Melville Message Community Update
May 8, 2026
Melville Mission
In partnership with families and community, the mission of Melville Elementary School is to provide all students with a strong academic foundation through diverse and challenging instruction in a safe and nurturing environment enabling them to achieve their greatest potential while developing self-confidence, respect, responsibility, compassion and a love of learning.
Dear Melville Families and Community,
There is so much to be thankful for in our Melville School family. Last week’s Whale of an Evening raised an incredible $27,000 for Melville School! This money goes directly back into improving your child’s school experience, and we are so grateful to everyone who supported this special event in any way.
This week, during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, we have been absolutely overwhelmed by your kindness, generosity, and thoughtful gestures. Your support and appreciation mean more than words can truly express.
Thank you for all you do for our school, for sharing your wonderful children with us each day, and for the gratitude and partnership that make Melville such a special place to learn and grow together.
Whaledone
Melville Fun Run 2026!
It's Time for the Melville Fun Run!
Event Details:
Melville Fun Run
Thursday, May 21
(Rain Date: Friday, May 22)
How Fundraising Works:
Families can help students collect donations through the online platform in two ways:
• A flat donation
• A per-lap pledge
Click here to visit the Fun Run Newsletter
A volunteer signup will be coming in the next week!
Order Your Melville Spirit Gear! 🎉
Melville has some spirit gear ready to order. CLICK HERE to place your orders.
Important Information for Families Preparing for May and June
As we head into two exciting and busy months at Melville School, we wanted to share important information to help families plan ahead.
Events listed below are all events that families and guests will be invited to attend-so please mark your calendars!
Visitor Sign-In Reminder: If you plan to visit Melville during school hours (8:30 AM–3:30 PM), all visitors are required to sign into our system by scanning a valid driver’s license.
To help make the process faster and easier, please download the Raptor Safe app and create a profile in advance. You can do this by scanning the QR code below or searching Raptor Safe in the App Store or Google Play Store. If you need assistance, please contact the main office. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure school environment.
Guest Capacity Information: Please note that guest limits include adults and children combined. Families may decide how to use their allotted guest spaces.
Summer Meal Options
AFL Team Leader Spotlight
Resources for Families
Fruits and Vegetable Program
Visiting Melville
Visiting Melville
Dear Melville School Community,
As many of you are aware, in accordance with Portsmouth School Department policy, Melville Elementary School has a new visitor system in our vestibule. This system is used to sign guests into our building by scanning a driver’s license and verifying your identity with a comparison photo.
Please note that any person that is entering our school building for a meeting or an event is REQUIRED to sign in.
In order to expedite the sign in process, we are strongly encouraging all families to download the app and create your profile today. You may do so by scanning the QR code below or by visiting the App Store or Google Play Store and searching for Raptor Safe.
For any questions or for assistance contact the main office. Thank you for your help in keeping our school safe.
Attendance Matters
At Melville Elementary, we are committed to every student’s success, and regular attendance is key! Did you know that students who miss two or more days a month—about 10% of the school year—are considered chronically absent?
Attendance Matters
We know that attendance plays a huge role in student success, and your support is key to improving it. Melville is currently ranked #18 in the state for attendance on the State’s Attendance Leaderboard.
Melville Parent Teacher Group
Fundraise for Melville while you Shop!
Earn money for Melville while you shop! All you have to do is send in your Clements Receipts.
Unified Arts
Art
Physical Education
Longboards in PE
Health with Mrs. Powell
We talked about safe and unsafe touches. Students were able to identify their trusted adults that they can go to if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Health with Nurse Trainor
Music
Grade 3 learned about Rhythm Drumming
Library
This week in the Library the 2nd graders did a scavenger hunt in the nonfiction section to help them become familiar with the Dewey Decimal System and the nonfiction section of the library.
