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ATHLETIC RECOGNITIONS
FALL:
ACADEMIC AND ARTS RECOGNITIONS
NSHS DECA
NSHS MUSIC PROGRAM
NSMS MUSIC PROGRAM
FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS NSPS Capital Projects are funded through Fund Balance, Revolving Fund, ESSER, other grants, and operations. * indicates eligibility for RIDE Reimbursement.
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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:
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:
Additionally, WWIS agreed to provide:
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:
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 
 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?
What does this mean?
Can drinking water be treated to lower PFAS levels?
What is NSPS doing about the PFAS?
Where can I find more information?
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.  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?
What were the test results? What does this mean?
Can drinking water be treated to lower PFAS levels?
What is NSPS doing about the PFAS?
Where can I find more information?
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.
Dear North Smithfield Families, This is a quick note to thank you for sending us your students this year. Unfortunately, I was ill last week and missed one of my favorite moments of the year; waiting with my camera for the buses to arrive at NSES to capture images of nervous students getting off the bus and suddenly bursting with excitement as they see their friends and are greeted by their teachers. NSES was so happy to connect with families through Bedtime Stories and finally meet families and students at their Back to School Night. NSMS at its open house was proud to show off the newly renovated classrooms with its teachers eager to meet their student's parents. NSHS had a blast at Freshmen Orientation filled with information and activities introducing new students to the programs and staff who are here to prepare the way for success in high school and beyond. Also, there have been a few concerns related to the management and renovations of the athletic field. I was going to send and share the attached letter at the end of the summer regarding concerns that were expressed during Town Council and School Committee meetings, in the press, and across social media in order to clear up any misunderstandings regarding the history, renovations, and management of the North Smithfield Public Schools (NSPS) athletic complex. However, I did not want any external issues to detract from focusing on the successful opening of our schools. Now that schools are open, I hope the attached message will bring clarity for some. We had a great opening week and we look forward to great weeks throughout the entirety of the school year! We have a great team and feel privileged to be a part of this community.
There is something special about the end of summer and the start of a new school year because no matter what the previous year was like, there comes a sense of renewal, a fresh start. The beginning of the year is about new students, new teachers, new classrooms, seeing old friends and making new friends. There is an air of excitement and hope.
The summer was busy: NSES has a beautiful new library renovation. At NSMS most of the classrooms were repainted and we have new furniture in the cafeteria and in the 5th grade classrooms. At NSHS we began phase one of replacing the original hallway floor tiles, repainted the library, and had the majority of its old windows replaced with windows that are not only more energy efficient, but also each classroom has a special safety window for emergency egress. A special thank you to our custodial, maintenance, and technology staff for their always hard, and ambitious work during the summer to prepare for the return of teachers and students. Along with our excellent educators, we also added this year new members of staff dedicated to expanding student social-emotional support and academic interventions. The schools are ready, classrooms are prepared, and we look forward to seeing the students return! Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,
As you may recall on 7/21/2023 I notified the community of a PFAS level compliance issue with well #2 servicing NSMS and NSHS. To recap:
We have taken initial steps for the start of school and filed the following information to the Rhode Island Department of Health: The main component of the plan to bring the water that is provided to the consumers into compliance is to limit the volume of water well 2 is contributing to the public water system. Currently, as it is summer and the demand for water is minimal, well 2 has been placed offline. On August 17th, NWSI will be installing a new control box that will place well 2 on a timer, limiting the volume of water from well 2 going into the storage tank via time the pump is allowed to operate. The new control box will be located within the locked pump house. The settings of this control box will only be accessible by someone with extensive programming knowledge. This will ensure that no one can walk in and “turn a knob” to adjust the run time of well 2. The actual settings relating to the amount of time the well will be running will be calculated on August 17th. A certified operator will be on site with the control specialist to first calculate the flow rate for each well and use those measurements to determine the length of time well 2 will run before cycling off during system call outs for water. When the system calls for water again this process will repeat with well 2 only running for a set amount of time. Well 1 will continuously run to meet the demands of the public water system each time the system calls for water. Following the installation of the control box, the system will be sampling the entry point quarterly along with the wells to ensure that the system remains within compliance and is providing safe drinking water to its consumers. We cannot fully shut down Well #2 because Well #1 does not have the capacity on its own to service the schools, but by changing the rates from which we draw between Well #1 and Well #2, favoring Well #1, PFAS levels will significantly be lowered at all points of use throughout the middle and high schools. Additionally, several years ago we began installing in our schools water bottle-filling stations that contain filters certified for Lead, Chlorine Taste & Odor and Class 1 Particulate reduction. We have been notified by the manufacturer that within the next two months new filters will be available that include PFAS filtration. Finally, we must emphasize that the water is safe to drink even at the original 21 ppt, and we are lowering it even further. RIDOH is not telling us to shut down Well #2. RIDOH is not saying our drinking water is contaminated, it just needs to be remediated. Since Well #2 was identified as 1 of 10 public water sources in the state exceeding 20 ppt and requiring remediation, funds will be available to assist. We have been assured by the RIDOH of a federal grant expected in October which names North Smithfield Schools as eligible for upwards to $650,000 for PFAS remediation in Well #2. Thank you for your understanding as we work through this process and will continue to keep you updated. Michael St. Jean Superintendent 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 and are 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 is allowed by Rhode Island law. 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?
What were the test results?
What does this mean?
Can drinking water be treated to lower PFAS levels?
What is NSPS doing about the PFAS?
Where can I find more information?
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.
 Welcome back to a new school year! I am confident that this year will be exceptional. With ESSER Funds, we have new programs and student supports rolling out. Where other districts are starting the year with staffing shortages, we are fully staffed having hired a truly remarkable group of new employees to join our already dedicated and talented team.
I want to thank the custodial and maintenance department for preparing our schools to welcome our students and teachers. Thank you to our teachers who kept our schools full of students over the summer through ESY and Summer Enrichment programs. Thank you parents for being there to support and encourage your children. Together we are a Dream Team focused on making our students happier and smarter. Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff, Thank you to everyone for all your hard work on behalf of the children this year. It may have been a rocky start, but in the end, we returned to (mostly) normal. It was gratifying to see field days, concerts, graduations, art shows, dances, dinners, and award nights again. It was gratifying to see students engaged, learning, and laughing with their classmates and teachers. Staff, thank you for balancing so many students and needs, for keeping engaged and learning, and for giving it your all every day. Parents, thank you for your patience and support in keeping our students encouraged. Parents and staff together, thank you for your partnership in helping our students feel happy and safe. We have a full summer of enrichment activities planned and will bring to bear additional resources in the next year all to better support our students and continuously improve our schools. Attached is a listing of some of the accomplishments and recognitions our students, groups, and teams have received from outside of North Smithfield at regional, state, and national levels. Our students, teachers, and coaches are amazing and have made North Smithfield Schools a force to be reckoned with! Again, thank you, and enjoy your summer to the fullest.    |
AuthorMichael St. Jean, Archives
January 2026
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