Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, This 20th edition of the weekly Return to School report includes our weekly report on COVID cases, clarifications on travel, a change to our daily screening process, and general reminders. A Weekly Report on COVID Cases This past week, one case investigation initiated last week for an Winsor ES resulted in 15 quarantined... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, This 19th edition of the weekly Return to School report includes our weekly report on COVID cases, expectations for attendance, more on the case investigation process, and general reminders. A Weekly Report on COVID Cases This past week, the following new cases were reported: one at GMS that involved no quarantines due to the... READ MORE >
Lunch/Recess Supervision - Smithfield Public Schools is looking for four (4) lunch/recess monitors to supervise students during lunch and/or recess. This is an hourly, temporary position needed, Monday-Friday. Background check is required. For more information or to apply, contact Lisa Petrone, 231-6606. Hourly Rate: $15.00/hour Hours: Winsor Monitor: ... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, This 18th edition of the weekly Return to School report includes an update on COVID cases affecting our schools, updates on air quality, clarifications about isolation and quarantine periods, and general reminders. Additional COVID Cases Last week I provided an overview of RIDOH’s case investigation process. Unfortunately,... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, This 17th edition of the weekly Return to School report includes an update on COVID cases affecting our schools, information about the case investigation process, an update on the virtual tutors, information about out-of-state travel, and general reminders. Virtual Option Students are not out of COVID-19 Reach Each week I will... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, This 16th edition of the weekly Return to School report includes an update on COVID cases affecting our schools, how we are addressing COVID-19 through air circulation, siblings of quarantined students, transportation updates, and reminders about testing and attestation forms. A Class in Quarantine Each week I will report on... READ MORE >
September 25, 2020 Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, This 15th edition of the weekly Return to School report includes a notification about our first confirmed case requiring a quarantine. We also include a discussion about spread rate, an update on transportation, the addition of more direct instruction for the virtual option, and reminders about masks and... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, This 14th edition of the weekly Return to School report is the first following the start of the school year. Here, we include information about the morning drop off process, dedicated testing for K-12 staff and students, and the virtual option rollout. Additional information about the virtual option programming specific to... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week prior to the start of school, we provided a Return to School Committee Report. This 13th edition of the weekly report includes information about athletics, clarifications from the state about the October 13th date, health insurance/permission to test forms, extended free meal service, and technology password support. ... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 12th edition of the weekly report includes information about the governor’s decision, walkthroughs of school facilities, plans for testing and ongoing support, and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. The Governor’s Decision All but... READ MORE >
GRAB AND GO MEALS EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 The Grab and Go Meals program has been extended to September 11, 2020. A number of families are currently experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Free grab and go lunches will be available for pick-up on TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Smithfield Senior High School, 90... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 11th edition of the weekly report includes information about distributing and collecting papers and books, classroom environments, bus transportation, and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. Distributing and Collecting Papers and... READ MORE >
Dear Members of the Smithfield School Committee, Smithfield Town Council, and the Smithfield Community,While most have learned to be critical consumers of information from Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms (or from paid ads in a local paper), I feel it necessary to address the criticism circulating about the design of the parking lot at the McCabe... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 10th edition of the weekly report includes information about the revised school calendar, special education FAQs, and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. Revised School Calendar On August 12th, Governor Raimondo announced a delay... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 9th edition of the weekly report includes information about the Virtual Option (VO), the Playbook, air circulation, and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. The Virtual Option Approximately 450 students out of a total of about 2400... READ MORE >
August 7, 2020 Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 8th edition of the weekly report includes information about athletics, the governor’s decision-making process, the Virtual Option (VO), and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. We are proud of the governor’s shout out to... READ MORE >
We are pleased to ammounce that Jane Ramos, GMS science teacher, has been selected to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their... READ MORE >
