Melville Message Community Update
December 19, 2025
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,
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year we have shared together so far at Melville. What makes our school such a special place does not happen by accident. It is built with intention, care, and a team of high-quality, dedicated educators and staff, supportive families, and incredible children. Through countless big and small moments, we have created a school where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. School communities like ours do not happen by chance.
Thank you for the trust you place in us and for the partnership you share with our school. We are truly grateful to work alongside your families in supporting your children’s growth-academically, socially, and emotionally.
We hope your days are filled with rest, joy, and meaningful time together. May this season bring moments of laughter, connection, and reflection with the people who matter most.
We are so thankful to be part of the Melville community and look forward to welcoming the new year together.
All the best,
Principal Laurie
Grade 2 Dance Club!
Click the link below to see the final performance. Thank you Mrs. Borden for leading this club.
Portsmouth Middle School Jazz Band
Holiday Obstacle Course
Mrs. Hart taught the Dreidel Game to the entire School
Whaledone
Dancing Guy in PE!!
Attention Grade 4 Families
Parents and guardians of current 4th grade students are asked to please mark their calendars and join the Portsmouth Middle School administrative team for a meeting about the upcoming transition process. Please see the 4th Grade Family Meeting Invitation Flyer for more information.
Save the Date
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 #17 in the state for attendance on the State’s Attendance Leaderboard.
Melville Parent Teacher Group
Send in your Receipts from Clements
Earn money for Melville while you shop! All you have to do is send in your Clements Receipts.
Unified Arts
Art
Holiday percussion and singing fun
Physical Education
Holiday fun in the gym!
Health with Mrs. Powell
Ideas for Family Fun in 2026!
Family Reading: Enjoy a few books together each month.
Game Nights: Pick one night a week for family games.
Outdoor Time: Go for walks, hikes, or play outside together.
Screen Time Balance: Set simple routines for screen use.
Creative Time: Make crafts or art projects as a family.
Health with Nurse Trainor
Music
Grade 4 percussion ensemble
Library
Important Dates
December
15-19 Winter Spirit Week
22-31: Holiday Recess (No School)
January
1 - 2: New Year’s Day (No School)
9: Grade 3 performs with NCB's Multicultural Program
13:MPTG 6:00-7:00 - In the Melville Library
14:One-hour early release for students-Dismissal will be from 2:15-2:30
14: Attention Grade 4 Families-PMS Grade 4 to 5 Transition meeting with the PMS team: 5:30-6:30
15: Melville Student Art Show at Melville School 4:00-5:00
19: Martin Luther King Day (No School)
26-30: Scholastic Book Fair and Reading Spirit Week
28th: Family Shopping Night and visit our Support Staff Table
February
Family Teacher Conferences (Flexible, each grade level will notify families and find door support)
10: MPTG 6:00-7:00 - Library
16 - 20: Winter Recess (No School)
March
2-6: Wellness Awareness Week
18- STEAM Night, 5:30-6:30
25- Arts for Life- Day
Whale of an Evening-TBD
10: MPTG 6:00-7:00 - In the Melville Library
18: One-hour early release for students-Dismissal will be from 2:15-2:30
20: Spring Picture Day
April
7: RICAS grades 3 and 4 ELA Session 1
8: RICAS grades 3 and 4 ELA Session 2
14: MPTG 6:00-7:00 - In the Melville Library
15th Purple Up on the Playground-Military Families
20 - 24: Spring Recess (No School)
May
Family Teacher Conferences (Flexible, each grade level will notify families and find door support)
7: Grade 3 MIndfulness with our Support Staff, 4PM-5PM-Students & caregivers (must register)
12:
RICAS grades 3 and 4 math Session 1
MPTG 6:00-7:00 - In the Melville Library
13: RICAS grades 3 and 4 math Session 2
20:One-hour early release for students-Dismissal will be from 2:15-2:30
21: Fun Run (Rain Date 22nd)
25: Memorial Day (No School)
June
1: Grade 4 visits Portsmouth Middle School
5:
- PHS Graduation
-Grade 4 Field Trip to the State House
8: Pre K Graduation
9: MPTG/Volunteer Appreciation 6:00-7:00 - In the Melville Library
10: Field Day (rain date 11th)
TBD -Grade 4 Stepping Up & Family Picnic
17 or 180th day: Last Day of School – All Students
Repeats & Reminders
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
