The phrase-"if you can read this, thank a teacher" always rings true to me.   I have been in school since I was four years old and that is the main focus of my life.  This is Teacher Appreciation Week and if you get a chance send a note to  your child's teacher thanking her/him for all that is done in this place called school. 

Our teachers in North Smithfield are highly qualified and dedicated to your children.  We were just recognized by Commissioner Deborah Gist for sustained improvement in writing.  Our writing scores were the best in the state of Rhode Island.  We are so proud of this accomplishment. 

The North Smithfield PTO is honoring teachers this week with special treats being served in the staff rooms each day.  We are grateful for all the extra work and effort that the PTO does to serve the students at both elementary schools!

Our first of two Kindergarten Registrations took place on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2012.  If you could not come on Tuesday, please know that our second registration will be held on Saturday morning, April 28, 2012 from 9:00 to 12:00 noon.  All documentation must be complete when you arrive including the registration form, all immunization and health data, proof of residency and a copy of your child's birth certificate.  Mrs. Holcomb, the school secretary and Mrs. Kelley, the school nurse, review all documents. 

It is very important that you register at either of these two dates so that your child will be invited to Peek at Kindergarten, which will be held on Friday, May 18th in three 90 minute sessions.  This is our only Kindergarten orientation and we would not want your to miss it! 

Please call North Smithfield Elementary School with any additional questions you may have at 765-2260.

The students and staff will celebrate World Autism Day on Monday, April 2, 2012 by wearing the color BLUE.  If your child asks about Autism and you are not sure how to respond, please let your child's teacher know.  Depending upon the child's age and cognitive ability determines how much a child needs to know.  Our students know and accept differences as taught to them by our teachers and by the Kids Care program in place from preschool to grade five.  We are proud to wear blue on Monday, April 2, 2012.

Our annual Pennies for Patients drive is underway for the month of March.  Mrs. Kathleen Catino and Mrs. Virginia Swanson spearhead this fundraiser.  On Tuesday afternoon, Mrs. Deborah Watterson came to NSES for our Kickoff assembly.  She talked about blood diseases and read a wonderful picture book to the entire student body of 440 children.  Each morning students read something over the intercom about helping others and how much we can do to stop this blood disease.  We are hoping to raise four thousand dollars this year.  Please send in your change so we can fight Leukemia in children. 

Our drive is on through March 23, 2012.  Thanks so much for your support!

We are extremely proud to release the NECAP scores from this past October.  Students in grades three through eight and grade 11 take the assessments in October of each year.  Our students did exceptionally well!  Deborah Gist, the Commissioner of Education, recognized North Smithfield last Friday at a press conference for our sustained improvement in the area of writing.  It has been a joint effort of parents, students, teachers and administrators that has brought this great success.  Congratulations to all!

For detailed results of each grade level, be sure to visit the Curriculum Website of our Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, Mrs. Clare Arnold.  Third grade results for each child has been sent home today.  If you have any questions, be sure to contact me at NSES.