Superintendent's Update
March 2026 | From Superintendent Podraza
March Update SY 25-26
Dear South Kingstown Families and Caregivers,
I hope you enjoyed February break and came through the historic blizzard safely. I know many of you are wondering when the school year will end after our recent snow days. Because several closures involved state-declared travel bans and emergency declarations, the number of days that must be made up will first be reviewed by the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education at their next meeting. Once we have their guidance, we will update the school calendar and communicate any changes promptly. Thank you for your patience and grace during what was truly a remarkable weather event.
Before diving into our March updates, I want to share how much it meant to see our community come together — neighbors helping neighbors, staff going above and beyond, and families supporting one another. It is a living example of our mission: “In partnership with the community, our students will THRIVE.”
OTHER SKSD MARCH NEWS…
1. Your Voice Matters- SurveyWorks is Now Open
Every year, the Rhode Island Department of Education asks students, families, and staff across the state to complete the SurveyWorks survey. This is not just a checkbox — it is one of the most important ways you can shape the direction of our schools.
Here’s why your response matters:
Survey results directly inform how our district allocates resources, prioritizes professional development, and plans school improvement efforts.
State and local decision-makers use SurveyWorks data to understand the needs of districts across Rhode Island — including ours.
Higher participation rates give our community a stronger, more representative voice in conversations about education funding and policy.
The survey is confidential and takes about 10–15 minutes
We hear a lot in our community about wanting schools to listen. SurveyWorks is a formal, structured opportunity to do exactly that — and we genuinely read the results. Please take a few minutes to complete it and encourage others in your network to do the same. The window is open now.
Fill out the survey by clicking the link below:
The more voices we hear, the better we can serve every child in our district.
2. Khan Academy- Is Your SKHS Student Taking the PSAT or SAT This Year?
If so, we encourage students to take advantage of Khan Academy’s free SAT prep tools before the April SAT. Students can access personalized practice, full-length tests, and targeted skill support at no cost. Even small amounts of practice time can help students build confidence and familiarity with the test format. We encourage families to ask their children to spend time each week practicing on Khan Academy in the weeks leading up to the exam. Check out Khan for Families HERE for more information.
South Kingstown has partnered with RIDE to make Khan Academy available to all SKHS students, and the results across Rhode Island are encouraging: students who used the platform scored higher, on average, than those who did not — with the most notable gains among students who engaged consistently. Even small amounts of weekly practice appear to add up over time.
We encourage families to ask their children to set aside time each week on Khan Academy in the weeks ahead. Visit Khan for Families for more information and to get started.
3. Kindergarten Kick-Off for the Class of 2039!
Do you have a child who will be joining us as a kindergartener next year? If so, please join us on:
Thursday, March 5th at 5:30 PM in the South Kingstown High School Library.
RSVPs are appreciated. You can register by clicking here. We look forward to welcoming the newest members of our SK family!
4. Important Update: Skyward Changes Coming This Summer — Act Before June
Skyward, our student information portal, will undergo a major system upgrade this summer. During the transition, the entire system will be offline for at least two weeks. During this period:
Existing users will not be able to log in.
New accounts cannot be created.
New student registrations will be delayed until the system is restored.
The good news: all data and changes made before the shutdown will be preserved. If you need to register a new student or create a new account, please do so before June.
5. From Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green: Statewide Hub Launched for Rhode Islanders Impacted by Recent Gun Violence
Following the tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, the Rhode Island Department of Education, in partnership with state agencies, has launched a virtual hub for community members seeking support.
The hub offers information on virtual and in-person mental health services, domestic violence supports, and guidance for families and school staff on how to talk with young people who may be struggling. If your family has been affected, or if you simply want to know what resources are available, we encourage you to visit the hub. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor as well.
6. Mark Your Calendars: March Events
Monday, 2nd- Policy Sub-Committee, 5:15 PM @ Central Office Conference Room
Thursday, 5th- Building Committee, 8:00 AM @ Town Hall
Tuesday, 10th- School Committee Meeting, TBD, @ SKHS Cafeteria
Monday, March 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Town Council & School Committee, Budget Work Session #3 Schools
Thursday, 19th- Eid al-Fitr, No afterschool or evening activities
Tuesday, 24th- School Committee Meeting, TBD, @ SKHS Cafeteria
7. Upcoming Fiscal Year 27 Budget Calendar
We want our community to be informed and engaged throughout the budget process. Here are the key upcoming dates:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM Town Council. Budget Work Session #1
Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM Town Council, Budget Work Session #2
Monday, March 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM Town Council & School Committee, Budget Work Session #3 Schools
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM Town Council, Preliminary Budget Adoption
Monday, April 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM Town Council & School Committee, Public Hearing #1 Municipal and School Budgets
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM Town Council & School Committee, Public Hearing #2 Municipal and School Budgets
On or before Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Petitions for revisions to Preliminary Budget 4:00 PM
Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM Town Council – Regular Session, Consideration of petitions for revisions or additions and Town Council’s adoption of final budget
On or before Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Referendum petitions, 4:00 PM
Monday, May 18, 2026 Verification of Petitions to go to Referendum
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Potential Budget Referendum
Budget meetings are open to the public, and your presence and voice are welcome. These sessions are an opportunity to learn about how the district is funded and to advocate for our students.
Wishing your family a wonderful March.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Podraza
Superintendent
South Kingstown School District
About South Kingstown School District
South Kingstown School District is a proud Professional Learning Community built upon collaborative leadership and 21st-century deep learning competencies while developing a culture of equity, openness, and sharing of ideas.