The Knightly News January 23rd

Welcome back to this week’s edition of The Knightly News, your all-in-one stop for celebrations, updates, and reminders from around the Central community. Let’s keep the pride strong and the momentum going!

Do you need help with your homework? Are you struggling in a class? Tutoring is available every Tuesday and Thursday in the library from 2:45-4:15 pm. No appointment necessary; just come to the library after school.

If you failed a class in high school, you need to recover the credit. You can do this by completing a class on Edgenuity. Credit recovery help will be available every Monday and Wednesday from 2:45-4:15 pm in the library. No appointment necessary; just come to the library after school.

Please note that unit tests MUST be taken in the library during a credit recovery session. No phones will be allowed during testing.

FAFSA Completion Update & Support Available

We are proud to share strong progress in FAFSA completion at Central and want to give a huge shout-out to our Guidance Team for their dedication and support. To date, 99.55% of students have received FAFSA information and individualized support. Additionally, 63% of students have completed their FSA ID, and 38% have already completed the FAFSA—surpassing the state average of 29%.

Completing the FAFSA is a critical step in accessing financial aid for college and postsecondary opportunities. If you have not yet completed it, please do so as soon as possible.

Need help? RISLA will be on campus Tuesday from 9:00–11:00 AM to support students and families with FAFSA completion. We encourage anyone who needs assistance to stop by—support will be available to guide you through the process.

Let’s keep the momentum going, Knights!

Hands-On Science in Ms. Nandi’s Class

Students in Ms. Nandi’s science class recently engaged in a hands-on lab exploring the properties of water. Using a discovery-based approach, students investigated key concepts through interactive experiments, allowing them to observe, question, and make sense of scientific ideas in real time.

After completing the lab activities, students transitioned into more traditional classwork to connect their observations to scientific vocabulary, concepts, and explanations. This combination of experiential learning and structured reflection helps deepen understanding and strengthens students’ ability to apply science concepts beyond the classroom.

It was great to see students actively engaged, collaborating with peers, and building knowledge through inquiry and exploration.

Khan Academy Competition Update

Central is back in second place in the Khan Academy competition, and the momentum is building! Students across grade levels have been actively completing lessons, practicing skills, and earning points that contribute to our school’s overall ranking. This competition encourages consistent practice, growth in math and other subjects, and goal-setting through independent learning.

Call to action:

Students—keep logging into Khan Academy, complete assigned lessons, and challenge yourself to earn more minutes and mastery points. Every activity counts toward our total, and continued participation can help Central climb even higher in the rankings.

Let’s keep up the great work and push for first place. You’ve got this, Knights!

Central Apparel Pop-Up Shop Is Open!

The Central High School virtual apparel pop-up shop is officially open! This is a great chance for students and families to grab Central gear for themselves or pick up a gift for a loved one or friend. The shop is open to everyone, so feel free to share the link with family and friends.

Important Dates to Know:

• The store will be open for two weeks only

• Last day to place orders: January 25, 2026

• Orders will be shipped or delivered to the school (depending on the option you select) on February 20, 2026

Don’t miss out—show your Knight pride! Click the image below to order.

Safety Drills This Week

This week, Central conducted both lockdown and fire drills as part of our ongoing commitment to student and staff safety. We practice these drills because they are important, and it is imperative that everyone treats each drill seriously. Practicing helps ensure that, in the event of a real emergency, students and staff know what to do and can respond quickly and safely.

We also want to remind students that these drills are planned in partnership with local law enforcement and the fire department, and their cooperation helps us strengthen our emergency response procedures. We ask families to reinforce with students the importance of following directions, remaining calm, and taking all drills seriously. Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe.

ACCESS Testing Update: Resuming Next Week

ACCESS testing will resume next week for all grade levels, and we appreciate everyone’s continued support as we move into the next phase of testing. We are making strong progress schoolwide:

• 83% of Listening tests completed

• 84% of Reading tests completed

• 67% of Writing tests completed

• 19% of Speaking tests completed

To support students who still need to test, make-up sessions for Listening, Reading, and Writing will take place on Monday and Friday in the library. Students will get a pass to make up the exam. Speaking tests for grades 10–12 will begin on Monday.

Please help ensure students arrive on time, well-rested, and ready to test. Thank you again to our students, families, and staff for their flexibility and partnership as we work to complete ACCESS testing successfully.

Electrical Boat Signing Day – March 6, 2026

We are excited to begin planning for Electrical Boat Signing Day, which will take place on March 6, 2026 at the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center. This event gives students the opportunity to apply, interview, and take a major step toward a career with Electric Boat.

