Portsmouth
Schools 
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM The Portsmouth School Department is part of the Newport County Regional Special Education Program which in 1970 was established as a legal collaborative for the towns of Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton and Little Compton. The purpose is to join together in providing the continuum of special education services for children identified with disabilities. Regional related service personnel, (i.e., School Psychologists, School Social Workers, Speech/Language Pathologists, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers, and Special Education Teacher Assistants), team with local school personnel to provide special education services to meet the federal and state mandates. Information concerning the Regional Special Education Program may be obtained by contacting Mr. Donald DeCosta, Regional Director for Special Education at (40l) 683-3570. DEVELOPMENTAL PLACEMENT PROGRAM The Portsmouth Developmental Placement Program is an attempt to place children in school according to their developmental age rather than just their birth date. The program evaluates a child's ability to cope physically, socially, emotionally, and academically with the school environment without placing undue stress on that child. All children are evaluated developmentally before they enter kindergarten. At the end of the kindergarten year, after selective retesting, recommendations are made to parents concerning the developmental placement of their child. Those children who are very young developmentally are recommended for placement in the Pre-One Program for an additional year of growth prior to entering Grade One. Upon the completion of the Pre-One experience, the students then enter the Grade One academic program. REMEDIAL READING PROGRAM As part of the Portsmouth School System, RIPPS ( Reading Instruction and Pupil Personnel Services) employs reading specialists and guidance counselors to service students who are having difficulty in the area of reading. This Local, State and Chapter I federally funded program is integrated within the K-8 programs. It uses uniform selection procedures to determine which students will receive needed assistance with their difficulties. Parents of selected students are kept informed and encouraged to work cooperatively with the staff. The program has been nationally validated by the United States Office of Education in 1972 and again in 1985. Portsmouth has received grants to disseminate the information about the program throughout the country.
PROGRAMS FOR THE GIFTED AND TALENTED The educational philosophy of the Portsmouth School Department states a commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for all students. The School Department recognizes that gifted and talented children may require a differentiated curriculum and specialized program in order to meet their needs. This policy is designed to address those needs within the context of public education. The Portsmouth School Department provides programs and services where feasible for gifted and talented elementary, middle and high school students who possess superior capabilities in one or more of the following categories of gifts and talents: general intelligence, general and specific academic aptitude, and creative thinking. K-l: At this level, the program works on identification of academically talented children and the provision of consultant services to the teachers of those children. The program coordinator and resource teacher develop a resource collection which is made available to the staff. Parents of identified students are notified. Grades 2-4: At this level the students participate in a pull-out resource program of a maximum of two hours per week. Project Talent is a specially designed program which is conducted in Grades 2-4 in each elementary school. It provides students, who have been identified as academically talented, with a wide variety of experiences designed to stimulate their curiosity, develop their independent skills for individual research and demonstrate their creative ability in expressing their newly acquired knowledge at a level which is deeper and more intensive than that which is normally available in the classroom. Grades 5-8: At the middle school level a Gifted and Talented Specialist is available to work with students who are identified for the program. The Specialist will develop an after-school program for the students as well as work with teachers on a consultant basis to assist them in providing appropriate services and materials for these students. Grades 9-12:The program at this level is designed to promote curriculum accommodations to meet the needs of the gifted and talented students. honors courses, advanced placement and college credit courses are offered at this level.
VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS In addition to the high school vocationally related program, full-time and part-time secondary programs of vocational and technical education are offered at the Newport County Vocational School. These programs are generally of two years duration. All academic subjects are taken at the students\rquote sending school (with the exception of the Cosmetology Program). Transportation and payment of tuition are provided by the school district for all students who elect to attend the technical school. Students entering Grade 10 may select one of the following programs:
Students entering Grade 11 or 12 may select from the following programs:
MUSIC/BAND PROGRAM The Portsmouth School Department has a marching band of approximately 150 musicians, with a flag twirler unit, a dance squad and an honor guard. In addition there is a wind ensemble, concert band, pep band, chorus and glee club. Portsmouth vocalists and musicians participate in activities through All-State and the R.I. Music Educators Association. The middle school also has a band and chorus at each grade level and have student participation in All-State activities.
PORTSMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS Students as Mediators is a program designed as a positive, alternate method of resolving conflict. The program emphasizes de-escalation of tension and joint cooperation in problem solving. Student mediators help other students voluntarily resolve their own differences. The mediators receive training in communication and active listening skills. This training prepares the mediators to conduct a forum where students can discuss their conflicts. Students then look for ways to settle their differences, without resorting to violence. Peer Partnering is a program begun, in Grade 6, during the 1993-1994 school year. The program is designed to help foster respect and the acceptance of differences among students. The program is part of the Middle School's continuing effort to provide a respectful and safe school environment for all. Mandatory After School Program is designed to provide an extended day (2:30 - 3:30) program for chronic, non-producing students. The program is not a detention; it is a joint effort between school and parents to help students become more responsible in completing school assignments.
ADDITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS Pre-College Tech Prep Program: This program focuses on those students who are interested in a technical field as a future career. The curriculum ensures a logical progression on to the two-year or community college and eventually to the world of work. Johnson and Wales University, Rhode Island College Early Enrollment Program: The Early Enrollment Program (EEP) is a school/college partnership which began at Rhode Island College (RIC) in 1980. Its function is to offer high school students an opportunity to earn credits toward college while completing their high school diploma without leaving their high school campus. Students should strive for no less than a B- average in all EEP courses if they expect to transfer the credits. Once the students are accepted to a college, courses are transferred with credits earned and not with a designated grade. A listing of courses for which credit is available and specific program information is on file with the Guidance Department. University of Rhode Island Early Enrollment Program Cooperative Extension: The Family and Consumer Science Department is offering a course in The Developing Child II/Practicum. Students may take and earn elective college credit from the University of Rhode Island upon successful completion of course requirements at Portsmouth High School. Cost information is available in the Guidance Department. College-High School Cooperative Plan: Portsmouth High School, in conjunction with colleges in the area, participates in a cooperative plan whereby students may receive high school graduation credit by attending an accredited college during all or part of their senior year. Specific information is available in the Guidance Department. Work Experience Program: A work experience program is available to students who meet special requirements. This program, designed to meet the needs of students, provides the student with in-school training and realistic on-the-job experiences. After School Community Service Program: This is an after school program designed to give seniors an opportunity to do volunteer service for different organizations in the community.
EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAM Portsmouth Middle School offers numerous after school opportunities for students. Activities such as the mock trial competition, math club, art club, Student Council, and Yearbook are available to the students . During the course of the year, various special subject mini-courses are offered to students. Middle School offers an intramural program for grades 5-8 as well as the following interscholastic activities: Basketball (Boys & Girls), Gymnastics, Cheerleading, and Track & Field. High: Interscholastic sports at the high school level include: softball, soccer, ice hockey, cross country (boys and girls), tennis (boys and girls), basketball (boys and girls), gymnastics, baseball, football, track (boys and girls), indoor track, and golf. In football, soccer, baseball and basketball there are three levels: varsity, junior varsity, and freshman. Interscholastic sports are also offered at the middle school in basketball, co-ed track and gymnastics. An intramural program exists at the middle and high school levels. Cheerleading squads exist at both the Middle and High School levels. In addition to the sports program offered, high school students have a variety of club/team offerings from which to choose. A sampling of the offerings follows: Students Against Driving Drunk, Mock Trial, Newspaper, Yearbook, Student Council, Foreign Language Club, Mathematics Team, Dance Squad, Ski Club, Debate Club, and Academic Decathlon Team. |
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