Friday, April 24, 2015

 

Sunrise; 40 Steps, Newport, RI

I hope you have enjoyed your vacation as much as possible and have built up your energy for the big push to the end of the year. As you well know, this next month and a half will fly by and be chock full of interesting events, both planned and unplanned.

Staff News

Michael Smith, Special Education Teacher in the Life Skills room and his wife, Jill, have welcomed their daughter, Reagan Elise on April 14^th. Congratulations Michael and Jill. Please note Carole Taylor’s email from April 17 for Michael’s address. I am sure he prefers I do not post it to the Internet.

Abby Chevalier, Math Department, will be returning this Monday from her knee operation. So happy to have you back Abby!

Last Wednesday, April 22^nd was Administrative Professional’s Day. While I know we appreciate the work our 8 clerks do each day it was nice to have the opportunity to recognize them and have some time to celebrate. Thank you to Kris Anderson, Linda Andrew, Mary Barnes, Leslie Buckley, Maribeth Budlong, Theresa Hawkins, Jenny Tausek, and Carole Taylor, for their professionalism and support in making North Kingstown High School a great place to learn and work.

Students as Learners

The week before break:

Michele Lataille’s class went outside to write poetry on the sidewalk. Fortunately for me I walked outside before the rains. Here is a couple of pictures exemplifying their work.

The Business/Careers department hosted many of our students in a state-wide financial literacy contest sponsored by the RI Jump$tart Coalition. Organized in teams of 3-4 students, each team took a test challenging their financial skills with the first place winners moving on to the nationals in Kansas City.  It was announced just this week that NK placed second in the state with the winning team earning a combined score of 530!  East Greenwich placed first and Lincoln placed third. 

This past Monday, April 20th, NK accepted a trophy recognizing their leadership in financial literacy with the top scoring students receiving a citation from the RI General Treasurer.  

Please join me in congratulating all of the NK students who participated and our highest scorers, Quintin Mulligan, Ethan LaPointe, Emily Auger, Cameron Moniz, Noah Kreiger, and Brianna Bryer.  


Haley Kelly (11th grade) is raising money for Autism. If you are interested in her website please click here. She and her mom are walking Sunday, April 26th, at Goddard Memorial State Park for the 13th Annual Imagine Walk and Family Fun Day for Autism.   

Teaching and Learning

The first ASPEN update for the 4^th quarter is upon us. By the calendar it should be this Friday coming up. With consideration for the April break it has been moved to Wednesday May 6, 2015 at 8 am sharp please. See Mary Barnes email from April 23^rd for explicit directions.  The second post will be June 5th for those who like to plan ahead. Thank you.

Adults as Learners

Liz Parvo-Brown caught Matt Blaser and the Bluegrass group jamming one afternoon before break; great way to enjoy the warm weather.

Student Management Office

On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, a sample of our advisories will be participating in the RI Health Department’s survey. Mitch Cournoyer will contact you with further details if you have been selected to participate.

Dean’s Corner

The warm weather is finally upon us.  Please remind your advisory of our dress code and if there are any questions I am here to help. (Tara Walsh)

Thanks 

 Health and Wellness

Kayla, Lily and Sky

While we were on vacation Earth Day was celebrated:  April 22nd.  The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness of and pause in appreciation for our mother, our home, our miraculous planet Earth and all its natural resources. 

We are grateful for our fantastic horticulture teacher Mr. Simmons and his students who grow and offer seasonal plants, care for our school’s courtyard, indoor plants and more ~  all so important to our well-being. 

What is one thing you can do for our Earth or environment this upcoming week?

Students in Ms. Besse’s Transition class walk around the inside or (if it is nice) outside of the building at least 4 times per day. Not only does this help them balance the stress of the day it keeps an eye on our school. Thank you.

Technology

April 28 and 29^th a cadre of teachers and administrators from the district will work with our FUSE partners to begin the work necessary to design the Technology Summit for back to school. Dr. Humbyrd announced this at our last faculty meeting. These technology leaders will then facilitate workshops for NK educators upon our return to school for the 2015-16 year.

Upcoming Events

Tues, April 28^th – Jazz Concert, 7 pm

Tues, April 28^th – School Committee Meeting, 7 pm

Thur, April 30^th – Blood Drive, 7:45 am – 1:45 pm

Thur, April 30^th – National Honor Society Induction

Fri, May 1^st – Variety Show 7 pm

Wed, May 6^th – Special Education Local Advisory Meeting (SELAC) 6 pm Band room

Fri, May 15^th – Join Team Emmie for a fun painting party to support Emily Gray and her family.

You are all invited to Charlie Hall’s Drink and Dabble, fundraiser to assist with the family’s medical expenses. Get together with your friends for painting and drinks. Below is the picture we will be painting. 

Join Team Emmie on Friday, May 15^th at the Carriage Inn & Saloon.

Donation: $40.00

Doors open at 6:00 and painting begins at 6:30 

To purchase tickets contact Fran Pacheco-Fogarty at Davisville Middle School (fran_pacheco-fogarty@nksd.net)

PS: It makes a great Mother’s Day gift. 

Videos Worth Watching

We may not be able to move this way; perhaps we can think this way!

Articles Worth Reading

Are Our Schools Safe Places for Kids Who are Different

PBGR News:

Please send any senior with issues in ePortfolio to Kevin Gormley and any senior with issues on their Senior Project to Beth Conrad in room 343. Thank you.

Food for Thought

“The best way out is always through." Robert Frost