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superintendent's updates

NSPS 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR IN REVIEW

6/23/2025

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OUR SCHOOLS

NSES
  • Outstanding Achievement and State Performance:
    • Ranked 25 out of 258 elementary schools in Rhode Island for attendance; only 7% chronically absent, down from 11% in the 2023-2024 school year
    • Ranked #4 in the state for ELA growth 
    • Ranked #7 in the state for Math growth
    •  100% Family Participation in SurveyWorks 2024-2025
  • iReady data growth:
    • Reading:  145%
    • Math:  121%
  • Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 4 “Ceremonies”: 2 sessions each
    • Grade 4 “After Grad” Party ~ All grade 4 teachers, administration, and multiple parent volunteers assisted over 90 students from 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
  • Enrolled over 115 new students for Kindergarten for the 2025 - 2026 school year
  • Called 304 families from September to June for Positive Phone Calls
  • Awarded an Integrity Award, a Kindness Award, and 6 Book Awards to grade 4 students who exhibited excellence within their grade level
  • Positive behavioral intervention support with new Behavior Passports, Kelso’s Choices, and Itinerant Star Awards
  • Kelso’s Choice is taught to all classrooms four times a year with Dena Francescon, Dean of Students, and Cameron Benjamin (School Counselor)
  • Increased community engagement by partnering with: Goodwin’s Farm, RISPCA, Community Care Alliance, North Smithfield Prevent Coalition
  • Distributed dictionaries to the grade 3 students from the Lion’s Club of Burrilliville
  • Participated in the Scripps State Spelling Bee
  • Taught “Zones of Regulation” for emotional awareness
  • Supported multiple displaced families with food, clothing, and community resources
  • Collaborated with NSPD and Community Care Alliance for wrap-around mental health services
  • Conducted 3 Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Data Weeks; Met with all classroom teachers and discussed student progress for all students K-4
  • Hosted multiple summer onboarding activities for incoming kindergarten students (including: Peek at Kindergarten, Pops with the Principals, Playground with the Principals, Getting to Know K Camp)
  • Facilitated multiple opportunities for our grade 4 students to transition to the middle school (field trip to the middle school, family night at the middle school ~ Thanks to the middle school administrative team, middle school speakers).
  • Implemented the Morning Running Club for students who need an activity upon arrival at school
  • Supported student mental health through “Greetings and Goodbyes” check-in program and Minute Meetings
  • Facilitated book club with the NSPTO and NSES Staff. We read and explored The Anxious Generation and developed an action plan.
  • Received a $2,000 Feinstein grant to enhance two outdoor classrooms
  • Received a $1,000 Feinstein grant to develop a Student Leadership Team for our rising fourth graders
  • Mentored 8 NSHS students for Senior Projects
  • Partnered with PTO for multiple fundraising events
  • Identified Open Circle as a new social/emotional program with training set to begin in August 2025. NSES was awarded a $10,000 wellness grant from RIDE.
    • Sarah Glover will be trained as an instructor for new hires.
  • Held the following events for families:
    • Back to School Night
    • Family Community Night
    • Family Conferences
    • Winter Wonderland Activity Night
    • Family Literacy Night
    • Reading Week
    • World Read Aloud Day
    • NSES Art Show
    • NSES Health Fair
    • NSES Chorus Concert
    • NSES Field Day
  • Shared Family Newsletters every Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. via email and Facebook
  • Held 259 IEP meetings, 160 Evaluation Team Meetings, and 78 Family Meetings.


NSMS
  • Outstanding Academic Achievement in ELA. Statewide performance:
    • Grade 5 - #1 in the state for growth 
    • Grade 6 - #5 in the state for growth
    • Grade 7 - #3 in the state for achievement
    • Grade 8 - #6 in the state for achievement
  • Outstanding Academic Achievement in Math. Statewide performance:
    • Grade 5 - #1 in the state for growth 
    • Grade 6 - #5 in the state for growth
    • Grade 7 - #3 in the state for achievement
    • Grade 8 - #6 in the state for growth
  • RICAS data show that our students continue to excel and exceed proficiency in greater numbers year-over-year.
  • iReady data shows that student growth is accelerating in both Math and Reading.
    • 187% annual typical growth in Reading
    • 157% annual typical growth in Math
  • Grade 8 Step-Up Ceremony and Dance were both beautiful events that families and students loved
  • Valerie Carnevale - District Teacher of the Year
  • PRIDE implementation/Awards were successful in increasing Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependability, and Empathy
  • Family Engagement has significantly increased - Family nights, student showcases, guest speakers, positive notes, and phone calls home
  • All of our teams ensured that our students had outside experiences, including Woo Sox, a STEM trip at Foxboro Stadium, a visit to the State House, Cinema World, Pulaski Park, and the planetarium, among others.
  • Our music program had another successful year, winning the highest ratings at all competitions, including their Music in the Park event at Six Flags
  • Olivia Kleyla, band director, performed at Carnegie Hall    
  • 8th grade went to the Career Fair at the Convention Center   
  • Spread the Word Day- fostering inclusion in our school  
  • Best Buddies Club- mainstream students join our Life Skill students and make crafts, play games, and spend time together after school.
  • NSMS ran approximately 30 clubs after school. These clubs were student-generated ideas, and our faculty/staff stepped up to ensure our students have somewhere safe and fun to be after school
  • Positive behavioral supports- earning vs consequences (outside lunches at our donated picnic tables,  Student of the Month lunches, recognizing our students through our Core Values)
  • Attendance continues to increase/Attendance incentives are successful 
  • FACT presentation (Fostering Alternative Choices and Thinking) was a success
  • Shout out from RIDE for SurveyWorks completion! 
    • 92.4% Family Participation rate this year, continually increasing year after year since 2020
  • MTSS Advisory Block: Provides additional support to students with academic needs and has decreased failures significantly
  • Continued Check In/Check Out to support students' social-emotional needs
  • NSMS assisted many seniors with their Senior Projects.  Some of our faculty were mentors, and we helped them promote/hold their fundraisers and events with our families and students.  

