Superintendent's Update

1. Superintendent's Message
2. Honoring our Veterans
3. National School Psychology Week
4. TMS Schoolwide Attendance Challenge: Every Day Counts. Every Warrior Matters!
5. Seaside Cafe Thanksgiving Pie Sale
6. Athletics Update
7. St. Michael’s Community Education Series - Settling Back Into School
8. Newport Public Education Foundation and Alva’s Attic
9. BFL Foundation Turkey Giveaway
10. RHS School for Multilingual Families - Family Dinner
11. Laundry Love Program
12. TMS School Carnival
13. RHS Craft Fair
14. Newport Community School Healthcare & Training Expo
15. Thanksgiving Recess - November 26-27
16. Events
17. Newport Public Schools Important Policies
18. Resources

45 Days Down, 135 Opportunities Ahead!

Dear Newport Public Schools Families,

This week marks the end of the first quarter of the school year—45 days completed and 135 more important days of learning, growth, and opportunity ahead!

As I reflect on the first 45 days, I am pleased with the start we have had across our three schools—Pell Elementary, Thompson Middle School, and Rogers High School. Our schools are well-organized, daily schedules and routines are firmly established, and important safety procedures are in place. Most importantly, our dedicated teachers and staff have settled into the essential work of providing high-quality instruction and creating positive learning environments for our students.

While a strong start is important, what matters most is how we build upon it.

Over the past several weeks, our administrative teams and teachers have been carefully reviewing student achievement data, identifying areas of strength, and, equally important, confronting areas where we need to improve. We recognize that we have significant work ahead of us to raise student achievement, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. We are committed to doing that work with a sense of urgency, purpose, and accountability.

One of our major instructional priorities this year is strengthening writing skills across the curriculum. Beginning this month, students in grades 3–8 will have increased opportunities to write regularly, not just in English language arts but also in mathematics, science, and other subjects. Writing helps students organize their thoughts, deepen their understanding, and develop critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.

We are also placing a renewed emphasis on using student performance data to guide instruction, providing meaningful professional development for our teachers, and ensuring that students who need additional academic support receive it.

Attendance Matters—Every Day Counts!

With 135 school days remaining, I want to emphasize one of the most important things families can do to support their children's success: make school attendance a priority.

Every school day represents an opportunity to learn something new, build relationships, and develop important skills. When students miss school, they miss instruction and experiences that can be difficult to replace. We understand that illnesses and family circumstances sometimes make absences unavoidable. However, we ask every family to make regular attendance a priority and reach out to us if there are challenges preventing your child from getting to school. We are here to help.

Looking Ahead

As we begin the second quarter, I am optimistic about the direction of Newport Public Schools. That optimism is not based on the belief that our challenges will be easy to overcome. Rather, it comes from the commitment I see every day from our teachers, administrators, support staff, students, and families.

Improving student achievement does not happen overnight. It happens through consistent effort, high expectations, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to continuously improve.

We have completed 45 days of school, and we have 135 more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our students. Let's make every one of those days count!

Thank you for your continued support of Newport Public Schools and, most importantly, for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children.

Regards,

Dr. Peter Sanchioni
Superintendent
Newport Public Schools

Today, we pause to honor and recognize all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. We are deeply grateful for their courage, dedication, and the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms.

It's National School Psychology Week and this year's theme is "Inspiring Connections". Newport is a city of connections, linked by bridges, harbors, and lighthouses, and our school psychologists bring that same spirit to their work. Ms. Wilson, Ms. Gibbes and Ms. Mabe build trusting relationships that help every student feel seen and supported. They partner with teachers, welcome families as true collaborators, and act as a steady light for our school community. We are lucky to have them guiding our students and families every day!

Beginning Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and continuing through Wednesday, January 27, 2027, students in Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 will participate in a friendly grade-level competition to improve school attendance. Click HERE for more information on how the challenge works.

The Seaside Cafe is closed this week (November 11th-13th) in observance of Veterans Day and a student field trip. Seaside Cafe will be open November 18th-20th and they are ready to take your holiday orders!

