Smithfield Public Schools -

Smithfield Schools get an A in the media literacy study for RI districts! https://mediaeducationlab.com/sites/default/files/ML%20in%20RI%20%2810%29.pdf

One of the first goals of the Arts Task Force is to showcase the visual and performing arts in Smithfield. Check out these works of art from some of our middle school students. Batik on Fabric by grade 8 artist, Sydney Briggs, and plaster sculptures by grade 7 artists

You may have heard the news that Smithfield's school bus drivers have authorized a strike. The bus drivers have been in negotiations with Durham Transportation Services and have not yet reached an agreement. While the vote to authorize a strike is necessary before an actual work stoppage, it does not necessarily mean that a strike is imminent. Both sides continue to participate in negotiations, facilitated by a federal mediator. The bus drivers that serve Smithfield Schools are our parents, our neighbors, and a valuable asset to our school district. We are hopeful that a fair agreement can be reached through these ongoing negotiations. Should negotiation sessions not proceed in a productive manner and a strike does occur, we will be prompt in our communications with you. While alternate mass transportation options are nonexistent, we are exploring opportunities for flexible expectations for attendance and parent pick ups and drop offs. For a news account of the issue, see this link: https://bit.ly/31FHjuZ

Principal Julie Dorsey, Teacher Torie Caldarone, and Superintendent Judy Paolucci attended an awards ceremony in Washington DC for LaPerche’s recognition as a Blue Ribbon School. The event included greetings by the US Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, networking with other award-winning educators, and hearing from the 2021 Teacher of the Year, Juliana Urtubey, who focused on efforts for a just and joyful education for all students.

LaPerche Elementary's Cafeteria Rangers show off their recycling knowledge and explain the school's pilot program for reducing food waste, recycling, and composting. Go Green Team!

Smithfield elementary school shines amid RI's test-score gloom - Linda Borg's article in the Providence Journal highlights OCRS, which showed improvements in both math and ELA. All Smithfield elementary schools improved on the mathematics assessment. Great job Smithfield administrators, teachers, staff and students! https://bit.ly/3GElXOu

Smithfield's November District Newsletter is available on the link below. Great things are happening in Smithfield! https://we.tl/t-GzzrwlJpUr

Join us for the ribbon cutting ceremonies tomorrow! Please park in the side parking lots at each school leaving the front loops clear for the ceremonies.

At today's ATeam meeting, Smithfield administrators explored the many ways data can be displayed to better communicate with the school community.

The Town of Smithfield will be hosting a Pfizer BioNTech Vaccine Third Dose Clinic on Thursday, October 21st from 3pm to 7pm at the Smithfield Senior Center for individuals who have (1) received Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago AND (2) meet the CDC guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html) for a third dose of Pfizer vaccine. In addition, if you are 16 years of age and older or are 12 to 15 years of age with parental consent and have not yet received your first dose of COVID19 vaccine and would like to receive Pfizer, you may also sign up for this clinic. The Pfizer vaccine is a two-dose series for everyone. Volunteers will be available at the clinic to assist in scheduling a second dose within three weeks. Pre-registration is required for vaccinations. Please follow the link below to sign-up for the October 21st clinic: https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointment/en/reg/5911650912 ***This third dose opportunity is for those residents who were administered Pfizer vaccine.*** If you were administered Moderna COVID19 Vaccine, information will be available soon on third doses in the very near future. Please check back soon for more information on third doses and Moderna.

Apple Trails is a fun hunting adventure encouraging visitors to explore Smithfield's apple orchards and scenic walking trails. The Economic Development Commission, in partnership with the Land Trust and Conservation Commissions, will hide 91 glass apples (30 red, 30 yellow, 30 green, and 1 clear) randomly at apple orchards and conservation walking trails beginning on October 15th. Walking Trails: Mowry Conservation Area, Mercer Lookout, Wolf Hill Forest Preserve, Olivia's Forest Apple Orchards: Jaswell's Farm, Appleland Orchard, Leach Farm and Orchard Rules: Only 1 apple per seeker (leave any second apple found where you found it). Register any apple on the Smithfield Economic Development Commission's Facebook page.

