East Providence Schools
LEADERSHIP
LINKS

Volume II, Issue IV

January 2010

I. Superintendent’s Message

As you may recall, I attended the latest ALDS (Advanced Leadership Development Seminar) Retreat on Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30 which was hosted by the Southern Educational Collaborative. I would like to take up my section of Leadership Links to share with you how I spent my time and the value my involvement will add to my work in East Providence.  The following will outline some information about the goals of the Retreat, the work I engaged in and some personal take-aways.
Some of the goals of the Retreat:

Some of the work I engaged in while at the Retreat:

Some personal take-aways from the retreat:

Leadership Links

II. Assistant Superintendent’s Report

Edward Daft, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services

School Information:
Enrollment Census Totals:  Francis: 396; Hennessey: 263; Kent Heights: 298; Oldham: 219; Orlo: 281; Silver Spring: 243; Waddington: 418; Whiteknact: 255; Meadowcrest: 107; EPHS: 1812; MMS: 754; RMS: 514; Tuition: 212 (incl. Bradley Partnership)

Elementary Total: 2480           Secondary Total: 3080            System Total: 5772

HINI Update:  The RI Department of Health, RI Department of Education, Wellness Company, and the State Medical Reserve Corps have partnered to coordinate second HINI vaccinations for school children (under age 10) in grades K-4.

Second Clinics have been scheduled at the following schools:
1/13/2010        Orlo Avenue School                          
1/14/2010        Silver Spring School                          
1/20/2010        Kent Heights School  
1/29/2010        Agnes B. Hennessey School                          
2/02/2010        Emma G. Whiteknact School            
2/03/2010        Myron J. Francis School                                                        
2/03/2010        Alice M. Waddington School                        
2/05/2010        James R. D. Oldham School                          

*All children under age 10 will be able to receive the second vaccination.  This includes those students that may have been ineligible or missed the first clinic.

The statewide regional P.O.D. vaccination clinic for first responders and emergency health care workers will take place on January 9, 2010 at Martin Middle School.  The P.O.D. will run from 9:00am-5:00pm.
An additional P.O.D. will be held by the city on February 13, 2010 at Martin Middle School and be open to all residents.

Dr. Caroline Caswell, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Professional Development

School Improvement:

Specialists from RIDE presented training on Response to Intervention (RtI) on Friday, January 8 to middle levels teams (Riverside Middle and Martin Middle Schools) and Monday, January 25 to three elementary teams (Kent Heights, Oldham, and Whiteknact). Francis and Waddington have technical assistance (intensive support from RIDE specialists) throughout the school year for sixteen (16) days to implement RtI. The last three schools (Hennessey, Orlo, and Silver Spring) will be trained in February.

Parental Involvement

East Providence School Department will be hosting a series of Kindergarten “Fun in the Tubs” parent literacy workshops on Tuesday, February 9 at Oldham and Thursday, February 11 at Hennessey from 6:30-7:30 PM. Families are welcomed to attend, Marvelous Marvin will present “The Magic of Science” to the children.

The Local Parent Advisory Group is hosting an informational session on Inclusion and Classroom Management on Wednesday, January 27 for parents, staff, and community members. Clinician Jennifer Rutland will be the presenter.

Title I will sponsor a 7-week series for parents entitle “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent.” These workshops will provide simple and easy to use techniques to help parents have more fun and less stress while raising responsible kids of all ages. Upcoming sessions will be held Thursday evenings, 6-7:30 PM beginning on February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, and April 8 at Kent Height’s School.

Professional Development: 

Elementary
A team of elementary teachers will be visiting the Hugh Cole School in Bristol, RI to observe math interventions and the workshop model on Tuesday, February 9. To date, fifteen (15) elementary teachers have been trained in Math AddVantage, a math intervention in Title I elementary schools. Future trainings will offered in the spring.

Twenty-eight reading, resource, and ELL teachers attended a half day of professional development session on district wide literacy strategies. Natasha Axelson, along with middle and high school reading teachers facilitated the training.