NSHS 
  • Outstanding Achievement and State Performance:
    • #3 in the state on PSAT10 in Mathematics
    • #5 in the state on SAT in Mathematics 
    • #6 in the state on PSAT10 in Reading/Writing
    • #6 in the state on SAT in Reading/Writing 
  • Class of 2025
    • June 6th Graduation was an amazing night! It didn’t rain! 
    • 29 Academic Scholarships
    • 22 Graduates with CTE Honors 
    • 70 Commissioner’s Seals of English and Math Proficiency
    • 20 Graduates with a GPA of 4.0 or higher
    • 3 Graduates Earned a Seal of Biliteracy
    • College and Career Signing Day was held on May 21st.  All seniors celebrated future plans in the cafeteria.  
    • Senior Project Day on May 22nd was a success! Nearly 200 judges from the district and community
  • All School Improvement Goals Met for the 2024-25 School Year!
    • Math Goal: To increase the percentage of all students meeting or exceeding expectations on the Math SAT from 41% to 46% by the end of SY 2025. (Spring 2025 SAT Proficiency = 49%)
    • Evidence-based Reading and Writing Goal: To increase the percentage of all students meeting or exceeding expectations on the EBRW SAT from 69% to 74% by the end of SY 2025. (Spring 2025 SAT Proficiency = 79%)
    • Attendance Goal:  To decrease the percentage of all students who are chronically absent from 16.2% to 14.7% by the end of the 2025 SY. (As of 6/13, the RI State Attendance Leaderboard predicts 12.6% on track to be chronically absent)
  • Career Fair: On February 13th, NSHS hosted a Career Fair with a record 90+ representatives from the workforce and military
  • CTE: 44 applicants for the 2025-2026 school year; 10 admitted to the programs
    • 22 CTE completers as part of the Class of 2025
    • All CTE students exceeded the minimum of 20 Work-Based Learning Hours for the year!
    • The Community Advisory Board met to connect industry partners with teachers
    • ACE Mentorship Program:  Representatives from the program met with Pre-Engineering Students, hoping to develop a more robust partnership and move the location to NSHS next year.
  • Family Response Rate on Surveyworks has improved from 19% participation in 2022 to 77% participation in 2025!
  • Continued our unique partnership with Bridge RI to build research-based MTSS interventions in math, reading, and SEL
  • Multi-day school trips to New York (music), Washington D.C (We the People)., and Orlando (DECA)
  • Mental Health
    • Through our partnership with Kyle Cares, students have applied for and received $5,000 in grant funding for our Mental Health initiatives at NSHS. 
    • The Active Minds Club hosted one event per month that focused on healthy relationships, connections, and positivity across the school community. 
    • Hosted an awesome full-school Unified “Green Out” basketball game vs. Burrillville 
    • Hosted the second annual Mental Health Awareness Week 
  • Environmental Initiatives
    • NSHS earned the highest Eco-School designation - a Green School, improving from Gold School status last year.
    • Composting Initiative:  Partnered with Bootstraps Composting to reduce food waste in the cafeteria
    • Environmental Awareness Week: The Environmental Club organized the first-ever Environmental Awareness Week, including dress-up days, SAA outside, an Earth Day Pledge, an environmentally friendly craft during advisory, and participation in Clean and Green Day.

ATHLETICS

Fall
  • Girls Volleyball Varsity Division 2 Sportsmanship Award
  • Middle School Girl Soccer, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball, Football, and Unified Volleyball made the playoffs
Winter
  • Middle School Girls Basketball, Boys Hockey, Girls Hockey, Boys Basketball, and Girls Basketball made the playoffs
  • Middle School Cheerleading RICCA Small Division Championship 
  • JV Cheerleading won the RICCA Division Championship
Spring
  • Baseball Varsity Division 3 Sportsmanship Award
  • Middle School Softball, Boys Tennis, Baseball, Girls Lacrosse, and Boys Lacrosse made the playoffs
  • Middle School Unified Basketball had an undefeated season

