Warwick Public School's Newsletter
JANUARY 2024
A message from our superintendent
Happy New Year
It is a pleasure to work with our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and motivated
students. Our goal is to provide an excellent education on a daily basis. We continue to
have high expectations and make every effort to ensure every student is experiencing
success. I am confident that the coming year will be marked by positive changes and
significant achievements. Let us work collaboratively to achieve our goals. I also want
to thank the staff for inspiring and empowering our students and wish everyone an
amazing journey in 2024.
Attendance Matters
Chronically absent students, on average, performed lower than their not chronically
absent peers by 19.9%-26% on 2023 assessments. Chronic absenteeism is defined as
missing 10% or more of the school year. Understandably, there are times that
students need to stay home due to an illness. But it is very important that students
come to school every day that they are healthy.
Safety Message
The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. This includes both
during the school day, as well as during after-school events. With the start of 2024 upon
us, we wanted to take a moment to offer some important reminders for our school
communities.
Safe and good behavior contribute to a positive learning environment. We continue to
encourage all members of our school community to treat each other with respect.
Fighting, bullying, and/or violence are never tolerated in our schools. Along the same line,
weapons of any kind are never permitted in schools.
Additionally, it is important to remember the dangers of drug use. Substance abuse can
impact physical health, mental well-being, and future opportunities. Prohibited
substances (including drugs, alcohol, vapes, and cigarettes) will also not be tolerated within
our schools. Our schools are committed to providing resources and support, so if you
have any concerns, reach out to our counseling services. Together, as a community, we
can ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students.
As we continue our focus on each of these items, we will continue with the development
of new procedures; training with our staff and students; communication with our
community; and our collaboration with the Warwick Police Department and our many
other community partners.
Curriculum Updates
Lisa Fredrickson Schultz, Ph.D.
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and MTSS
Happy New Year! The Curriculum Team has several updates for you at this time of year:
Mathematics Update
Teachers and students are very busy at EVERY level working on RICAS and SAT
problems of the week. We are starting early and strong in order to keep up the amazing
progress that we have made with our state testing scores. We are also ready to take
our mid-year assessments, and we urge students to try their best in order to give us the
most accurate results. The high school students are finding success with ALEKS and
work on common assessments has begun! Keep up the great work, all.
ELA Update
It's time to test our knowledge! This month, K-8 students will complete the middle-of-year i-Ready diagnostic. And, similarly to the mathematics department, the ELA department has created RICAS questions of the week for extra practice. These tests aren't only important for the teacher's instructional decisions, but they will also be used in the new middle school honors criteria.
MLL Departmental Update
The MLL department is busy with ACCESS testing for January - February. Tiffany
Beltram, MLL Coordinator, has been meeting with schools (MTSS teams, Principals,
SPED and MLL teachers 1:1, SPED teams) for coaching/PD as requested. She has
been promoting awareness around dually identified students (MLL/SPED) by meeting
with people and presenting at the elementary SPED quarterly meeting. Translation
support is in the works (see links for more information below).
Future PD opportunities:
● Bite-sized MLL PD plan:
○ #2 What do MLL services look like? What is ELD? - January 2024
○ #3 What is ACCESS? What do ELP levels mean? - February 2024
○ #4 MLL Strategies for MLL Students for Classroom Teachers -
March/April 2024
○ #5 topic TBD - May/June 2024
● Technology Tips and Tricks presented in person by two MLL specialists in
March dates TBD
● SLP & MLL PD presented by Kate Kovarik our Bilingual SLP in the district, at
selected schools
● Here are some additional resources:
12/13/23 MLL/SPED Meeting
1. What is an MLL? Who are our MLLs in WPS?
MLL Support for MTSS, IEPs, & 504s
Grants, Federal Programs, and DEI Update
Grants:
21st Century Grant - after school, vacation, & summer programming. Grants will begin
on July 1, 2024, and are for 5 years $180,000 annually. This is a very competitive
grant!
InnovATe Grant - Grant to assist in the hiring of a full-time Athletic Trainer $180,000 over
3 years.
DEI: Training of small district DEI team with CLEE (pending approval)
McKinney Vento- 66 students are currently flagged as homeless. Assist with transportation
statewide, coordinate scheduling of art therapists, work closely with other school
districts on shared costs of homeless students residing in Warwick, but attend school in
another school district.
Home School - Currently 336 students are enrolled in Home School.
Budgeting/Preparing Amendment Time: Federal Programs (Title I, II, III, IV-a)
SEL Update
Our fall SEL survey results are in! Thank you again for supporting your students in
completing their surveys. As you know, social-emotional learning is as critical to
developing a successful student as academics. Our goal is to assist students in
becoming the best version of themselves.
Here are a few important key takeaways:
● Supportive relationships continue to be a significant strength. Students
responded favorably that they have adults and friends at school whom they can
count on.