All elementary teachers will receive two half training sessions from Ron Defronzo, EBEC consultant, in science NECAP analysis and using the science notebooks. Teachers that participate receive complimentary science notebooks for their students.

 Middle Level
Two teams of middle level educators from Martin Middle School and Riverside Middle School visited Van Sickle Middle School in Springfield, MA on Monday, January 11. Both teams came away with a desire to implement agendas beginning second semester.
High school
The high school math teachers met to discuss the new math curriculum, Common Tasks, Common Assessments, and GSE alignment in Algebra and Geometry.

NOVA Net training for 11 high school educators was held on January 28 & 29. The after school recovery program begins on February 1.

District-wide
Principals and district level administrators received training from Deana Dufficy, on autism training at their January 12 meeting.

A technology team retreat was held on Monday, January 25 to review the district Technology Plan, create a 3 year assessment, technology, and professional development vision.

Twenty teachers and teacher assistants from elementary, middle, and high school levels are taking a free 3 credit graduate course from Rhode Island on Thursday afternoons from January to May 2010. Dr. Goodrow will integrate technology, GSEs and the new math curriculum by strengthening teachers’ mathematics understanding.

A two-day grant writing workshop (Grant USA) will be held on Monday, February 1, and Tuesday, February 2 at the CTC. Ten teachers and administrators from the district will participate.

Cultural Competency training from the Brown Alliance will take place in February and April for district administrators, principals, social workers and school psychologists. This is training to address identified areas of need within our disproportionality of special populations plan.

Deana Dufficy and Delia Nelson, the district IPLAN trainers, are holding six sessions for teachers to write IPLAN goals to maintain teachers’ certification.

Curriculum:

Two middle level math teachers completed the grade 6 curriculum: Colleen Murphy and Rick Edge. Two elementary level teachers completed the grade 5 curriculum: Eileen McGowan and Cindi Nichols. Assistance was also provided from the elementary numeracy coach, Amy Watson, and special educators: Melissa Moon and Paula Fillion. The next curricula are grades 3 & 4.

Kelly Ahrens, Director of Technology

An infusion of technology to our elementary classrooms is taking place.  Our ARRA and budget-funded project, which we have crowned “Creating the 21st Century Classroom” is underway.  We came up with that title after our first visit to scope out where we might fit the Smart Boards and somebody remarked,” These classrooms haven’t changed since they were built.”  I said, “Exactly!”

In November, Ms. Salzillo, Ms. Gendron and I met with teachers in the Title 1 schools whose classrooms will be transformed.  We will put 4 computers in a “pod” formation and 1 computer will be attached to the Smart Boards for the teacher or student to use.  We brought the teachers different computer table examples and let them choose which tables they liked the best.  We marked where they wanted the Smart Board installed and where they wanted the computers installed.  Overall, teachers were thrilled, maybe even a little nervous!   All of this was done to include the teachers, but also to note that these changes will include everyone.  It’s time to move forward.

The four computers installed in each classroom we have termed “learning centers”. The learning center computers will have much more than just access to the internet, they will have software designed to support students who may be struggling as well as helping students gain access to advanced curriculum everyday…right in their classroom.  The computers will be loaded with good academic software that can act as a readily available “tutor” to be integrated into the daily activity of any elementary student. 

The concept of using the learning center daily will be critical in our movement towards student-centered learning, good assessment practices and data analysis.  Each of the programs we purchased has a database that tracks student progress and has easy to understand data for each student.  It’s important to note that this software will produce real-time data on student progress, available online for teachers and administrators.  This will allow administrators to move the discussion beyond last year’s NECAP scores, to real data…real kids and provide teachers with information to make changes in instruction to meet immediate needs.

The new learning center computers will come with some much needed mathematics software (FasTTMath) and science programs (GIZMOS), as well as a comprehensive online NECAP study and assessment portal called Study Island.   A quick breakdown of the hardware and software….

