Superintendent's Update
Newport Public Schools | October 22, 2025
Dear Newport Schools Parents, Families, and Staff:
We are nearing the end of our first academic quarter on November 6th. Our 10th graders took their PSAT exams on Tuesday. Learning is in full swing and that’s why we need ALL of our students in school because Attendance Matters, Every Day! We need to reinforce the importance of attendance every. If your child has missed just three days of school so far this school year, they are on track to be chronically absent. Being chronically absent is a sign something is not working, something is wrong or there is something else going on. We need to work together to find out what that is and address it. Please reach out to your child’s principal or teacher if there are any issues that are impacting his/her attendance. We will work with you and your child on a support plan to get them back on track and in school every day.
For our Rogers High School seniors and their families, plans for post graduation should be underway- and if they are not, let’s get started! Whether that’s developing a list of colleges and universities to apply to, exploring career and technical employment, or moving on to JROTC opportunities, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Each week our wonderful guidance team is hosting various colleges/universities or post employment agencies. Just recently, as you will see in the following article, our program with Salve Regina University is already on the road travelling. Our Rogers and NACTC career advisors are here to help you with letters of recommendation/applications and to make connections with area employers. Ms. Kerry Clarke, our College and Career Coordinator has several opportunities to gain certifications or ideas on internships. So take advantage of all the adults at the high school that want to help you. Parents and families, we are here to support your children to a successful and fulfilling life. We want everyone to be prepared to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue. Having a plan is the first step towards that success!
A few reminders for this week: Sign ups for winter sports including basketball, hockey, indoor track, and gymnastics are here. Your child should reach out to your school’s athletics director to learn more. This Friday, October 24th is a professional development day for our teachers, so there will be no school for students on Friday.
Finally, a big shout out to the Newport Public Education Foundation (NPEF) for all they do to support Newport Public Schools. NPEF is holding their annual awards ceremony tomorrow evening, (Thursday, Oct. 23) and will be handing out grant awards to teachers, staff, and administrators for programs that support our students. Congratulations to this year’s grant winners and thank you NPEF for all you do!
Have a great week of learning everyone and remember to ask your children every day about school! The more you talk to them- the more they will talk with you!
Go Newport Schools!
Colleen Burns Jermain, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
The Newport Public Education Foundation (NPEF) raises funds to support Newport Public Schools. They are holding their annual Evening For Education tomorrow evening from 6:00-8:00pm at Innovate Newport, and have announced this year’s group of winning grant recipients. Congratulations to all of the Newport Public Schools teachers, administrators, friends, and staff who have won grant funds to support programming for our students! And thank you to NPEF for all that you do to support our schools!
● Kathryn Caruolo - PES Grant Recipient - Language Boards and Translation Headphones
● Hakim Coggins - TMS Grant Recipient - Super Suit
● Bryan Colahan - RHS Grant Recipient - Breakout Kits
● David Connell - NACTC Grant Recipient - Capturing the Perfect Drop
● Colleen Crotteau - PES Grant Recipient - Capture that Cookie
● Julie Downey - TMS Grant Recipient - URI Field Day Field Trip
● Brooke Ferreira - TMS Grant Recipient - Year End Field Days
● Ramsey Francis - RHS Grant Recipient - Newport Community Meals
● William Kimes - RHS Grant Recipient - Tomaquag Museum Highlighting Hidden in Sight
● Emily Gibson - TMS Grant Recipient - TMS Warrior Academy
● Beth Letourneau - RHS Grant Recipient - Exploring Marine Ecosystems
● Kathleen McAreavey - PES Grant Recipient - Math to Movement, Grades 1 & 2
● Sharon McDonnell - PES Grant Recipient - South County Museum & School of Craft
● Erin McGloin - TMS Grant Recipient - Life Skills Cooking
● Ellen Pinnock - TMS Grant Recipient - TMS Heart Club
● Casey Ramey - NACTC Grant Recipient - A Story in Photos
● Eileen Rice - RHS Grant Recipient - Comics in School
● Kathryn Ringdall - RHS Grant Recipient - Novel Studies for Physics & Astronomy
● Taylor Rock - TMS Grant Recipient - Exploration of Southern RI Ecosystem, Project Chick
● Jacqueline Scavone - TMS Grant Recipient - Regulation Station
● Tracy Shea - NCS Grant Recipient - Summer Success
● Aaron Sherman - PES Grant Recipient - Pell School Garden
● Melissa Turner - TMS Grant Recipient - Eco Friendly Friday 2.0
● Lily Wilson - TMS Grant Recipient - PBIS Student of the Month
