EPHS Update 3-8-24
Everything you wanted to know about NEASC but you were afraid to ask.....
Next week East Providence High School will host a visiting team of educators from NEASC. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is a professional organization that sends teams to visit both colleges and high schools throughout New England for the purpose of gathering information to assist schools in improving the educational process. East Providence High School faculty has been preparing for the NEASC visiting team’s visit (March 11-13th) for nearly two years. The purpose of the visit is for EPHS to demonstrate its progress on the Priority Areas for growth through meetings and observations related to each priority area. The team will spend considerable time visiting classrooms to observe teaching and learning practices.
Team members will participate in several activities, including:
• school tour
• overview presentation
• priority area meetings
• priority area observations
• classroom observations
• meetings with the principal and superintendent
• meeting with the school board/committee
• meeting with students
• discussions about student work
Here is what to expect, we will see seven members of the visiting NEASC team who will be in the halls or walking into your classroom on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They may stop you in a hallway, classroom or in the lunch room and ask you questions about the school. You may be in a meeting with some of these members (if you are, you have already been informed).
We are proud of our school, our students, our teachers, our staff, our families and we are excited for you to get to share your stories and experiences with the team. If you have any questions about NEASC please feel free to reach out to any of the administrators and we will be happy to explain NEASC to you more. We know our Townie Pride will shine brightly as we show off our amazing family!!!
SurveyWorks
The moment you have all been waiting for...
We will be administering SurveyWorks during advisory on March 8th.
Here is a cheat sheet on how to administer it, including a script for you to read.
Reach out with any questions.
SAT Administration - Saturday, March 9th at EPHS
We are scheduled to have the SATs on Saturday morning (March 9th). The classrooms being used will be:
310
330
331
332
The Townie Pulse — School Newspaper
The Townie Newspaper has arrived! Our writers have been hard at work, so please check out this link to read the mid-year launch of the Townie Pulse.
https://sites.google.com/epschoolsri.com/townienewspaper?usp=sharing
March EPSD Staff Memo
EPHS Staff Shoutouts in the March 2024 Staff Memo
Amanda Kassabian-Amanda consistently treats staff, students, and parents with respect and is a team player. She is willing to lend a hand and help others when needed, goes above and beyond her job duties, and has been an asset to the high school team as a new staff member this year! Thanks for all you do!
Beth Studley- She is absolutely amazing with the kids from EPHS that she works with. They love her too!
Nominate Someone for a Shoutout!
This nomination process is a way to recognize excellence in our schools. There are staff members going above and beyond in a multitude of ways to
- make student centered decisions,
- form trust and rapport with students,
- create and maintain school cultures of respect and collaboration,
- foster connections with families,
- lead with innovation in and outside of the classroom walls
Nominate a colleague today.
EPHS Musical April 4th, 5th, and 6th
Selecting WIN's
Just a reminder... Students will be selecting WIN's on Friday for the following dates:
March 13 March 15 March 20 March 22 WIN 1 WIN 1 WIN 1 WIN 1 WIN 2 WIN 2 WIN 2 ADVISORY
Make sure Enriching Students are updated.
*** NEASC will be walking around during WIN 1 on March 13th. We do need to have some "Extra Help and/or Quiet Study" but if you have a WIN that you are proud of, make sure you do it during WIN 1 on March 13th and Shane me know****
ART CLUB!
Check out the flyer below about the upcoming meeting dates for Art Club!!!
Internal Posting - Class of 2026 Advisor
We have an opening for Advisor for the Class of 2026. If interested, please complete an application and submit to Kim Ramsey by Wednesday, March 13th. Please reach out with any questions.
Detention
Students assigned detention for conduct infractions will be given 24 hour notice in order to make plans for transportation. Any detention assigned required a phone call home to inform families of the infraction and date of detention. An email can be sent to families in addition to the phone call if the staff chooses to do so, however, the phone call is a must.
Rotary Scholarship
Greetings Seniors!
