From the Principal's Desk
Happy New Year! I pray the Christmas break was both joyful and restful for you and your families. As we start up the new calendar year, there are lots of new programs and initiatives kicking off at Father Doyle School. Please be sure to keep reading below!
Friendzy at Father Doyle School
Families who were with our school community last year may recall the Friendzy program, and information about it was also shared in our Back to School Night presentation at the start of this school year. As a reminder, Friendzy is an intentional character building program for all students in grades PK-8. The program, which is biblically aligned to assure a strong mission fit in our Catholic school, focuses on building the five core competencies of self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills through weekly 20-40 minute activities and regular reinforcement tools that fit into normal class routines
As we start the new calendar year, I wanted to take this opportunity to invite parents into our Friendzy program. Beginning with our new unit, Unit IV, a parent letter will be sent home at the start of each unit. This letter includes the key concepts of the unit, supporting scripture verses, and ways to further incorporate Friendzy concepts at home with your students. You can find the Unit IV Parent Letter here. Thank you for your continued support of this important program!
Building a Culture of Literacy and Reading at Father Doyle School
In his book Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning, Michael Schmoker reflects that "once students begin to read, they learn to read better by reading - just reading" as much and as frequently as possible (2011).
To that end, and in an effort to continue to build a culture of literacy at Father Doyle School, I wanted to mention one change you may notice while also drawing your attention to a longstanding Doyle tradition that may have fallen to the wayside.
Firstly, beginning this Monday, January 6th, book bins will be available in the gym prior to morning prayer service for students in grades kindergarten through three. Students waiting in the gym for the start of prayer service are invited to grab a book and enjoy some free reading time.
In addition, students in grades four and up (including middle schoolers!) are asked to bring their own free reading book with them to school each day. They may take some time prior to prayer service to read their book while also getting some additional reading time at various points of the school day.
Dress Code Reminders and Clarifications
It may also be helpful at the start of a new calendar year to take a moment to review a few important dress code policies:
Hairstyles and Nails
Extremes of hairstyle or nail style/color (for example, but not limited to: bangs covering the eyes, black nail polish, hair past shirt collar for boys, excessive and/or unkempt facial hair, unnatural hair colors, carving of graphics, spikes, etc.) are considered to be inappropriate and not in compliance with the uniform.
Jewelry and Other Items
Small earrings (please, no hoop earrings) on girls and a watch (boys and girls) are allowed to be worn. Other jewelry, such as earrings on boys, long chains, and bracelets, are not part of the uniform and may not be worn. Please note, simple chains with religious medals or other devotionals may be worn; however, these should be worn under/tucked into uniform clothing for safety purposes. The administration and faculty reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of any jewelry or accessory.
Gym Uniform
The gym uniform includes black Sweatpants with the Saints school logo and a red t-Shirt with the school logo ordered through Donnelly's or directly through the school.
Lastly, please note that the Technology Policy in our Parent-Student Handbook includes the following:
Students are not permitted to carry or wear electronic media devices in the school building or at any school function except with the specific permission of a teacher or administrator. Such devices include but are not limited to; iPods, iPads, earbuds/phones, Apple Watches, or other devices which may be deemed inappropriate by the school administration. This includes any devices capable of sending text messages or other modes of communication. Failure to abide by this policy will result in confiscation of the device by the teacher or administrator. The device will be returned only to a parent or guardian.
For the full Parent-Student Handbook, please see the PDF attached below.
Thank you for your attention to these policies!
Please see below for additional information on all of the upcoming events!
Mastery Martial Arts will be offering another after school program open to all students in grades PreK through 1st Grade. The cost of the program is $25 total for four weeks, and the program will meet on February 7th, 14th, 28th, and March 7th from 2:30 - 3:30. Please CLICK HERE to register.
We are excited to welcome 7th & 8th Grade boys on Mondays from 3:30pm-4:30pm for pick up Basketball Games at FJVD School. These pick up games are designed to be a fun, relaxing environment with friends. No previous basketball experience is needed to join. The program will also include some drills and teaching of skills. Cost: $25 Please note that Coach Gene Dyer and Assistant Coach Marissa Dyer will be running this program. Starting Monday 1/06/25 and running through February.
We're thrilled to announce the return of a wonderful program at Father Doyle School - FJVD Show Choir! A Show Choir is a musical ensemble that combines choral singing with choreographed dance. All students in grades 3-8 are invited to participate in our Show Choir with rehearsals beginning January 14th. No previous experience required!
Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons until 4:00pm, though every student will not need to attend every rehearsal - a complete and detailed schedule will be published after sign ups have closed. The Show Choir will then host a dinner theater performance on Saturday evening, May 17th!
Interested in joining? Sign up here!
About Us
The Mission of Father John V. Doyle School is to provide students with a solid, well-rounded education based on Roman Catholic Tradition.
We live the Word of God in a caring, safe, and nurturing environment.
Email: kevinpeloquin@fjvd.org
Website: fjvd.org
Location: 343 South Main Street, Coventry, RI, USA
Phone: 401-821-3756
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gofjvdsaints