MUSIC
 
NSHS
  • RI-ACDA Choral Festival
    • Concert Choir - SILVER
    • Select Choir - GOLD
    • Chamber Choir - GOLD
  • RIMEA Band Festival
    • SUPERIOR & Citation of Excellence
  • National Band Association High School Band Symposium
  • U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT
  • RIMEA Jazz Festival
    • Jazz Ensemble - EXCELLENT
    • Jazz Choir - SUPERIOR
  • RI - PAS Percussion Festival
    • SUPERIOR
    • WINNER of Ronald Stabile Outstanding Performance Trophy
  • NYC Heritage Choral Festival
    • Select Choir - GOLD
    • Adjudicator Award for a score of 95 or higher!
  • Chamber Choir - GOLD
  • Adjudicator Award for a score of 95 or higher!
  • Honors Credit Students for Band & Chorus
    • NdeyeAnna Dien, Andrea Nunez, Jayden Allard, Zachary Simpkins, Ryan Dellinger, Anna Aleksiewicz, Jada Para, Cameron Welch, Clover Slaughter, Isabella Rawson, Rachael Snyzyk, Amani Grant, Ethan LaFrance, Madelyn McNeil, Owen Priestley, Lucas Comeau, Jack Narodowy, Aayan Khan, Mia Remeika, Ryan Dellinger, Claire Grant, Madeline Prickett, Andrew Butler, Breille Ballargeon 
  • URI -  Southern New England Honor Band Musicians, January 24-25
    • Adam Harrison, Mariah Joyal, Ethan LaFrance, Madelyn McNeil, Jack Narodowy, Owen Priestley, Wyatt Pullen
  • Congratulations to the students who were accepted to the American Choral Directors Association’s National Honor Choir.
    • March 19-22, Dallas, TX: Andrew Butler, Zachary Simpkins, Madeline Prickett
  • 2025 All-Eastern Honor Ensemble, April 24-27, Hartford, CT
    • Band - Owen Priestley - Senior Clarinet
    • Choir - Mia Remeika, Ryan Dellinger, Claire Grant 
  • Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensembles (RIPYWE) for the 2024-25 Season!
    • Adam Harrison, Mariah Joyal, Jack Narodowy, Teagan McMahon. Angelina Parente, Louis Garneau  
  • NSHS Music All-State Musicians
    • Jr. All-State Mixed Choir: Cameron Welch, Jayden Allard, Makayla LaFrance
    • Jr. All-State Treble Choir: Madeline Prickett, Pola Freitas
    • Sr. All State Mixed Choir: Alexzaindria Daviau, Amani Grant, Andrea Nunez, Andrew Butler, Brody Laliberte, Claire Grant, Clover Slaughter, Connor Reilly, Dylan Deroy, Emma Bryan, Jaxon Boyes, Layla Lanoie, Madden Keovongsavang, Ryan Dellinger, Samantha Thibeault, Sophia Gregory, Zachary Simpkins
    • Jr. All-State Band: Angelina Parente
    • Sr. All State Band: Lucas Comeau, Luke Fournier, Louis Garneau, Adam Harrison, Mariah Joyal, Aayan Khan, Ethan LaFrance, Madelyn McNeil, Jack Narodowy, Owen Priestley
    • Sr. All State Treble Choir: Anna Aleksiewicz, Brielle Baillargeon, Grace Aleksiewicz, Isabella Rawson Jada Parra, Leila Chmielinski, Mia Remeika, NdeyeAnna Diene, Rachael Snyzyk, Victoria Freitas
    • Sr. All-State Jazz Ensemble: Lucas Comeau. Ethan LaFrance
  • Solo and Ensemble Festival
    • Instrumental: Melko Blacksmith, Janjira Caron, Lucas Comeau, Angelina Feliz, Brianna Fournier, Louis Garneau, Adam Harrison, Aayan Khan, Ethan LaFrance, Teagan McMahon, Madelyn McNeil, Jack Narodowy, Angelina Parente, Owen Priestley, Sophia White
    • Vocal: NdeyeAnna Diene, Andrea Nunez, Jayden Allard, Zachary Simpkins, Ryan Dellinger, Anna Aleksiewicz, Jada Para, Cameron Welch, Clover Slaughter, Isabella Rawson, Rachael Snyzyk, Amani Grant, Brielle Baillargeon
  • 2025 RIMEA - Honors recital - Owen Preistly

NSMS
  • 7th and 8th grade chorus - Superior Rating at the Rhode Island Music Educator Association Junior Choral Festival; 1st place Superior rating, and winners of overall best middle school chorus at the Music in the Parks Festival. 
  • 7th and 8th grade band - Superior Rating at the Rhode Island Music Educator Association Junior Band Festival; 1st place Superior rating, and winners of overall best middle school band at the Music in the Parks Festival
  • Jazz Band - Excellent rating at the Rhode Island Music Educator Association Jazz Band Festival
  • 6th Grade Chorus - Silver rating at the Rhode Island Music Educator Association Elementary Choral Festival
  • ALL STATE STUDENTS
    • All-State chorus: Dante Braga, Mia DaSilva, Olivia Majeau, Evelyn Phomsoupha, Ava Rawson, Arame Thioye, Chloe Welch
    • All-State junior band: Madeline Foley
    • All-State junior orchestra: Thomas DeCataldo
  • SOLO AND ENSEMBLE
    • Maya Green and Olivia Majeau - Superior rating, vocal duet
    • Chole Welch - superior rating, vocal solo
    • Madeline Foley - superior rating, clarinet solo
    • Madeline Foley and Thomas DeCataldo - superior rating, duet
    • Emily Cartwright - Excellent rating, oboe solo
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NSMS/NSHS Water Supply UPDATE for 05-19-25

5/19/2025

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 YELLOW HIGHLIGHT INDICATES NEW ITEMS SINCE LAST UPDATE

Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

As you may know, NSPS supplies its own drinking water to our staff and students. We are considered a public water system licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Recently, public water systems were required to test drinking water for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The tests showed more PFAS in the water than Rhode Island law allows. 