Attached you will find copies of the 2024 Rotary Scholarship. Once is for CTC students and the other is for any Senior at the high school. Please return your completed application to your counselor by Thursday, March 28th.
Safety First - Student Driving and Parking at EPHS
At dismissal there have bee are students who are speeding through the lot when they are leaving. If any staff witnesses a student speeding through the lot the student parking pass may be suspended or revoked and the parking pass will be given to a student on the waiting list. Random checks are still being done so if you are parking in the lot without a pass you run the risk of being towed at your expense. Those who do not have a pass should be using the lot at Agawam. If you have questions feel free to reach out to the Deans and they will answer them for you.
January Students of the Month
Driver's Education
There will be a May driver education class at EPHS. This will be the last class for this school year. Class is scheduled to begin May 2. Mrs. Dionne will run this class in Room 312 from 2 p.m-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students must be at least 15 years and 10 months old by the class start date to be eligible to register for the class. Eligible students can pick up a registration assistance sheet in the guidance office. To register for the class, go to the CCRI website.
After School Programs
The East Providence Boys and Girls Club spring programs are starting the next two weeks. Please reach out to Damian Ramos at dramos@epbgc.org if you have any questions .
MLL Update 3-4-24
FREE pre-participation physicals at Ortho Rhode Island for student-athletes.
Ortho RI - the official Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Partner of the RIIL - are offering FREE pre-participation physicals for RIIL student-athletes who need them ahead of the winter sports season. The exams will be held on Wednesday, March 13th, from 5:00pm-7:30pm at 300 Crossings Blvd. in Warwick. Interested student-athletes should call (401) 777-7000 x1135 to schedule an appointment. The attached flyer provides more information. Also learn more here: https://www.orthopedicsri.com/news-items/spring-2024-pre-participation-exam/
Empty Bowls Flyer
PTSA Fundraiser - Miller's Roast Beef March 25th!!!
Support the PTSA at the Miller's Roast Beef Fundraiser on March 25th!!!!
Study Hall
Study Hall will remain in the cafeteria, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm. Study Hall is open for anyone. It is available for academic assistance or just extra study time. Students are welcome to sign up in advance or just drop in. If a student is being referred for extra help we ask that, if possible, please contact dramos@epbgc.org in advance so that we can pair them with appropriate help before they arrive. The Study Hall flyer is below and if you have any questions please let Damian know.
Emergency Drills Review
Lockdown Drill-everyone lockdowns in their space and barricades the door
*Remember:
*Teachers in grades 6-12- students can assist in barricading the door
Evacuation Drill-evacuation to rally point
Fire Drill-continue as usual
Shelter in Place Drill - The purpose of a shelter in place is to limit traffic and travel in hallways and around the building. When a shelter in place is called, keep the following things in mind:
*No students or staff in hallways
*Business as usual within your classrooms, keep the teaching and learning going
*Close all classroom doors
*We do not let anyone in the building
*Administration will inform you when shelter in place is over
Spring Sports Registration
Registration for Spring Sports is open. Spring sports officially start on Monday, March 18th. Anyone planning to play/try out for a spring team must register and upload a current physical. All physicals are good for 365 days. If your physical expires during the spring season you will need to update it. Please use this link to register: Spring Sports Registration. Any student that has not played a sport at East Providence HS also needs to turn in a completed/notarized Assumption of Risk form. If you have questions please reach out to Mr. Butler
Emergency Calls
If you make an emergency call it is important to follow the steps below:
When a teacher or staff calls the nurse's office requesting a nurse to respond to the classroom or other parts of the building we need to know the following from the caller"
1. The name of the student
2. What the emergency is
3. If we need a wheelchair
Thank you!
Concerns from the Facilities Team - Action Needed
The vacation week gave the facility team a good opportunity to go through EPHS and do a lot of stuff they usually can't do while class is in session. Here are the reminders/concerns to the general staff throughout the school
Please do not tape anything to painted walls. Paper hanging from the wall represents a fire hazard. Also, when tape is removed from the walls it takes the paint, and occasionally the drywall face paper, with it. Both these issues require repair. Please use the tack board above the dry erase boards found in each classroom for posting papers, notes, etc.
