As of right now, graduation and all other senior events are not being touched. However, if we do get another snow day this year, that might change. Five days without school is no problem. More than five days could be a problem.
Everyone is in the discussion stage. No one is planning on taking away from April vacation or having school on Saturdays, but the thought of extending the school day is being looked over.
Superintendent Melinda Smith focuses on the safety of our students, faculty and staff the most when it comes to deciding whether school should be cancelled for the day or not. She constantly monitors the road conditions and weather forecasts while staying in contact with Mayor Lombardi, School Committee Chairman, Anthony Marciano and Jim Fuoroli, Facilities Manager.
She must complete a grocery list of tasks once deciding that school will be cancelled due to snow. Smith told the Cougar Courier:
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I contact Chairman Marciano
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I contact Mayor Lombardi and JIm Fuoroli
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I send the members of the school committee and email and a text message
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I send the Principals a text message
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I report the school closing on the RI Broadcaster Association Web Site
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I record and send a message through Skyward via the Skylert system. Paretns select through the Skyward parent portal how they would like to receive their emergency messages-, calls, text or email. It is important for parents faculty and staff to keep their information up to date an accurate
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I place a notice on the school department web site
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I send out a tweet informing folks of no school
The last day of school this year right now is June 22nd, 2015.
There is also a survey up on the North Providence School District pertaining to make up school days. It is only three questions suitable for parents, certified educators, and support staff. The questions ask whether others prefer that the school department add days to the school calendar to make up for school days canceled and if the school department should add minutes to the beginning of the school day to offset the number of days the district must make up.
Article by Jessica Martineau
Photos by Susan Verry