The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are sharing what we have learned about PFAS in our drinking water and what we are doing about it. 

What are PFAS? Where do they come from?
  • Nearly everyone has a low level of PFAS in their blood.
  • PFAS are chemicals that are found in many different products that are made to repel water, grease, or stains. 
  • PFAS can enter the soil, air, and water from many sources and last for a long time. 

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What does this mean?
  • Tests showed more PFAS in the water than Rhode Island law allows. This is called an exceedance of a drinking water standard. 
  • For very high levels of PFAS, RIDOH requires that people not drink the water. The level of PFAS in our drinking water is not high enough for RIDOH to require that people not drink it, but we must, and will, remediate it. 
  • However, long-term health effects could potentially result from consuming PFAS. See the attached public notice or health.ri.gov/pfas for more information.

Can drinking water be treated to lower PFAS levels?
  • Yes, drinking water can be treated to lower PFAS levels.
  • It is not possible to eliminate exposure to PFAS entirely because PFAS are present at low levels in many things in the environment. However, we can lower or remove PFAS from drinking water through targeted drinking water treatment efforts. 

What is NSPS doing about the PFAS?
  • We are taking steps to lower the PFAS levels in our drinking water.
  • NSPS is entering into a consent agreement with RIDOH. A consent agreement is legally binding and documents our plan of action to fix the PFAS levels by an achievable and realistic deadline.
  • NSPS will provide regular updates about our progress:
    • 08/17/2021: Pumps adjusted to favor pulling water from Well #1 over Well #2  
    • 10/18/2023 RIDOH confirmed NSPS receives a Federal Emerging Contaminants (EC) in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant (SDC) to remediate PFAS levels in Well #2. A survey/engineering project scope is being developed by Northeast Water Solutions(NWSI)/RIDOH. 
    • 02/15/2024 - North Smithfield Schools and the Rhode Island Department of Health enter into a Consent Agreement to remediate PFAS levels at NS Junior/Senior High Schools, completing eligibility to receive federal funding. 
    • 08/16/24 NSPS PFAS Corrective Action Plan (CAP) submitted to RIDOH.
    • 08/20/25 PFAS Treatment Proposal for Engineering Services approved by NSPS School Committee.
    • 10/10/2024 Meeting with RIDOH and RI Infrastructure Bank regarding federal grant application. 
    • 01/03/2025 Meeting with RIDOH, RI Infrastructure Bank, and Slatersville Water Supply to investigate the feasibility of combining municipal projects and connecting the HS/MS into the town water supply vs. installing a standalone sitewide filtration system. 
    • 05/14/2025 Eight-week remediation Pilot Study submitted to RIDOH to be scheduled for Summer 2025. 

Where can I find more information?
  • You can also learn more about PFAS from RIDOH at health.ri.gov/pfas. 

We are taking this matter very seriously and are working closely with RIDOH to finalize and get approval for a plan to fix the PFAS levels as soon as possible. We will share updates with you throughout this process. 


  • Michael St. Jean, Superintendent

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School COMMITTEE/Town council pres.

12/19/2024

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October 1st enrollment SUMMARY

10/15/2024

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Presented at 10/15/2024 School Committee Meeting
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24-25 NSPS Priorities and Goals

10/2/2024

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The NSPS District Strategic Plan outlines the following Annual Assessment Process: “In September of each school year, the Superintendent will present the year’s upcoming focus areas, goals, priorities, and initiatives. All school and district focus areas and initiatives will directly connect to the Strategic Plan’s overarching Strategies, Priorities, and Goals.” 

1. High Standards, Quality Instruction, Curricula, and Student Success: All students will achieve high standards, annual growth, and graduate college- and career-ready as independent, creative, and contributing members of society.
  • High-Quality Curriculum Implementation - Right to Read Act (the science of reading) and new mathematics, social studies, and science curriculum. 
  • Student Academic Proficiencies - Increase across all subject areas focusing on core English Language and Mathematics. Expand multi-tiered systems of support and student intervention/acceleration.
  • Assessments and Data Analysis - Inform instruction for acceleration/intervention through assessment system expansion to globally, and individually, track and monitor student learning.

2. Safe and Supportive Schools All students will learn in environments that embody a culture and climate of excellence, mutual respect, and safety.
  • Promote positive behavioral frameworks:  Deans of Students. Consistency of SEL frameworks. Early intervention for social, and emotional support. Community and organizational partnerships. 
  • Decrease student chronic absenteeism and truancy: Messaging on the importance of attendance. Early identification of group patterns and individual barriers to good attendance. Provide support and counseling as needed.

