Dear WED Community,

As we reach the end of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every member of our dynamic and diverse WED community. This year has been yet another fervent reminder of the strength, resilience, unity, and teamwork that defines our district.

Our students continue to meet the challenges and opportunities that they face on a daily basis. From academic accomplishments, athletic prowess, artistic and musical achievements, and civic-minded engagement, our students across the district have made us immensely proud.

To our teachers, support staff, and school and district administrators - you are the heart of the WED. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students, their families, and our community in the face of challenges and obstacles is an inspiration. Without a doubt, you have created and fostered environments where students feel safe, supported, and valued.

To our parents, guardians, families, and community partners, we thank you for your unwavering support and collaboration. Our student's success could not be possible without your partnership.

As we begin summer vacation, I encourage each of you to enjoy family, friends, and loved ones, all the while availing yourself of much deserved rest and relaxation.

Thank you again for your continued support, collaboration, and partnership. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall as we begin another school year filled with hope, optimism, and positivity.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy summer.

In partnership,

Patrick McGee, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Congratulations to the WHS Boy's Baseball team for winning the RI Division III championship with a 4-2 victory over Pawtucket last Sunday at RIC! Please click on the Valley Breeze link below to read about our Novan's amazing season and championship run.

Congratulations to the following WED 2024-2025 Employees-of-the-Year:

Ashley Paille - 5th Grade Teacher at Bernon Heights Elementary School -- Teacher-of-the-Year

Safdar Mahmud - Assistant Principal at WHS/WACTC -- Administrator-of-the-Year

Matthew Phillips - Custodian at Bernon Heights Elementary School -- Custodian-of-the-Year

Patricia Collins - Paraprofessional at Hamlet Middle School -- Paraprofessional-of-the-Year

Thomas Wakely III - District Technology Specialist -- Support Staff-of-the-Year

Brenda Plasse - Nurse Secretary -- Secretary-of-the-Year

Each person will be honored by the Woonsocket School Committee in the fall.

Congratulations to the following staff who are retiring from the Woonsocket Education Department this year:

Teachers/Support Staff:

Donna Armstrong

Debra Bacon

Janet Beaubien

Colleen Bibeault

Kathleen Coleman

Paulette Crepeau

Robert Gruetzke

Philippe Jacques

Narda Klippel

Michael Lemay

Annette Levasseur

Melissa Lorenson

Renay Sawyer

Elaine Zagrodny

Paraprofessionals:

Elizabeth Anderson

Jean Auger

Shirley Brunelle

Monique Charrette-Weakley

Pauline Gingras

Maria Henao

Kit Mayers

Donna Peloquin

Paige Stefanik

Secretaries/Clerks/Custodians:

Theresa Allard

Central Office:

Catherine Silvia

Donna Tessier

I would like to thank each retiree for their commitment to their students, families, colleagues and the Woonsocket Education Department! Indeed, each retiree has had a tremendous impact on this community and they are greatly appreciated. They will all be missed!

This week, Harris Elementary School had the honor of welcoming United States Representative Gabe Amo. His visit was a celebration of our students’ hard work throughout the school year, with a special focus on the importance of school attendance. During his visit, students proudly presented an iMovie highlighting the 21st-century skills they developed this year and introduced him to their Chat Stanley cards and the related discussion prompts. In addition, the 4th graders put on a short play about the importance of attendance and being in school everyday.

Representative Amo shared insights about his role as a state representative and how he collaborates and debates with fellow lawmakers in Washington, D.C. on a daily basis. He emphasized how consistent school attendance helps build the skills and habits needed for success in school and beyond.

We are grateful for Representative Amo’s time and encouragement as we continue to celebrate student growth and achievement!

Please click on the Valley Breeze link below to learn about the Museum of Work and Culture's Woonsocket Proud Exhibit that features WED 5th grade students artwork.

Parents of current 8th grade students - do you want your child to be prepared for Algebra I at the high school next year? Algebra I is often challenging for Freshmen, however the WED is offering a fun and hands-on Algebra I preparation camp to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful next year. In fact, last year's data showed that students who attended the Novan Prime Summer Camp earned higher grades in Algebra I than their peers. Parents, we highly encourage that your incoming 9th grade student attends.

Below, you will find registration information. Should you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher or building administrator.

Please click on the links below to access the WED 2025-2026 Academic Calendar.

Every student, from our youngest learners to graduating seniors, is on a journey to become a productive member of our global community. Along the way, they grow as critical thinkers, problem solvers, researchers, creators, reflective thinkers, and effective communicators.

This summer, families can support that growth at home by:
• encouraging curiosity through open-ended questions and conversations
• exploring new places, books, and ideas together
• giving kids opportunities to solve real-world problems such as planning a trip, organizing a space, or leading a family project
• creating time for reflection by asking what they learned and how they might approach things differently next time
• supporting creative expression through play, writing, art, or invention

Whether your child is in Pre-K or preparing for college, everyday experiences help build the skills they will carry into every classroom and out into the world.

Let’s keep climbing together this summer.

WED is proud of the kind, curious, and capable community members our tiniest Novans, Class of 2038, have become this year. As they continue to grow, they will be wonderful role models for the next group of Tiny Novans arriving at the end of August.

To our current families, encourage your children to think about how they can welcome and support new friends next year by showing kindness, sharing routines, and being great helpers.

To our incoming families, this summer is a great time to prepare your child by reading together, practicing independence with simple routines, and talking about the exciting new adventure ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you to our community!

Pothier-Citizens' McTeachers Night

Touch-a-Truck event at Pothier-Citizens' ES

Pothier-Citizens' ES fastest runners competition

Student Principals for the Day at Pothier ES

WHS Senior Walk

US Representative Gabe Amo visits Harris Elementary School

5th Graders at Harris ES enjoy an omelet bar prepared by Chartwells at school

Pothier-Citizens' ES Field Day

Citizens' ES Student's-of-the-Month

Pothier ES Student's-of-the-Month

Pothier ES Kindergarten Step-Up

Pothier ES student's love reading during Books are Wings celebration

Please see the flyers below to learn about WHPL summer events.

Please click on the link below to learn more about the Unity Community from the RI Autism Project.

• Monday, June 16th - Last day of school