Attention Smithfield Community:Please help us name our new elementary school! The Winsor/McCabe Unification Committee has been meeting since January, 2020 to help plan and frame a seamless transition for the merging of these elementary schools. There have been many ideas generated for ways to support this initiative. One of our important tasks is to now begin... READ MORE >
July 31, 2020 Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 7th edition of the weekly report includes information about RIDE feedback on our plan, an update on bus transportation, information on a choice virtual program for Smithfield and a report from the three Return to School sub-committees. RIDE... READ MORE >
Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 6th edition of the weekly report includes an update on bus transportation, information on RIDE and CDC guidance, and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. Bus Transportation Update As you know, we asked that all parents complete the opt... READ MORE >
July 18, 2020 Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 5th edition of the weekly report includes the plan submitted to ride, an update on transportation, and a survey on parental preference for distance learning or returning to school buildings. Our Return to School Plan Districts are not... READ MORE >
July 12, 2020 Dear Smithfield Staff and Families, Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 4th edition of the weekly report includes information about bus transportation, information on planning with Chartwells for school lunch and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. Bus Transportation Information Many... READ MORE >
Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 3rd edition of the weekly report includes information about bus transportation, guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, information on planning with Chartwells for school lunch and updates from the three Return to School sub-committees. Bus Transportation Survey and... READ MORE >
Construction is in full swing at Anna M. McCabe, Raymond C. LaPerche, and the Old County Road Elementary schools! The foundation footings and walls for the new addition at McCabe are 60% complete. Site work is ongoing, with storm and sanitary lines 95% complete. Ductbank for new electrical service has been poured and crews are progressing with work in the... READ MORE >
On June 29th, the USDA announced grant awardees for their Farm to School grant program. Two grants were awarded for Rhode Island - one for $96,236 for the RI Department of Education and another for $65,530 for Smithfield Public Schools. Through the Farm to School Grant we will be improving access to local foods and improving students’ and parents’ knowledge of the... READ MORE >
Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This 2nd edition of the weekly report includes the district’s Vision and Guiding Principles for a #safeandsuccessful return to school, an update on steps the district is taking to meet RIDE’s guidance on bus transportation, and updates from the three Return to School subcommittees. Vision and... READ MORE >
Each week, we will be providing a Return to School Committee Report. This week, the report includes an update on the workings of the subcommittees, including a look ahead; the report for the first parent forum; and a summary of the state guidance. Workings of the Subcommittees Leadership and Communications In addition to coordinating the work of the 3... READ MORE >
The Grab and Go Meals program has been extended to August 21, 2020. A number of families are currently experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Free, "grab and go" lunches will be available for pick-up Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Smithfield Senior High School, 90 Pleasant View Avenue. EVERYONE 18 years of age and... READ MORE >
During COVID-19, the Internet has become an essential tool for educators and families. Digital technology is helping students continue their studies and stay connected with teachers and classmates. At the same time, increased online presence, if unmonitored, may expose children to potentially adverse effects, including predatory individuals and cyberbullying.... READ MORE >
Winsor Principal Accepts Position as Assistant Superintendent for Dudley-Charlton Regional Schools After five years as principal of William Winsor Elementary School, Brian Ackerman has accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent for the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District in Massachusetts. Steven Lamarche, Superintendent of Dudley-Charlton, reports that... READ MORE >
At its meeting on May 4th, the Smithfield School Committee announced the 2020 Smithfield Teacher of the Year. During the presentation of the award, Superintendent Judy Paolucci noted, “this year, every Smithfield teacher went above and beyond to provide distance learning to ensure that students continued to learn, despite social disancing. Rather than thinking... READ MORE >
The Rhode Island reds Heritage Society has selected Unsung Hockey Heroes from the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. Among them is Sean Martin, a Smithfield High School senior who attained a 4.2 GPA while playing two varsity sports and Emma Byrnes who was a four-year member of the French Honor Society and a member of the Science Olympiad team in addition to... READ MORE >
The Rhode Island Department of Education Awarded a 6-12 Comprehensive State Literacy Development (CLSD) grant, in an amount exceeding $300,000, for grades 6-12 in Smithfield. Rhode Island was awarded 20 million dollars over five years for the CLSD grant. The goal of the program is to ensure all students have access to High-Quality Curriculum Materials (HQCM) and... READ MORE >