Thanksgiving pie and side orders should be placed by email or phone at seasidecafe@npsri.net or 401-236-2655 no later than Thursday, November 19. Please provide the item, quantity, your name and phone number. We will confirm your order. Pick up will be on Wednesday, November 25 from 9 AM - 1 PM this year, not Tuesday as it has been in previous years.

Last week brought friendly competition and plenty of Viking pride as the Girls JV and Varsity Volleyball teams challenged their JV and Varsity Football counterparts to volleyball matches.

The Girls JV team suffered a close loss, but the Girls Varsity team had their backs, sweeping Varsity Football 3–0 to claim the night! The laughter, encouragement, and camaraderie showed what Rogers Athletics is all about: building connections across teams and enjoying the experience together.

Rumor has it the boys are looking for a rematch—this time in flag football. We shall see! For now, we’re celebrating an evening that brought our student-athletes together and put our shared spirit on full display.

Go Vikings! One Rise! All Rise!

St. Michael's Country Day School will host their first event of the Community Education Series for this school year on Tuesday, November 17th, from 6-7:30pm. The topic is Settling Back Into School and is free and open to adults.

The Newport Public Education Foundation and Alva’s Attic invite all educators and friends to sip, shop and learn about education grants on November 19 from 4 - 6 PM.

BFL Foundation is holding a Turkey Giveaway on Sunday, November 22 at Newport Craft. For more information click here: BFL Next Free Turkey Registration or refer to the flyer below.

Enjoy a delicious meal while connecting with other families and learning more about the resources and opportunities available to support your student’s success! RHS invites all multilingual families to attend. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Aspen and how to stay connected with your student’s progress, meet with school counselors and ask questions, and explore post-graduation opportunities and resources for your student’s future.

Newport Laundry Love, which provides access to Laundry for all in Newport County, will now be an MLK Program thanks to collaboration with Strategic Prevention Partnerships' No Wrong Door Behavioral Health.

The program will continue at Mid-Island Laundromat at 232 West Main Rd., Middletown, RI.

Laundry Love will transition to an MLK Community Center program on November 12, every

other Thursday with an earlier start time, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Due to Thanksgiving and

Christmas, the second sessions of November and December will be held on Monday, November 23 and Monday, December 21. After the new year, the program will resume a consistent biweekly schedule on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Participants are provided with quarters, detergent, softener, dryer sheets, and other laundry essentials. No registration is required, and machines are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Join the fun this Friday, November 13, from 2:30–4:30 PM for the TMS Fall Carnival, proudly sponsored by the Thompson Middle School PTO!

Get ready for an afternoon packed with games, prizes, friendly competitions, and tons of fun!

Ready to unlock your potential in the healthcare field?

The Newport Community School and its AIALC program are excited to invite you to our Healthcare & Training Expo on Tuesday, December 1st, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Seamen’s Church Institute.

This event is 100% free, and everyone is welcome! Whether you want to step into a new role right away or just see what's out there, we've got you covered.

Here is what is waiting for you:

Immediate Openings: Meet face-to-face with local employers who are ready to hire.

Fast-Track Training: Explore hands-on certification programs for high-demand jobs like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Med Tech, and Cardio-Phlebotomy.

Perks & Fun: Enjoy free refreshments while you network, and check out our exciting prizes and giveaways!

Bring your questions, bring a friend, and let us help you land your dream job. Check out the flyer below for the full details!

Please note that there will be no school on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving Recess.

● November 10 - TMS Attendance Challenge

● November 13 - TMS School Carnival - 2:30 - 4:30

● November 14 - Rogers Craft Fair - 10:00 AM

● November 17 - St. Michael’s Community Education Series - Settling Back Into School - 6:00 - 7:30

● November 19 - Newport Public Education Foundation and Alva’s Attic - 4 - 6 PM

● November 24 - 6 PM RHS School for Multilingual Families Family Dinner

● November 26-27 - Thanksgiving Recess

● December 1 - Newport Community School Healthcare & Training Expo

● December 7 - Parent Teacher conferences - 12 - 5 PM

• Policy 5160 - Attendance

• Policy 5336 - Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices

• Policy 5540- Dress Code