October 2022 Newsletter
October 2022
Superintendent's Letter
Greetings,
It’s hard to believe that the end of October is fast approaching. We have enjoyed so many events and activities such as Open Houses, parent forums, the Winter's Community Tour, the Tolman Military Appreciation football game and the multiple Fall activities throughout our district. We look forward to the upcoming Red Ribbon event, Winters Elementary Ribbon Cutting and the Elizabeth Baldwin groundbreaking ceremony!
We look ahead with anticipation of continued opportunities for our students, families and community. Special thanks to all our staff for their continued dedication to our Pawtucket students!
Dr. Cheryl McWilliams
Jenks Middle School New Principal
The Jenks Interview Committee has selected Mr. Michael Gilmore as the new Principal of Joseph Jenks Middle School.
Mr. Gilmore has been with the Pawtucket School Department for over 20 years, most recently in the position of Principal at Agnes Little Elementary for the last five years. Previous to being an educator, Mr. Gilmore has worked at GTECH Corporation for over 10 years in the area of Technology and Information Systems. Prior to being a Principal, he has held positions as a Music Teacher, Facilitator of School Improvement, and Assistant Principal. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Providence College, a Bachelor’s of Music Education from William Paterson University and a degree in Instrumentation Technology/Process Control.
Pawtucket Receives $1.3 Million Technology and Equipment Grant
Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Associate Director Tomás Ávila, and the Rhode Island Department of Education today joined Mayor Charles Lombardi and announced a $15 million 21st Century Technology and Equipment Fund during a special event at Stephen Olney Elementary School in North Providence on Tuesday, October 11.
The Pawtucket School Department was allocated $1.3 million. The initiative will provide innovative technology and equipment that fosters a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) project-based learning approach and career and technical education (CTE) pathways to ensure all students have access to high-quality learning spaces.
Tolman Football Team Honors the Military and Veterans
The Tolman Football team honored the Military and Veterans with a Dinner on Thursday, October, 20, and Military Appreciation Football game on Friday, October 21. Members of the football team gathered at the Hampton Inn for a pasta dinner, supplied by Chrstine Miller, parent. Ms. Miller, currently a two Gold Star parent, coordinated both events. A variety of veterans and school administrators spoke to the team about their experiences in the military, teamwork, and about never giving up in the face of adversity. Thank you to our MC Joseph R. Janeiro, and all the speakers, Joe “Tiger” Patrick, Dora Vasquez-Helner, Michael Manoog Kaprielian, Tim Aponte, and Dan Whited.
On Friday, Tolman hosted Tollgate at Pariseau Field, and celebrated the Military and Veterans. Pregame ceremonies included at Veteran Motorcycle Motorcade, the Tolman JROTC Color Guard, and messages from Representative Karen Alzate, Superintendent Dr. Cheryl McWilliams, Director of Veterans Affairs, Kasim Yarn, and Brigadier General Reina. The National Anthem was played by the Army Band.
Honorary Captains for the night were:
Corporal Joe Joel, U.S. ARMY
Airman 1st Class Herbert Meister U.S. Air Force
Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Manoog Kaprielian, US NAVY
Chief Master Sergeant John Gallo, US AIR FORCE
Colonel Jeff Richardson – Tolman Senior Marine Instructor. US MARINE CORP
SGT. Tim Aponte, US ARMY (PURPLE HEART)
SGT. Vincent A. Scirocco Jr. US ARMY RI NATIONAL GUARD
SGT Acosta US ARMY
Commander Joe "Tiger" Patrick
To top off the night, the Tigers won 33-0. Thank you to everyone who made these nights so special for our players and veterans.
Community Tour of Winters Elementary
The Pawtucket Community was invited to tour the new state of the art Henry J. Winters Elementary School on October 20, led by the project leaders.
Special Agent Sambola Talks to CTE Programs
Special Agent of the United States Secret Service, Victor Sambola, spoke to students from the JROTC, Law & Forensics, and Biomedical CTE programs about his career and journey.
Thank you Mr. Sambola for speaking with our students at Tolman today!
Students Visit Block Island Wind Farm
Environmental Science and Pre Engineering classes from Shea High School joined over 100 other students from RI on a field trip to tour the Nation’s First Offshore Wind Farm in Block Island. Students got an up close look at the wind turbines and learned about the offshore wind industry and clear energy career opportunities, and how WindWinRI helps prepare people for those careers. This was made possible by the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce and their training system, WindWinRI.