3. Quality Staff: All students will benefit when staff has ongoing access to quality professional development, professional learning networks, and time to work, meet, and plan collaboratively.
  • Professional Learning and Coaching: Professional development opportunities, professional learning communities, learning walks, Bridge-RI and NE-Basecamp partnerships.   

4. Communication and Community Engagement: All students will benefit from increased family and community engagement that builds resources and opportunities for their success.
  • Community outreach: email, newsletters, social media, web. Facilities used for school and community events. 
  • Stakeholder input: Family and student surveys/polls, SurveyWorks, booster organizations, School Improvement Teams, School Committee, accessibility to the community.
  • Community involvement: PTO, community partnerships (i.e. NSAA, NSHA, NS Public Library), school events.  

5. Effective, Efficient, Responsive Operations and Facilities: All students will benefit from school and district operations, practices, systems, and facilities that support quality learning and work environments.
  • Policies and Procedures: Year-long focus on policy review and revisions
    Facilities: Renovations and modernization at all schools, grounds, and facilities. “Warm, Safe, Dry”
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NSPS Summer Renovations

7/17/2024

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NSPS Awards, Recognitions, and Projects 2023-2024

6/18/2024

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ATHLETIC RECOGNITIONS

FALL: 
  • Girls Soccer:                    First Round of Playoffs 
  • Girls Volleyball:             First Round of Playoffs 
  • Girls Tennis:                     First Round of Playoffs 
  • Unified Basketball:       D5 State Champions 
  • Boys Soccer:                     Undefeated State Champions 
WINTER: 
  • Boys Basketball:                 First Round of Playoffs 
  • Girls Basketball:                 First Round of Playoffs 
  • Girls Hockey Co-op:         First Round of Playoffs 
  • Boys Hockey Co-op:          D2 State Runner Ups 
  • HS Competitive Cheerleading:         D4 State Champions 
  • MS Competitive Cheerleading:         State Champions 
  • Boys Track & Field:                  
    • 4x200m relay:        2nd Place 
    • 55m Hurdles:          1st Place 
    • 55m Dash:                 1st Place 
    • 300m Dash:               2nd Place 
SPRING: 
  • Baseball:                     State Quarter Finals
  • Boys Lacrosse:        Division 4 State Champions 
  • Boys Volleyball:      State Semi-Finals  
  • Boys Tennis:              Division 3 Undefeated State Champions  
  • Girls Lacrosse:         Division 4 Undefeated State Champions 

ACADEMIC AND ARTS RECOGNITIONS
  • NSHS Accreditation with multiple Commendations
  • NMSM #6 on US News and World Report Best RI Middle School Rankings
  • NSPS Schools are among the state's top “LeaderBoards” combating student chronic absenteeism rates. 
  • Commended by RIDE for the highest family, student, and staff SurveyWorks response rates.
  • We the People State Champion
  • Special Olympics International - National Banner Unified School

NSHS DECA 
  • Entrepreneurship Series:                                    1st Place
  • Principles of Hospitality & Tourism:             1st Place
  • Food Marketing Series:                                         1st Place
  • Restaurant and Food Service Marketing:   2nd Place
  • Hotel Lodging Management:                              2nd Place
  • Buying & Merchandising Team:                        1st Place
  • Travel & Tourism Team:                                          2nd Place
  • Buying and Merchandising Team:                    2nd Place
  • Retail Merchandising:                                             2nd Place
  • Personal Financial Literacy:                                1st Place
  • Business Services Marketing:                            3rd Place
  • Entrepreneurship Team:                                       2nd Place

NSHS MUSIC PROGRAM
  • RIACDA Choral Festival
    • Chamber and Select Choirs                    Superior Rating
    • Concert Choir                                                 Superior Rating
    • Testoster-Tones (after school club)    Excellent Rating
  • RIMEA Band Festival 
    • NSHS Concert Band                                    Superior Rating
    • Jazz Band                                                           Excellent Rating        
  • Music In the Parks National Adjudication Festival
    • Outstanding Soloist Award Trombone
    • Concert Band                  1st Place, Superior Rating
    • Concert Choir                 1st Place, Superior Rating
    • Chamber Choir               1st Place, Superior Rating
    • Select Choir                      1st Place, Superior Rating
    • Testoster-tones              1st Place, Excellent Rating
    • Overall Best Concert Band regardless of division
    • Overall Best Concert Choir regardless of division
  • RI Percussive Arts Society - Percussion Ensemble Festival
    • Superior Rating and Best Overall 
    • Winner of the Ronald Stabile Outstanding Performance Trophy
  • Other NSHS Music Recognitions
    •  52 students accepted to RIMEA All-State Music Ensembles
    • 11 NSHS Chorus students were selected to perform with the ACDA Eastern Region Honors Choir. 
    • 15 band & 2 chorus students selected to perform in the RIMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival
    • 4 band students selected to perform in the New England Honor Band