At the April 7th meeting of the Smithfield Town Council, the bid for construction services for renovations and additions to McCabe, LaPerche, and Old County Road elementary schools was awarded to Ahlborg Construction. The timing of the bid allowed Smithfield to receive very aggressive pricing. Ahlborg’s bid, $32,450,000, is significantly below previously... READ MORE >
Grab and Go Meals Now Available in Smithfield - A number of families are currently experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Free, "grab and go" lunches will be available for pick-up Monday through Friday, beginning on Tuesday, April 14th, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Administration Bldg, 49 Farnum Pike. EVERYONE 18 years of age and... READ MORE >
As the calendar advances and we acknowledge the start of spring, Passover, and Easter, we also complete the third week of virtual learning. Our administrators, teachers, students, and families are working together to ensure that learning continues, despite the requirements for social distancing. Not only am I impressed by the quality of work being done, but I... READ MORE >
Smithfield is hosting a community flu and TDAP clinic on Saturday, March 28th, from 10am to 1pm at the Smithfield Senior Center. Those aged 3 and up may receive vaccinations. No pre-registration required. Participants are asked to bring their insurance card but if no insurance is available to them, the cost will still be FREE. The flu is a serious, highly... READ MORE >
Dear Members of our School Communities, We have just learned, but are not surprised, that the Rhode Island Department of Education has moved schools to distance learning for the next 2 weeks. It is very likely that distance learning will be extended beyond those two weeks. We have been getting ready for this decision and believe that our teachers and staff are as... READ MORE >
Until further notice, the Administrative Offices will be accessible only by phone or email. READ MORE >
Each Wednesday, Superintendents have a weekly conference call with the Director of the Department of Health, Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott. This update summarizes the information coming from the DOH, recommendations from the state, and corresponding actions being taken by the district. Yesterday afternoon, RIDOH’s press release indicated that two additional cases... READ MORE >
Updates and Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) After participating in a conference call with the director of the Department of Health on Wednesday evening (3/4/2020), the following updates and information about COVID-19 is being shared: Smithfield nurses will ensure students and staff who become sick at school or arrive at school sick are sent home as soon... READ MORE >
In response to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) February 25th press conference, which updated the country on the current status of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), we are sharing information and tips to help prevent the spread of illness within our community. To echo the CDC, there is not currently a Coronavirus pandemic in the United States and no... READ MORE >
Smithfield Public Schools was awarded an Innovation and Equity Grant in the summer of 2018 in the amount of $122,165 to address the gender equity gap in the computer science program at Smithfield High School. At the onset of the grant, only 9% of the students enrolled in computer science courses were female. With the help of this grant, the district has... READ MORE >
The Next Generation Science Assessment (NGSA), administered for the first time in the spring of 2019, evaluates a student’s science proficiency on a range of science concepts aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards: The computer-administered assessment presents performance tasks that require students to solve complex problems and analyze information.... READ MORE >
Over the past month, the architects and their associated partners have met with district staff to review safety and security features, including placements of cameras and security doors; work on a furniture plan; and map out technology wiring and projector location. In the design development phase of the project, many details get worked out and are used to inform... READ MORE >
Substitutes are needed for teachers, paraprofessionals, and custodians. Substitutes may choose days they are available and preferences for specific schools. Those interested in serving as substitutes must have background checks and qualifications listed below. Those interested can apply on SchoolSpring (www.schoolspring.com). Custodians - be physically able to... READ MORE >
The District Improvement Team (DIT) consists of administrators, town officials, teachers, and parents who meet three times per year to monitor the progress made on the district’s improvement plan. This accountability step ensures that plans are not written then forgotten and that plans are modified as new needs are identified. Rather than having a cumbersome... READ MORE >
Smithfield Emergency Management and Smithfield Public Schools work together to assess the threat from a variety of sources. The risks associated with EEE has most recently been of concern. This news story provides an update to the actions taken to reduce the threat of the EEE virus.Aerial spraying in the 4 high risk zones in RI that were identified by state... READ MORE >
The 2019-2020 school year kicked off on Monday, August 26th, with staff professional development. The day began with a warm welcome by Superintendent Paolucci who presented “8 Tips for a Successful School Year”. Through the innovative use of Google Slides, audience members were able to participate in the presentation by posting their thoughts on this topic on a... READ MORE >