Please do not tape, hang or otherwise fasten anything to any wooden doors. Doing so renders the fire protective qualities designed into the door moot. Please hang papers, art, reminders, etc other glass side next to the door. Glass is not included in these particular fire codes that prohibit anything from hanging on a wooden door.
Extension cords and surge protectors are becoming prevalent. These items, unless the correct type and approved represent a fire hazard as well. Also, often the placement creates trip and fall hazards which need to be to avoided.
Furniture placement - The facilities team is finding chairs and tables in random places where they were not intended to go. If one needs a piece of furniture in their classroom or office space, ask your Department Chair to place in a work order request. The facilities team will review each request. All the furniture in the high school was designed to go into locations where it was originally placed. If changes are required or requested, please ask your Department Chair to place in a work order request.
Toaster ovens and any appliance with an open or accessible heating element must be removed from the building. For classrooms with sinks, please have your students treat that sink with the respect, love and care that it deserves.
Doctor's Notes
Please forward any doctor's notes to the main office or guidance. They will get them to our Nurses and update as needed. Based on HIPPA concerns we are not permitted to provide details of medical concerns outside of meetings and communications around IHP's, 504's, IEP's., etc. As always please reach out to Admin with any concerns.
Faculty Spotlight
East Providence Central Little League Baseball and Softball
ALICE Assemblies
We will have ALICE Presentations for students district wide. The assemblies for the students are listed below. Please save the date.
March 8th (Seniors). Whole group during WIN 1
March 15th (Sophomores) WIN 1 and WIN 2
March 20th (Juniors). WIN 1 and WIN 2
February 28th (9th grade)
WIN 1 (advisories) - Heatherton, Bellamy, J. Braga, D'Amore, Fontana, Carreiro, Sharma, Maini, Medina, Roche, Kassabian, Moretti, Cunha
WIN 2 (advisories) - Cherau, Andrade, Polanco, Voccio, D. Nelson, R. Mello, Ouellette, Bagian, Tarr, Sanders, Cleary, Turbitt, Richardson
March 8:
WIN 1 - All 12th grade advisories
March 15th:
WIN 1 - 10th Grade (Advisories TBD)
WIN 2 - 10th Grade (Advisories TBD)
March 20th:
WIN 1 - 11th Grade (Advisories TBD)
WIN 2 - 11th Grade (Advisories TBD)
Prom Season
It is almost prom season and we want to make sure all EPHS students are looking fabulous! So, we are continuing the prom dress giveaway tradition. We are looking for donations of new or gently used prom gowns, shoes or suits. If you happen to have any please email Jessica D’Orsi or Kaitlyn Potts or bring them by room 472. Thank you so much for your support!
Final Exams
SAVE THE DATE
Final Exams are the week of June 10th for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors.
Room 156
We want to make sure all students and staff that need to speak with someone in 156 first check in with Mrs. Alves so she can make sure they are available. We believe this will help everyone in that office and also keep personal information/conversations private. Reach out with any questions.
WIN Walkthrough Tool
We will be walking around today and the next couple of weeks using the walkthrough tool during WIN. You will see Bob, Jill, Shane Bill, and Department Chairs walking through your WIN Blocks for 5 - 10 minutes. This data will be very helpful in the NEASC process as well as improving WIN. A copy of the tool is below
https://forms.gle/6LQzgYd1cyfJxvJ26
Please reach out to Admin or Department Chair with any questions.
WIN WALL NEASC Visit
We will be creating a WIN wall for our NEASC visit to showcase all of our WINs. If you have any great pictures, artifacts, or projects, please upload them to this folder or bring them to the library. If you could add a description of what the WIN enrichment was, that would be great. The visiting team will want to see highlights of our WIN block because it is a priority area. While they will be walking through, we thought it would be great to highlight WINs they also won't have the opportunity to see. Here is the NEASC Smore from the beginning of the year, highlighting the priority areas and giving an overview of the visit.
