Happy Holidays! I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year. It is hard to believe that after a spring-like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we woke up to snow this morning. Welcome to New England!
Stars of the Week
December is a very busy time of year in all of our schools. I had the chance to visit every building during the last few days before winter break and saw many happy, excited children involved in an array of holiday activities. Perhaps one of the most special performances came from Mrs. Gaumond's third grade class, as they sang and signed several holiday songs for their peers, staff and families on Tuesday morning. On Monday, the class performed for the residents of a local Exeter nursing home. Last year, I was able to attend the performance with Mrs. Gaumond's class and the residents were so appreciative.
Thank you, Mrs. Gaumond, for providing such a unique and memorable opportunity for the students in your class. It was obvious from watching your prior year students sign along with the class on Tuesday morning that your children will remember what you have taught them for a long time. Your class holiday performance is something I look forward to every year. It is very special and so are you!
Other News
On December 9th, the District hosted a parent & community forum to discuss the results of the first round of the new state assessment program (PARCC) that took place last year. Those who attended learned that the students in EWG performed exceptionally well, relative to the state and relative to other similar communities. In fact, our junior high school scored in the top ten of all Rhode Island public middle schools in both English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics, and our senior high school scored in the top five of all Rhode Island public high schools in both ELA/Literacy and Mathematics. Our math scores were the second highest in the state!
Given the historical performance of the students in our District, the results come as no surprise. We have an exceptional staff, supportive families and communities, and children who consistently try their best. There is no doubt that Exeter-West Greenwich will continue to shine, regardless of what assessment measure is used by our State. For a full copy of the presentation slides that were released on December 9th, click the link below.
In other news, Exeter-West Greenwich ranked #5 in the State according to the annual golocalprov high school report that was published last week. For a full review of the rankings, click on the link below. Exeter-West Greenwich has maintained a top-five ranking every year since the annual report was first published. Congratulations students, staff and families!
Stay informed throughout the annual school budget development process. Look for a mailing that will be sent to every household in our member towns next week that outlines the important dates and meetings open to the public prior to School Committee adoption of the 2016-17 school budget.
January 12th - School Committee meeting; Initial draft of the budget is presented
January 27th - Budget workshop
February 11th - Joint meeting of the School Committee and Town Councils to review the school
budget draft
February 23rd - School Committee meeting; Scheduled adoption of the Superintendent's proposed
budget
Stay warm and wish for a mild winter with snow falling only on weekends. Happy New Year!
