Back to the Books, Newport!

School is officially back in session in Newport Public Schools, and on Thursday, many local youngsters were all smiles as they enjoyed the first day back with their friends.

"I like the first day of school; it's my favorite," beamed 9-year-old Kyra Gallagher, a 4th grader at Cranston-Calvert School. "Less working, more talking."

Gallagher and her peers could be found Thursday afternoon going over a reading assignment in their class, taught by Kathleen Bradley. Nine-year-old Alex Dizon had a few sweat beads on his forehead thanks to the day's 90-degree temperatures, but said the first day wasn't so bad otherwise.

"The first day's always exciting with a new batch of kids," Bradley noted. "So far, it's going really smoothly, considering the intense heat."

The new year brings several changes at Newport schools. At Rogers High, a group of students are taking part in the new Virtual High School program, which allows them to receive online instruction in subjects not already offered. Over at Thompson Middle, students are adjusting to a complete redesign of the school's truancy, tardiness, and behavioral policies. Students are also now clustered into groups based on test scores and teacher recommendations. Superintendent John Ambrogi explained that the homogeneous grouping will help students get more targeted instruction.

The school district is testing two pilot math programs at the elementary schools this year. And at Sullivan School, students are taking part in the district's pilot Universal Breakfast program, which is aimed at ensuring that all students eat breakfast before starting their day.

"Anybody can walk in line to get it now," explained Sullivan Principal Maria Mare Schulz.

Schulz noted that like at Cranston-Calvert, her students seemed "very enthusiastic" on day one.

"We've got 290 kids this year, 20 more than last year," she said on her way to aid in bus dismissal. "It's going great."

Of course, a big topic of discussion throughout the fall will be the $30 million bond referendum for the proposed Claiborne D. Pell Elementary.

On Thursday at Cranston-Calvert, a teacher called out for Principal Jennifer Booth in the hallway after her classroom door handle fell off in her hand.

"I told you to stop locking them in there," Booth said, jokingly.

The principal noted the bond referendum talks in the coming months will certainly be important ones to have, as the community decides whether to build a new elementary school or work toward repairing its current facilities.

"Because things like door handles falling off do happen," she said.