 

Over 180 computer tables were delivered on January 26th, and the custodians have been very helpful putting them together.   During February vacation, we will have all the Smart Boards installed.  I hope to have everything installed and working by the end of March.   And of course, we have a comprehensive professional development plan that includes our technology vendors, our Instructional Technology Supervisor, and both numeracy and literacy coaches.  They will support our teachers in a variety of formats including training at our Professional Development Center, in-classroom modeling, online tutorials, and after-school workshops.   

III. School Reports:
Compiled and reported by the principals

A. East Providence High School

Janet M. Sheehan, Principal

School Improvement
On January 26, the State Police School Outreach Program visited the high school.  During a 9th grade assembly, the State police team discussed decision making and making the right choices with students.  Lt. Hill and five other troopers, including Capt. Rose, an EPHS alumni shared life stories and their climb towards success.  Students listened intently and eagerly asked questions of the troopers.  This assembly was planned and coordinated by the Conflict Resolution Counselors. 

Parental Involvement

PTSA met January 26th; parents will be helping out on March 10th “Preview to the High School” evening.

Student/Teacher Recognition

Students from three of Mrs. Reed’s English classes are just completing writing their own suspenseful short stories.  These will be given to Ms. Sisti for her students to illustrate.  This is the third year these classes have worked together interdepartmentally.  They hope to publish the stories on the web. 

Last week, a student was recognized for donating the 2000th pint of blood given at EPHS.  That total has the potential of saving 6000 lives!

The administration, Physical Education Department and Health department of East Providence High School would like to congratulate Kristen Pallotta Bovi on being named the RIAHPERD Dance Teacher of the Year.

Kevin Cangiano, a senior at EPHS, is featured in PORSCHE Panorama Magazine.  He will also be in this week’s EP Post newspaper for his unique senior project.

The French Club and National Honor Society raised over $1,700 during a ten minute challenge in advisories.  Advisories in the high school were asked to raise $10 in ten minutes.  The students and teachers at the high school were very generous.  The money will be donated to the Red Cross to help with the Haitian relief effort.

Erin Butler is the state winner in the Daughter’s of the American Revolution annual essay contest.

Sophomores Melinda Maroto and Andrew Butler have been selected to represent EPHS at the annual Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference this June.

Keith Gonzales, President of the 10-Mile River Watershed Group in EP visited a sophomore chemistry class to outline his organization’s efforts and involvement in watershed activities at sites through EP.  He explained the annual “scoop the herring” event coming up in the spring and his organization’s need for volunteers to help move the herring up the river, over the dams.  He outlined his group’s involvement in the Hunt’s Mill Recreation Area Project.  He offered to be and/or find mentors in his organization to help students with senior projects surrounding the watershed including scientific, recreational, or photographical focuses.  Science Dept. is trying to create chemistry lessons with an applied science link to the greater EP community and will be working with Keith to implement this.  The approach is in conceptual development stages.

All grade 9 foundations of physics classes will participate in on-site environmental science lessons in February provided by visiting educators from the Rhode Island Audubon Society in preparation for off-site field studies in April.

Conferences
Amy Kizzee, Joel Swan and Kim Laliberte will be attending the two day workshop at Brown University as part of the ARISE program to train in inquiry educational methods and additional biotechnology lab protocols to include into our grade 11 Biology curriculum.

Assistant Principal Shani Wallace and Math Department Head, Kevin Monagle, visited North Kingstown High School.  The purpose of the visit was to observe and meet with the math faculty regarding math labs, which were created in some high schools to provide reinforcement to students who are significantly below grade level in numeracy skills. Ms. Wallace and Mr. Monagle have returned with useful ideas of moving forward in offering math lab classes to incoming eighth grade students who have scored significantly below on the NECAP State Assessments. 

Music Department
January 25th  East Providence High School Choral Ensemble was asked to  participate in a press announcement scheduled for Monday morning at 9 AM in the lobby of the Providence Performing Arts Center.

