MIDDLETOWN

   STANDARD

BUILDING A LEARNING COMMUNITY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT :

Dear Colleagues and Parents:

Too often in today’s fast-paced world we don’t take the time to step back, reflect and be grateful.  With the Thanksgiving holiday just over, I thought what better time for me personally to “take stock” of all the many blessings we have right here in our school district and share those with you. I’d also like to take the opportunity to give thanks to many of the individuals who have made this school district what it is today. It’s the combined efforts of the parents, grandparents, students, teachers, staff, administrators, school committee members, town council members, community leaders that have helped our schools succeed.

Here’s my list, however I know I can fill many more pages.

· Our high school recently finished its NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation process. For three days in September, a NEASC team toured the high school and conducted a thorough evaluation. We will receive an evaluation report in early 2006.  Kudos to the team of dedicated individuals at the high school and from the community who put countless hours into ensuring we were well prepared for the NEASC visit. A special thanks to Mr. Mason Hawes, Mr. David Picard, Mr. Steven Ruscito, Ms. Janet Sheehan and all the chairs of the NEASC committees. Thanks also to Mr. Joe Krupowicz whose attention to details helped fill the evidence bins for the NEASC team to review. I’m grateful to you all.

· We welcomed 31 new students from Louisiana and Mississippi to our district whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. Their perseverance and dedication to continue their education, despite the upheaval from being moved across the country, has inspired us all.

· Our students, staff, and teachers raised $5,000 during Dress Down Day at the schools to help the students and their families who recently relocated to RI due to the storm damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.  We appreciate your generosity.

· Our town-school-community-family partnership became much closer recently when we all worked together to help our new students and their families settle into their new schools and homes.  I am extremely grateful for the countless hours people spent volunteering.

· Our teachers and staff are working harder than ever to meet the new Federal and State mandates.  Your dedication is noticed by all.

· Our principals are supporting students, staff and families everyday to bring quality education to the Town of Middletown.  You are a “dream team”.

· Our technology department for raising us to new levels of proficiency.  Thank you for your talent and expertise.

· Our School Committee is focused on what is right for students.  We are lucky to have these five individuals!

· Our Town Council works as a team with the school department to financially support the education in Middletown.

· Our parents: we thank you for trusting the Middletown Public Schools with the care of your most precious gift.

As you can see, we have reason to be thankful!.  Thank you!

Sincerely,

Rosemarie K. Kraeger

Superintendent