Carnival is seeking performers for the Talent Show portion of the event, which is taking place Friday, June 8th! After school auditions will be held on the following dates:

Grade 5 - May 14
Grade 6 - May 15
Grade 7 - May 16
Grade 8 - May 17
Makeups - May 18

We're also looking for parent volunteers! If interested, please email Vanessa Miller by clicking below.
Spring Sports Are Here!

On April 11th at 3:30pm, we invite you to cheer on our Unified Basketball team take on Cole middle school! This will be there last game of the season.

All NPS parents and Sports Boosters are encouraged to support our teams as they move into the Spring season while getting out and enjoying the outdoors after being cooped up inside all winter.  

How to Stay Connected:
  • Sports schedules can always be viewed at RIPCOA (R.I. Principals' Committee on Athletics & Scholastic)
  • Stay updated on the latest sports information by following @NPSSports1 on Twitter.
Student Develops Mobile Game App

One of our 7th Grade students, Ilai Poliner, developed his own interpretation of the snake game using javaScript as part of the Computer Science course at the Pier School.

You can check out and play his game by clicking on the button below!
Narragansett High School 
Please Note These Important NHS Dates

April 10 : PSAT10 & SAT Day at NHS
May 7-17: AP Exams at NHS
May 18: Junior Prom
June 1: Senior Project Presentations
June 8: NHS Top 10 Reception
June 10-14: Senior Week
June 10: Athletic Awards Night
June 11: Senior Prom
June 13: Senior Banquet
June 14: Graduation
Scholarship Winner!

The Wickford Art Association (WAA) has chosen a NHS student as one of the recipients of this year's annual Scholarship Program.

Each Rhode Island public high school chooses one college-bound senior art student for consideration. The competition uses National Scholastic Standards overseen by the  Rhode Island Art Educators Association

NHS student Shannon Michele McNeiece has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship. She was nominated by NHS Art Teacher, Lauren Gabrilowitz.

Winners also receive a one year membership to WAA and space at the 56th Wickford Art Festival to exhibit and sell their artwork. Congratulations Shannon!
2nd Annual College Fair

Students of all grades and their families are invited to our 2nd Annual College Fair. More than 35 colleges will be in attendance showcasing their programs and offerings.

When : Thursday, April 5th 2018 | 6:30-8:30pm
Where:  NHS Gymnasium

For questions, please connect with Joan Pratley at Jpratley@nssk12.org
Students Enter C-Span Competition

Have you seen the recent article in The Independent featuring our talented students? This piece features NHS students Morgan D'Ambra, Anna Lubic, and Lexie Regan as they have received an Honorable Mention in this year's C-SPAN Studentcam Documentary Competition.
Attention Sophomores!

We want to remind our Sophomores that the Career Fair is on April 11th from 8:30-10:30am in the NHS Cafeteria.

This event that takes place during the school day 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. To view a full list of the careers that will be highlighted, please click below.
Town Banner Contest in Full Swing for NHS Students

The Town of Narragansett and Narragansett High School are hosting a contest asking students in grades 9-12 to help design the newest banners for our town. Two designs will be chosen to adorn the streets of Narragansett in Spring of 2019. We hope our high school students will take this opportunity to showcase their creativity and their love for our beautiful and historic town.

Deadline to Submit Designs: Friday, June 1st

The Narragansett Banner Program began in 2010 as a way to welcome visitors into our town and to help advertise for local businesses. This year, we want to continue honoring our town’s beauty by creating brand new banner designs with the help of our High School students, who are true representatives of our rich history and future.
NHS Chorus Impresses at Festival

Congratulations to our NHS Chorus for their success at the 2018  Rhode Island Music Education Association  Choral Festival, which was held at Ponaganset High school! The Concert Chorus and The Advanced Treble Chorus both received Superior ratings and were also adjudicated by collegiate-level Choral conductors from RI and MA. For additional videos and images of the events, be sure to follow our NHS Chorus Instagram, @nhsmarinerchorus.
Senior Project Corner
As our seniors gear up for the end of the year, they are working hard on their senior projects, which are shaping up to be very impactful! Below are some highlights and ways to help support their efforts.
Madison Stephens- Collection Drive

What: Madison Stephens's senior project is focused around organizing and hosting a donation fundraiser for victims in Saint Martin that were affected by the hurricanes of 2017. All are invited to come and support this collection drive that will benefit the many in need.

When: Sunday, April 8th | 11am-2pm
Where: Mettatuxet Yacht Club, 36 South River Drive, Narragansett

What is being collected: new hygiene items in cluding; deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, feminine products, etc.
Lily Trodson - Unified Theater Production

Lily Trodson's senior project was to direct a short reader's theater style performance of  "Oh the Places you’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. She has worked diligently throughout the school year to develop a good relationship with a variety of students and created an an opportunity for students to participate in a Unified Theater group. 

Lily’s Unified Theater production consisted of students of all abilities; some as actors others as prop/set creators. The final product was a performance which took place on Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2nd) for a Kindergarten class at NES as well as some parents and faculty. She will also be presenting her project at the Dare to Dream conference in May.
Ella Mushen- A Public Debate on Current Events

What: For her senior project, Ella will be hosting a public debate regarding prominent topics in the media.

When: Tuesday, April 10th | 6:00pm
Where: Narragansett High School Auditorium
 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
Stay Connected!