The event began with two a cappella selections performed by the East Providence High School Select Choral Ensemble, under the direction of MaryAnn Lasorsa. The purpose of the event was the announcement of a grant that would allow students from all over the state to attend art and cultural events, with transportation covered by monies received from the federal government.
Speakers included:

·        U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
·        Lieut. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts
·        State Representative Peter Kilmartin
·        State Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist and
·        Francisco Noya, Resident Conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic

Rehearsals have begun for the high school spring musical INTO THE WOODS, which will be performed March 25-27th in the Arthur Elmasian Auditorium.

Karen Mellen, Director, Career & Technical Center

Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program has received approval from the Rhode Island Department of Health to incorporate the Food Safety Training Program into the day curriculum.  Students successfully completing the program will be eligible to sit for certification examination.  Passing the examination will result in licensure as “Manager in Food Safety”.  The license is requirement to work in food service establishments.

Auto-Technology
Auto-Technology students will participate in the Ocean State Automotive Technology Competition on Friday, February 5, 2010, from 8:30 to 11:30 am.  Students will compete against their peers from other Rhode Island Career and Technical Centers at New England Institute of Technology, Warwick.  An awards ceremony/luncheon will be held beginning at 12:00 noon. 

SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national organization for students in technical, skilled and service careers, including health careers. The purpose of SkillsUSA is to develop student leadership abilities through participation in educational, occupational, civic, recreational and social activities. SkillsUSA promotes high standards in trade ethics, workmanship, and safety practices. Students develop into well-rounded individuals with technical, academic and employability skills. SkillsUSA is dedicated to building champions for America’s work force.

East Providence Career and Technical students will be taking part in numerous competitions throughout the month of March. Students will also be taking a competition specific test as well as handing in resumes on February 10, 2010.

East Providence Career and Technical Center will be hosting the Graphic Communications contest this year. This is a huge honor to be able to showcase the dramatic changes the program has had over the past five years. Students and their teachers from career and technical schools throughout the state will be coming to participate. Employees and business owners from the Graphics industry judge the students in many different areas pertaining to Graphic Communications.

Contests:

Friday, March 12, 2010
Automotive Technology
Cabinetmaking
Collision Repair

Friday, March 19, 2010
Culinary Arts
Food & Beverage
Commercial Baking
Graphic Communications

Thursday, March 25, 2010
Action Skills
Carpentry
Customer Service
First Aid/CPR
Job Skill Demonstration
Photography
Basic Health Care Skills
Nurse Assisting
Advertising and Design

 

B.  Middle Schools

Riverside Middle School - Sandra Forand, Principal

 Professional Development:
All Riverside Middle School teachers received training in the Key Three Routine: Summarizing and Questioning during the January faculty meeting.  Teachers are using these additional literacy strategies in their classrooms to increase student literacy. 

Sue Robertson and Christie Sullivan offered a three day workshop to district staff on how to create a classroom website.  The workshop was full with twenty-five teachers attending.  Many are now in the process of creating their own classroom websites. 

Many teachers attended a workshop presented by Rebekah Gendron on how to the use the new Netbook laptop carts that RMS has received.  Teachers will be using the Netbooks to support instruction in the classroom.   

Student/Teacher Recognition
Spanish teacher, Yira Polanco has organized a collection and raffle to help the earthquake victims in Haiti.  To date over $1,000 has been collected to donate to the Red Cross.

Parental Involvement
In an effort to get parents more involved at RMS, social studies teacher, Robert Hanlon designed and sent out a 10 question survey to parents.  The survey asked parent about their currently involvement in the school and what the school could do to get parents more involved. 

 

Martin Middle School - Glen Piros, Principal

School Improvement:
Our new RTI team has been working on formalizing the process here at our school as to best aid the teaching and learning here at Edward R. Martin Middle School.

Student/Teacher Recognition:
All students at MMS have been participating in classroom geography bees.    On January 13th, at 9:00 am the school Geography Bee was held in the Saraceno Auditorium.  Teachers, students, parents and family members were welcome in joining us as we cheer our Wildcats to a final champion.  We would like to congratulate our Geography Bee winner, Nicolas Costa and runner-up Monica Barbosa.    The school champions will be invited to compete against students from across the state.  The state competition will be held in April, at Rhode Island College.