Please join us for a community workshop focused on supporting the needs of youth who identify as LGBTQ+. The virtual workshop will be held on October 13th from 6:00-7:00 PM and will be facilitated by Dr. Will Giordano-Perez, Medical Director of Tri-County Community Action Agency specializing in LGBTQ+ care and Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Register for the event using this link (https://forms.gle/ZFSzQVGTvVpZ2ras5) to receive a Zoom link the week of the event. Thank you to Tri-County Community Action Agency for sponsoring this event!

Smithfield's Stand for Inclusivity The Smithfield Youth Council wants YOU to help paint a mural that represents inclusivity for all. Stop by to add your handprint and help paint words of inclusion. (Gloves and paint will be provided) Sunday, October 17th, 11am-4pm Park in the gravel lot on Farnum Pike/Rt 104 and Rt 116. Take the Stillwater Scenic Trail. The painting will be set up under the George Washington Highway bridge.

Walk for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Deerfield Park to Smithfield High School Monday, October 11, 2021 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join members of the Smithfield Anti-Hate Coalition (SAHC) and the larger Smithfield community for a Walk for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion! We will gather at the Deerfield basketball courts at 10:45 a.m. Walk begins at 11. We will walk past the soccer fields, up Deerfield Dr., along Pleasant View Ave and end at the SHS bleachers at the track. Please Note: NO parking for this event at SHS Signs with positive words and messages related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and other Social Justice issues are encouraged and welcomed! We will assemble on the bleachers and have an open mic where people can speak - in a positive way - about what diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) means to them, their vision for Smithfield as it relates to DEI, and/or remarks on social justice issues. Sponsored by the Smithfield Anti-Hate Coalition

Special thanks to the Smithfield Police Department, Durham Bus Company, Smithfield Public Works, and the Town Manager, who have been working with us to improve traffic flow during morning drop offs and afternoon dismissal. Every change has shaved off some time for traffic. Starting Monday, a change in the high school traffic flow will allow cars to exit from the access road next to the baseball field, avoiding the Pleasant View congestion. More information about this change is provided here. https://www.smithfield-ps.org/o/smithfield-high-school/article/556995

Become a paraprofessional! Northern RI Collaborative is once again offering Teacher Assistant Training Classes beginning October 12, 2021. NRIC also offers ParaPro Testing on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri by appointment only (401-495-2019). Classes and ParaPro Testing will be held at NRIC's Lincoln location. Please refer to the website for more information and registration: www.nric-ri.org/Teacher-Assistant-Training

Smithfield Rotarians share club activities that support our community with District Governor Billy Roberts. The club does much for our students, including birthday celebration bags, Thanksgiving baskets, holiday presents, and scholarships. We encourage members of our school community - families and staff - to join Rotary to continue the good work done for our families. For information on joining, contact the superintendent.

Tri-county needs your voice! The Tri-County Health Equity Zone invites you to breakfast, and interactive workshop focused on bettering the health and well-being of residents of Johnston, North Providence and Smithfield. Enjoy breakfast, and visit workshops to tell us how we can help to address the needs of the community in areas like healthcare, food insecurity, housing, COVID-19, support for our seniors and other areas. To register, visit https://fb.me/e/1383kuJB9 Wednesday, September 29th 7:30 am - 10:00 am The Overlook at Meehan 2 Governor Notte Parkway, Bldg #2 North Providence, RI

A water main break in Greenville is causing delays to buses for students in that area of town.

Plant power! SHS families went home from open house with meal kits for Vegetarian Baja Bean Tacos as part of our wellness program for students and families. Thank you to our food service provider, Chartwells, for making this happen tonight!