We are looking to build a team within EPHS that meets monthly, most likely after school. We are looking for cross representation from all of our professionals within EPHS. If you are interested, please complete this form by February 16th
Important Message from Nurse's Office
Dear EPHS,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of a new policy that has been implemented in the nurse's office regarding the distribution of over-the-counter medications and our office procedures. We will not be providing over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Tums after 1:15 pm. Administering these medications too close to the end of the school day presents challenges in assessing a student's pain response and monitoring for potential negative reactions.
To facilitate this transition, the nurse's office will remain open at the end of the day from 1:20 pm to 1:45 pm specifically for emergencies and students with chronic illnesses. This includes conditions such as diabetes, sickle cell, asthma, and seizure disorders. Students with these diagnoses have critical alerts in Skyward. Please do not send students to the nurse’s office for the bathroom unless there’s documentation indicating they need to use our bathroom.
If you are considering sending a student down to the nurse's office during this time frame, we kindly request that you call us beforehand. . Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy update, please do not hesitate to reach out to us
Best regards,
Kate and Courtney
Student Parking
Students without a parking pass will be able to park their car at the Harry Mutter Complex (Agawam Parking Lot) on Pawtucket Avenue and then take a school bus to EPHS. The bus will leave Agawam at 7:10am, so please be there by 7:00am if you want to take this option. Reach out to Admin with any questions.
Parking
Parking is becoming a huge concern at EPHS. All teachers and staff must park in the Teacher Parking Lot. We do not have enough student spots when teachers and staff park in the student lot. Sometimes this can be an inconvenience, but as we all know life can be difficult at times, however fighting through adversity makes us stronger. Please let Admin know if you have any concerns or issues following this directive. There will be a message to students about adhering to parking rules as well.
This is a friendly reminder that all faculty and staff must park in the faculty and staff parking lot. Thank you to those who are parking in the faculty lot, we appreciate you!
However, we have a number of student lot spaces being occupied by staff which is causing a backlog of spaces for student parking. If you are in that boat, I understand it may be inconvenient, however, please do the right thing.
Concerns
We cannot stress enough the importance of not sending an email regarding serious concerns to either a Dean, School Counselor, Social Worker, or Administrator.
If you have any concerns regarding a student's comments around hurting him/herself or possibly taking drugs or alcohol - call the main office immediately and ask for someone to come to your classroom. This could be Dean, School Counselor, Social Worker, Student Assistance Counselor, or Administrator.
There are a number of OUR KIDS that witness anger, resentment, stress, abuse, arguments, etc. and are not sure how to handle it themselves.
Often they will speak about hurting themselves or resorting to drugs/alcohol as a means of "coping".
** Keep in mind, you do not have the responsibility to figure out why as student may be expressing themselves the way they do or to solve their problems.
We are all here to provide a safe environment so that our students know a comfortable space.
Report these concerns to a Social Worker, Dean, Counselor or Administrator as soon as possible so that we are able to connect the student to the appropriate professional.
Contact Admin with any questions.
Discipline Protocols
Students Out of the Classroom
Please do not send more than one student out of the classroom at a time. If a student needs to go to the main office, nurse, etc. sometimes they ask to go with a friend. Unless they have a medical reason such as an escort to help a student carry their backpack or something similar, then do not give them access to leave together. Groups of students are showing up to spaces and it is not necessary, please only send one student out at time.
School store website is updated!
https://sites.google.com/epschoolsri.com/townies-school-store/home
New items are in the store including sweatpants, crew necks, hats and 1/4 zips :)
The store will be open 10:20-12:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday staffed by the Life Skills program and peer partners.
Prom Information
Prom Assemblies were held with all Juniors and Seniors last week at EPHS. The Deans and Admin reviewed all expectations for Prom. We do not want any surprises. Social Probation is in full effect and the slides and forms go over all of the expectations. Please reach out with any questions to the Deans and Admin.
3rd Quarter Lunch Schedule and Duties
Kindergarten Registration
It is that time of year again. Below is the kindergarten registration flyer.
