Cultivating A Community

Dear WED Community,

On Veterans Day, we pause to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our country and defended the freedoms we enjoy. Their courage, dedication, and willingness to put the needs of our nation before their own represent the very best of who we are as Americans.

On behalf of the Woonsocket Education Department, I extend my sincere gratitude to all veterans, including those within our school community, who have made sacrifices in service to our country. We are especially grateful to the families who have supported their loved ones throughout their service and continue to carry the impact of that commitment.

As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that our students understand the significance of Veterans Day and the importance of honoring those who have served. Through education, reflection, and acts of gratitude, we can help instill in our students a lasting appreciation for service, sacrifice, patriotism, and citizenship.

To all veterans in Woonsocket and throughout our nation, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to our country. We are forever grateful.

In partnership,

Patrick McGee, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Harris Elementary has been "buzzing" about a new initiative to promote increased daily attendance in school. Under the guidance of Ms. Brissette, Attendance Committee Chair, students have been engaging in a monthly fun activity upon arriving at school.

“Surprise Sticker Day” occurs on a random day each month, unannounced to students. In each class, a few stickers are placed under the desk seats and when students arrive at school, they are instructed to look under their seat to see if they have one. If they have a sticker, they can then go down to the office to receive a prize. Students must be on time and present that day in order to receive their prize. Keep up the great work on being responsible and attending school daily Harris Honeybees!

WCTC junior and senior Automotive students took an exciting trip to the New England Institute of Technology Auto campus to explore postsecondary career paths. During the visit, students connected with top industry partners like Subaru of New England and Penske Trucking while learning about hybrid electric, high-performance, and marine technologies. They also toured custom student vehicles and cast their votes in NEIT’s annual car show. Opportunities like these give our CTE students a firsthand look at the many high-demand careers waiting for them after high school!

Recently, the WHS cast of Annie visited the Providence Performing Arts Center as part of "Experience PPAC", which allows our students to see broadway plays at PPAC free of charge. Our Theatre Arts students saw "The Great Gatsby," and they were blown away!

As always, our students represented Woonsocket with ultimate class and were amazing audience members! A special thank you goes out to PPAC for providing our students with this amazing opportunity.

The WED continues to advertise full-time and part-time positions. Please see the flyer below to see what positions are open.

Parents of high schoolers, please see the flyer below to learn about the upcoming FAFSA Night at WHS on November 18th from 4-6:30 p.m.

See the flyer below to learn more about upcoming WHS Winter Sports try-outs.

We invite parents, caregivers, teachers, and staff to share stories, experiences, or words of appreciation about the SLPs who have supported students in our schools.

SHARE HERE!

Thank you for taking the time to recognize and celebrate our amazing SLP team!

Our Model of Instruction (MOI) supports every student in understanding what they are learning, why it matters, and how they can demonstrate their learning. For some students, this means pairing clear learning goals with pictures, adapted equipment, and individualized support.

Recognizing the specific needs of their students, Globe Park staff helped bring an opportunity for greater independence to their school. With sponsorship from SKI Shop, an occupational therapy student at New England Institute of Technology applied their knowledge and skills to modify a ride-on car so students can operate it using a switch. The large yellow button on the steering wheel allows students who have difficulty using the car’s original controls to make it move with a simple press.

Globe Park staff connected this opportunity to clear learning goals. The resource on the hood of the car explains the learning:

• Understanding how pressing a switch makes the car move

• Learning to navigate the school

• Practicing social skills

It connects these skills to an important purpose: becoming more independent and connecting with others. It also helps students understand what success looks like through actions such as pressing the switch, moving safely, and looking toward people and in the direction they are traveling.

This reflects our MOI’s commitment to helping students own, monitor, and lead their learning. Clear modeling, helpful resources, and opportunities to practice support students in making choices, recognizing their progress, and participating more actively. As staff observe and respond to each learner, they adjust support to build greater independence.

Student ownership may look different for each child, but our commitment remains the same: helping every student learn, belong, and have a voice in their learning.

For additional early childhood information, please call the Early Childhood Office at 401-767-4600 (ext. 13551)

Pothier ES Student's Sharing their Thinking!

WHS art class students in Mrs. Ramirez's class' spooky silhouette photographs. Students learned about backlighting and positive and negative space to create these spooky moments.

WHS Unified Volleyball Senior Day Game vs. Cumberland HS (photos by T. Ryan)

Hamlet and Villa Nova Middle School hosted a Trunk or Treat for students and families.

• Wednesday, November 11th - Veteran's Day (No School)