Chariho Regional School District

barry [dot] ricci [at] chariho [dot] k12 [dot] ri [dot] us ()Barry Ricci: Superintendent From Your Superintendent...

November 2009

Dear Friends...

I hope that all are healthy, or at least not seriously ill with the flu.  In addition to this issue, there's much to report this month.

Let's start with H1N1 concerns.  Clearly, absentee rates have spiked in Chariho due to sickness related to the flu.  Please call the school nurse if your child has the flu; the school nurse has been authorized by me to exempt your child's absence without a doctor's note.  If your child has the flu, it's important that he/she remain at home for 24 hours without a fever, with no fever-reducing medication.  On a related note, the preliminary vaccination schedule is posted on our web site.  This is subject to change and should be checked before reporting to a clinic.

I want to thank all who have sent emails and made phone calls regarding Principal Mitchell's decision to stop 'grinding' at High School dances.  Your support has been very encouraging.  To put to rest a couple of additional rumors that have surfaced, slow dancing has not been banned and no dances have been cancelled.

I was very honored to be invited to be Commissioner Gist's first guest on her new Access RI show.  Her show focused on "accelerating schools toward greatness."  It will air on November 1 at 10:30 AM and 8:00 PM, and on November 4 at 9:00 AM.

Finally, the Chariho School Committee and NEA Chariho have ratified a new three year collective bargaining agreement.  I have posted the agreement on our web page along with the joint press release that was issued by the parties.  This agreement will do much to move our District forward.

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Take care.

Focus on Campus 2010

This section of the monthly e-update will be used to keep you informed about the work of the Building Committee. Here's the latest...

• A site plan for the Chariho campus has been approved.
• Plans for additions to the High School have been approved.
• As soon as drawings are finalized, they will be posted on our web site.

• The Annual Harvest Food Drive began on October 28th and ends on November 20th.  All schools will collect canned goods and nonperishable food items.  The school with the greatest student to food item ratio will have the honor of displaying the Harvest Reap Banner for one year.  During this particularly difficult time, we ask that all of those who are able to please contribute.
• Preliminary information from the first administration of MCAs at the High School is very encouraging.  It appears that the failure rate is significantly lower than that for mid-terms and finals administered in 2008-2009.