EPHS Program of Studies 2024-25
TODAY- March 8th - SURVEYWORKS!!
Update RED Binders
Please make sure you have 5 updated copies of your rosters in the Red Binders for each class. Recently, attendance has been inaccurate when teachers are out due to outdated rosters.
Summer School Requirement
Admission to Summer School for students requires a grade of 50-64. Last year we followed the 50/50 rule, and it continues to be in full effect for the Summer of 2024.
Office of Teaching and Learning
Staff Access
The Office of Teaching and Learning has launched a new Teaching and Learning google site for STAFF to serve as a central location for all curriculum support and guidance documents.
Family Access
The Office of Teaching and Learning has a public site for Family Access:
Updated Student Attendance Policy
The student attendance policy was updated and approved by the East Providence School Committee at their meeting on November 14th.
Never Let Anyone into the School
If anyone asks you to let them in at any point during the day, say No. Redirect them to the front of the school and main entrance. This is the reason we a vestibule and double entry at the front of the building.
If athletes are asking to come into the main office, please redirect them to the Northside (Athletics) side of the building to meet up with their coach and team, not the main entrance.
Each morning all students must pass through the front of the building unless an administrator lets them in.
A point of emphasis is the North Lot. Never let students in on the North Side in the morning who ask. Please say No and redirect them to the front of the school. Reach out to admin with any questions.
EPHS Google Drive
Jill Usenia has create a Google Drive as a collection of forms, items, etc that people are looking for, This is working Drive that will be populated through the year as a helpful resource for us to use. If you have any suggestions or questions about the Drive, please reach out to Jill
ALL VISITORS
All visitors must be escorted by a staff member at all times. Visitors will sign in at the first vestibule and wait until escorted by a staff member to the location.
EPHS Faculty and Staff
March Secondary Breakfast and Lunch
This Week in Townie Nation
Friday, March 8th, 2024 - WHITE DAY 5, WIN, 6, 7
HS Math Steering Committee Meeting at 8:00am
NEASC Meeting at 8:50am
ALICE Senior Presentation at 8:55am
EPHS Boys Varsity Basketball Playoff Game (HOME) v. Johnston HS at EPHS at 6:00pm
Saturday, March 9th, 2024
SAT Administration at EPHS
Sunday, March 10th, 2024 - NEASC VISIT!
CHEER - RIIL State Competition Championship at PCTA at 2:00pm
Daylight Savings Time Starts!
Monday, March 11th, 2024 - ALL DAY (6) 6, 7, 1, 2, 3 (LUNCH), 4, 5
NEASC Visit
After-School Credit Recovery at 2:00pm-3:30pm
EPHS Boys Basketball State Playoff Game v. Classical at Rhode Island College at 6:00pm
Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 - RED DAY 3, 4, 1, 2
NEASC Visit
Counseling Department Meeting at 9:00am
After School Credit Recovery at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Admin Meeting at 2:15pm
EP School Committee Meeting at 6:00pm
Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 - WHITE DAY 5, WIN, 6, 7
NEASC Visit
Dean Meeting at 8am
Algebra One Meeting at 9:00am
Faculty Meeting at 2:00pm
NO AFTER SCHOOL CREDIT RECOVERY
EPHS Varsity Unified Basketball (HOME) v. Mount Pleasant HS at 4:00pm
Thursday, March 14th, 2024 - RED DAY 3, 4, 1, 2
Vaccinate Before you Graduate
Math Carnival
Scheduling Meeting at 12:35pm
After School Credit Recovery at 2:00pm-3:30pm
Friday, March 15th, 2024 - WHITE DAY 5, WIN, 6, 7
Field Trip - Sutton HS
ALICE Presentation 10th Grade
Algebra 2 CPT at 9:00am
Taylor Swift Era Tour Movie at 6:00pm
EPPD Hockey at Thayer Arena at 7:30pm
Saturday, March 16th, 2024
Sunday, March 17th, 2024 - Happy Saint Patricks Day!