Smithfield Public School's Annual Report for 2018-2019 is now available on this link (http://bit.ly/2Z7Wkjd) as well as on our website. The annual report summarizes the achievements at each of our schools and outines some next steps for district improvement. READ MORE >
During the 2018-2019 school year, middle school students arrived at school with time to spare, yet some buses were late for the LaPerche and McCabe school runs. In order to address this issue, we have made slight changes to the start and end times of some of our schools so that there is an additional 5 minutes between the early and late elementary school runs. ... READ MORE >
2019 PAEMST State finalist for Rhode Island Selected Congratulations to Robert Mayne of Chariho High School in Chariho and Jane Ramos of Vincent J. Gallagher Middle School in Smithfield on their selection as the Rhode Island State Finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for 2019! Robert is the mathematics... READ MORE >
We are happy to announce that Smithfield High School is one of 20 Rhode Island high school teams to receive a $25,000 XQ+RI Planning Grant! Over the past 2 months, teams of parents, teachers, and students have been meeting to brainstorm concepts that would help to push the design of the aging Smithfield High School into the 21st century. All groups agreed on the... READ MORE >
The Smithfield Education Foundation awarded nearly $5,000 in grants to enhance classroom instruction for students in the Smithfield Public Schools. Grant recipients were recognized at the June 3rd meeting of the Smithfield School Committee.The awardees are:Alicia Marques-Jordan, McCabe Elementary School Physical Education Teacher - $572.82 to procure "Play Panels"... READ MORE >
At an assembly held on May 24, 2019, Governor Gina Raimondo named the 2020 RI Teacher of the Year in the presence of the students, teachers, and RI and local officials who gathered, believing that the assembly’s purpose was to celebrate the good work being done by Smithfield High School in the area of Career and Technical Education (CTE). To be fair, there’s much... READ MORE >
Gallagher Middle School was awarded a grant in the amount $4995 to support career exploration. The grant is provided by the RI Department of Education in conjunction with PrepareRI, an initiative that aims to prepare all Rhode Island youth for high-demand jobs. One of PrepareRI's goals is that 100% of middle schools in Rhode Island will offer career awareness and... READ MORE >
Victoria Carruba, a social studies teacher at Gallagher Middle School, was named the 2019 Smithfield Teacher of the Year at the May 6th School Committee meeting. Below is a exerpt from her nomination. Tori is a fabulous social studies teacher! The incredible variety of rigorous, interesting, projects and assignments she creates is impressive. Students are... READ MORE >
At its meeting on April 23rd, the Smithfield Town Council approved the contracts for Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) services and an architectural firm for renovations to McCabe, LaPerche, and Old County Road elementary schools. The building committee forwarded its recommendations to the Town Council after a thorough search process. Seven OPM firms responded to... READ MORE >
On April 11th at 5:30 pm, LaPerche Elementary School is holding an event to celebrate 50 years of service to the community as an elementary school. Past, present, and future LaPerche families and staff are welcome to attend. Attendees are urged to bring photos from their time at LaPerche. READ MORE >
Do you know an educator who embodies the values of our school community? Consider nominating a teacher for this year’s Crystal Owl Award (Teacher of the Year). To nominate a Smithfield educator, provide their name and school as well as an explanation for what makes them worthy of this year’s award (300 words or less) in an email or through the mail to Judy Paolucci... READ MORE >
Smithfield Public Schools was awarded a $454,063 COPS grant by the Department of Justice, matched with $113,516 of district capital funds. The grant will be used to improve security at school entrances as well as have a safety audit conducted for all six district schools. The safety audit will be done during the last week of March. A consultant from Safe Havens... READ MORE >
Smithfield High School Music Department proudly presents “The Little Mermaid” a beloved musical about a young mermaid longing for love & life above the sea. Friday, March 8th at 7 PM Saturday, March 9th at 7 PM & Sunday, March 10th at 2 PM Tickets are just $10 per person and are available at the door. Children under 4 are $5.00There will be many raffle prizes... READ MORE >
Smithfield High School students were an integral part of the Bryant University celebration on Saturday, February 9, 2019, in honor of the Chinese New Year. Zitong Qi and other SHS students performed a Chinese Paper Umbrella Show and Zitong (Cathy) performed a classic, Chinese dance. 2019 is the year of the pig, according to the Chinese Zodiac. In Chinese... READ MORE >
The District Improvement Team met on Monday, January 14, 2018 to review progress toward district goals. Evidence of goal progress was shared. The following accomplishments are considered complete: Elementary science curriculum has been documented and is included in the curriculum folder, available to Smithfield teachers. Instructional materials for unified... READ MORE >
Adam Spring, a SHS teacher, was invited to the State House for the announcement by Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island General Treasurer, to institute mandatory personal finance courses for RI high school students. Seven districts in the state, including Smithfield High School, include personal finance instruction in courses required for graduation. General Treasurer... READ MORE >