School Initiatives/Technology:
Martin Middle School MATH–A-THON for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
The students at Martin Middle School once again put their math skills to good use for the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  This year our students had friends and family who sponsored them for completion of math problems, in our annual Math-A-Thon.  Our Martin Middle School community raised funds that will go to the hospital to help children who have cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  Thank you to all the participants and their sponsors!

We have scheduled our Annual Career Day for 8th grade students to be held on March 18th, 8:00am to 9:30am, in the school cafeteria.  This has consistently been a great opportunity for our students to meet and discussion a wide range of careers with professionals from around New England. 

The districts Benefits Fair was held at Martin Middle School on Wednesday, January 20th.  All faculty were present to here a short presentation from seven companies that service our employees. Faculty members were then able to individually mingle between each representative to ask and clarify information.  This event was a very successful and effective in benefiting our Faculty.

C. Elementary Schools

Myron Francis School - Lloydanne Leddy, Principal

School Improvement:  Lorraine Rappoport, District Literacy Coach, is providing all Myron Francis teacher in grades kindergarten, one, and two, with a four hour Writer’s Workshop session.  This workshop combines Martha Horn’s philosophy of Talking, Drawing, and Writing with Lucy Calkins “Units of Study”.  Writers Workshop is an excellent program and students look forward to this part of their day.

Parental Involvement:  The Myron J. Francis PTO held their annual Family Food Bank Bingo.  Parents Sonda Pimental and Andi White co-chaired this event.  100% of the money raised $850.00 and about 250 non-perishable food items were given to the Bread Of Life Food Pantry located in Rumford.  The children and the grownups had a good time while doing good deeds. (Community Service is a part of the Francis School Improvement Plan.)

Student/Teacher Recognition:  Fourth grade student Allison Gower had her long blonde hair cut and donated it to Locks For Love, an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients.

Professional Development:  The third grade teachers Marion Henneous, Deborah Brun, Crystal Monteiro, and I continue our training in Response To Intervention.  A winter math screening assessment was given to all third grade students.  The results of the screening were reviewed by all third grade teachers and myself.  The data reviewed identified the students who need and would benefit from intervention strategies in mathematics.  Our next step is to provide math interventions for the targeted students and enrichment experiences for those students doing well in mathematics.

School Initiatives:  Concerned students and teachers are organizing a fundraising effort for the victims of Haiti.  One of our students has family members living in Haiti.  Our program will be called “Quarters for the Quake” and the money raised will be given to the international organization “Save The Children”.   

Technology:  We continue to make slow and steady progress with the use of our new HP computers.  New printers have been distributed to many classrooms courtesy of our Parent Teacher Organization.

Agnes B. Hennessey School - David Britto, Principal

Professional Development
Mr. Ron DeFronzo, from the East Bay Educational Collaborative, was at our school on January 7, 2010.He facilitated an in-house science professional development session for our teachers. Discussion revolved around our school’s results on past science NECAP assessments. It was pointed out how the “Inquiry” segment of these assessments was the most challenging for our students. Ron shared suggestions to help students improve their NECAP scores such as: including examples and/or evidence in their responses even when a question does not ask for them. In addition, students must include the following in their data charts: title, labels along the sides and bottoms, and scales that include numbers depicting values along the sides (vertical axis) and bottoms (horizontal axis). The professional development session ended with Ron modeling an “Inquiry” lesson with a class of twenty-five Hennessey students.

We also welcome to our school Mrs. Lorraine Rappaport, district Literacy Coach. She will be in residence at our school for the next few weeks assisting teachers with their implementation of Writers Workshops. The Calkins Units of Study will be a resource used in this endeavor. 