● In the areas of Learning Strategies and Social Awareness, a majority of the
students responded with a “3” on a 5-point Likert scale or “sometimes” when
reflecting on specific questions under these skills. With explicit direct instruction
in these areas, teachers and support staff can help students become proficient.
Elementary and middle school teachers can now access our newly purchased
SEL curriculum, Second Step.
● Emotional regulation continues to be an area of need for all students. Most
students report they are still developing the skills needed to regulate their
emotions when they are faced with a challenge. With direct targeted instruction,
students will learn new strategies that they will carry with them beyond school.
Thank you for all that you do! The district Professional Development documents will be
sent out mid-month. Thank you for your feedback to help make the PD days tailored to
your needs whenever possible.
Secondary Update
Warwick Veterans Middle School
January 10th–“Wacky Wednesday”--Team Color Day
January 12th–Dance
January 24th- Doors open at 5:00 pm, game starts at 6:00 pm–Student/Faculty Basketball Game to raise funds for the family of Jay Almeida. A teacher at Vets who is battling cancer.
Jan. 2nd thru Feb. 5th Gr. 6 teams are initiating a FunDrive to coincide with this year's
Reading Week Theme 'reduce, reuse, recycle'--collecting clothes, books and small
household items.
Team Thunder will be decorating the hallway with an art collage inspired by Michelle
Obama’s Speech "Commencement Address To The Santa Fe Indian School."
Pilgrim High School
December was a fun and exciting time. The winter concert series were amazing. The
Band Concert was on the 6th and the Concert, Instrumental and Jazz Bands playing
wonderfully. This was followed by the Chorus Concert on the 14th. Pilgrim Chorus and
Chorale were breathtaking. Not to mention the joy the singers brought to the hallways
of school on Dec 22 as they sang us into the holiday break. January is a busy month
for high schools. Our winter sports are in full swing. Fall semester exams and course
selections for the 2024-2025 school year are upcoming. The spring semester will begin
on Monday, Jan 29. Please talk to your students about their course selections for next
year. To get the students prepared, we held an Elective Fair and gave students time to
walk around and talk to the students and teachers who are taking those classes
currently.
Winman Middle School
During the months of November and December, Social Arts Coordinator Galligan
organized events for the Winman Community that included; a collection for the RI Food
Bank for families in need, Winman Angles to support those struggling through the
holidays. These activities were rounded out by “Deck the Warriors”, which included
themed days leading up to the holiday break. Tropicana Danny came to Winman for r3
performances for students who met the December behavioral expectations.
January 2024 Winman Middle School’s Warrior Den will open. This is an opportunity for
students who follow classroom and school expectations (The 3 R’s) will be recognized
as part of PBIS There are several other rewards that will be available in the New Year.
Mrs. Galligan has a Winter Wonderland dance planned for January 19.
Toll Gate High School
Toll Gate is gearing up for semester exams. Our work with our students is shown in so
many ways. From concerts, field trips to mock trial competitions. Winter sports are in full
swing, with great fans and high attendance at home and away games. The TG elves
were hard at work delivering mountains of gifts to deserving families. This was
spearheaded by Mrs. Kane and Mr. Solitto. Spirit days were a great success before
vacation, among students and staff.
We look forward to beginning the second semester with enthusiasm and hard work.
Huge shout out to Mr. Livsey, Mr. Grimes and Mr. Martin for the amazing job they do
everyday.
Career and Tech Center
The Warwick Area Career and Technical Center has had an extremely busy January as
students prepare for their Mid-term examinations, many of which are performance
based in which students utilize their industry specific skills. Over the past several
weeks, WACTC students and staff have visited the Middle Schools to present and
showcase our programs. Many senior WACTC students are working in their internships
as others are solidifying their paperwork. Throughout the WACTC, students are busy
fulfilling their work based learning both within the building and outside in the community.
Elementary Update
Elementary Happenings
From the Desk of Mrs. Cousineau
Director of Elementary Education
Happy New Year to our principals, teachers, faculty, students and families! It is hard to
believe that we have already been in school more than four months this year!! You may
have noticed that we opted to print out paper copies of your child’s standards based
report card this year as well as continue with the digital option in Aspen. We hope this
will aid you in your conversations not only with the school and teacher, but with your
child about their strengths and areas where they can make improvements.
As we move into January 2024, know that our students will be taking their second
IReady diagnostic assessment of the year in both reading (ELA) and math. We do this
so we can compare the skills they came into school with and where they are now. It is
up to us, as their educators, to continue to work with them on their splintered skills and
challenge them to push forward with what they already know.
With that being said, we hope you have heard the slogans #AttendanceMattersRI, and
that it's #Cool2BeInSchoolRI! This is our campaign, not only for our schools, but for our
district, and our state. There were some skills that were lost during the pandemic and it
is up to us to close that gap, but we can only do that with your help. Did you know that
just 2 days out each month puts your child’s learning at risk? Please help by getting
your child in school.
