PHS PATRIOT 4/9/22
Perseverance-Respect-Innovation-Dedication-Engagement
Principal's Message
Hello Patriots,
I regret to inform the Portsmouth School Community that I am stepping down as Principal at the conclusion of the school year. A quote by Gandhi that I have used many times is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It is my time for a change. I started in Portsmouth in 1989, the picture on the right shows an eager math teacher seeking to conquer the math world through quadratic equations, ratios and radicals. Yet, in time, math was my vehicle to help students develop confidence, purpose and a positive mind set.
It has been my distinct honor to serve the Portsmouth learning community over four decades, as a teacher and principal at both the middle and high school. I have worked with many talented teams of education professionals who have supported and challenged me and our students towards greatness. I am proud of the work that was done to bring PHS to be the best school in Newport County and third overall in the state as reported by national organizations. We even beat out every high school in the state to receive top achievement in science. All those accomplishments are certainly laudable and together our teachers and staff have made our school great!
The most long lasting memory of Portsmouth Schools will undeniably be the positive relationships I have developed with our students. Students have been and will always be the center of all my actions in thought and deed. The moments when the perfectly planned lesson went astray because of the helicopter landing on the school field or the thunderous applause by the students when our successful fundraiser required my head to be shaved by Willie the Barber in front of one thousand middle school students or the surprise teacher flash dance. There are so many other moments that speak to my heart. These are the memories that bind us together and build community. My journey with over 25000 students over the years has been a privilege and a joy.
Thank you for letting me be part of your world for all these years. I wish everyone peace and happiness as we finish our journey together.
Your Humble Principal,
J. Amaral
Neon is the word at the Glow Dance
Earth Fest
On Monday, April 11th, we will be celebrating Earth Fest Day here at PHS!
The event will be held in the old gym during an extended period A(2). Go to your classes and your teacher will escort you to the Festival.
Earth Fest is an opportunity for students to discover more about the need for sustainable practices and how to move towards a more sustainable society. Exhibits will include; informational displays, games, prizes, give-aways, student work and merchandise. We will have some representatives from local organizations who are leading the charge with this venture as well.
Portsmouth Prevention Coalition News
Herren Project is excited to announce our first annual INSPIRE Youth Conference on July 30, 2022, at the University of Rhode Island. This one-day event will engage teens entering grades 9-12 this summer in leadership development and social-emotional learning strategies that will carry into the upcoming school year and beyond. We will also have two powerful key-note presentations featuring Jessie Funk and Chris Herren.
Positive Youth Outcomes
Teens who attend leadership conferences report uplifting benefits such as increased confidence, self-discovery, healthy connections with like-minded peers, and acquiring new skills and fresh perspectives. These are the exact outcomes the INSPIRE Youth Conference strives to achieve for every teen participant.
Science Fair State Winners
Andrew Forch - 3rd Grant (all 3rd place winners)
David Rojas - 2nd Grant (all 2nd place winners)
Sonia Staroscik - 2nd Grant (all second place winners)
Elena Sun -
- Made top 10 finalists in the state!! (The top 2 are sent to the International Fair)
- Won the Governor's Award: This award is given to the project that has the most beneficial benefit to the state of Rhode Island. This trophy with Elena's name on it will be on display in the B-wing display case for the next year!
- 4 Special Awards from Narragansett Bay Commission, Coastal Resources Management Council, National Geographic, and Southeastern Marine Education.
Proposed Graduation Requirements Hearings
RIDE brought the proposal to revise the statewide graduation requirements to the R.I. Council on Elementary and Secondary Education on February 8, 2022, seeking a vote for the proposal to enter a period of public comment. The council voted YES! Remember, this in no way means that the proposal is final nor is it approved. There is a lot of work to be done. This means that they are going to enter a period of public comment during which RIDE will hold public hearings to continue hearing from you all, our education stakeholders closest to our children, on what you like and where you think we need to improve the proposal. You can watch a recording of that council meeting here.
You are invited to attend one of our scheduled RIDE public hearings to provide oral public comment. Below is a list of important dates and locations pertaining to the public comment period and RIDE public hearings:
- April 12, 2022, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Providence Public Library
- 150 Empire St, Providence, RI 02903
- April 14, 2022, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Adams Public Library in Central Falls
- 205 Central St, Central Falls, RI 02863
- April 26, 2022 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Newport Public Library (Program Room)
- 300 Spring St, Newport, RI 02840
- End of Public Comment: May 3, 2022
College Readiness
RIDE is co-hosting Juniors week with The College Planning Center!
Come join one of the informative information sessions being presented by the College Planning Center experts. You can sign up at the links below (please note, all sessions are at 4pm EST).
· 4/25: The Common App - What You Need to Know- Registration Link
· 4/26: FAFSA - Need to Knows - Myths & FAQs -Registration Link
· 4/27: College Admission - What Schools are looking for -Registration Form
· 4/28: Ask the Expert - All you Need to Know About the College Process- Registration Form
PHSO Post Prom
March 1, 2022
Dear Parents and Guardians of Portsmouth High School’s Class of 2022,
The PHSO Post Prom/Recognition Committee is optimistic the class of 2022 will have a prom and are anticipating a post prom celebration. It may not be a traditional post prom celebration, but the committee is dedicated to creating a phenomenal celebration for the class of 2022. Of course, in the safest way possible too, so rest assured we will adhere to all CDC and RI Department of Health guidelines. A kick-off meeting was held on February 15 th and we would like to thank the parents who were able to attend and share your great ideas with us!!
This event is organized by senior parents and funded through donations from
friends, family and local businesses. The traditional post prom costs approximately
$50.00 per student and our goal is to raise $12,000 - $14,000. If you would like to
contribute and help provide the Class of 2022 with a celebration that they deserve,
please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
Please make checks payable to: PHSO Post Prom
And mail to: Post Prom
Attention: Jennifer Amaio
29 Schooner Drive
Portsmouth, RI 02871
For up-to-date information, please “like” the PHS Class of 2022 Parent Page on
Facebook and follow along.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Lynda West (401) 266-9855 lyndawest44@gmail.com
Jennifer Amaio (401) 489-0815 amaiojennifer@gmail.com
Sincerely,
PHSO Post Prom/ Senior Recognition Committee
"Pat on the Back"
School PSAT/SAT Day
Students in grade 10 and 11 will be taking these assessments while students in grades 9 and 12 will be working asynchronously as a distance learning day.
National Honor Society Tutoring
Portsmouth High School
PHS - Home of PRIDE Students
Email: amaralj@portsmouthschoolsri.org
Website: https://www.portsmouthschoolsri.org/Domain/8
Location: 120 Education Lane, Portsmouth, RI, USA
Phone: 401-683-2124
Twitter: @PortsmouthHS_RI