A committee, consisting of Rosemarie Cipriano, School Committee Member; Angelo Mencucci, Facilities Director; Chris Coderre, Athletic Director; Dan Kelly, High School Principal; David Russas, Asset Management Commission; Mark Gilchrist, Coach; Joseph Bennett, Coach; Bob Caine, Town Recreation Director; and Judy Paolucci, Superintendent; has been meeting for the... READ MORE >
Beginning in February, Smithfield High School, along with 53 other RI middle and high schools, will be offering a Student Assistance Program based on a national model called Project SUCCESS. The program is provided by Rhode Island Student Assistance Services (RISAS) and is funded by a grant from the RI Department of Behavioral Health.The goals of Project SUCCESS... READ MORE >
Rhode Island READS is a partnership of Rhode Island agencies and educational institutions, including Smithfield Public Schools, that are focused on ensuring that children read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. The group recently sponsored a summit to discuss efforts across the state to improve reading proficiency.Research shows that children who do not read... READ MORE >
At a meeting on December 11, 2018, the School Building Committee chose Colliers International to move forward for Town Council approval for employment as a Owner's Project Manager (OPM) for the initial phase of the elementary school renovations project. On December 18th, the Council approved the award to Colliers International with a contract not to exceed... READ MORE >
4th Graders from Anna McCabe and Raymond C. LaPerche elementary schools gave an exciting and highly charged performance Wednesday at the State Capitol in Providence. The annual concert series is sponsored by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and was broadcast locally. The students were led by music teacher Sandra Barrette and performed a number... READ MORE >
On December 19th, the Rhode Island Department of Education released school accountability results for 2018. This is the first set of results under the Every Student Succeeds Act, the federal education law first passed in late 2015 and the first time the state has identified new schools for improvement since 2014. The new accountability system includes Star... READ MORE >
Upon first glance of Smithfield’s RICAS assessment data, one quickly notes the exceptional results of LaPerche students in both mathematics and English Language Arts. Investigating why the school did so well is an enjoyable puzzle to solve. While more analysis of the data is necessary to learn from these results, we know that LaPerche educators have put... READ MORE >
On November 29th, the RI Department of Education released the results the RI Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS), administered to students in grades 3 through 8 in April. RICAS replaces PARCC and measures the same skills and standards. Students, however, are expected to perform at higher levels to achieve proficiency, resulting in a significant decrease in the... READ MORE >
The "Super Scoop" blog made the American Association of School Administrator magazine's the "Best of the Blog" page this month. One or two articles are written each month on an instructional or operational area. To access this blog, go to: www.judypaolucci.edublogs.org. READ MORE >
The poise and confidence of students are strengthened through music and drama performances performed for a variety of audiences. Winter concerts are scheduled throughout the month of December and are great events to bring extended families. The schedule below includes both public and private student performances. December 1 - (public) SHS chorus and band perform... READ MORE >
The Palmes Acad émiques, awarded by the French government, recognizes those who have rendered eminent service to French education and have contributed actively to the prestige of French culture. This award was bestowed upon Margarita Dempsey, SHS French teacher, by M. Arnaud Mentre, Consul General of France in Boston, at a ceremony on November 26, 2018. For... READ MORE >
GMS music teacher, Bill Maker, recently wrote an article for the Rhode Island Educator's Journal on utilizing the guitar in band. Not only are teachers doing great things in Smithfield classrooms, but they are also sharing what they know to their professional networks, impacting music classrooms outside of Smithfield. READ MORE >
A competitive RFP process yielded proposals from six national school safety companies to conduct school safety audits for Smithfield. The successful bidder, Safe Havens International, is a renowned safety organization that helps school systems improve crisis preparedness and school safety, identifying opportunities for improvement. In addition to assessing the... READ MORE >
On November 6th, Smithfield voters approved a bond for renovating elementary schools in the district. During the first phase of the project, McCabe Elementary School will be expanded to accommodate Winsor students. This phase must be complete before the start of the 2021-2022 school year in order to meet the conditions of the fire code variance. As such, steps... READ MORE >
Thank you to everyone who supported the passage of the Smithfield School Bond. we are committed to be efficient and responsibe stewards of our community's resources. In the first phase of the project, expected to be completed by the start of the 2021-2022 school year, the funds will be used to renovate and expand McCabe Elementary School to accommodate students... READ MORE >
Check out our new mobile-responsive website and awesome new mobile app! We hope you love it! READ MORE >
Not everyone could attend the Future Search, but the short video above gives you a sense of the positive energy in the room and the executive summary linked below shares information about the process as well as the data collected from the event. From the executive summary, a strategic plan will be written. Thanks to all that participated and the many more that... READ MORE >