Principally Speaking…

     It’s hard to believe that the 2008-09 school year is already nearing completion. It has been a very successful year for all of our students and a rewarding one for the staff and parents, as we have seen our children grow another year older. We wish our 5th grade students much success as they enter Feinstein Middle School.

     As the year draws to a close, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who volunteered at our school. Without all of your help, many of the fine events and special programs would not have happened. A heartfelt thanks to our PTA officers and members, for all of their support and hard work during the year.

     Examples of some of the exciting accomplishments during this past school year include a donation of 20 computers for our school library and 2 computers donated by Dell, which allowed us to devise another computer lab and wireless hub in our library/media room. We continue to utilize technology at all grade levels, including i clickers, video streaming, whole class projection using tablets, Smart Boards, document cameras, laptops, and Alpha Smarts. Due to our collaboration with Rhode Island College, in the area of science, we now have equipment from RINET to allow us to videoconference. It has been a wonderful learning opportunity for all of us.

     Washington Oak School also continues to lead the way in Service Learning at the elementary level. This year students in grades K through 5 participated in Service Learning projects through grants. Projects included: recycling & reusing, special needs students working to make a garden, Social Thinking: Everyone Needs for students receiving special services, our Dance, Dance Revolution challenge for Jump Rope for Heart, and our Pennies for Peace campaign. A special celebration occurred at the High School to honor all of our students for the most deserved success! Additionally, we received two legislative grants, Feinstein grants, and our school won $1000 from Dr. Gordon’s Reading Challenge last summer.

     Our school building continues to be beautified by student artwork. Our new Believe, Achieve, and Succeed colorful tiles created by our students depict our commitment to the Positive Behavioral Intervention Support efforts and our Partnership with the RIC Sherlock Center focusing on TEACH (Tolerance, Enthusiasm. Achievement, Citizenship, and Hardwork).

     Our final day will be Tuesday, June 23rd for students in grades 1 through 5. Bus students will be released at 2:30 and walkers at 2:25. The last day for Kindergarten and Preschool students is Monday, June 22nd. Included in your child’s report card envelope will be a supply list for their upcoming grade, as well as recommended summer reading material. We ask that you encourage your child to keep reading this summer and to record their books on the log. The school who reads the most books this summer will receive a $1000 reward for their library from Dr. Gordon, our school dentist. So keep on reading, everyone! We want to win again this year!

     Please note that next year’s classroom teacher will not be noted on your child’s report card. Class lists will be posted on the front doors of our school Tuesday, August 25th. Our Kinder orientation for a.m. and p.m. will also be on this day. Once we are able to determine sessions, a postcard will be mailed home. Grade 1 students will be receiving a letter in the mail this summer with their name tags and a letter describing opening day procedures. Lost library books and classroom texts must be returned or paid for prior to the last day of school.

     Lastly, a yellow dental card which needs to be completed by your child’s dentist will be sent home with all students. Return the card to Mrs. Hennessy during the first few months of school. The Health Department governs dental health screenings and states that only those students who provide written documentation by private dentists/dental hygienists may be exempt from our dental health screening which will take place in January 2010.

     Have a happy and fun-filled summer!

Putting Children First,

Your Principal,


Dr. Donna Raptakis