NSS October Newsletter
Good Afternoon,

We are resending this newsletter after learning a majority of our school community did not receive it from October 8th due to an update by our vendor. We hope you enjoy this edition and if you have already received, we hope you enjoy a second look!

Thank You,
The Narragansett School System
District Updates
October 2019
School Committee Updates

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 pleased to share this great information through a  School Committee Summary . To view our most recent summary, please click below.
REMINDER: Free and Reduced Applications

We are now accepting applications for Free and Reduced Lunch for the new school year.

The application remains the same as past years.

As a reminder to those in our district who benefit from this program, if your student was participating in the program last year, a new application will need to be submitted to renew their place in the program and verify eligibility. 

You can view, download and print the application online by clicking the button below. There are several ways you can submit your completed application. You can drop off or mail to the below address.

Narragansett School System
Attn: Alyssa Paglia
25 5th Avenue
3rd Floor
Narragansett, RI 02882

You can also email your completed application to Alyssa Paglia at Apaglia@nssk12.org .

If you have any questions about our Free and Reduced Lunch Program, please reach out to Alyssa Paglia at 401-792-9450 ext.5024 or Apaglia@nssk12.org .
Red Ribbon Week and Parent Survey

A Message from our friends at the Narragansett Prevention Partnership :

October is the month of Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31)– the oldest and largest drug prevention awareness campaign in the U.S. It's also the month of Homecoming celebrations for high school students. This is the perfect time to have another conversation with your kids to make sure they know that you expect them to be drug and alcohol-free.

The Narragansett Prevention Partnership is also sharing a short, optional and anonymous survey for parents to take centered around this subject. If you choose to complete the survey, you will be eligible to win a $250 Amazon gift card. ( This is also optional as it will ask you to enter your email address when prompted by the survey .)

Did you Know?
In 2018, 17% of RI high school students reported using alcohol in the previous 30 days. And of local high
school students who self-reported having ever tried alcohol, most reported first use at age 14 or
younger. Same goes for the majority of students who self-reported ever having tried marijuana. (Rhode Island Student Survey 2018)

Make your rules clear and keep your expectations high!
“Nobody rises to low expectations…” (Calvin Lloyd)
NSS 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.
Kimberly Mulvey, NES First Grade Teacher


How long have you been working within the Narragansett School System and what do you do? 
I began working as a substitute teacher in December of 1998 and was fortunate to have several long-term positions during that time, as well as getting to know the district in my day-to-day assignments. I was hired full time in 2000 as a sixth grade teacher, where I taught for 8 years before taking two years off following the birth of my twins. Upon my return, I was blessed to discover my love of teaching very young learners! I have been teaching First Grade ever since and couldn't be happier!

Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised in Narragansett and graduated from Narragansett High School in 1992. I love being a part of the very school system that educated me, instilled the love of learning and inspired me to become a teacher! 

What is your favorite part about working at your school? 
My favorite part of working here at NES is making real connections with the kids. While the acquisition and practice of academic and critical thinking skills are the goals, learning happens best when there is a strong connection between teacher and student. That’s where I find my ultimate joy. I want my students to love coming to school and for them to know that they are seen, heard and cared about. 

Do you have any hobbies outside of the school day that you like to enjoy? 
I am an avid thrifter!! During the summer, I yard sale every Saturday with my best friend and my daughter. I'm always on the hunt for books to add to my classroom library, games to add to our learning centers, and vibrant decor to add pops of joy to our classroom! When I'm not feathering my nest here at school, I am doing just that at home. I am a homebody and enjoying decorating my home with my thrifted finds, working in my beautiful yard, tending to my chickens and enjoying time with my husband and two children.

What is one thing that your students and staff may not know about you!   
 I met my husband Mike at the Pier School while I was subbing and he was working there as a Teacher Assistant. He eventually transitioned over to the business world, but I'm glad our paths crossed here first. We have been married for 17 years and have a son, Michael and a daughter, Madeleine. They will be 13 in November. I've always said this district has been so good to me! I have my dream job and met the love of my life! What's better than that? 
Narragansett Elementary School
Important NES Dates!

October 15 & 17- NES PTO TIDES Enrichment Program Begins
October 24- NES Pumpkin Carving Night | 5-7pm
October 26- NES Garden Illumination Night| 6-8p
Fall Beach Clean Up

On September 28th, the NES Green Team led a beach cleanup at Scarborough State Beach. This cleanup was part of the International Coastal Cleanup, the world's largest volunteer effort for our oceans. Every Fall, people all over the world remove trash from the shores and document that they found.

NES had 38 volunteers who cleaned up 117 lbs of trash!

