Superintendent's Update

Dear Newport Schools Parents, Families, and Staff:

I hope everyone had a wonderful break filled with family fun and enjoying all that Newport in the summer has to offer.

We are so excited to welcome students in grades 1-12 back to school next Wednesday, September 3rd and our Pre-K and kindergarten students starting on Monday, September 8th!

The start of the school year is filled with excitement about learning, seeing friends and making new ones, connecting with new teachers, and getting ready for sports and other afterschool activities. Newport Public Schools’ teachers, principals, and staff are also excited to welcome our students and families back for a great 2025-2026 school year!

We’ll see all our students back in school next Wednesday!!

Colleen Burns Jermain, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Last week we proudly cut the ribbon on this amazing new 167,000 sq foot learning space for our Vikings. The new Rogers has fully integrated Career & Technical Education programs focusing on hands-on learning, the arts, and technology; state of the art science labs, a state of the art commercial kitchen for culinary program students; the Seaside Cafe restaurant featuring delicious food from culinary program students (opening in October); a state of the art security system; and beautiful donated art from local Newport artists featured throughout the building. “Wow” is the best word to describe our new Rogers High School and I’m sure our students and parents will agree when they step into the building to start school next week.

This school year, our new Student Cell Phones and Personal Electronic Devices Policy, adopted by the Newport School Committee, prohibits the use of cell phones at all Newport Public Schools. We want our students engaged in learning, free from the distractions of cell phone text messages and apps. We know this is a big change, but it’s one we believe will improve student learning, improve behavior, and give students more opportunities to interact with their teachers and fellow students. If you have any questions about the new no cell phone policy, please reach out to your school principal.

Click here to see this school year’s bus schedule. Please note that in the first weeks of school there are often minor hiccups with school bus pickups and dropoffs. If you experience any issues, please reach out to your school’s principal or contact our school bus transportation provider Ocean State Transit at 401-399-3229.

The Newport Community School is hosting their annual Back to School Bash on Tuesday, September 2nd from 3:00-5:00pm at the Elks Lodge (141 Pelham Street). All Newport Public Schools' K–12 students, families, and community members are invited to celebrate the new school year together in a fun and supportive environment. Enjoy a live DJ, receive information on afterschool and youth programs, and access free school supplies, free groceries, and free haircuts. Plus, there will be prizes and more! A big thank you to all the sponsors of this year’s Back to School Bash!