February - April, 2011

 

As the third quarter begins, it is my pleasure to report to you that our 2010 NECAP results are in, and they represent the hard work on the part of all stakeholders within the Pilgrim High School community. Our reading scores increased 20% over last year! Out of the five high schools that made "statistically significant gains" in this area, Pilgrim's increase was the highest in the state! The 20% increase saw Pilgrim's reading scores go from 66% to 86% proficient in one year! Our mathematics scores also made a "statistically significant gain" over last year with a 15% increase. Pilgrim's NECAP scores went from 17% to 32% proficient! While additional work needs to be done in all areas, we need to take the time to celebrate the efforts of our juniors and their teachers.

 Please find below some important dates/reminders:

 -- Winter Recess:                                             February 21 - 25

 -- "Pennies for Patients":                               March 7 - 18

 -- Interim Reports (3rd Q):                            March 10

 -- PTSA Meeting (March):                               March 10

 -- Staff Development Day:                             March 14 (no school)

 -- Class of 2012- Sen. Proj. Info. Night:      March 17

 -- Senior Follies:                                              March 18

 -- Pilgrim Players- "A Few Angry Jurors":   April 1 (7:00), April 2 (7:00), April 3 (2:00)

 -- "Mr. Pilgrim" Contest:                                  April 7

 -- Spring Band Concert:                                  April 14

 -- PTSA Meeting (April):                                  April 14

 -- Spring Recess:                                             April 18 - April 22

 

Dennis Mullen

Principal

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Dear Parents/Guardians, Students:
 

Over the course of the past few years, the issue of electronic devices in schools, both on the nationals and local level, has taken center stage.  Policies restricting student possession of electronic devices on school property were first enacted by state legislatures in the late 1980s and the early 1990s in response to concerns that students were carrying such devices to participate in gang activity or drug sales, as well as concerns that these devices served as a distraction in the classroom setting.  In recent years, with the onset of greater sophistication of electronic devices (texting, picture-taking, etc.), there has been tremendous misuse of these devices.

In response to these concerns, the state of Rhode Island enacted Law 16-21.2-11, which clearly states that “while in the school building, no student is allowed to carry, use or possess any electronic devices.” In support of this law, the Warwick Public Schools’ Student Code of Ethic (Section E, p. 5) clearly states that “students are prohibited from using a cellular phone on school property during school hours.  Students are also prohibited from wearing or using ‘walkman-type’ electronic gear (I-pod, MP3 player, etc.) within the building during school hours.  As a result, beginning this school year (2010-2011), there will be a new policy at Pilgrim High School regarding the use of electronic devises.  Electronic devices must not be seen by any staff member (teacher, administrator) at Pilgrim High School during school hours (7:24 am – 1:51 pm).  When a staff member asks for the device, it must be turned over to that staff member.  Students will be suspended if they refuse to give up the device or identify themselves.  Please refer to additional list of consequences below for each offense.
 

First Offense:  five day confiscation of the device; parent/guardian to retrieve the device from the school resource officer (Officer Dennis) by appointment before or after school.

Second Offense:  ten day confiscation of the device; parent/guardian to retrieve the device from the school resource officer (Officer Dennis) by appointment before or after school.

Third Offense:  thirty day confiscation of the device; parent/guardian to retrieve the device from the school resource officer (Officer Dennis) by appointment before or after school. 
 

We certainly understand that there may be questions regarding this new policy.  Please contact us with concerns.  We would also hope that all stakeholders understand that the primary function of school is to educate our young people without distraction.  Parents/guardians may still be able to leave an important message for their child by calling our main office.  Students will also be able to call their parent/guardian with a legitimate emergency by using the phone in the main office.  After school (l:51 pm), students may receive and make calls/tests using their cell phones to coordinate arrangements that may be necessary.  The bottom line remains that electronic devices distract from our primary mission, and in an overwhelmingly large number of cases are entirely unnecessary in a learning environment.
 

Thank you for your anticipated support.

 

Dennis T. Mullen, Principal

Pilgrim High School