Principal's Summer Update

While the halls of Smithfield High School may be a little quieter than usual, they are definitely not sitting idle! Our custodial and facilities staff have been busy painting, waxing, cleaning, and generally making the building shine in anticipation of everyone’s return in late August. In a true summer miracle, the flowers from graduation are still alive! Between the custodial staff and I paying a little extra attention to them, they are actually thriving—which may be the biggest accomplishment of the summer so far!

As we enjoy the slower pace of summer, there is still plenty happening behind the scenes. Here are a few of the items we are working on as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.

Enjoy~

Ms. Ward

Lifetouch is pleased to announce a new approach to senior portraits that will simplify the process for students, families, and our yearbook staff while providing families with an excellent value.

Beginning this fall, all seniors will have the opportunity to be photographed by Lifetouch Senior Portraits. Senior portraits will take place on a day separate from underclass picture day. During the session, each senior will have four portraits taken: two poses for the yearbook, one casual pose, and one cap-and-gown pose. A retake day will also be available. There is no charge for the senior portrait session, and portrait packages will be offered at significantly reduced pricing compared to Prestige pricing, providing families with an excellent value.

This new process eliminates the need for summer and evening appointments and ensures that all senior portraits are photographed with consistent backgrounds. The portraits will also be provided in a separate download, making the process more organized for our yearbook staff. In addition, senior IDs will be created using the Lifetouch Senior Portrait sessions.

Lifetouch believes this streamlined approach will make the senior portrait process easier and more convenient for everyone while ensuring that all seniors have the opportunity to be included in the yearbook.

As previously communicated, Rhode Island state law prohibits student cell phone use in K–12 schools. As a result of this legislation, Smithfield Public Schools has developed the following policy [HERE].

Research continues to highlight concerns about the impact of excessive screen time and social media use on adolescent well-being. Recent CDC research found that teens with four or more hours of daily, non-school screen time were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as sleep and social-support concerns. SHS will review these changes and the new expectations with students when school begins. Our goal is to support student well-being, reduce distractions, and create more opportunities for students to engage with one another and their learning in person.

Because parking space is limited and we must follow local fire codes, student parking at Smithfield High School will be limited to seniors and juniors. Seniors must have a validated senior portfolio to be eligible for a parking pass. If spaces remain available, they will then be offered to juniors in good standing. Juniors with significant attendance or disciplinary concerns may not be eligible for a parking pass.

Parking passes are $20, and replacement passes are $30. All parking spaces are numbered, and assigned parking will begin in mid-August. More information about the parking application process will be shared in Google Classroom.

Join us for Community Night on Friday, August 21 (4:00-8:00), featuring food trucks and a vendor fair! This event highlights our town departments and the important work they do to serve and support our community. Stop by, grab some food, meet local vendors, and check out what’s happening in Smithfield.

• August 17th- Fall Sports Begin
• August 20th- 9th grade orientation (9-11:00)
• Parent orientation (10:30-11:00)
• August 25th- Students 1st Day
• September 7th- Labor Day (No School)
• September 8th- Open House - Smithfield High School
• September 9th- Primary Day (No Schools for students)

Principal

Email: kward@smithfield-ps.org
Website: www.schoolname.org
Phone: 401-949-2050