NSMS MUSIC PROGRAM
  • RIMEA Choral, Concert Band, and Jazz Festivals
    • Grade 7/8 Chorus:                             Superior Rating 
    • Grade 6 Chorus:                                  Superior Rating 
    • Grade 7/8 Concert Band:              Superior Rating
    • Grade 7/8 Jazz Band:                       Excellent Rating
  • Music in the Parks National Adjudication Festival
    • NSMS Chorus:                                      1st place, Excellent Rating
    • NSMS Concert Band:                        1st place, Superior rating 
    • Overall Best Middle School Choir 
    • Overall Best Middle School Band 
  • Other NSMS Music Recognitions
    • 16 students selected to perform in the All-Eastern Honors Choir, 
    • 7 students selected to perform in the RI All-State Ensembles
    • 5 students attained medals for Superior and Excellent ratings at the RI Solo and Ensemble Festival.
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FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS
NSPS Capital Projects are funded through Fund Balance, Revolving Fund, ESSER, other grants, and operations. * indicates eligibility for RIDE Reimbursement. 
  • NSHS Windows Replacement * Completed
  • NSHS Library AC Upgrade  Completed
  • NSES Library Renovation   Completed
  • NSHS Auditorium Sound Upgrade   Completed
  • NSHS/NSMS/NSES Security Cameras and Server *Completed
  • NSHS/NSMS/NSES Security Access Control System Upgrade * Completed
  • NSHS/NSMS New Throwing Areas​  Completed
  • NSHS/NSMS Baseball Field Upgrade  Completed
  • NSHS/NSMS Softball Field Upgrade Completed
  • NSHS/NSMS Athletic Uniforms Completed
  • NSHS Gym PA System * Completed
  • Classroom Active Panels Completed
  • Athletic Field Security Cameras Completed
  • NSMS Furniture (NSMS furniture replaces older NSHS furniture) In-progress (Summer 24)
  • NSHS Gymnasium floor replacement * In-progress (Summer 24)
  • NSHS Gymnasium bleacher replacement * In-progress (Summer 24)
  • NSES Generator *  In-progress (Summer 24)
  • NSES Paging System * In-progress (Summer 24)
  • Athletic Complex Parking Expansion * In-progress (RFP)​
  • NSMS Air Conditioning *   Planning
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NSPS Athletic Field Followup and Information Letter

4/9/2024

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Dear North Smithfield Community, 

I am updating my letter from August 9, 2023, to address some concerns that have been expressed in the press and across social media to clear up any misunderstandings regarding the history, renovations, and management of the North Smithfield Public Schools (NSPS) athletic complex.

The Veterans Memorial Athletic Complex is an essential asset to our students, athletic teams, and our broader community. Our goal is, and has always been to manage the athletic complex in a way that provides community access while maintaining a high-quality facility. We also believe that we need to strike a balance between usage and efficiency in order to avoid requesting the use of additional taxpayer dollars to maintain and upgrade our athletic facilities.

To be clear, we are not aware of any North Smithfield group that has not been provided access to our field. Wide World of Indoor Sports (WWIS), the management company we have engaged, works with all organizations to provide access to the turf field. Given the increasing demand to utilize the field, some scheduling issues are inevitable. Through dialogue and compromise, these scheduling conflicts can almost always be beneficially resolved so that our North Smithfield community organizations are able to utilize the field.

I want to clarify that the management company does not make money on rentals of the field. They paid $35,000 to North Smithfield and last year collected $25,000, including use of their time. They paid an additional $10,000 over fees collected. They also provide maintenance and other support. In short, they have been a good partner with our limited resources. While we may in the future consider bringing athletic facility management internally, we continue to believe this will add costs with minimal upside.            

In 2023, the set-aside account held funds generated through facility rentals specifically to apply toward the eventual replacement of the track and turf field of $57,000 and an accumulated balance of $300,000 for replacement in the future. I want to reiterate this point. Revenue generated from the rental of our athletic complex is and has been held in reserve to be reinvested in the facility’s future. This is smart management.

Along with promoting education as our number one goal, I would also like to list some of our accomplishments for athletics over the last 8 years. The School Committee has also authorized a resurfaced baseball field, updating the softball field, and putting in a throwing field so that we could have home meets in track and field. We are in the process of purchasing new uniforms for most of the teams. We are proud of our children and our facilities. 

When I arrived in North Smithfield seven years ago, the field was nearing the end of its life cycle. I noted the need to replace the turf field in my annual capital request to the Town Planning Board. At an estimated one million dollars, this project was a heavy lift and continuously carried over into the following years. Meanwhile, the field continued to deteriorate.  Maintenance surveys identified areas approaching levels of wear potentially unsafe for interscholastic play.  

In 2020, the state went into lockdown and instruction switched to remote learning. 2021 was a hybrid year. Lockdown and remote learning meant we were not transporting students daily. We took the savings in transportation and dedicated them toward replacing the turf field and track so that we no longer needed to ask the Town for any funding assistance.  

In the winter of 2021, the Town posted an RFP for field and track replacement and repair.  This contract also included maintenance equipment along with training for our facilities personnel.    

In July 2021 construction began and finished in the Fall of 2021 under budget. 

While the field was being renovated, the Town negotiated an agreement with Greene Development to build a concession stand and bathrooms at the Veterans Memorial Stadium. Construction began in late Spring 2022 and was completed by early Fall 2022.

