We're so proud of teachers and students with day 2 of virtual learning under our belts and plans for continued learning underway. Let's stay positive and continue to work as a team - educators, parents and students. For my reflections on state and national medical professionals working on this crisis, see my blog at https://bit.ly/2UxbcGO
Smithfield's Virtual Instruction Plan, FAQs, and resources can be found on our website under Online Tools & Resources and through this link https://www.smithfield-ps.org/o/smithfield-public-schools/page/virtual-instruction--4. Thank you in advance for your patience and support.
Social distancing is essential for getting through this public health crisis. Children gathering at the basketball courts and other athletic fields defeats the purpose for closing schools. To protect citizens against COVID-19, the Town Manager has closed all playgrounds, courts and fields until further notice.
Hello Smithfield! We have been busy with virtual learning and continuity of operations plans but the bottom line is this: WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. Please connect if you need support with learning, mental health, nutrition, or any other needs you may have. And, by the way, I used to teach chemistry; if there's any chem students out there who need some extra support, I AM HERE FOR YOU.
Important Notice: The Governor, RIDE, and RIDOH are moving the April vacation from April 13-17 to this coming week, March 16 -- 20. This is to give school and central office staff time to finalize long-distance learning plans and prepare for potential virtual learning weeks. We have asked teachers to distribute any packets they have developed for virtual learning as well as Chromebooks for students in grades 3-5 in preparation for potential virtual weeks.
Our custodians will also be giving our classrooms a deep cleaning next week.
Until further notice, all extra-curricular activities are suspended, including interscholastic athletics.
The Commissioner & the Director of DOH indicated that the decision to close schools will be made on a week-to-week basis. We will let you know everything we know as we know it.
Please enjoy your week as much as you can and attend to your own mental health. This is a stressful time for all of us.
Thank you for your partnership in the important work that we do. Our ability to serve our students to the greatest degree, despite the situation, is due the support we have from our families and community.
Please see the news article on the Coronavirus Update (3-11-2020) on our district website. This update was also sent to staff and families by email. www.smithfield-ps.org
Parents may wish to view this video from the Child Mind Institute, "How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus." The video supports parents who wish to provide information to their child in a way that is supportive and comforthing. https://youtu.be/WhVad8ToCiU
Coronavirus Reporting - If there is a case of the coronavirus in Smithfield - students, staff or families - we appreciate that this be reported to the Superintendent's office so that the district can take appropriate preventative measures. There is information floating around on social media that may not be based on fact. Please help us keep everyone healthy by stopping the spread of viruses and of gossip! As always, email the superintendent (jpaolucci@smithfield-ps.org) for any news or concerns.
Child Outreach screening is scheduled for March 23, 24, and 25 at the School Administration Building. Call the Child Outreach Office at 231-6608 to make an appointment. Our goal is to screen all 3, 4, and 5 year olds prior to starting kindergarten every year!
The Smithfield Special Education Local Advisory Committee (SSELAC) will hold their next meeting on March 12, 2020 from 6:30-7:30pm at LaPerche Elementary School. Please join us to discuss community opportunities for inclusion of all students.
Join us for this informational session on personal safety and human trafficking on March 11th 7:00 PM in the SHS Media Center.
Gallagher Middle School students' artwork is on display at the Greenville Public Library through the end of March in celebration of Youth Art Month.
Tim Ferron, president of SHS’s Interact Club, spoke to the Rotary this morning about the initiatives of the students - service above self!
I'm currently on a conference call with Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the Director of the R.I. Department of Health. Her leadership and intelligence provides me confidence in RI's response to coronavirus. Let's hope that the efforts of the RIDOH result in containment. #stayhealthy
This video that explains the Coronavirus in clear language. It is from CBC News (Canada) and is presented by Dr. Peter Lin.
http://bit.ly/2uOtj28
New blog post: FY21 Budget Narrative for Smithfield Schools - On March 2nd, the School Committee will vote on a budget to forward to the Town Council. This narrative provides information that helps one to better understand the budget process and contents. http://bit.ly/3alw3Dh
Students in 8th grade visited the high school today for the course selection fair.
Casey Miller's second graders wrote descriptions of imaginative animals while Jessica DeRemer's eighth graders brought the mythical creatures to life through drawings. A great example of collaboration in our schools!
The March Smithfield District Monthly Newsletter is available at http://bit.ly/2T7Q9v0
SHS Parent Council's 3rd Annual Trivia Night! Saturday, May 30th at the Portuguese American Club, 32 Fenwood Avenue, Smithfield - Come test your knowledge!
