Superintendent's Update
Newport Public Schools | December 10, 2025
Dear Newport Schools Parents, Families, and Staff:
There are only 7 days left of classroom instruction before the start of holiday recess on Monday, December 22nd, and we want to make every one of those days of learning count. Let’s keep focused on Attendance Matters, Every Day while at the same time enjoying the wonderful holiday related activities happening in all of our schools. This week with the chilly weather, we have seen a spike of absences, especially at the high school level. I am asking all parents and guardians to remind our students the importance of attending school and one’s education. Let’s work together to finish strong before the holiday break.
The next few days are chock full of holiday fun including tonight’s Holiday Art Show at 6:00pm at the Newport Yacht Club featuring art work by Pell, TMS, and Rogers students. In addition, on Friday and Saturday, don’t miss the Rogers Theatre Company / Middletown Drama Club performances of "Deck the Stage" at 7:00pm in the Rogers auditorium theatre.
If you are looking for some delicious gifts, be sure to place your Seaside Cafe Holiday Treats order by Tuesday, December 16th. See below for the full menu, how to order, and where/when to pick up. All made by our talented NACTC Culinary Arts students!
Finally, Last Friday, the School Committee Chair James Dring sent an important message seeking any help or assistance regarding the Rogers incident. Please see the important message below and how you can help the investigation:
Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Students:
In light of recent incidents at Rogers, the Newport Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the possibility of any criminal offenses that may have occurred.
Separate from that investigation, the Newport School Committee voted unanimously to engage the services of Stephen O’Donnell to conduct an independent investigation. Mr. O’Donnell has been tasked with thoroughly reviewing all issues that may have contributed to the events that took place.
To ensure we gather accurate and complete information, we are asking any student, parent/guardian, or staff member who has relevant information or who witnessed specific incidents to please come forward. Your report will remain confidential in accordance with Rhode Island law.
You will have the option to speak with Rebecca Bolan, Vice Chair (beckybolan16@gmail.com, 401.855.1665) or you may also speak directly with Mr. O’Donnell (Steveod@cox.net), our investigator. These conversations can remain anonymous, and you may choose to speak either remotely (off campus) or in person.
We appreciate any and all assistance as we work to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again in our community.
Thank you,
James Dring
Chair, Newport School Committee
So please help in our investigation if you are able and let’s keep up strong attendance to close out 2025. Enjoy the great holiday activities our student artists, musicians, and actors are participating in over the next few days.
Have a great week of learning everyone!
Colleen Burns Jermain, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