Community Involvement
On January 14, 2010 in the Council Chambers of the East Providence City Hall the East Providence Affirmative Action Office held its Annual Celebration honoring the life and contributions of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At this event several Agnes B. Hennessey School students were recognized for their art work commemorating Dr. King. The students were: Madison Campbell, Paige Chakouian, Janessa Diaz, Kiara Duarte, Zachary Garcia, Maxwell Medeiros, Elijah Moniz, Mason Pereira, Raquel Raphael, Louis Seco, Keira Soccio, Hailey Solomito, Diondre Valles, Michael Winfield, Jarrell Wray, Dylan Wright, and Wenny Zheng.

Again, Hennessey School had two students donate hair to the national organization called Locks of Love. First grader, Chloe Moreau, and her sister second grader, Marie Moreau, had their hair cut so it could be donated to an organization that makes hair pieces for individuals who may have lost their own hair due to illness.  

Kent Heights Elementary School – Fatima Avila, Principal

School Improvement
School Wide Title I committees met to review and address the school wide plan objectives outlined in our plan.  Each committee will continue to review the progress of the implementation of the current school wide plan to ensure goals are being met and to plan for next year.

Parent Involvement
Thanks to the help of our parent volunteers, school nurse, community volunteers, and parents, our second H1N1 Flu Clinic went extremely well.  We were able to vaccinate a large number of our population in an efficient and orderly manner, which helped to alleviate stress.

Our PTA sponsored Winter Wonderland Dance was also a huge success.  As a result, the school’s gym was hopping with excitement.  Those in attendance had the opportunity to dance, eat, and socialize, which allowed families to get to know one another in a relaxing and enjoyable environment.

Student/Teacher Recognition
Fifth grade students, Allison Forand. Katherine Atwell, and Sydney Vilardi organized and collected over 200 hats, gloves and scarves for people who use Crossroads Rhode Island’s shelters.  Together with two high school students, Frank Andrade and Nicholas Silva, who also collected such items at the high school, Mrs. Casano, Mrs. Rose-Paquette,Teacher and Feinstein Coordinator, and myself delivered the items to Crossroads Rhode Island on December 22nd.  Mr. Vilardi, Sydney’s father, joined us as we presented the large bag filled with hats, gloves and scarves to Ms. Alves, Crossroad Rhode Island Community Outreach Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator, for distribution and use by their clients.  This heartwarming experience has ignited enthusiasm and determination throughout the fifth grade.  We now have students raising money for Haiti earthquake victims.

In addition, fifth grade students working on a school newspaper, organizing a dance, and working on various end-of-year projects.   I applaud our fifth grade class, their teachers and their parents for they are inspiring all of us to set our goals high.

Professional Development/Grants

Staff members have been involved with professional development opportunities that will enhance their ability to facilitate learning. The following is a sample of workshops that our teachers have attended:

Upcoming professional development opportunities will include:

Our teachers are working hard to fine tune their skills so that they can continue to provide their students with every opportunity to meet with success.

School Initiatives/Technology

We have exciting technology opportunities in our district including Study Island, which is a web-based math and reading program that will help to improve student performance.  Together with Gizmo, our web-based science program, students will be better prepared for state assessments and teachers will have valuable diagnostic tools and information, which will enable them to better support and prepare students and they strive for academic success.

Meadowcrest Early Learning Center – Jane Sylvia, Supervisor

Professional Development/School Initiatives
On Wednesday, January 6th, the entire Meadowcrest Staff including Head Start attended a training regarding Strategies for Early Childhood Social Emotional Development.  The presenter was Lynn DeMerchant.  Ms. DeMerchant is a PBIS/Technical Assistance Facilitator from the Sherlock Center on Disabilities.  Ellen Rinehart, East Providence’s PBIS facilitator was also on-hand.  The focus was Teacher Tool Kits entitled “Creating Teaching Tools for Young Children with Challenging Behaviors.”  These kits consist of nine sub-categories and were given to all classroom teachers and therapists.  As you will recall, Meadowcrest is a participant in the first early childhood PBIS training cohort in RI.  We are currently in our third year of the program.