We had a beautiful new field with a concession stand and sanitary facilities on the way.  We wanted to maximize its potential for our schools and the community.  To define what we needed, we put together the following needs assessment/wish list: 

  • Scheduling -  Schedule outside rentals and permits for field use and events whenever the field is not in use by North Smithfield Public Schools or Town events.
  • Concessions - Provide licensed and approved concession services (staffing, equipment, food, point of sale) during all NSPS and non-school/rental events.
  • Bathrooms - provide supplies and cleaning
  • Press Box - PA system, Internet, audio, and video equipment, and live streaming.
  • Game Management - Provide staff to ensure the safety and security of attendees during non-school events and field rentals.
  • Other - fully insured

Moreover, we did not want this to further cost the district additional equipment purchases, installation, maintenance, repair or replacements, and licensing.  Nor did we want to hire an additional custodian to conduct evening and weekend cleaning.  Rather we wanted a solution that would pay the district an annual amount to be set aside and applied towards the future replacement of the turf field without having to put the total burden on the taxpayers. 

We looked at vendors on the State Master Price Agreements and other purchasing consortiums. We called our counterparts in other communities hoping to find a “one size fits all” vendor who could do everything we wanted. 

Right in our backyard, we had a tremendous facility and resource at Wide World of Indoor Sports. Years ago WWIS agreed to be our school emergency evacuation site and we had a long history with them through our athletics program. 

It became apparent that WWIS had the resources and expertise and could be that “one-size fits all” vendor we were looking for.  Not only was WWIS a valuable resource to the North Smithfield community; WWIS expressed their willingness to take on the management of everything on our wish list. They also took further steps and floated the idea of giving our teams free indoor space when inclement weather interrupted practices. They appointed Rob Bonnell as their intermediary. 

I informed the School Committee of the potential partnership with WWIS, but first I checked with our solicitor who verified that under R.I. Gen laws 45-55-8, WWIS could be named as a Sole Source provider. I presented this to the School Committee Meeting and received approval to develop a management contract. After negotiation and review by attorneys, I presented to and received school committee approval agreeing on a one-year term as this was a new endeavor for both NSPS and WWIS, and wanted to allow both organizations time to assess its success and make adjustments. 

In the first year, some scheduling frustrations were experienced. As was to be expected given demand to utilize the facility. However, these scheduling issues were collectively resolved and all organizations received their necessary field time. Even where specific dates are in demand, we intend to continue work towards making sure that our facilities are available to all school athletics, rentals, and events.   

At the core of the contract, WWIS not only agreed to provide all the management “wish list” services mentioned earlier but also pay NSPS: 

  • $35,000 annually (even though rentals in the past year totaled approximately $25,000)
  • $70.00 per hour for every rented hour for non-district sponsored events after the first 350 hours of usage for non-district sponsored events plus an additional $20.00 per hour for such rental times requiring lightening of the field(s). $52.50 per hour for every rented hour for North Smithfield-based non-profit organization events (with participants being 60% or more residents) when WWIS is charging a reduced rate, discounted by 25%.
  • $750 per month for September, October, November, April, May, and June for the use of the concession stand 

 Additionally, WWIS agreed to provide:

  • 20 hours of indoor facility use at WWIS in North Smithfield. 
  • Expand community/public use of the track during rental periods

We prioritized access, health, and safety concerns.  The vendor has a food handler’s license needed, they do background checks and comply with all food safety licenses and insurance requirements.  The vendor owns all of the equipment and products.  This is all done for the safety of our children and residents.  

When the concession stand is open for school games, events, and rentals, the vendor opens, closes, and cleans the bathrooms. The vendor also cleans up the litter left behind after every rental. During the winter months, the concession stand and restrooms need to be winterized and are closed. As much as we would like to keep the restrooms open during non-game times, it has been subject to repeated vandalism. We do continue to make portajohns available to the public during times when the concession stand and restrooms are closed. 

We also arranged to support the community and community organizations by:  

  • Continuing to keep any signage and advertisement revenue in the hands of our friends at the North Smithfield Athletic Association (NSAA) for their fundraising efforts. 
  • Discontinuing collecting gate receipts during school games to make our athletics more accessible to families to attend. Once again we defer to our friends at the NSAA to take donations instead of ticket fees.  
  • We have continued the same rental pricing structure, which has not increased in over a decade, along with ensuring reduced rates favoring town leagues that are comprised of 60% or more North Smithfield residents.  

While some have criticized us for charging too much, others are criticizing us for not generating enough revenue. We want to strike a balance that supports field maintenance and eventual replacement while keeping the resource accessible to our town and community partners. We believe that the current contract with our management company does strike an appropriate balance. 

The School Committee provides financial support to our athletes and NSAA helps our children financially in different ways. We can provide additional fundraising opportunities and are always willing to listen to any proposals to support the children.

In closing, we are proud of the Veterans Memorial Athletic Complex, the renovations we have made to date and are planning, our partnership with the Town and with WWIS to manage the facility.  We have expanded public use and accessibility, and have a beautiful, professionally run facility of which the entire community can be proud.

Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent

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NSMS/NSHS Water supply update

3/8/2024

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Picture
Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

As you may know, NSPS supplies its own drinking water to our staff and students. We are considered a public water system licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Recently, public water systems were required to test drinking water for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The tests showed more PFAS in the water than Rhode Island law allows. 

