William R. Dutemple Elementary School
School Hours:
Doors open for breakfast: 8:20am
Instructional Day Begins: 8:35am
Instructional Day Ends: 2:50pm
Email: nruggieri@cpsed.net
Website: https://dutemple.cpsed.net/
Location: 32 Garden Street, Cranston, RI, USA
Phone: (401) 270-8104
Twitter: @DutemplePrinci1
Message from the Principal
I hope everyone enjoyed their April Vacation. The students came flying in through the doors on Monday ready to go! I loved seeing all of those smiling faces looking so refreshed.
The beginning of May is almost here and we are in the home stretch of this school year. I will be updating all of the end of the year events on this newsletter as we get closer to the finish line.
Just a reminder, please rely solely on the communications coming directly from Cranston Public Schools.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns you can reach me at (401) 270-8104 or via email nruggieri@cpsed.net.
-Mr. Ruggieri
Kindness Day
A student from Cranston West began Kindness Day in our district as a project to raise money for the tomorrow fund. This was always an event celebrated in secondary schools, but this year, Peyton Mays reached out to elementary schools to see if they would like to be involved.
On Wednesday. Ms. Mays came to your school to give the students a presentation and get them excited about being kind! Our students filled out kindness post it notes for our bulletin board in the main foyer. As a school we raised just over $600 for the tomorrow fund. Great job everyone! As you can see our staff was excited to participate as well!
Fifth Grade Parents- Save the Date
A message from Alex Kanelos, Principal PVMS:
SAVE THE DATE and some general information about the 5th to 6th grade transition events. 5th grade students will come to visit/tour Park View on Tuesday, May 20th from 9:30-11:00 am.
Parent Orientation Evening for Grade 6
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 6:00-7:30 pm (Park View Auditorium)
State Assessment Update
Congratulations to our third, fourth and fifth graders on completing their RICAS ELA Testing. They did an amazing job and gave their best effort throughout the test! Parents or grades 3-5, it is most advantageous for students to complete assessments with their classmates. To that end, please make every effort to ensure your child’s punctual attendance on their scheduled testing days. Also, provide your child with the best mental attitude about testing by ensuring a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and plenty of encouragement.
Here is the remainder of the State Assessment Schedule moving forward:
Dutemple 2025 RICAS and NGSA Schedule
Grade 5
ELA: Completed!
Math: Session 1- 5/1 (8:45 am)
Session 2- 5/8 (8:45 am)
NGSA- Session 1- 5/13 (8:45 am)
Session 2- 5/14 (9:30am)
Grade 4
ELA: Completed!
Math: Session 1- 4/29 (8:45 am)
Session 2- 5/6 (8:45 am)
Grade 3
ELA: Completed!
Math: Session 1- 4/30 (8:45 am)
Session 2- 5/7 (8:45 am)
Some highlights from the PTO sponsored school dance
Thank you to the PTO for all of their hard work in organizing and setting up the Luau on Thursday night. It was great to see everyone all dressed up and ready to dance the night away (or just run around and throw balloons at each other).
Everyone seemed to have a great time!
Attendance Update
As of today Dutemple is number 2 in the district in daily and chronic attendance!
Overall in the state we are 16th out of 293 schools!!! Which puts us at the 91st percentile in the state!
This has been a huge two year initiative and I'm thrilled with how far we have come. A huge thank you to our Dean of Attendance, Vin Turchetta and also to Mr. Pena who runs our attendance team here at the school. Also, a huge shout out to all of the families that have made this a major priority as well!
Message from the PTO
Mastery Martial Arts After-School Program in May! Flyers went home to tell you about our special after school program every Wednesday from 3pm-3:45pm in May, hosted by Mastery Martial Arts. Spots are filling up quickly, so don't forget to send in your flyers and register when we're back from break. The price is $40 for the entire month, and all proceeds go to the PTO to help us cover the cost of school assemblies, field trip transportation, and more.
Message from Nurse Deb
Dear Families:
As the weather improves and kids play outside more, there may be increased risk of falls and accidents. Head bumps may be minor or serious. How to tell the difference?
A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It can also be from a jolt to the body that causes the head and brain to move back and forth rapidly.
Most concussions occur with NO loss of consciousness.
Symptoms may appear right away or not until hours or days later. There are concussion symptoms a parent may notice and there are others that the injured person may report. There may be confusion, memory issues, sleeping problems, emotional or personality changes, etc. Physically, they may have headache pain, vision problems, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, restlessness, or seizures. And more...
The CDC offers a handout for parents to learn more about what symptoms to look for and when you should get an emergency medical evaluation of the person who bumped their head. Please review the DANGER Signs on the second page for when to seek help immediately at a hospital.
https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/media/pdfs/schools/TBI_factsheets_PARENTS-508-a.pdf
If your child has a concussion, please inform the school nurse and the teacher. Activity will be adjusted with the guidance of the healthcare provider. For example, no recess or Gym/PE until the doctor has cleared the student for physical activity. Also, some classwork may be adjusted while healing from a concussion. For example, limited computer time or reduced reading load may be advised by the doctor. The restrictions should be written down on a form or a note for the school. A "clearance note" will be required to return to physical activities.
Stay safe!
Nurse Sargent
Parent Town Halls
During the year I will hold Title 1 Parent Town Halls to answer any questions parents might have. I will be joined by Grace Swinski (our family center liaison), Vin Turchetta (District Dean of Students), Elaine Boucher (PTO President) and Cindy Cabrera (Aramark Liaison). These will take place during arrival from 8:15-8:35am on the following dates:
May 8th
Family Center/COZ Partnership
The Family Center/COZ works directly with all Title 1 schools in the district. Title 1 is based on the free/reduced lunch population. We provide help & guidance with resources for you & your family. We also sponsor family events both in the schools and in the community. Our office is open year round, please reach out with any questions 270-8078.