This data will be published in an annual report on marine debris by the Ocean Conservancy.

Thank you to our students who have helped make a difference in our environment.
Grade 4 Welcomes new Kindergartners!

On Monday, September 9th, 4th grade students pledged to watch over our kindergarten newcomers in a Welcome to NES Ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, 4th graders reminisced their first day of kindergarten and identified feelings they had. With the recognition of their first day they, were asked to watch over kindergarten students and be there as role models for them.

Fourth grade students received bracelets as a passage and to signify them as official role models. They were also given mascot key chains to then give to kindergarten students. Thanks go to the Fourth Grade Teachers and PTO for supporting this event and new tradition at NES!
Start With Hello Week

During the week of September 23-27th NES students participated in the national Start with Hello Week. As part of the Sandy Hook Promise, students learned how important it is to empower young people to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school.

It started with students being welcomed back Monday morning and encouraging them to seek out a new person, starting their day with hello, and writing positive intentions to be posted on a school bulletin board.

This year, students were taught the Wish You Well song in music, acknowledging students who might be missing from school during an illness, struggling emotionally, or in general offering support. In physical education, students were taught how to problem solve a solution to a tie or conflict during a game.
NES's New SEL Coordinator

Please join us in congratulating Karen Festa as she takes on her new role as SEL Coordinator!

She will be facilitating the Social Emotional Learning with Conscious Discipline and will be spending time in classrooms guiding both teachers and students.

Her focus will be positive approaches to recognizing why we react the way we do, how to support ourselves through trying times through recognizing our brain states, breathing strategies, and overall how to feel good about ourselves.

We look forward to working with Karen in this new way throughout the year!
Box Tops For Our School!

The Box Tops for Education program is changing the way we can earn cash for our school! Over the summer, participating brands have begun to change their packaging from the traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Tops label.

Going forward, instead of clipping from packages and checking expiration dates, all Box Tops will be
earned digitally by scanning your receipt. The Box Tops for Education team has worked hard to build
a NEW-and-improved, user-friendly Box Tops mobile app, available now in both the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

The new app features state-of-the-art technology that allows you to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to our school's earnings online.

If you still have traditional Box Tops clips at home, make sure to send them to school. We will still earn cash for all clipped Box Tops until they expire. Better yet, you can “double dip” during the packaging transition by clipping traditional Box Tops AND scanning your store receipt containing participating products.

Thanks for helping support Narragansett Elementary School!
Narragansett Pier Middle School
Important Pier School Dates!

October 23 - NPS Unity Day
Pier School Community Flu Clinic

T here is an upcoming community-wide flu clinic! Please see below for more information and click the buttons below to be directed to the full flyer and ways to sign up in advance.

Where : Narragansett Pier Middle School, 235 South Pier Rd.
When : Thursday, November 7 from 4-6:30 p.m.

We invite all students, staff, and family members (ages 3+) from all schools to attend.
NPS Winter Sports Update

Winter Sports season is approaching for 6-7-8 graders!
  • Basketball, Cheerleading, and Wresting signups on FamilyID.com will be open on Friday October 18.
  • Girls and Boys Basketball and Cheer Leading tryouts and Co-Ed Wrestling practice (no tryouts for wrestling) will start November 18 at NPS.

You must be signed up to receive an email with all the latest information on your sport teams’ tryouts
and practice schedules. All Student athletes must also:
  • be signed up on FamilyID.com
  • fill out a RIPCOA Risk Form
  • have a current SCHOOL PHYSICAL on file with the school nurse

Risk Forms can be found on school website HERE , and must be notarized and turned into office before tryouts or practice. Current school physical can be attached in FamilyID.com, please use PDF and not photos.

Please contact NPS AD Michael Millen with any and all questions at MichaelMillen@hotmail.com .
Introduction to Folk Style Wrestling

The Parks and Rec Department are offering a new wrestling program called practical instruction in the rules, scoring and techniques of folk style wrestling. Everyone has a timed and scored wrestling match at the last class.

This is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 15 and those who attend, please wear a t-shirt, sweats and sneakers (no jewelry, hooks or zippers).

Instructors: Coaches from South County Youth Wrestling Club combine for more than 50 years’ experience coaching wrestling.

When: Sat. 11/3 – 11/30 12:30 to 2:00pm

Learn more and register online by visiting their website by clicking below or call 789-9301. You can also contact NPS AD Michael Millen with any and all questions MichaelMillen@hotmail.com .
Narragansett High School 
Important OCTOBER High School Dates!

