Superintendent Update 3/31/2020

Dear North Smithfield Families and Staff,


Now that we know Distance Learning will continue for the month of April, we can expand our plans somewhat. I am including some general information below.   

New Statewide April School Calendar:

• Friday, April 3 and Friday, April 17 will be planning days for district staff. 
  
• Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 are vacation days for all schools and districts. 
  
• No student Distance Learning is scheduled during these four days, 
  
• We are confirming that meals will still be available at the “drive and go” meal pickup at NSHS. Assume they will be unless you are contacted otherwise. 
  

A few notes from the Commissioner and Governor

• Distance learning for all schools will take place until Friday, May 1. School buildings will remain closed.
  
• Governor Raimondo and Commissioner Infante-Green launched an April Reading Challenge  or students to read every day of the month https://www.ride.ri.gov/InsideRIDE/AdditionalInformation/AprilReadingChallenge.aspx 
  
• Rhode Islanders with a smartphone cellular data plan can get UNLIMITED, FREE DATA through their phones through May 13th. https://www.ride.ri.gov/InsideRIDE/AdditionalInformation/COVID-19TechnologyInformation.aspx 
  
• While our student social/emotional support staff is available and has been working with our students, Families can call Kids Link, a hotline that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-855-543-5465 when their child is feeling excessive anger or sadness; lashing out at siblings, friends and adults; having severe worries; or hurting him or herself or others.  https://www.lifespan.org/centers-services/kids-link-ri 
  
• Governor Raimondo has asked that Rhode Islanders stay home except for essential trips and avoid groups larger than 5 people.
  

A Note on Distance Learning and Privacy

In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, all Rhode Island Schools have been directed by the Rhode Island Department of Education to provide remote learning. In order to facilitate some of our remote learning classes, our District is utilizing various remote technology platforms. 

For the most part we are utilizing technology tools within the Google ecosystem. These have all been vetted for FERPA requirements regarding privacy concerns. However, the District may also utilize other platforms providing streaming video and schoolwork online through other systems, such as Screencastify, Video Chat tools, Zoom, etc.

All these products will have the ability to capture video and sound within range of the camera and microphone within your home or any place your child uses the technology. Such information may also be seen or heard by other students sharing the distance learning platform. Also, portions of classes may be recorded and maintained as an educational record, such as
music class performances.

For this reason, we are asking that you be mindful of your child’s use of these technologies and protect your family’s privacy while classes are in session.

Many of these technologies have provision to mute video and/or sound. Utilizing and logging on to these services will act as consent to your child’s use of the same.



Each of our principals will follow up with school-specific information. Stay safe and stay connected and engaged.   



Michael St. Jean,
Superintendent