February E-Update

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

From Your Superintendent...
February 2010

Dear Friends...

Let's hope that the snowy weather continues to happen on the weekends. So far, no days to make-up.

The School Committee has adopted a calendar for next year. It is on our website under District Information. There are two major changes. First, the school day has been extended by ten minutes for all students; new school hours are also listed under District Information. The second change is that there will be nine Early Release Thursdays. On these days, students will be released ninety minutes early to allow faculty to meet together to discuss student achievement data. Please note that we will rotate attendance on these Early Release Thursdays between AM and PM kindergarten and that these students will remain in school for a longer than usual school day, which will include lunch.

I want to thank all who attended our Listening Session on performance-based compensation. The thoughtful and constructive comments that were offered are being thoroughly considered by the Joint Committee. It is my plan to provide the School Committee with an update at a future meeting.

Also, I want to thank the Ashaway School PTO for allowing me time on their recent agenda. (As noted in my previous newsletter, I plan to visit with each of the PTOs.) I was most impressed with their strong sense of community, their committment to both Ashaway School and the District, and their "whatever it takes" attitude. The Ashaway PTO was strongly in favor of increased funding for instructional technology and offered to participate in a potential district advisory council.

Finally, there is much concern on our part over the responsible use of electronic communication, including social networking sites. Since there have been a number of recent instances of inappropriate use by our students, we will offer a workshop for parents on this topic on March 3 at 6:00 PM in the Middle School Library. All are encouraged to attend.

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...

The frame of the maintenance/technology building is going up. Once finished, we will move the maintenance and technology offices to their new space. This summer, we will remove the walls in the current maintenance/technology offices; that space, for a short time, will be used as the new Hot House.
The Middle School classroom addition is coming along nicely. Work has begun on the roof of this structure.
The Building Committee has authorized the issuance of one bid package for the Middle School, High School, and campus improvements.

In the News...

Calling all artists! Please consider creating a "Chair for Chariho". Modify or create an original chair and donate it to Chariho's ARTESSY event. Chairs will be featured in a silent auction with all proceeds going toward art scholarships. Please contact Debra Engel at daeng [at] chariho [dot] k12 [dot] ri [dot] us for more information.
The Career and Technical Center is now accepting applications for all programs for the 2010-2011 school year. You'll find an application on the career and technical center web page.
Winter Recess is scheduled for February 15-19th.
The Chariho Players invite you to their Winter Cabaret at the Middle School Auditorium on February 6; show times are at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Kindergarten registration will be held in all schools during the week of March 1. Proof of immunization, a birth certificate and a locator card are needed for registration.
A workshop for parents on internet safety and social networking will be held in the Chariho Middle School Library on March 3 at 6:00 PM. Please mark your calendar for this very important session.

Congratulations!

Sarah Stolt
Creative Communications Poets Contest

Richmond School
Collection of Food for St. Joseph's Church & Donation of $829 for Haiti Earthquake Victims

Austin Demers
Division II South First Team/Soccer

Michaela Allen & Hannah Schneidenbach
Division II South Second Team/Soccer

Halley McVey
Division II South Sportsmanship/Soccer

Molly Tortolani, Lindsey Durante & Maddy Kelley
Division III South First Team/Tennis

Olivia Scott, Melanie McCauley, Anna Overend & Sarah Phillip
Division III South Second Team/Tennis

Ali Bryant
Division III South Sportsmanship/Tennis

Laura Manning
Division II First Team/Field Hockey

Molly Hodshon
Division II Honorable Mention/Field Hockey

Jen Damicis
Division II Honorable Mention/Field Hockey

Coral Holly
Division I South Second Team/Volleyball

Kelsea Loffredo & Mary Toth
Division I South Third Team/Volleyball

Danielle Foraker
Southern Division Coach's Award and Academic All-State/Cross Country

Kelly Whalen & Leah Walsh
Academic All-State/Cross Country

Michelle Steever
Verizon Thinkfinity Field Trainer of the Month

Chariho Regional High School
Certificate of Congratulations for Outstanding Commitment to Mentoring by State of RI

Important Budget Dates

February 9
Budget Approval

March 2
Public Hearing on Budget

March 9
Budget Adoption

April 6
Referendum on Budget

Thank You!