The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are sharing what we have learned about PFAS in our drinking water and what we are doing about it. 

What are PFAS? Where do they come from?
  • Nearly everyone has a low level of PFAS in their blood.
  • PFAS are chemicals that are found in many different products that are made to repel water, grease, or stains. 
  • PFAS can enter the soil, air, and water from many sources and last for a long time. 
What were the test results?

​
​

What does this mean?
  • Tests showed more PFAS in the water than Rhode Island law allows. This is called an exceedance of a drinking water standard. 
  • For very high levels of PFAS, RIDOH requires that people not drink the water. The level of PFAS in our drinking water is not high enough for RIDOH to require that people not drink it but we must, and will, remediate it. 
  • However, long-term health effects could potentially result from consuming PFAS. See the attached public notice or health.ri.gov/pfas for more information.

Can drinking water be treated to lower PFAS levels?
  • Yes, drinking water can be treated to lower PFAS levels.
  • It is not possible to eliminate exposure to PFAS entirely because PFAS are present at low levels in many things in the environment. However, we can lower or remove PFAS from drinking water through targeted drinking water treatment efforts. 

What is NSPS doing about the PFAS?
  • We are taking steps to lower the PFAS levels in our drinking water.
  • NSPS is entering into a consent agreement with RIDOH. A consent agreement is legally binding and documents our plan of action to fix the PFAS levels by an achievable and realistic deadline.
  • NSPS will provide regular updates about our progress:
    • 08/17/2021: Pumps adjusted to favor pulling water from Well #1 over Well #2  
    • 10/18/2023 RIDOH confirmed NSPS is receiving a Federal Emerging Contaminants (EC) in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant (SDC) to remediate PFAS levels in Well #2. A survey/engineering project scope is being developed by Northeast Water Solutions(NWSI)/RIDOH. 
    • 2/15/2024 - North Smithfield Schools and Rhode Island Department of Health enter into a Consent Agreement to remediate PFAS levels at NS Junior/Senior High Schools, completing eligibility to receive federal funding. 

Where can I find more information?
  • You can also learn more about PFAS from RIDOH at health.ri.gov/pfas. 

We are taking this matter very seriously and are working closely with RIDOH to finalize and get approval for a plan to fix the PFAS levels as soon as possible. We will share updates with you throughout this process. 


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NSMS/NSHS Water Supply UPDATE

10/24/2023

 
Picture
10/24/2023 Update

Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

As you may know, NSPS supplies its own drinking water to our staff and students. We are considered a public water system licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). Recently, public water systems were required to test drinking water for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The tests showed more PFAS in the water than Rhode Island law allows. 

The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are sharing what we have learned about PFAS in our drinking water and what we are doing about it. 

What are PFAS? Where do they come from?
  • Nearly everyone has a low level of PFAS in their blood.
  • PFAS are chemicals that are found in many different products that are made to repel water, grease, or stains. 
  • PFAS can enter the soil, air, and water from many sources and last for a long time. 

What were the test results?



What does this mean?
  • Tests showed more PFAS in the water than Rhode Island law allows. This is called an exceedance of a drinking water standard. 
  • For very high levels of PFAS, RIDOH requires that people not drink the water. The level of PFAS in our drinking water is not high enough for RIDOH to require that people not drink it but we must, and will, remediate it. 
  • However, long-term health effects could potentially result from consuming PFAS. See the attached public notice or health.ri.gov/pfas for more information.

Can drinking water be treated to lower PFAS levels?
  • Yes, drinking water can be treated to lower PFAS levels.
  • It is not possible to eliminate exposure to PFAS entirely because PFAS are present at low levels in many things in the environment. However, we can lower or remove PFAS from drinking water through targeted drinking water treatment efforts. 

What is NSPS doing about the PFAS?
  • We are taking steps to lower the PFAS levels in our drinking water.
  • NSPS is entering into a consent agreement with RIDOH. A consent agreement is legally binding and documents our plan of action to fix the PFAS levels by an achievable and realistic deadline.
  • NSPS will provide regular updates about our progress:
    • 08/17/2021: Pumps adjusted to favor pulling water from Well #1 over Well #2  
    • 10/18/2023 RIDOH confirmed NSPS is receiving a Federal Emerging Contaminants (EC) in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant (SDC) to remediate PFAS levels in Well #2. A survey/engineering project scope is being developed by Northeast Water Solutions/RIDOH. 

Where can I find more information?
  • The attached public notice includes specific information about what PFAS are, where they come from, the test results for our school, and what steps we are taking.
  • You can also learn more about PFAS from RIDOH at health.ri.gov/pfas. 

We are taking this matter very seriously and are working closely with RIDOH to finalize and get approval for a plan to fix the PFAS levels as soon as possible. We will share updates with you throughout this process. 


  • Michael St. Jean, Superintendent

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North Smithfield School Department
P.O. Box 72
​Slatersville, RI 02876 
P: (401) 769-5492      F: (401) 769-5493

Michael St. Jean, Superintendent
North Smithfield Middle School - ​Room 137
1850 Providence Pike
North Smithfield, RI  02896

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