Superintendent's Update

Dear South Kingstown Public Schools Families, Caregivers, and Community,

As we approach the start of the 2025-2026 academic year next week (Tuesday the 2nd for students in K, 6, 9, and Wednesday the 3rd for all grades), we are filled with excitement and optimism for what lies ahead. On behalf of our dedicated faculty, staff, and administration, we extend a warm welcome to all our students, parents, guardians, families, and community members.

Many Thanks

We want to express our deepest gratitude for how warmly the SK community continues to welcome and support us. In every interaction we have with families and the community, it is clear how deeply you all care about our students' present and future. We also continue to appreciate your support for the bond that is funding our new high school. The construction project continues to progress, and this state-of-the-art facility will provide enhanced learning opportunities for generations to come, demonstrating South Kingstown's commitment to educational excellence. For updates on the high school construction project, please visit skschoolproject.com. You'll find information about the timeline, milestones, and contacts for any questions or concerns.

We also want to thank you for your flexibility and patience as we implement and adapt to the new traffic pattern at SKHS due to construction, as well as with the new bus routes that come with each new year. A reminder to please give extra travel time during the first 2-3 weeks of school as we all adapt to the new traffic pattern at SKHS, adjust to bus routes, and navigate increased traffic conditions when University of Rhode Island classes begin.

In District leadership team news, we're excited to welcome to the district our new CFO, Patricia Proctor, and our new Director of Facilities, Liam Lynch. We also want to thank Anthony Ferrucci, who served as interim CFO, and John Gould, who served as interim Director of Facilities. Because of their efforts this summer, the district is ready to welcome students and families in this new school year. Lastly, we want to thank Eric Lonergan, who is in his first year overseeing the district’s transportation and has worked tirelessly with Ocean State Transit and our families to get this school year's bus routes out well before the first day of school.

Preparations for the New Year

Our schools are buzzing with energy as educators, support staff, and administrators prepare to welcome back students. Many have spent the summer honing their skills, developing innovative curricula, and preparing engaging lessons. Most recently, on Wednesday, all faculty and staff participated in district-wide professional development. In the morning, the focus was on training provided by the Autism Project, entitled "Exploring Autism: A Deep Dive." The afternoon sessions consisted of opportunities for learning, reflection, and growth with sessions such as "High Level Instructional Practices for grades 2-5: Maximizing Impact in Every Classroom," "Strategies and Supports to Make Content Accessible to All Learners," and "From Buzzword to Classroom Tool: What is AI?" As you will see below, this professional development is directly and purposefully aligned to the recommendations of last year’s equity audit, as well as our recently adopted mission and core beliefs.

Our Mission and Core Beliefs

This summer, the South Kingstown School Committee adopted a new mission statement and core beliefs for the district. On Tuesday, to open the new school year for faculty and staff, we made this the focus of our portion of this year's convocation. We are now pleased to share it with you as we open the 25-26 school year.

South Kingstown School District

In partnership with the community, our students will THRIVE.

We believe all students THRIVE through:

• Trust

• High Expectations

• Respect

• Inclusion

• Voice

• Equity

As you can see, these core beliefs are applicable to all of our students regardless of age, grade, school, program, or prior/current achievement. They are reflective of best practices in education, are supported by research, and are aligned to the recommendations of last year's equity audit. They are also reflective of the South Kingstown community’s aspirations for our schools and district, as they were created using the responses received last year from the District’s survey “SKSD Strategic Planning: Mission, Vision & Values (Families & Caregivers)” as well as from the input of the district’s strategic planning subcommittee.

It is our hope that you – our parents, caregivers, and community members – see your own beliefs and aspirations for your children reflected in the new mission and core beliefs, and that the value of these beliefs as a foundational basis of the education all students receive in South Kingstown is readily apparent.

Our Commitment to You

As we begin this new school year, please know that our entire staff—from teachers and counselors to bus drivers and administrators—is committed to making this a year of growth, achievement, and joy for every student. Guided by our mission and core values, we're confident that together with you, our families, and community, we can create an environment where every student can truly THRIVE.

Thank you for your trust and investment in our schools. Here's to a fantastic 2025-2026 school year!

Warmest regards,

Michael J. Podraza

Superintendent

Daniel P. Seger

Assistant Superintendent