Lastly, all of our schools have been focused on some form of “Be the I in KIND”. We
have recently purchased a new curriculum to support our SEL (Social Emotional
Learning) called Second Step. Be sure to ask your child what they are learning about
during their SEL time.
May this new year bring you and your family much happiness, health, and laughter.
Special Services
Happy New Year from Special Services!
WSEAC - The Warwick Special Education Advisory Committee will offer a community
presentation about transitioning from school-based services to adult services.
Representatives from West Bay, BHDDH (Behavioral Health, Developmental
Disabilities, and Hospitals), and ORS (Office of Rehabilitative Services) will be present
to share information and answer questions. This event will be held on Wednesday,
February 28, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Warwick Veterans Middle School.
This event will be open to families from Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, and
Cranston. Please see the flyer below for more details!
You can register online with the link below or email:
caitlin.regan@warwickschools.org
jennifer.cardillo@verizon.net
WSEAC's next monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, from 6:00 pm
to 7:30 pm at the Warwick Public Library on Sandy Lane.
Please consider joining the WSEAC committee we are in need of increased parent
participation! In order to hold meetings, add new members, and vote on committee
positions, we need at least 51% of meeting attendees to be parents or guardians. With
your input and support, we can continue to offer more community presentations on
topics of interest to you!
Human Resources
Kim Ruggieri
Director of Human Resources
Happy New Year! I wish you all a happy and healthy 2024 on behalf of the Human
Resources Department. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and
friends. As we are in the cold/flu/COVID/RSV season, we stress the importance of self
monitoring symptoms and avoiding spreading of germs to family and coworkers. Of
course, this means that our need for substitutes will increase as absences increase.
We are always actively recruiting substitutes in all areas: teachers, support staff (social
workers, psychologists, nurses, etc.), teacher assistants, clerical, custodial, lunch aides
and bus monitors. Please visit our website or call 734-3082 to apply or for more
information. Many thanks to the dedicated faculty and staff of Warwick Public Schools.
Their continued commitment to our students is the foundation for student success.
Great things are happening in Warwick!
Technology
Although there is an abundance of opportunities that technology provides us, it is
paramount to always remember that we must be vigilant in ensuring that we are safe in
its use. Here are a few reminders to help support the safe use of technology that are
helpful not only for our students, but to all who use technology.
● Keep personal information private. DO NOT share passwords to any accounts
with any friends. Also never share your name, telephone number, birthdate,
address, school name, etc. (any information that could be used to help identify
you) when using the internet. If you get a request that appears to be legit or
official, be sure to ask parents, guardians, teachers, etc. before sharing
information.
● Remember that once you post something online or in an app, a copy is out there
forever. This is also true for apps that claim to delete content after a certain
amount of time, and/or once the content is viewed by the recipient. There are
other ways that a recipient can retain a copy of what was sent. It is important to
always be careful when posting anything online.
● Do not click on any links from anyone that you do not know and/or are not
expecting to receive. This could expose accounts, devices, networks, etc. to
cyber threats. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask a parent, guardian,
teacher, etc. This process is often referred to as “phishing”. We are seeing more
and more of this each and every day. Some examples that we are seeing with
more frequency include:
○ Receiving a text or email message asking you to click on a link because a
package could not be delivered. Here they claim to be UPS, FEDEX,
USPS, etc.
○ Receiving a message asking you to click on a link to schedule or cancel
an appointment, meeting, etc.
○ Receiving an email that is designed to appear that it was sent from a
person of authority, asking you for help. Usually a followup question if
someone was to mistakenly reply to the sender, is a request to acquire gift
cards of some sort, and then share the information from those gift cards to
the individual conducting the scam. This is more common than most may
think. Our advice is to contact the actual individual that the message is
designed to come from with a separate and new message or a phone call
asking if they sent the original message in the first place. You can also
delete the message and.or block the actual sending address.
○ Receiving a random call from a random number, stating that they are an
official government agency (i.e. the IRS). They may be trying to trick you
into sharing important personal information. Any government agency
needing a specific action and/or asking a question, will do so through
official and often certified mail; not a call to you.
■ If you receive a message and/or a message is sent to others from
what appears to have been you, does NOT mean that the/your
account has been hacked! But rather, someone has gotten a copy
of what they believe shows them the hierarchy of the organization,
and is using that to attempt to get someone to help with the
request. If you believe that anyone would and/or has received a
request from you that came from a spoofed email address and not
you, it is always best practice to inform those who may have
received the message that there was no request from you and to
disregard.
○ Keep your devices (phones, tablets, chromebooks, etc.) locked when not
in use. This combined with not sharing a passcode or a password will help
ensure that someone does not post something under your name.
These are just a few of the many tips that can help keep our students safe while online.
It is always our recommendation to continually remind students of the importance of
digital responsibility and citizenship. If there are ever any questions or concerns
surrounding this topic, never hesitate to reach out to the school and/or the District’s
Technology Department who will be able to point you in the right direction.