Superintendent's Update

Dear Newport Schools Parents, Families, and Staff,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I am excited to begin this year with the students, families, teachers, staff, and community of Newport Public Schools.

As Superintendent, my goals are straightforward: to improve the learning conditions for every student and the working conditions for every member of our staff. I believe that when we create strong learning environments and support our educators and staff, we give every student the opportunity to succeed.

Parents and families are an essential part of student success. I encourage you to stay engaged in your child’s education and to maintain open communication with your child’s teachers and school. Most importantly, if you ever feel that your child is not making the progress or experiencing the success you hope for, please reach out. I want there to be open lines of communication between our schools and families so that we can work together to address concerns and find solutions.

Newport Public Schools has many excellent programs, dedicated educators, and an outstanding staff committed to our students. I am confident that, working together, we can build on these strengths and ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and be successful.

I look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff and to making the 2026–2027 school year a great one for Newport Public Schools.

Welcome back, and let’s make it a great year!

Peter Sanchioni, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Newport Public Schools

Let’s kick off the new school year together! Join Newport Community School on Tuesday, September 1st, from 3:00–5:00 PM at the Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham Street, Newport.

🎧 Live DJ
📚 School Supply Giveaway
🛒 Grocery Giveaway
🎉 Fun, food, and community!

Bring the family and get ready to start the school year strong! Everyone is welcome!

• Rogers High School - 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

• Thompson Middle School - 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

• Pell Elementary School - 8:45 AM - 3:15 PM

A friendly reminder to please be aware of and review our school’s cell phone, dress code, and attendance policies with your child. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home helps our teachers and staff maintain a positive, respectful, and productive learning environment. Thank you for partnering with us and supporting our schools!

• Policy 5160 - Attendance

• Policy 5336 - Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices

• Policy 5540- Dress Code

Our schools and classrooms are sparkling and ready for the 2026–2027 school year! A big shoutout to our incredible custodial team for making our schools shine!

The Lady Vikings were the first team to meet competition head on this year in the Annual Injury Fund at Middletown High School in the rain this past Sunday. They were low in numbers but not out matched in effort. Currently they have a team of 14 but would love to add numbers. "14 Strong, All Day Long!" Let's Get After It Vikings! Join a team, make friends for life!

September 1 - Back to School Bash, 3- 5 PM

September 1 - Staff Orientation

September 2 - First Day of School for Students Grades 1 - 12

September 2 - 4 - PK and Kindergarten soft start (by appointment)

September 7 - Labor Day - No School

September 8 - Start date for all PK and K students

September 9 - Primary Election Day - No School

• 2026-2027 Newport Public Schools Calendar

• Newport Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate

• Rhode Island Department of Education Attendance Leaderboard and Attendance Calendar Heat Map