Superintendent's Message

Dear Newport Schools Parents, Families, and Staff:

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! We are now just three weeks away from Holiday Recess, which begins on December 23rd. That means we need all of our students in class every day, focused on learning, and completing required assignments. I know the holiday season can be filled with distractions, fun events, and the temptation to take an extra day or two on either side of school break periods, but research clearly shows that Attendance Matters, Every Day, and missing even a few days can cause real learning loss that’s hard to make up. We need parent and family support on this - right before Thanksgiving break we had our largest absences for the entire year! So please keep up the focus on attendance. We were seeing positive attendance trends at all of our schools until the Thanksgiving break and we want to close out 2024 with three weeks of excellent attendance and the in-classroom learning time our students need! We also need our high school students making an extra effort to be in school every day!

For our graduating seniors, December is a critical month to be completing college applications and exploring career options. We know this can be stressful for seniors and their families. Fortunately, our Rogers High School Guidance Department is here to help. From assistance with transcripts, to college essays and applications, to finding career internship opportunities, they’re ready to help you and your child set up a successful plan to move forward. Our seniors looking to attend college or technical training should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is now open and accepting applications. The FAFSA is open to any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

December is filled with wonderful holiday themed art, music and theatre events happening at all of our schools. Check out the full calendar of tree lightings, arts and craft shows, music, and theater performances here.

Finally, be sure to check out our December Administrator Spotlight featuring Candace Andrade, our Executive Director of Student Services, Health, Safety and Well Being. Candace is a wonderful colleague and an incredible resource for our students and schools.

Let’s stay focused on attendance and classroom work and assignments these next three weeks of school. Have a great week of learning everyone!

Colleen Burns Jermain, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

With over 25 years of experience in the field, Director Andrade has a robust background in supporting diverse student populations through specialized educational services. She has worked extensively in both out-of-district placements and public schools across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, bringing a wealth of expertise in collaborating with various educational settings to meet student needs. Her experience covers a broad range of responsibilities, including:

• Program Development: Creating and implementing programs that ensure all students, particularly those with disabilities, have access to quality education and supportive services.

• Compliance and Policy: Ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations concerning special education, while maintaining a proactive approach to district policies and student advocacy.

• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Leading multidisciplinary teams to foster an inclusive environment and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student achievement and well-being.

• Professional Development: Providing guidance and training for staff on best practices in special education and student services, equipping educators with the tools they need to support all learners.

Director Andrade is dedicated to fostering an inclusive school environment where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential. Her depth of experience and commitment to student success makes her an invaluable asset to the Newport school district.