Dear Classical Alumni, Faculty, Parents, and Friends,

As we enter another school year, we can’t help but reflect on the challenges and the successes experienced by our students and faculty during the 2020/2021 academic year. The good news is that, even with the extreme pressures of the pandemic, Classical continues to thrive. We are eager to share with you some of the highlights from this past year.
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

  • According to US News and World Report, Classical is the #1 high school in the state and is #144 out of 6,000 high schools nationwide. Classical was awarded a gold medal for its #1 status in the state.
  • The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) named Athletic Director Robert Palazzo the 2020 Track and Field Coach of the Year.
  • Samuel Baddoo ‘21 became the first Classical football player to earn the Gatorade Player of the Year award. Baddoo was recognized for his athletic and academic achievement and his exemplary character. He is currently enrolled at Brown University.
  • On June 6, 2020, 265 seniors joyously received their diplomas at Conley Stadium at Mount Pleasant High School. There were over 1,000 family members, friends, and alumni present cheering them on.
  • The long-awaited major $25 million renovations at Classical were scheduled to begin in July and will continue through the fall of 2022.
  • After over thirty years at Classical, our beloved Louis Toro, Head of Guidance, retired this past June.
ABOUT YOUR DONATIONS

  • We were able to allocate over $65,000.00 towards teacher grants and school support.
  • We awarded 21 grants for faculty-initiated projects, which included the purchase of yearbooks for all graduating seniors, programs to address the social-emotional needs of the students, planners for the freshman class, gifts cards for food insecurities, graphing calculators, online learning modules for STEM, and a virtual production of Othello in conjunction with Trinity Repertory Co.
  • We created an emergency COVID-19 relief fund for Principal Scott Barr.
  • We were able to support the athletic department with uniforms for the girls’ basketball team, boys’ baseball team and jerseys for the soccer team.
  • We collaborated with school administrators and the parents’ association (CHSCA) to support several faculty appreciation initiatives and events.
Our Association is continually exploring ways to enhance the educational experience for our students. We are presently in communication with parents and faculty through the parents' association. In August, a few of our board members and our Executive Director met with Principal Barr to develop a strategic plan for future school support. Of course, the experience for students during this pandemic has been like no other. Going forward, we hope that our efforts will boost the morale and raise the hope and aspirations of our students as much as possible.

Your financial contributions play a significant role in the work that we do. We are elated to share with you that the funds raised through this year’s annual fund campaign will be matched 100% up to $250,000.00 by our generous donors Jonathan ‘84 and Jeannie Lavine. We are also proud to let you know that our endowment has grown to over $700,000.00, which will enable future faculty and students to continue to compete in this ever-changing world.

We are so grateful to the 103 donors who have helped us to raise $41,815.03 so far this year. We could definitely use your help to take full advantage of the match. Without you, we would not be able to continue our mission to “Keep Classical Strong.” Please consider donating today by sending a check to 11 S. Angell Steet, #302, Providence, RI 02906, or by clicking DONATE TODAY. Thank you for your generosity and support. 

GO PURPLE!

Jevonya Jenkins Allen '97
Executive Director

Susan Leach DeBlasio '66
President

Elaine Berlinsky Fain '66
Development Chair

Timothy Vanech '91
Annual Fund Chair