It is hard to believe it is May already! Here at school, we are all thankful that our state assessments are coming to a close. This year, with the benefit of our new high speed internet, we have been able to successfully implement the assessments on-line. I am thankful and appreciative that we had no problems and were able to have each student take the assessments for math, english language arts and science.

 

Now that we have broadband in the building, our work continues. I will continue to serve on the Broadband Committee to guarantee that all students have the ability to connect to the internet at home. Many of our current programs and future goals rely on students being able to work successfully at home. The Broadband Committee is working hard to make this a reality in the coming year.

 

As I have done for many years in May, I remind families that moving into the Island's summer mode is very trying for our students. Please help us by keeping your routines ( especially bedtimes for the "littles") as normal as possible. There is a lot going on, and the joy of sunshine, ice cream, and early season beach days often creates a challenge for us at school. Our oldest students have summer jobs starting and more freedoms, so we need your help more than ever. We need them on time and ready to learn each day. There is a great deal to be done in the 19 school days remaining, so we need all hands on deck.

Student Art Show- Thursday May 23rd at the Spring Street Gallery from 5-7p.m ..... You won't be disappointed!

We continue to pair with the Nature Conservancy to plant beach grass! This important activity instills in students a sense of responsibility for Block Island, teaches the need for erosion controls, and cements in place the need for all of use to stay off the dunes.

We could not be prouder of our seniors and their projects. Under the direction of Ms. Maureen Flaherty and Mrs. Roberta Closter we are happy to report that all 14 have completed a project and are inching closer and closer to graduation day.

Whether it is going to college, or preparing students for the work place, more than any other year thus far, we are happy with the level of experiences we were able to provide for each senior. Seven left campus this year everyday to fulfill internships around the Island, while 3 others learned skills with teachers in the building. Next year, our internship program will be expanded to include the state airport and other Island businesses. If you have a senior internship you are willing to host, or an idea for one in the future, please let us know.

 

Those who chose college are on their way to a host of different schools. Take a look at the acceptances garnered from these fine institutions. They all should be proud of their hard work!!

 

Whatever the path a student takes to a successful career, we are working hard to provide a rigorous meaningful experience that will allow them to reach their goals.

Got some stuff to sell? Rent a table at our Student Council's Community Yard Sale. Rental proceeds benefit our high schooler's extra curricular adventures.

We will remind you again as the weeks pass, but we will need your help once again, selling Hurricane clothing in front of the Odd Fellow's Hall during this summer. This is a HUGE fundraiser for the Block Island School Friends. We need people willing to sit for just two hours a shift.

We will continue to have a Summer Support Program( K-7) for identified students.This program's focus is to maintain a student's skill level over the summer. This is especially important for students at risk of losing ground and is commonly called the "summer slide". Our hope is that with the Summer Support Program, our individual classroom summer reading and math work, and the great experiences parents provide for their children over the summer will all help to guarantee that students skill levels in June match those in September. In the coming weeks, parents of identified students will be contacted. The program will begin about the second week of July and continue for six weeks.

In the past months we have had the privilege of meeting our incoming Kindergarteners for next year. All 9 have visited, and we look forward to seeing their cute little faces on our first day in September.

On Thursday, May 14th Liz Jorgenson came to talk about the adolescent brain with High school students. She took a scientific approach to understanding adolescent behaviors and the impact that vaporizing substances have on the developing human brain. Take a peak at at the link below to see her in action.

The results are in... the Kindergartners, under the direction of Mrs. Hart, this year $3,364.27 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This places our school in 3rd place in the state for the most raised per student. This brings our 10 year total of funds raised to just over $25,000!!! This fundraiser began in honor of a former student who tragically passed from Leukemia and reflects the kindness we hope to promote towards others in need. Thank you for all who gave to this important fundraiser!

Love it or hate it, that baby is cemented in place. So look for new happenings as you drive by

On Friday, May 16th members of our Junior and Senior class were invited by the Narragansett School Department to join in on their prom at the Hotel Viking in Newport. From one look at these pictures you can tell a fine night was had by all!

 

Wednesday, May 22nd: Spring Concert - 1:30 p.m. - BIS Gym

 

Monday, June 3rd: Grade K-3 Hearing Screening

 

Monday, June 3rd: National Honor Society Induction Ceremony - 2:00 p.m. - BIS Cafeteria

 

June 10 - June 14: Grade 7 Sailing Trip

 

Wednesday, June 12th: Fourth Grade Rising Ceremony - 1:30 p.m.

 

Sunday, June 16th: High School Graduation - 12:00 p.m. - Spring House

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19TH: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.