I can’t believe that it has been a year since I accepted the position of Interim Superintendent in Jamestown! It has been a fast moving and productive year of learning at Lawn and Melrose Schools with so many accomplishments to note. The activities of these last few weeks, from beach cleanups to Genius Hour to harmonious musical concerts to trips to Boston, Casey Farms and Narragansett Bay to test the ROVs; tours of historical locations on our own island, and last week’s outdoor concert and announcement of our Teacher of the Year, Jim Kaczynski and Support Person of the Year, Donna Barnes, makes us so appreciative of all that Jamestown students get to experience while in our schools. Gr. 8 went out with a bang this week with an Awards Night, Beach Day and Graduation Ceremony and Dance at Fort Getty. This community embraces and supports our students and our thanks go to the PTO, the Jamestown Education Foundation, and all the volunteers who assist the dedicated staff in planning and delivering these wonderful events.
It has been my honor to serve as your Interim Superintendent this year. A highlight of the year was the selection of your next Superintendent, David Raleigh. He starts his tenure on July 1 and I trust that you will welcome him as you have welcomed me.
The school year has a late ending this year….but we have a solution for that next year! We have a fixed end date of Wednesday, June 18, 2025 for students….a full week earlier than this year. The Rhode Island Department of Education allows districts to apply for a waiver of inclement weather days IF the district exceeds the RIDE required minutes per day. We completed that process and have been informed that we do not have to make up inclement weather days. This will hopefully support all families and especially our military families who often need to leave early for the next post.
The first day of school for students is the day after Labor Day, Tuesday, September 3 with our pre schoolers starting on Wednesday, September 4. It is my sincere hope that all families enjoy the beauty of the island and our fabulous Ocean State this summer and rest and refresh during the next 2 months. Thank you for entrusting your children to the Jamestown Schools. I hope it has been as positive a year for them as it has been for me. I have wonderful memories of a year spent with top notch staff and engaged students all invested in the process of learning. Best wishes to all in the Jamestown School Community as you continue to “Rise Between the Bridges and Beyond.”
Katherine Sipala