Parent Involvement
The Parents and Friends of Meadowcrest have been very busy this fall and winter with both fundraising and community building events.  The fall fundraiser was a great success and raised $1500.00 for the school.  A Papa Gino’s pizza party in October also raised money while serving as a chance for families to socialize and get to know each other.  As previously mentioned, a new tradition was started: a Winterfest complete with photo opportunities with Santa (Michael Rielly).  It was wonderful to add a winter activity to the event schedule and the group looks forward to improving and expanding their ideas for this event next year.  The parents feel very strongly that it is important to offer the children and their families many opportunities to come together, socialize and support each other while supporting the school.   The Parents and Friends look toward the spring and plans for other upcoming events such as the All School Family Picnic and Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.  The group will also continue to work on year-round initiatives and explore new community building opportunities. 

James R. D. Oldham School - Nadine E. Lima, Ed. D., Principal

Parental Involvement

Student/Teacher Recognition

Professional Development/Grants

Community Partnership

Other:  SMILES Program Dental Screenings: Friday, January 8th and 22nd and Molar Express,                       January 11th
Orlo Avenue Elementary School - Cheryl Gibbs, Principal

Professional Development
Orlo Avenue teachers will be participating in Science Notebook training on November 24, 2009. Teachers in grades K – 5 will receive training in using Science Notebooks with Ron DiFonzio. This training will assist the school increasing Science test results.

The teacher’s assistants will be trained in behavioral management and de-escalation by Ellen Rhinehart, PBIS Coordinator. This training is being held to assist the teacher assistants with the PBIS initiatives.

School Initiatives

The Orlo Avenue school community has complete participation in a school wide uniform initiative. Twice a week uniform days have been established, Mondays and Wednesdays. This initiative is well received by parents.

Silver Spring Elementary School - Nancy Cullion, Principal

Parent Involvement:  Silver Spring School will start the New Year off with an expanded effort at improving parent involvement here.  Our Second Cup of Coffee program will begin in late January.  Parents will be invited to stay after they drop their child off and enjoy that second cup of coffee with other parents and school staff who will lead discussions on topics of interest to the group.  We are hoping to grow an ongoing information session for parents as well as allowing parents to make connections in our learning community.

Student Recognition:  Benjamin Nelson, a third grader has been selected as a winner in the Martin Luther King Jr. artwork contest sponsored by the City of East Providence Department of Affirmative Action.  He will be honored at a program on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at City Hall.  Congratulations Benjamin.

Rebekah Veccharelli, a fifth grade student is recognized for her work as a peer tutor.  Rebekah consistently helped a first grade student with her reading skills.  Rebekah came at the end of every day to help this young girl complete her homework and reading for the next day.  Rebekah’s diligence, consistency, and fine rapport helped this first grader make significant reading progress.  The staff at the CRAFT Program at Bradley Hospital recognized Rebekah by giving her a gift certificate during the holiday season.  Thank you, Rebekah…. You have made a difference in the life of one special little girl.

School Initiatives/Technology:  Many thanks to Chris Csanati, and the staff of the Bradley Partnership for sharing their SMARTBOARD with us before the holidays for a special treat in the gym.  We are all anxiously waiting as our school prepares for the arrival of new technology for our school!!!

AM Waddington School - Patricia Barlow, Principal

School Improvement:
The SIT continues to review the Report of the Commissioner’s Visit to Waddington Elementary School.  One recommendation was to implement a cohesive writing program k-5.  In k-2, teachers are being trained by Martha Horn and implementing her methods for teaching writing.  In year two of that initiative, teachers are already seeing an improvement in student writing.  In grades
3-5, we have decided to learn more about Lucy Calkins Units of Study.  Lorraine Rapport will be available to provide support as we begin implementation.  Currently, the teachers are watching a training DVD that models best practice.  The Units of Study have been ordered for every teacher.

The SIT will also discuss the possibility of extending our pilot program to include special needs students in regular education classrooms full-time as opposed to providing their services in self contained special education classrooms.  We hope to create at least two more classrooms so that we will have a continuum for our students in grades three, four and five.  Professional development is on-going, ensuring the successful implementation of this co-teaching model.  We have also established a partnership with Meeting Street School and are exploring options for offering full inclusion at the kindergarten level.  Currently, many of our special needs students arrive from Meadowcrest School having already participated in full inclusion and are well adjusted to this type of educational experience. 

