Superintendent's Message

Dear Newport Schools Parents, Families, and Staff,

We are in the final six weeks of the 2024-2025 school year and Pell, Thompson, and Rogers all have a number of fun end of school year activities planned. From field trips, to learning opportunities with our One Newport community partners, to dances and school spirit events, students will not want to miss one day of school! Please check your child’s school calendar for these activities, and of course let’s close out the year continuing to emphasize Attendance Matters, Every Day . . . right up to the last day of the school year on June 20th. Today is also a non-school day for students. Teachers are very busy participating in professional development sessions planned for them to help continue our focus on strong academics and CTE learning.

State mandated testing and AP exams are wrapping up. Please continue to support your child with a strong school day routine, including a good night’s sleep, a good breakfast, and checking in every day about how their day and exams went. Our students have learned so much and worked so hard throughout the year, and with strong support now, we know they’ll do great on final exams and projects. Thank you to all our wonderful teachers for keeping the focus on academics and powerful learning!

A big shout out to our Rogers High School Unified basketball team who took home their third straight State Championship on Saturday with an exciting 28-26 victory over Woonsocket. Just wow! Congratulations, you make us all proud! Go Vikings!🏀

It’s May and that means a new Administrator Spotlight. This month we are featuring Pell Principal Traci Westman. Principal Westman is incredibly dedicated to our Pell students, families, teachers, and staff. Not only does she make sure Pell has a great learning environment, but she makes school fun and welcoming. Thank you Principal Westman for everything you do!

Have a great week of learning everyone!

Colleen Burns Jermain, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Traci Westman is the Principal of Pell Elementary School. Principal Westman began her educational career as a special education teacher in Newport. She has served as head teacher and interim principal, Assistant Principal, and now as Principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education with a concentration in Reading from Central Michigan University, a Master’s degree in Counseling from Providence College, and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. Her academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

As the Pell School Principal, Mrs. Westman has led initiatives focused on STEM and STEAM education, emphasizing innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning. She works closely with community partners, including Conexión Latina, ReNewport, Bike Newport, the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club SWIM, Newport Yacht Club, NFCOZ, and Innovate Newport to enrich student experiences and extend learning beyond the classroom. Her primary goals include raising student proficiency in math and literacy as well as attendance, while nurturing a school culture where students, families, educators, and community members feel welcomed and valued. Mrs. Westman envisions Pell as more than a school—she sees it as a joyful, connected community. Her passion for education and her heartfelt dedication to Pell are captured in her own words: “Pell is where my heart belongs”.

Last Wednesday, a number of Pell students and families joined with our One Newport community partner Bike Newport for Bike to School Day. Everyone had a great time pedaling together to Pell Elementary to start the school day.🚲

Earlier this year, our NACTC Automotive students worked together to build an electric Greenpower F-24 kit car. Recently they had the opportunity to turn their learning into fun at race competition with other schools around the state. What a great way to bring learning to life. Great job NACTC Automotive!

Thompson students participating in Sail Newport’s Marine Exploration Program recently had the opportunity to visit IYRS to learn about the boat making process and to ask lots of questions to see if they might be interested in boat building as an educational path. Thank you Sail Newport and IYRS for this great learning opportunity and for being such valued One Newport community partners!

On Tuesday, the Newport School Committee read and gave first passage to a new policy prohibiting the use of cell phones in Newport Public Schools. The policy will receive a second and final vote at their next meeting.

This will be a big change for the next school year, but one we believe will improve student focus and learning. And to make this transition a little easier, Rogers High School is continuing their Cell Phone Free Fridays through the end of the school year. Principal Vance has a series of fun incentives and challenges to help students put away their phones and focus on learning.