Sargent Spotlight

February 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!

Use the link below to download a PDF of this newsletter:

Sargent Spotlight (PDF)

Student Spotlight

Giovanni T.

Meet Giovanni, a bright, energetic, and kind-hearted student who has made incredible strides both academically and emotionally during his time at Sargent Center.

Giovanni initially entered his classroom with a burst of energy and his teachers quickly noticed that he was a curious and bright student with a lot of potential. Over time, Giovanni has made remarkable progress as a result of his teachers and parents collaborating to create a supportive environment tailored to his needs. With hands-on, one-on-one math games and writing strategies, he began to show impressive growth that exceeded expectations. One of the most notable improvements was in his math skills –Giovanni not only learned to count objects but is also now able to identify "less than" and "more than" when comparing numbers.

Giovanni’s progress is not only academic. He has also made tremendous strides in emotional regulation, learning to navigate his feelings and embrace his strengths and his teachers and classmates have witnessed him become more confident and self-assured.

We are so proud of Giovanni for all his achievements, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow, one step at a time. Keep up the great work, Gio!

Staff Appreciation

Sandra Ferry

Teacher Assistant

This month we recognize Sandra, who consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to the academic and therapeutic development of our students, making an impact in the classroom and beyond.

Sandra's commitment to our students is clear in her eagerness to learn and implement strategies that best support their needs, going above and beyond to ensure each student receives the individual attention they need to succeed. She is an excellent communication partner for students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and serves as a natural leader in the classroom. Her ability to work collaboratively with staff has made her an invaluable asset to our team.

Thank you, Sandra, for all that you do. Your hard work, dedication, and leadership are greatly appreciated!

News & Events

The Sargent Center Launches Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Initiative

The Sargent Center School has announced the launch of a comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum. It is believed to be the first of its kind specifically designed to introduce STEM curriculum to students with disabilities in a non-public certified special education program in Rhode Island.

The idea of introducing a STEM curriculum into the Sargent Center School programs was the vision of Prasha Sarwate, Sargent Center Board Member, and founder and CEO of Believe in Your Brilliance, LLC. The program used a City of Warwick Contributive Grant for startup investment. The new program is designed to enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on science activities, and create student-centered learning experiences, empowering students to explore, innovate, and develop essential skills.

In support of this initiative, the Sargent Center has invested in two exceptional curriculum products: Generation Genius – a curriculum that aligns with science standards and integrates engaging lessons, interactive activities, and educational videos to facilitate student learning; and Amplify Science – a program that seamlessly integrates the four STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math, to offer a holistic learning experience.

STEM curriculum allows educators to reinforce social and emotional learning through lessons that develop skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while also providing students with opportunities to grow in these areas in preparation for their future careers. Sargent Center is a leader in providing access to opportunities for students with disabilities.

Online Ordering Instructions

Access the Chipotle mobile app or order on the Chipotle website.
Choose “Pickup” and select the location of the Chipotle located at 1200 Quaker Lane in East Greenwich. Delivery orders or orders placed through other apps will not be counted towards this fundraiser.
Build your order with all your faves.
Once you’re ready to place your order, input the promo code Q46RYDQ in the “Enter a Promo Code” section. Don’t forget to click “Apply." Once you apply your fundraiser code, your cart will show “Fundraiser” and an amount of -$0.01. This is normal and how Chipotle tracks the promo code in their system.
Provide payment information and submit your order for pickup (not delivery). Reminder, pickup must be within the hours of 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday, February 5th.

Download Flyer

Resources

Tips for Supporting Students During Testing Season

For many students, testing season can lead to increased anxiety or stress. It’s important for families to play a supportive role in helping students feel prepared and confident. Here are some tips for supporting your child during testing season:

Create a Calm and Organized Environment: A quiet, clutter-free space can help students prepare better. Make sure the environment is free of distractions—turn off electronics, create a routine, and have all necessary materials (pencils, paper, etc.) ready.
Maintain Healthy Routines: A balanced routine is essential for success. Ensure your child is getting adequate sleep and eating nutritious meals. Incorporating healthy habits can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Practice Test-Taking Strategies: Help students become more comfortable by practicing test-taking strategies at home. For example, if the test is timed, practice completing similar tasks within a set timeframe. Review instructions together, and if possible, go over practice tests or sample questions to help them feel more prepared.
Stay Positive and Reassuring: A positive attitude can go a long way. If your child is feeling anxious, validate their feelings but remind them of their strengths. Knowing that family members are on their side can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
Advocate for Accommodations if Needed: If your child has accommodations or specific needs during testing, don’t hesitate to discuss them with the school. If you’re unsure about what accommodations may be available, reach out to your child’s teacher for guidance.
Review and Reflect After the Test: After the test, take a moment to talk with your child about how they felt during the process. Help them reflect on what went well and where they felt challenged. This conversation can reduce any lingering stress and help your child approach future tests with more confidence.

By following these tips, families can play a key role in helping students to perform their best and approach future challenges with greater resilience and self-assurance.