March E-Update

barry [dot] ricci [at] chariho [dot] k12 [dot] ri [dot] us ( Superintendent )Barry Ricci: Superintendent

From Your Superintendent...
March 2010

Dear Friends...

I guess it was a mistake to write about the weekend snow storms last month. Our new final day of school is June 16th.

I was very proud of the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff as I reviewed the latest NECAP scores. While there are some areas, such as High School mathematics, that will continue to need our focused attention, significant broad-based gains were seen throughout the District. As examples, Chariho went from a proficiency rate of 49% to a proficiency rate of 75% on the NECAP grade eleven writing test, from a proficiency rate of 73% to a proficiency rate of 86% on the NECAP grade four reading test, and from a proficiency rate of 55% to a proficiency rate of 70% on the NECAP grade seven mathematics test. While it's important to look at trends (and not results from one year), this is very good news.

I continue to visit with the Parent Teacher Organizations. On February 2nd, I met with the Charlestown PTO and on February 25th, I met with both the Richmond and Middle School PTOs. The level of energy and committment put forth by members of these organizations is astounding. On behalf of our students, I am thankful for their support and encouragement.

The School Committee has approved a Fiscal Year 2011 budget. The budget calls for total contributions (without debt service) to the District from the member towns to decline for the second year in a row. You are encouraged to participate in the budget development process; detailed information about the budget is available on the District website. On another note which has serious long-term impact, the Board of Regents will consider a new funding formula which calls for Chariho to receive $6.6M less in state aid over a ten year period. Information is on the Chariho web site under Hot News.

The Special Education Advisory Committee seeks new members. The Advisory Committee provides advice about services to disabled students to the School Committee through the Director and Assistant Director of Special Education. Applicants should have an interest in special education programming. Please send a letter of interest and/or a resume to me at barry [dot] ricci [at] chariho [dot] k12 [dot] ri [dot] us. The School Committee will appoint new members in early March.

Take care.

Focus on Campus 2010

This section of the monthly e-update will be used to keep you informed about the work of the Building Committee. Here's the latest...

Bids for High School and Middle School renovations, the High School addition, and campus improvements have now been issued. Responses will be opened on March 19th.

In the News...

The Chariho Project Graduation Committee is seeking donations for the 18th Annual Post Grad Party. This event provides a safe, fun and substance free alternative to the traditional graduation party. Donations should be made payable to "Project Graduation-2010" and mailed to Chariho High School, 453 Switch Road, Wood River Junction, RI 02894. Project Graduation is a 501(c)3 organization. Questions and offers of assistance may be directed to Anne Skorupski at 364-6919.
All parents of students with an IEP are encouraged to complete the Parent Survey. The Survey is nationally normed and measures parent satisfaction with a school's efforts to improve results for disabled students.
Applications are now being accepted for Chariho Career and Technical Center programs. An application can be found on the Chariho Career and Technical Center website.
Kindergarten registration will be held during the week of March 1. Registration forms are available under District Information on the Chariho website.
Mark your calendar on March 26 and March 27 for ARTESSY. Watch for a mailing describing all of the events.
If you have a child struggling with substance abuse, late afternoon/evening hours will now be available to families every Wednesday starting on March 31st from 3:00-6:00 in the High School Library. You can call ahead (364-7778 x2143) for an appointment or simply stop by. Counseling is provided by the Student Assistance Counselor(s) of the Chariho Tri-Town Task Force.
A workshop for parents on internet safety and social networking will be held in the Chariho Middle School Library on March 3 at 6:00 PM. Watch for information about this important event.

Congratulations!

Cheyenne Clarkin
Named One of Two Top Youth Volunteers in RI by Prudential Financial

Shane Bourque & Wayne Bernier
Third Place in RI Automobile Dealers Association Competition-Recipients of NE Tech Scholarships

Linda Musch & Jill Shurtleff
SkillsUSA 2009-2010 Advisors of the Year

Innocent Jacob
RI Indoor Long Jump Champion

Nicholas Dubee
Gatorade RI Boys' Soccer Player of the Year (2nd Award)

Important Budget Dates

March 2
Public Hearing on Budget

March 9
Budget Adoption

April 6
Referendum on Budget

Thank You!

Charles & Paula Kendall
Donation of Utility Trailer to Marine Technology Program

Ram Point Marina
Donation of Billets of Styrofoam to Marine Technology Program

ECR International
Donation of Two Boilers to Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Program

First Tee National School Program
Donation of $750 to Chariho Middle School

Richmond Gas & Convenience/ExxonMobil
Donation of $750 to Chariho Middle School

Creative Office Environments
Donation of Lock Sets and Keys to Charlestown School

Chariho Middle School PTO
Donation of $1,540 for First Tee National School Program