What students need to know:

• Students must be legal U.S. citizens to apply (those in the process of obtaining citizenship are not eligible).

• A resume is required as part of the application.

• All students planning to attend must submit their application by Wednesday, February 25.

• Students must notify the Guidance Office when they plan to apply.

Apply here: https://qrcodes.pro/wBY61u

This deadline allows time to review applications and prepare for interviews. Students interested in skilled trades, engineering, and advanced manufacturing are strongly encouraged to apply.

At Central, we know it takes a community to help every Knight shine. This section highlights resources, events, and opportunities for the adults and partners who support our students every day.

Resource Reminder: Central Cares Food Pantry

The pantry is open daily in the main office with free food and pantry items available for students and families. During the vacation, we will have very limited hours, so please call us before coming by. 401.456.9111

Join the School Improvement Team & Community Action Board

Are you interested in having a voice in shaping Central’s future? Students, families, and community members are invited to join the School Improvement Team (SIT) and the Community Action Board. These groups work collaboratively to support school improvement efforts, strengthen partnerships, and uplift student and family voice.

If you are interested, please call Central to let us know, or fill out the short form below. We would love to have you be part of this important work!

Yearbook Theme & Senior Quote Form

We want your voice in shaping this year’s Central yearbook! Students can now use one form to both vote for the 2026 yearbook theme and submit a senior quote. Your input will help our yearbook team choose the design, style, and overall vibe that best represents this year’s senior class.

Seniors—this is your chance to leave your mark by sharing a message, memory, or words of wisdom. Please complete the form as soon as possible so everything can be included in the yearbook.

Girls Basketball Update

Congratulations to both the Varsity and JV Girls Basketball teams on their strong wins against Woonsocket last week! Both teams showed skill, teamwork, and determination on the court, continuing an exciting season for Central basketball. Great job, Knights!

Wrestling Update

Congratulations to the Wrestling team on their win over Coventry! The team showed strength, focus, and determination on the mat. Great job, Knights!

Boys Basketball Update

Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Basketball team on their win over North Kingstown. Great job Knights!

Virtue of a Knight: Leadership — December

This month, our Virtue of a Knight focus is Leadership—the ability to lead with integrity, responsibility, and care for others. Leadership at Central shows up in many ways: taking initiative, supporting peers, modeling positive choices, and helping build a strong, respectful community. We are proud to celebrate the following students for exemplifying leadership in meaningful and consistent ways.

Virtue of a Knight: Leadership — December Winners

Emely Wray (9th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Marisol Gomez

Emely is a responsible, respectful, and disciplined student who consistently strives to do her best. She approaches her learning with focus and maturity and sets a positive example for her peers through her work ethic and attitude. In addition to being an exceptional student, Emely is an avid reader who enjoys exploring literature and is known for her genuine kindness and care for others. Central has much to look forward to from this leading freshman.

Yahaira Velasquez Martinez (10th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Maleiko

Yahaira is a natural leader who consistently helps her classmates stay focused and follow expectations. She leads through action—being the first to meet classroom expectations and stepping in to support peers so everyone stays on track. Yahaira is dependable, trusted, and the kind of student teachers know they can rely on to help a classroom run smoothly, even in their absence. Her leadership is felt daily through her responsibility and care for others.

Jose Montano Bejarano (11th Grade) — Nominated by Mr. Daryl Jent

Jose is a natural leader who leads by example with quiet confidence and humility. Within JROTC, his peers listen when he speaks because he consistently models respect, discipline, and integrity. His work is above standard and often completed ahead of schedule, and he is always willing to support fellow cadets with patience and care. Jose mentors others without ego and motivates those around him to grow and lead with purpose.

Carolaind Guzman Angeles (12th Grade) — Nominated by Ms. Nina Jarvis

Carolaind demonstrates leadership every day by taking initiative, showing responsibility, and uplifting those around her. She produces high-quality work, asks thoughtful clarifying questions, and goes above and beyond to deepen her understanding of concepts. Without being asked, she supports classmates by translating for new students, helping peers who may have missed instruction, and reinforcing the importance of deadlines and accountability. Her confidence, integrity, and positivity strengthen the classroom community.

