Hello,

We have been in school for 27 days and it has truly been a pleasure watching new staff as they learn about our Island, overcome the expected learning curve, and contribute to positive change. Each one of our new staff members brings us new perspectives and experiences that have great potential for us to grow as a school.

We have been fortunate that cases of COVID have been low and that many of our students and staff have been vaccinated. This allows for a safer school environment. The weather has been on our side, too, and because of this, classrooms can take learning outside. We welcomed 16 new Kindergarteners and they are all adjusting to the big school, and our nine seniors are busy visiting schools, filling in applications or making plans for what comes next.

Whether our Seniors choose a college for next year, decide on a trade, or take a year to travel , we want to be there to support them. Our Internship program, under the direction of Roberta Closter, continues to be an integral part of many seniors last year with us.

We want to thank and acknowledge the mentors that tirelessly put their time in to shape our

interns; Mike Kiley of Green Island Lawn Service, Sven & Karen Risom and Karen Logan of

North Light Fibers, Lars Trodson of the BI Chamber of Commerce, Renee Meyer of the Block

Island Times, Diandra Verbeyst of The Nature Conservancy, and Morgan Walsh of the Island

Free Library.

In our school building one of our seniors has a unique internship. This student is working with our school social worker, Helen Ferranti and advisor Mike Petrik, as an intern to help enhance school culture and to help support our newly formed Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA).

The Block Island School Friends( BISF) is in desperate need of leadership. Our past Presidents, Heidi Weber, and Sarah Cullen continue to do what they can, but they have been seeking a change of guard for over a year, and the time has come for them to pass the torch.

If you are new to the school, The BISF are our parent organization. Historically, they have met monthly to plan events and fundraising opportunities. The Friends are responsible for the extras that expand on the educational aspects of the school. Through fundraisers, like the annual Thanksgiving pie and Holiday plants sales, they provide funding for field trips , sports, and special programs for our school. Currently the organization is well funded and is in need of parents to join together to help plan events for this current year. Please consider getting involved. You don't have to do it alone. Maybe a small group of parents can work together to lead this important group? If you can help, please contact Heidi Weber at 401-378-8329 or heidu1@live.com

Currently volleyball is 5 and 7, with 6 games to go. The next home game is Sunday vs. Juanita Sanchez.

JHS Soccer is 1-1. They have at least three games to go.

Varsity soccer's first game is 10/ 22/21 at Oxford Academy. We are hoping for one or two more games this season.

On Monday, 10/25/21, Payne Road will not be easily accessible, as they are beginning to pave. We have been asked not to park on Payne Rd, so please park in Faulkener Field if you need to exit your car at drop off or pick up.

Thanks go out to Amy Doran who has been volunteering countless hours tending to our flower gardens in the front of the building!!

Byron Maran, our wonderful school chef, is moving on to other endeavors in early November and we are seeking the following position. Please help us spread the word. Thank You!!

BASKETBALL COACHES: Block Island School seeks the following coaches: Boys’ Varsity head and Assistant, Girls’ Varsity head and Assistant, Boys’ Junior High head and Assistant, and Girls’ Junior High Head and Assistant. Call 401-466-5600 for more information. Applications are accepted until positions are filled. EOE.

I cannot say how fortunate we are to have Nurses Dyer and Closter helping us stay safe, healthy and in school!

Here are the latest stats....

High school- 85.2 percent vaccinated.

12 year-olds eligible- 86 percent vaccinated.

Tentatively, in preparation for 5-11 year-olds being eligible for the Pfizer vaccination, we have planned for two clinics Friday 11/12 11:00 – 1:00 and Friday 12/3 11:00 – 1:00. Please Contact our school nurse Liz Dyer at edyer@bischool.net More information will follow.