Parental Involvement:
On February 3, 2010, our school will hold its second H1N1 Vaccination Clinic from 4-8 PM in the gymnasium.  Once again, a team of volunteers has answered the call to action and have committed to assist so that we can accomplish this important task.  Special thanks to Nurse Chris and Mrs. Anderson, our secretary, for making sure parents and students are informed and prepared.

In addition to the many social and fundraising events that are sponsored by the PTA, there are several parents that support the school by running a school store and popcorn program.  The money raised has gone directly back to the students and teachers.  Classroom materials, educational assemblies, and much needed office furniture are some of the things the funds have purchased.  Laurie Aparicio and Sue Holstein operate the school store and Lisa Camara coordinates the volunteers for popcorn.  Their assistance is greatly appreciated.

Student Recognition:
In response to the earthquake in Haite, students in Mrs. Szala’s fifth grade classroom quickly executed a fundraising effort so that AM Waddington students can do their part.  The fifth graders are collecting “Nickels for the Needy” and selling snacks in the lunchroom.  All of the proceeds will be donated to the Haite Relief Fund through the Feinstein Jr. Scholar Program.

School Iniatives/Technology:
Every classroom at Waddington has received a new computer.  Teachers have been trained and are now doing lunch count and attendance on-line.  They also have active e-mail accounts.  In the future, teachers will be trained to utilize the progress reporting component of the system.  This will enable parents to access and track their child’s academic performance immediately.  

In grades three through five, each classroom received an additional three computers so that there are a total of four.  The district has purchased GIZMOS and Study Island, which are web based programs that align with the curriculum, so that students can learn through technology in the classroom and at home. 

Whiteknact School - Linda Succi, Principal

School Improvement
1/25/10 – Team will be sent to RTI Training

Parental Involvement
2/11/10 – PTA Meeting
1/22/10 – PTA Function, Family Bingo Night

Student /Teacher Recognition
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster winners:
Alyssa Vieira
Kianna Oliveira
Nicholas Oliveira
Alex Botelho
Sabrina Costa
Talia Quaresma

Their work can be viewed in City Hall until mid-February or online at www.eastprovidenceri.net

Whiteknact will be featured on the Spotlight section of the district website.
RIC/Whiteknact Collaboration – Dr. Paddy C. Favazza Professor, course name – SPED 312 Assessment of Children & Youth with Disabilities.

Medical
H1N1 2nd dose clinic – 2/2/10 from 4-7:30 PM.
Benefits Fair – 1/27/10 from 10:30-1:00 PM in the library for all staff.

IV. Quote of the Month

“Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.”
Abraham Lincoln

V. Special Education Update

Arlene Garrison, Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Parental Involvement
The Local Advisory Committee for Special Education has sent out a parent survey to all special education families.  The survey results will be shared upon collection of information.

Director Initiative
The Teacher Assistant Statewide newsletter will highlight East Providence in their February 2010 publication.  Ms. Peg Hayden, is author of this monthly newsletter.  Principals submitted building highlights, as well as Human Resources information gathered.  A copy will be available soon.

Rhode Island College has developed a graduate program in which participants receive a certificate in the area of Autism.  Each school district was able to send two staff who qualified for this program.  As a result, Ms. Deana Dufficy, Speech Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist, has developed a professional development series for the district on Autism.  The first session was held for Building Principals on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.  The next sessions will be available to teachers on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, or Thursday, February 4, 2010.  Staff are asked to attend one full day session.

Bradley Partnership/East Providence Programs are going to become available to other school districts.  The first presentation was provided to the East Bay Special Education Directors on Friday, December 18, 2009 by Ms. Anne Walters and Ms. Karen Cammuso, Clinical Directors.  Other presentations will be planned and the referral process and brochure is currently being developed.