February Accolades

The Rhode Island Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association has named Classical High School the School of the Year and Michaela Keegan, principal of the Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex, Administrator of the Year for their support of school athletics. They will be honored at a banquet on April 2.

Juanita Sanchez Develops Parent and Community Engagement Initiative

Piedade Lemos (center) is chairing JSEC’s Parent Engagement Initiative. She is assisted by Parent Executive Team members, including Treasurer Paulina Estevez-Tesorera (left) and Vice President Karina Rosa (right). Behind her are junior student ambassadors from the Foreign Language Honor Society, Jose Coste, Perla Castillo, Kendal Hall and Aurelina Pena.

Creating change does not necessarily require broad heroic acts. Often, it’s the small steps taken by many individuals that can bring about a transformation.

Domenic Giarrusso ’41 Receives Central High School Diploma Nearly 75 Years Later

World War II veteran left high school to answer his country’s call of duty

Supt. Dr. Susan Lusi assists Domenic Giarrusso with his mortarboard as Central Principal Julia Carlson holds his high school diploma.

In a ceremony filled with pomp, accolades, broad smiles and a few tears, Domenic Giarrusso was awarded the high school diploma he sacrificed nearly 75 years ago for a cause far greater than himself.

Bishop Wins Providence Middle School Basketball Championships

In games played at the PCTA Field House, Nathan Bishop won the Providence Middle School Basketball Championship for both the boys and girls teams.

The boys team is coached by Galo “Ruben” Reyes and the girls team is coached by Richard Belisle and Rebecca Janeshefskie. Esek Hopkins was the boys runner-up and Nathanael Greene was the girls runner-up.

Great job to all our middle school teams!

Operation Care Package Supports College Students

Julian Santiago (left) and Anthony Townsend, both alumni of Alvarez High School, are thrilled to receive a care package through the 300 Men organization.

For those who are attending college, the arrival of a care package filled with supplies and favorite foods is a special gift to be savored and shared. But a care package means much more than its contents; it shows that someone is thinking about you, supporting you, and cares enough to brighten your day.

Night of the Living Guitars Features PPSD Students

The Providence Youth Guitar Ensemble, along with Feinstein/Sackett Street students in grades 3-5, performed at the 11^th Annual Night of the Living Guitars concert at the Wheeler School in Providence on January 30.

Sackett Street Chorus Performs in Tribute to Martin Luther King

Members of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and state officials, including Senator Jack Reed, Representative James Langevin, Representative David Cicilline and Governor Gina Raimondo were in the audience as the Lillian Feinstein Elementary School at Sackett Street Chorus performed at the church’s 28^th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his official holiday, January 19.

The students performed “Free at Last” and “Yonder Come Day.”

Bishop Robotics Team Takes First Place in LEGO Competition

The Nathan Bishop/Mt. Hope Learning Center robotics team are, from left: Coach Bob Bozikowski, Duke Bozikowski, Nick Rose, Messiah Lafortune, Ian Dyer and Jeremy Satlow (not pictured).

Things don’t always go according to plan, as the Nathan Bishop/Mt. Hope Learning Center Robotics Team learned in the First Lego League Robot Invitational held on January 24 at Bryant University. When that happens, quick thinking and perseverance can save the day.

Lowe’s Awards Bailey $5,000 Toolbox Education Grant

The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant to Robert L. Bailey Elementary School for renovation of their existing gardens and the school’s science program/construction of a new raised bed garden.

Hopkins Receives $20,000 From Feinstein Foundation

Esek Hopkins Middle School has received a $20,000 donation from the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation for the school’s community service efforts. Funds will be used for field trips for students, iPads for every teacher, interior painting, and to support the PTO, school events, a Teacher Appreciation event and rewards/incentives for student achievement in academics and attendance.