26-27 Enrollment
Important Dates
May
12:
RICAS grades 3 and 4 math Session 1
MPTG 6:00-7:00 - Library
School Committee 7:00 - Town Hall
13: RICAS grades 3 and 4 math Session 2
18:
-4T Performance and UA Celebration with Families-10:00-10:30
-3B & 3E visits the AGInnovation Farm Field Trip
19:
- 4R Performance and UA Celebration with Families-10:00-10:30
--3K visits the AGInnovation Farm Field Trip
20:
-4S Performance and UA Celebration with Families-10:00-10:30
-One-hour early release for students/Staff PD 2:30-4:30
21: Fun Run (Rain Date 22nd)
25: Memorial Day (No School)
26: School Committee 7:00- Town Hall
28: Grade 3 Conferences-More information to come from teachers
June
1: Grade 4 visits Portsmouth Middle School
2: Grade 2 Field Trip to BIOMES
3: Grade 2 Student Showcase, 4:30-6:00
4: Kindergarten Celebration wit h Families, 3:30-5:00
5:
-Grade 3 Wax Museum -schedule will be shared with grade 3 families
-Grade 4 Field Trip to the State House
-PHS Graduation
8: Pre K Graduation, 11:30-12:00
9:
MPTG/Volunteer Appreciation 6:00-7:00 - Library
School Committee 7:00 - Town Hall
10: Field Day (rain date 11th)
11: Grade 4 Student Led Conferences
12:
- Kindergarten Field Trip to Buttonwood Zoo
-Chick and Duck Open House (after school, families invited)
15:
-Grade 4 Stepping Up & Family Picnic 10:00-11:30
-Grade 1 Field Trip (parent volunteers only)
17 or 180th day: Last Day of School – All Students
19: Juneteenth (No School)
23: School Committee 7:00 - Town Hall
Repeats & Reminders
Resources for Virtual Learning
- Please ensure your child's Chromebook is connected to your home wifi.
- Click here for a help video on how to login to Clever.
Melville Attendance Form
If your child is going to be absent, or it is absolutely necessary to make a dismissal change, then please complete the: Attendance Notification Form. Please bookmark this form or you can find it on our website. Dismissal changes must be made by 2:15
Are you moving?
If your family will be moving during the 25-26 school year - please print this form, fill it out, and return to Melville, so we can help make your move a smooth one!
Safety Updates
Effective Monday, November 3, 2025 PSD fully implemented the “I Love U Guys” Standard Response Protocol.
Feinstein Jr. Scholar Card
Thank you to the Feinstein Foundation for this incredible program.
Mystic Aquarium Feinstein Jr. Scholar Card Spotlight
Feinstein Jr. Scholars are allowed two free visits with an adult guest to Mystic Aquarium per year with their 2025-2026 Jr. Scholar Card, but you must reserve a timed-ticket online prior to visiting!
Here’s the link for timed ticket reservations with a
Feinstein Jr. Scholar Card: https://www.mysticaquarium.org/visit/tickets/discounts-and-promotions/feinstein-junior-scholar-discount/
MAIN OFFICE EMAIL ACCOUNT!
Going forward please use meloffice@portsmouthschoolsri.org to notify the main office of changes to your child's dismissal routine or of your child's absence.
Help us to Celebrate our Students!
Our Food Pantry is Always Open!
In keeping with the spirit of giving, our Feinstein Jr. Scholars are excited to start an in-school food pantry that our students and families can donate to and access when needed.
Please help us as we continue to support our community by sending in food items with your child from time to time. Please email
Mrs. Powell: powelld@portsmouthschoolsri.org or
Mrs. Pascoe: pascoen@portsmouthschoolsri.org
if you would like to access our food pantry during the school year.
Securly Home
Securly Home is an app that allows parents to monitor their child’s Chromebook activity at home and add rules for home use. Please take some time to review the slideshow from the informational parent meeting hosted for families.
We encourage you to sign up now for Securly Home!
Melville Elementary School
Email: lauried@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/11
Location: 1351 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: 4016831650
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009159177892
Twitter: @MelvilleSchool