October 16 - PSAT Day for grades 9,10,11.
October 18 - Flu Clinic - 7:30- 11am - Auditorium
October 18 - Homecoming game vs. Smithfield - 7pm
October 20 - Power Puff Game
October 21-25 - SPIRIT WEEK
October 22 - Ext.Hours for Sr.Parents - 2-7:30 pm
October 24 - NHS Halloween Concert -7:00 pm - GYM
October 26 - Homecoming Dance
 October 29 - Ext. Hours for Sr.Parents - 2-7:30 pm
High School Community Flu Clinic

There is an upcoming community-wide flu clinic! Please see below for more information and click the buttons below to be directed to the full flyer and ways to sign up in advance.

Where : Narragansett High School, 245 South Pier Rd.
When : Friday, October 18 from 8:30-10:30am

We invite all students, staff, and family members (ages 3+) from all schools to attend.
School Spirit Week 2019 Reminder

We're excited to re-share the schedule for this year's Homecoming and Spirit Week! Full details will be in your NHS newsletter from the front office.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 - Homecoming Football Game vs Smithfield
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 - Power Puff Flag Football Game
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 - Red & White Day
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22 - Decades Day- Freshman Foyer Display
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 - Sports Day- Sophomore Foyer Display
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 - Free Choice Day- Junior Foyer Display
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - Class Color Day- Senior Foyer Display
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 - Homecoming Dance- NHS Cafeteria at 6:30pm
Exciting NHS Chorus News!

Congratulations to NHS Sophomores Selina Amargo, Natalie Portillo, and Isabella McElroy, who have been accepted to the prestigious American Choral Director's Association 2019-2020 All-Eastern Honor Choirs!

These students sent in audition tapes and competed against thousands of high-schoolers and college students from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

These ensembles are  extremely  difficult to get into, and to do so as sophomores (the youngest qualifying age) is an incredible achievement. They will be traveling to Rochester NY in March to perform in the All-Eastern Honor Choirs under world-renowned conductors.

Congratulations to our students!
October College Visits

We invite you to save the date for these upcoming college visits that take place in the NHS guidance office. The are scheduled from 8:45-9:30am on the following days :
10/16 University of New Haven
10/17 Johnson & Wales University
10/18 Salve Regina
10/22 Stonehill College
10/23 University of Maine Farmington
10/24 Community College of Rhode Island
10/29 University of Rochester
10/31 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Students can decide to attend day of or sign up in advance in person or via email with Joan Pratley in the Guidance Office.
NHS Music News and Updates

It has been an eventful start to the school year for the Narragansett High School Band!

Over the course of this past month, we have traveled to the Big E for featured performances on RI Day, cheered the NHS Football team to two home victories, honored local First Responders by marching in the South Kingstown Fire Fighter’s Parade, and served as Leaders of the Torch Procession for Rhode Island’s Salute to RI Educators Water Fire with our Drum Line. Every student represented the very best of Narragansett Schools and these performances were true celebrations of music in our district. On behalf of the NHS Band, we would like to send a massive Mariner thank you to all of our families for their tremendous support over the first month of school.

Save the Dates!
The NHS Music Department is busy preparing for our Halloween Concert, which will be a shared venture featuring the NHS Band and Choir, as well as the choirs from NES, and NPS, and the American Band of Providence. Our collage style concert will feature separate performances from the NES, NPS, and NHS Choirs, the NHS Band, and the American Band. The evening will be highlighted by our Grand Finale, which will combine of ALL of the choirs, and BOTH bands. There will be nearly  three hundred performers  taking the stage to sing and play together! To add to the fun, all performers and AUDIENCE MEMBERS are requested to wear their favorite Halloween costumes! 

When/Where: Thursday, October 24th at 7:00pm | NHS Gym (Don't forget your costume!)
Tickets : Entry is free, but we are requesting a $5.00 donation, if possible. 

The American Band is the premier community concert band in the state of Rhode Island. Over the last few months, they were featured at the India Point Park Fourth of July Celebration in Providence, and at the Chorus of Westerly Summer Pops. In addition to these high profile performances, a major part of American Band’s mission is outreach into local schools - we feel very fortunate to partner with them in October! 

Finally, please check out highlights from these performances on our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram .

All the best-
Daniel Healey, Director of Bands
NHS Athlete of the Month- SEPTEMBER

The athletics department has developed a way to share the many successes of their athletes. The new 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 the September athletes of the month!

Adam Lurgio
Junior- Boys Varsity Soccer, starting goalie
Adam is currently ranked by The Providence Journal as the #1 goalie in Boys Soccer for the State of RI with 92 saves!

Danielle Hart
Junior- Girls Varsity Tennis, #2 Singles
Danielle's individual record is currently 7-1.
 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!