In the Middle

Beginning October 1, 2024, all schools in Scituate will utilize the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more.

Our current system will no longer be used and you MUST register as instructed below to continue receiving SMS Text messages. Phone and email should transition seamlessly but SMS Text messages will require you to register. We will not be able to text to any unregistered phones. Also keep in mind that ONLY phones that are currently listed in PowerSchool will be able to process the registration.

You can participate in this free service* just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587.

You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop”.

SchoolMessenger is compliant with the Student Privacy PledgeTM so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.

*Terms and Conditions: Message frequency varies. Standard message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel. Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. See schoolmessenger.com/tm for more info.

Oct. 18th - Lifetouch Picture Day

Ms. Norton will be creating the middle school yearbook this year. If you have photos that you would like to see included in the yearbook, please email them to sms_yearbook@scituateschoolsri.net

My name is Matt Brannon and I am the High School Coach for both Cranston and Scituate Hockey. We have put an independent hockey team in the RI Junior Developmental Hockey League for grades 6th-8th the past 3 winters.

This middle school team has helped save our high school program by being ahead of the curve knowing how many players we are getting in each year. Hockey has changed so much over the last 10 years, with teams having to combine high schools.

The parents do pay to play for this league, and it is not associated with CPS or SPS. The kids are responsible for their own rides to and from school. The season begins October 18th and the games are at 5pm at RT 146 ice rink.

Please complete the Google Form if your child is interested.

https://forms.gle/9cgwPsbwAKgTs4Hk9

Ms. Battey's students spent time constructing their innovative device to capture power from body movement.

Please see PTO social media for drop off information or email Scituatepto.Braga@gmail.com. We will handle the wrapping and packaging, all we need from you is the sweet treats!

100% of the proceeds go right back to events for our students.

Attn: 8th grade parents: the SMS PTO is looking for volunteers to join the 8th grade dance committee. Please email Tara at scituatepto.piecyk@gmail.com or Jenn at scituatepto.vangel@gmail.com

While the sale may be over, you can still shop the Spirit Wear Store. Check out the newly added merch for SMS soccer and cross country. Items are delivered directly to your house. Great way to show your school spirit at events and games.

The Scituate School Department has partnered with Unite Us to streamline the process of applying for free and/or reduced lunches.

Please click the link which will take you to the meal benefit application on the State of Rhode Island Department of Education website.

https://ride.ri.gov/child-nutrition/unite-us-electronic-school-meal-benefit-application

Please fill in all fields. Be sure to select Scituate Public Schools in the field “Select the school district that your child will receive school meals from”.

If you have any questions, please call: Jennifer Carnevale, Executive Finance Assistant at 401-647-4100 option 2, then option 3

The purpose of the Scituate School Department (SSD) Attendance Policy is to bring students and teachers together so that learning can take place. Attendance at school is a serious matter and time lost from class, including tardies and early dismissals, is irretrievable. Studies show that attendance is directly related to a student's success in school. Attendance records are also part of a student's permanent record, which may be passed on to any organization seeking references. Rhode Island state law (RIGL 16-19-1) requires all students between the ages of six and sixteen years to be registered in and attend school regularly.

1. All absences, tardies and early dismissals are recorded and reported as unexcused until an appropriate excuse is provided in writing.

2. A parent/guardian is required to call the school to report their student's absence. The school will attempt to contact the parent/guardian regarding absences if the school has not been notified. This contact does not imply that such absences are excused. Parent/guardian permission, in and of itself, is not recognized as a legitimate excuse for absences.

3. Teachers shall take daily attendance and class period attendance at the secondary level. Teachers shall notify administration when a student is not in class and not listed as absent on the daily attendance sheet.

4. A list of absent students will be generated for each school day.

5. Any combination of six(6) tardies and/or early dismissals shall be considered one unexcused absence.

6. Following four (4) unexcused absences, which may include tardies, and/or early dismissals, the school will contact the parent/guardian to notify them of the attendance concerns and provide a copy of the attendance policy for their review.

7. Following eight (8) unexcused absences, which may include tardies, and/or early dismissals, the school will contact the parent/guardian in writing requesting a meeting. A referral may be made to the Attendance Officer.

8. Following ten (10) unexcused absences, which may include tardies, and/or early dismissals, a referral will be made to the Attendance Officer and/or Truancy Court.

9. The timelines indicated in 6-8 shall be proportionally adjusted for students who are enrolled for less than one hundred and eighty (180) days.

10. Appointments with doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers. should be made at times other than during the school day when possible.

11. Students with any unexcused absence, tardy and/or early dismissal on the day of a school-related activity ( e.g., dance, play, athletic event/practice) may not attend that activity.

The RI Department of Health (RIDOH) has issued updated guidance urging Rhode Islanders to CONTINUE to use personal precautions to reduce the elevated risk of mosquito borne diseases in Rhode Island and neighboring states.

Reduce the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) after mosquitoes tested positive for the diseases. WNV is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito, and mosquito season in Rhode Island runs from summer through fall. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, in the shade, and when temperatures are above 55°F.

Here are some precautions that everyone can take to reduce the risk of WNV:

• Use protective clothing

• Have students wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

• Use bug spray

• Use an EPA-approved bug spray with DEET (20–30% strength), picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or paramenthane. Don't use bug spray with DEET on children under two months old.

• Maintain screens

• Ensure that window and door screens are in good condition and don't have holes or be loose.

• Reduce standing water

• Remove standing water from containers like buckets, pots, wheelbarrows, boats, and pools.

• Clogged rain gutters and puddles on tarps can also support mosquito larvae.

Sensory Nights at RWP Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

New England's favorite fall tradition unveils a brand-new twist this year at Roger Williams Park Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular—Trivia Edition, presented by Citizens, from September 27th to November 2nd.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo once again offers two sensory-friendly nights at our annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.

Sensory-Friendly Nights are October 22 and 23, from 5-6 PM. Designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences, this special night features 5,000 illuminated pumpkins without music or special effects. Discounted tickets for sensory-friendly nights are available in person only at the Zoo’s admissions booth.

The meeting schedule for the 24/25SY are listed below. The meetings will take place at Ponaganset Middle School, Room 150 at 6:00 pm.

Dec 10, 2024

Feb 11, 2025

May 13, 2025

The Scituate School Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, national origin, color, creed, political affiliation or disability in any of its educational programs and activities, and in employment and application for employment, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and other federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equal Employment Officer, P.O. Box 188, North Scituate, Rhode Island 02857, Telephone: (401) 647-4100; Email: EEO@ScituateSchoolsRI.net. You may also direct inquiries directly to: Office for Civil Rights (Boston Office), U.S. Department of Education, 8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921, Telephone: (617) 289-0111; Facsimile: (617) 289-0150; Email: OCR.Boston@ed.gov. If you require an accommodation to attend a meeting or program at a school, call the Equal Employment Officer at least two business days in advance of the meeting or program.