Cultivating A Community

Dear WED Community,

This year I will be holding Coffee Hours at each school. On Friday, September 26th I will be at Bernon Heights Elementary School beginning at 9am to meet with Bernon parents and families to provide information about what is happening in our district as well as to answer questions that families may have. The purpose of the Coffee Hours is to communicate with parents, families, and the community about their children, school, and our district. In my next newsletter I will provide you with a schedule of Coffee Hours for each school. I hope to see you there!

In partnership,

Patrick McGee, Ed.D.

Superintendent

I am excited to welcome Mrs. Janine Napolitano as the new Director of the Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center (WACTC).

Mrs. Napolitano brings a wealth of experience in career and technical education, and a strong commitment to preparing students for success beyond high school. Throughout her carer, she has demonstrated a passion for building partnerships with local businesses, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, and ensuring that every student has the tools to pursue college, career, or both.

Most recently, Janine has served as the Supervisor of Academic Instruction at Davies Career and Technical High School. In this role, she led the implementation of a Highly Qualified Curriculum across academic content areas. Her leadership, along with strategic partnerships she established with

local colleges and universities, resulted in expanded dual and concurrent enrollment

opportunities for students.

The WACTC plays a vital role in equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences needed to thrive in today's workforce. Under Mrs. Napolitano's leadership, we are confidant that the carer center will continue to grow as an institution of innovation, opportunity, and excellence.

We look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our district, families, and community. Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Janine Napolitano to the WED family.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome Mrs. Wendy Todd-Fies back to the WED as Villa Nova Middle School's new Assistant Principal.

Mrs. Todd-Fies is no stranger to our district. Having previously served as Assistant Principal at Hamlet Middle School, she has wasted little time in having an impact on our students and their families. We are thrilled to have her return to the WED, building on our foundation of excellence.

In her new role, she will work closely with students, families, and staff to foster a safe and welcoming school environment, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Undoubtedly, relationships are at the heart of education, and having a leader who is familiar with and committed to our community is a gift. I encourage you to join me in giving Mrs. Wendy Todd-Fies a warm welcome back to the WED.

Recently, the WMS Cross Country team began its 2025 season. Middle school coaches Adam Hogue and Patricia Lewis-Porrazzo proudly announced that the team had a great meet on Wednesday against Burrillville Middle School.

Ramona Alvarez, Julia Coccia, Gabriela Soler, Serenity Leon, and Lyric Duarte had incredible races. All are improving their individual times. Great job, girls! The following boys, who also improved on their times, were Brandon Riquier, Lorenzo Rivera, & Nathaniel Akinyode. New racers Christopher Cote, and Christian Vazquez had amazing times for their first meet!

Congratulations to both boys and girls on an amazing first race!

Please click on the Valley Breeze link below to read about WHS's victory over Pilgrim High School in its debut at Cass Park.

As a reminder to visitors to our schools, the WED has a Policy on Animals in Schools. Animals are not allowed in school buildings or school grounds in the WED except as required by law or expressly authorized by the WED Policy on Animals in Schools. Please click on the link below to access the WED Policy on Animals in Schools.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JX80Dp-uM47XijowvGATWzdKEdZAg45V/view?usp=drive_link

In Mrs. Rutter’s music class, students explored the difference between brick and sponge listening with a brick, a sponge, and colorful food dye. They discovered that the sponge became more colorful.

"...because it soaked in everything because the sponge is participating and ready to learn. If you are like a brick you aren’t listening and you’re not soaking it up… it isn’t as colorful because it’s not listening.”

This creative activity shows students—and reminds us all—that active listening makes learning brighter and more meaningful.

WHS boy's soccer game vs. Pilgrim High School

School Resource Officer Velino reviews ALICE training with students at Hamlet Middle School

WMS Cross Country team participated in their first meet of the season

Woonsocket High School Rhode Island Honor Society students supporting the Red Cross Blood Drive held on September 18th

Wednesday, October 15th from 4:00-7:00pm - Globe Park Elementary School Cafeteria

Tuesday, October 21st from 4:00-6:30pm - Leo A. Savoie Elementary School Cafeteria

Wednesday, October 29th from 3:00-6:30pm - Villa Nova Middle School Cafeteria

All staff, students and family members are invited to attend at any of the 3 clinics.

The Woonsocket Harris Public Library would like to invite teens to a resin making workshop on Monday September 22nd from 3:30 to 4:45 in the Large Program Room. Learn how resins work and create fun and exciting projects. Colorful coasters, bookmarks and jewelry are just the beginning of what you can make. Everything will be provided including molds, forms and resin. This program is only open to teens and their caregivers between 13-17, with no one under 13 allowed in the room. Space is limited to 15 participants. Register by calling the library at 401-769-9044x2.

October is a great month to get in your community service hours for school. We offer these two great programs. There will be others down the road. In the meantime, if you need service hours stop by the library and talk to Ms. Chris after school or give us a call at 401-769-9044 x2 or email cgoldstein@woonsocketlibrary.org

Preschool Programs at the Library - https://www.valleybreeze.com/news/woonsocket/harris-library-announces-preschool-programs/article_46455e9d-dd1c-4ead-8d4a-a52522c047c7.html

Halloween Event - See flyer below.

Book Buddies - See flyer below.

CCRI is offering Driver's Education course at Woonsocket High School this fall. Please see the press release below to learn more about this opportunity.

On Wednesday, October 8th, the WFD will host an Open House for families. See the flyer below for more details.

• Wednesday, September 24th - Woonsocket School Committee Meeting (7pm @ Hamlet Middle School cafeteria)
• Friday, September 26th - Superintendent Coffee Hour (9am @ Bernon Heights Elementary School)