Sargent Spotlight – November 2025

Sargent Spotlight

November 2025 Newsletter

Welcome!

Our newsletter, Sargent Spotlight, is your source for all things Sargent Center! Our goal is to keep you informed, engaged, and connected with all the events and activities within our school community. We'll share inspiring student stories, staff recognition, news articles, information on upcoming events, and valuable resources. From academic achievements to extracurricular highlights, we'll bring you the latest Sargent Center news. Thank you for your interest in our programs and your continued support!

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Student Spotlight

Aiden, Royce, and Ryker: Building Skills for the Future through Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Coventry High School

(From left) Royce, Aiden, Ryker, and Kerri Collins, Transition and Adult Specialist

Three students from our High School Pontus classroom, Aiden, Royce, and Ryker, are participating in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Coventry High School, gaining valuable experience preparing them for career success beyond graduation. The goal of this comprehensive career exploration program is to provide students with a diverse range of training programs that cater to high-wage, high-demand, and high-growth fields.

Aiden is enrolled in Advanced Welding, Manufacturing, and Shipfitting, where he’s gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques. Royce is participating in Precision Machining as well as Automotive/Diesel Technology, learning the mechanical and technical skills essential for success in high-demand manufacturing and transportation industries. Ryker is pursuing Computer Information Technology, developing his knowledge of programming, hardware systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals.

In addition to exploring the Coventry CTE program this year, Aiden, Royce, and Ryker are also participating in a Pilot program, a partnership between Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) and Sargent Center, led by Kerri Collins, Transition and Adult Specialist. In this program, the students receive individualized support to explore their interests, understand their strengths, and prepare for competitive employment in their chosen fields of interest.

We are proud of Aiden, Royce, and Ryker for their dedication and enthusiasm as they take this important step toward their future goals!

Staff Appreciation

Kayla Rupat

Teacher Assistant

Kayla shows up each day with a smile and a spirit that brightens the classroom. Her dedication to creating joy and connection in the classroom embodies the heart of Sargent Center's School.

No matter how busy or tiring the day may be, Kayla can be found dancing and singing with her students, doing everything she can to make them smile. Beyond her uplifting presence, Kayla is also a strong communicator and a dependable teammate, displaying these characteristics by going above and beyond to support classroom teachers.

Kayla’s kindness, commitment, and joyful energy remind us what it means to truly care for others. Thank you, Kayla, for all that you do to make Sargent Center such a positive and nurturing place for our students and staff!

News & Events

Flutie 5K: Making History to Support Individuals with Autism

We had an unforgettable day at the Flutie 5K for Autism! This annual event, hosted at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus in Providence, brought together hundreds of racers, families, and supporters—all united by one goal: to raise awareness and funds for individuals with autism.

This year’s race was one for the record books as the event saw the largest turnout of participants and most funds raised in its history. All proceeds from the Providence Flutie 5K directly benefit Sargent Center, help support our mission, and allow us to provide high-quality programs and services for individuals and families impacted by autism. A special shoutout goes to Jacob, a student from our Voc Prep Program, who went above and beyond by fundraising over $1,000 for his family's team in support of the event!

Our thanks go out to the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Johnson & Wales University, the brothers of Theta Delta Chi, all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, our students and their families, and all of the race participants who made this day possible.

We appreciate everyone who joined us for an incredible day of fun, awareness, and community pride. We can’t wait to see everyone again next year!

Sargent Center Students Attend Manufacturing Day 2025 at Farm Fresh RI in Providence

Recently a group of students attended Manufacturing Day at Farm Fresh RI in Providence! This hands-on career exploration event introduced them to the exciting world of manufacturing jobs.

Our students toured the event, met with local professionals, and explored a variety of interactive exhibits showcasing the many career paths available in the manufacturing industry. Events like this help students discover their interests and learn about the well-paying, rewarding career opportunities right here in RI.

Sargent Center Supports Veterans Through Ocean State Job Lot’s “Buy-Give-Get” Program 2025

Sargent Center is once again participating in Ocean State Job Lot’s Buy-Give-Get Program! This initiative aims to support veterans in need through donated winter coats.

This year, Sargent will contribute $2,500 to purchase new winter coats, which are donated and distributed to veterans in need. The impact of the program extends beyond providing coats; it encourages community involvement and support for veteran service men and women.

For participating in the program, Sargent Center will receive a percentage of what we donate in Ocean State Job Lot gift cards which are then used to purchase items for holiday baskets the Center donates to families in need.

This program is a win-win for everyone involved as it not only provides essential items to those who have served our country but also allows us to give back to our school community.

Motor Activities Training Program at Rhode Island College

Our students had a great day at the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) at Rhode Island College! Hosted by RIC in partnership with Special Olympics Rhode Island, MATP gives athletes the chance to build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy movement-based activities tailored to their individual interests and abilities.

Thank you to Rhode Island College (RIC) and Special Olympics Rhode Island for creating such an inclusive and inspiring experience!

Sargent Center Dinosaurs Compete in Flag Football Skills Tournament at Bryant University

Our student athletes hit the field recently for the Special Olympics Rhode Island Fall Festival at Bryant University, competing in the Flag Football Skills Tournament.

Congratulations to our incredible athletes on another amazing performance!

Featured Community Partner

We believe hands-on work experience is essential in preparing our students as they transition to adulthood. We’re grateful to our community partners who open their doors to our students, providing opportunities to grow, learn, and build confidence.

We’d like to recognize another one of our amazing partners – Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. in East Greenwich, owned by Yolie Rome. Yolie, her mother Gail, and her sister Naomi warmly welcome two of our students, Shinbi and Mason, for supported work trials. With a professional background in education, Yolie believes deeply in our mission. Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. reflects that same spirit of making a difference through their “Hope in Soap” program, which donates a portion of profits each month to local nonprofits.

Thank you Yolie, Gail, and Naomi at Magnolia Soap & Bath Co., for your partnership, generosity, and commitment to our students and our community!

(From left) Yolie Rome, Owner, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. with her mother, Gail Roberts.

"We have had a very positive experience with the students who have come to work at our store as part of Sargent Center's work readiness program. The Sargent Center staff are wonderful, too – understanding ways in which the students can contribute to our operations and guiding them to get to mastery. It truly has been a pleasure to have both the students and staff of Sargent Center as part of our team."

– Yolie Rome, Owner, Magnolia Soap & Bath Co.