Melville Message Community Update
Support Staff Special Edition
Melville Mission
In partnership with families and community, the mission of Melville Elementary School is to provide all students with a strong academic foundation through diverse and challenging instruction in a safe and nurturing environment enabling them to achieve their greatest potential while developing self-confidence, respect, responsibility, compassion and a love of learning.
Welcome Back Melville Families!
By now you should have received a welcome letter from your child's teacher(s) for this school year. I hope this letter helped you get to know them a little better and we cannot wait to learn more about your child and family. In addition to our teaching staff we have an incredible support staff. Please enjoy this special edition of our weekly newsletter dedicated to our support staff.
Getting to Know Our School Family
Principal Laurie
I am Principal Danielle Laurie!
I received my bachelors degree in Elementary Education & Special Education with a minor in Psychology and my masters degree in Literacy at Rhode Island College. I completed my leadership training at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity through their Principal Residency Network.
Melville school means everything to me. I have spent 17 out of my 21 years in education serving the Melville community, first as a Special Educator and then as the Student Support Specialist, before becoming principal. Melville has been leading me since the first day I started, I owe so much to this community. Melville has my dedication, loyalty, and heart.
When I am not at Melville, I am home with my husband and daughter. We enjoy spending time together as a family watching movies, going to the beach, skiing, and listening to music.
Financial Clerk
Front Office Clerk
Sarah McEvoy has worked in the Portsmouth School District for 10 years, and joined our Melville family last year as our main office Attendance Clerk. In addition, Sarah is Melville’s Volunteer Coordinator, if you are interested in volunteering or chaperoning this school year, Sarah is a notary and can be of assistance in completing the paperwork. Sarah lives in Newport with her husband and two daughters, and enjoys spending the summer at the beach with her family.
Student Support Specialist
Deana Dufficy is the elementary student support specialist, coordinating referrals and services for eligible students under section 504 and special education.
Deana received her bachelors and masters degrees from URI, certificate of graduate study in Autism Education from RIC and Educational Leadership Endorsement from WGU. She lives in Bristol with her husband and two daughters.
Deana is grateful for the collaboration of families and colleagues in Portsmouth.
School Counselor-Donna Powell
Donna Powell is our School Counselor. She works with students throughout the day, whether it is with a student individually, in small groups, or in the classroom. Donna builds relationships with students, so that they know she is always there for them. She is available to students and families and encourages families to reach out should you need anything.
Mrs. Pascoe-School Social Worker
Nicole Pasce is the School Social Worker at Melville and Hathaway Elementary Schools. She is a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. This is her 14th year working with the wonderful children of the Portsmouth School District.
Her goal as the school social worker is to support students social, emotional and behavioral well-being so they can succeed academically. She works directly with students, collaborates with teachers and coordinates outside community supports for families.
School Safety Officer
Marc Viveiros has over 20 years of law enforcement experience as a Lieutenant at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department.
Marc has recently retired from the Sheriff’s Department, and feels extremely fortunate to have found a new home at the Melville School. He looks forward to dedicating himself to the safety and security of the students, families, and staff of the Melville community.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, going to the beach, fishing, and playing with his pug, Wally.
Mrs. Magilton-Instructional Support Coach
Erika Magilton is entering her 19th year as an educator in the Portsmouth School Department. Throughout her time in the district she has been a special educator, taught grades 2, 3 and 5, has been an interventionist and most recently Melville’s Instructional Systems Coach. She feels extremely fortunate to have been a part of the Melville community for the past 11 years. Mrs. Magilton loves spending time with her twin boys and bulldog Lola, visiting Maine, reading at the beach and cooking.
Mrs. Forster-Interventionist
Mrs. Borden-Interventionist
School Psychologist
Shannon Ryan is the school psychologist at Melville School. She is excited to have joined the Portsmouth school district this year. Shannon earned her CAGS in School Psychology from Rhode Island College. She has four years of experience as an elementary school psychologist, and four years of experience as a middle school educator. In her role at Melville, she enjoys working with students individually, spending time in classrooms, and collaborating with teachers and families to support student success. Outside of school, Shannon enjoys spending time with her husband and son, going to the beach, taking long walks, and reading.
Unified Arts Team
Teaching Assistants/Registered Behavior Technicians
Eileen Andrews
Missy CabralPat Greene
Sonia Medeiros
Lori Clarke
Tricia Andrade
Michelle Caluro
Kathy Prendergast
Kaitlynn Correia
Jessica O'Brien
Danielle Andrews
Kim Ripa
Tanya Banal
General School Aides
Gina Gianetis
Lauren Howley
Heather Siebert
Andrea Smith
Rebeca Hurst
2022-2023 School Calendar
Volunteers
SECURLY HOME
Securly Home is an app that allows parents to monitor their child’s Chromebook activity at home and add rules for home use. Please take some time to review the slideshow and recording of the parent meeting that took place on 9/16.
We encourage you to sign up now for Securly Home!
Fundraise for Melville as you Shop!
How to use AmazonSmile on a web browser:
- Visit smile.amazon.com
- Sign in with the same account you use for Amazon.com
- Select your charity Melville Parent Teacher Group
- Start shopping! Remember to checkout at smile.amazon.com to generate donations for your chosen charity.
Tip: Add a bookmark to make it easier to shop at smile.amazon.com.
Our Food Pantry is Always Open!
In keeping with the spirit of giving, our Feinstein Jr. Scholars are excited to start an in-school food pantry that our students and families can donate to and access when needed.
Please help us as we continue to support our community by sending in food items with your child from time to time. Please email
Mrs. Powell: powelld@portsmouthschoolsri.org or
Mrs. Pascoe: pascoen@portsmouthschoolsri.org
if you would like to access our food pantry during the school year.
Melville Elementary School
Email: lauried@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/11
Location: 1351 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: 4016831650
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009159177892
Twitter: @MelvilleSchool