Honorable Mentions — Leadership

We would also like to recognize the following students as Honorable Mentions for demonstrating leadership throughout the month of December:

• Alberto Perez

• Ruth Esther (Rooster) Germosen Morfe

• Marianny Rosario Ortez

• Abdiel Josue Toj-Lux

• Yulianny Taveras

• Laila Rarid Darwish

• Kiara Bautista

• Kevin Cortez

• Terrence Kaine

• Zayi Manderena

• Orlyn Aracena Zarzuela

• Juan Luciano

• Rosa Aceituno Ventura

• Alan Mejia

• Rodneyris Garcia

Looking Ahead — January’s Virtue of a Knight: Discernment

In January, our focus will shift to Discernment—making thoughtful choices, using good judgment, and considering the impact of our actions on ourselves and others. We look forward to recognizing students who demonstrate reflection, wisdom, and intentional decision-making as we begin the new year.

Keep leading with purpose, Knights!

NUA Knights After School Program: Fall Recap

This fall, NUA Knights After School was back and better than ever, offering engaging programming for Central students four days a week (Monday–Thursday) starting in October. By the end of October, 144 students were enrolled in at least one program, with participation growing steadily through November and December. Students took part in a wide range of offerings including eSports, weightlifting and fitness, culture club, cooking, book club, music, photography, fashion and design, college support, and partnerships with DORCAS International. One exciting highlight was the launch of the African Student Alliance, created in response to student interest and supported by staff and community partners. Overall attendance, total visits, and hours of participation increased each month—showing strong engagement and the meaningful role NUA continues to play in building connection, belonging, and enrichment for Central students. To see the full report- please click the link below.

Apply for the RI Teen Institute – April 2026

Central students are invited to apply for the Rhode Island Teen Institute, a powerful five-day overnight leadership program for high school youth happening April 20–24, 2026 at Camp JORI in Wakefield, RI. Students will participate in workshops focused on team building, leadership, action planning, and personal growth, while connecting with teens from across the state. This is a great opportunity for students who want to strengthen their leadership skills, make new friends, and build confidence in a supportive environment. To learn more or apply, use the QR code on the flyer or email riteeninstitute@gmail.com.

Youth Pride, Inc. Programs!

We are a drop in space.

This means our youth are encouraged to utilize our space in whatever comfortable and respectful way they see fit.

In addition to a wide variety of programming and groups, YPI can provide youth support with:

• Basic Needs Pantry
• Services
• Licensed Clinicians
• Counseling by Appointment

School Year Drop-In Hours

Beginning August 30, 2025

• Monday (Ages 14-24): 2:30 – 6 pm
• Tuesday (Ages 14-24): 2:30 – 6 pm
• Wednesday (Ages 14-24): 2:30 – 6 pm
• Thursday (Ages 10-13 only): 3 – 6 pm
• Friday (Ages 18-25 only): 3 – 7 pm

Providence Student Union

Providence Student Union builds student power to improve our education and well-being. We envision a true “union for students” that increases young people’s collective power and ensures our frustrations, demands, and dreams are heard. At PSU, young people grow as leaders, organizers, and advocates for justice in all forms, today and throughout their lives.

AS 220 Programs

AS220 Youth is a nationally recognized, award-winning after-school educational program and creative incubator for young people. Serving young people ages 14-21 with a special focus on those in the care and custody of the state, the program strives to dismantle the pipeline to prison by empowering at-risk, beyond-risk and incarcerated youth through arts, culture and collective action.

AS220 Youth provides free arts programming at our Empire Street Studio (115 Empire Street, Providence). Today, our program serves 600 youth annually. Inspired by hip hop culture, our program is youth-led, multidisciplinary and always evolving. We understand that meeting the needs of young people means ‘meeting them where they are’, engaging them in projects that are relevant to their lives and providing them with caring mentors who — over time — can expose them to new ideas, new ways of thinking and real world artistic and career opportunities. AS220 Youth harnesses comprehensive arts education and technical training, career building, hip hop, and social justice education to affect change for youth and their communities.

Welcome from the Central High School Library!
Mrs. Silva is your Library Media Specialist (email:
darshell.silva@providenceschools.org)

Students are always welcome in the library!
Library hours are Monday - Friday 7:30AM - 2:45PM
Library can be open before/ after these times by request.
1st semester 2nd period and B Lunch the library is closed; 2nd semester 1st
period and B Lunch library is closed.
A pass from a teacher is required to visit the library during regular class
times.
If you want to come to the library during A or C Lunch, you must get a pass
in the morning.
Check out the new Central High School Library Site for resources, events,
activities and more by clicking the button below.

Did you know Central has its very own food pantry? Central Cares is here to support our students and families with free food and pantry items — no questions asked.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, please stop by the main office to access the pantry or learn more.

Because at Central, we take care of each other. 💛

Check Out The Pantry Stock

Interested in finding food related resources closer to home? Use the button below to open the Food Finder application and find resources close to you.

Do you want your pictures or information included in next weeks newsletter? Fill out the form below