🌱 Patch AM: How Woonsocket’s new school year rules could change your child’s day

Good morning Woonsocket! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How Woonsocket's new school year rules could change your child's day
• Why Woonsocket's next sewer bill could be higher than you expect
• How Woonsocket ended up in Rhode Island's license-plate camera network

Also on today's calendar: RWU Law Providence Law School Fair and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 82 and low of 68 degrees.
• Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, temps: high: 81, low: 58.
• Saturday: Clouds and sun; less humid, with a high of 80 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Thousands of students head back to classroom for first day of school (wpri.com) — Woonsocket families should know that grades 1–9 and half of kindergarten returned to class Tuesday, with the rest following Wednesday, under stricter cell phone limits using Yondr pouches in grades 6–12. The district is also building a new pre-K–4 elementary school slated for 2027–28 and planning middle school reconfiguration, while Providence schools launch a new locally controlled year.
   

• Woonsocket May Face 'Meaningful' FY26 Deficit, Councilor (upriseri.com) — Woonsocket officials warn the city may face a "meaningful" deficit in fiscal 2026 that could spill into 2027, and sewer bills are expected to rise after more than a decade without increases. The finance director is prioritizing sending those bills and confirming whether a deficit exists before finishing long-overdue audits, even as the city grapples with nearly $900,000 spent on outside accounting help.
   

• Pawtucket Officer Who Fought Flock Cameras Resigned (upriseri.com) — Rhode Island's governor has paused new State Police license-plate cameras while a privacy review unfolds, after a Pawtucket officer who criticized Flock cameras resigned under disciplinary pressure. Woonsocket previously joined a regional Flock pilot with Pawtucket and Cranston, meaning local drivers are already part of a growing data-sharing network whose rules are still being written.
   

📸 Around Woonsocket

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Woonsocket

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday September 18
• RWU Law Providence Law School Fair →
  Providence Marriott Downtown, 1 Orms St, Providence
  12:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday August 29
• Post 85 Live Entertainment with Wicked West →
  870 River St, Woonsocket
  7:00 pm
Saturday September 5
• September 2026 Show — Rhode Island Militaria Show →
  Woonsocket Elks Lodge #850, 380 Social St, Woonsocket
  9:00 am
• Woonsocket Historical Society Open House →
  Woonsocket Historical, 42 S Main St, Woonsocket
  12:00 pm
Thursday September 24
• Stadium Theatre Beer Fest →
  Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket
  6:00 pm

📣 Woonsocket Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday August 27
• All Students Report to School
  Glocester Chepachet, RI 02814
  7:30 am
• ESOL Class (BVCAP) →
  Cumberland, RI Calendar, The Amaral Building 16 Mill Street, Cumberland
  6:00 pm
• Lincoln Housing Authority →
  Lincoln, RI Calendar Lincoln, RI 02865
  6:30 pm
• North Smithfield Planning Board Meeting →
  North Smithfield, RI Calendar, 83 Greene Street, North Smithfield
  7:00 pm
• Comedy Night →
  Napolitano's Lounge & Brooklyn Pizzeria, 375 Putnam Pike, Smithfield
  8:30 pm
Saturday August 29
• NorthStar Special Olympics Team (SHS Track)
  Smithfield Senior High School Smithfield, RI 02917
  7:30 am
Sunday August 30
• Assembly of Food Trucks 2026 →
  The Assembly Theatre, East Ave, Harrisville
  4:30 pm
Monday August 31
• HMIS/CES Office Hours
  Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81075354141?pwd=nkJ0zFv7mN6iiTVAbWt2tfya
  1:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Good afternoon everyone I'm just coming on to ask if anybody would like to adopt a seven month old cat he's black fluffy.
  My granddaughter has to get rid of him because she moved in a new apartment in Pawtucket and the Landlord did not want him. She has all bedding and… (Nextdoor Woonsocket)

• Dan's Management Co. - D/B/A Dunkin' posted a job opening for Assistant Restaurant Manager in Woonsocket. Apply here.
• Fairstead posted a job opening for Leasing Consultant in Woonsocket. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Woonsocket here.

🗞 Nearby News

North Smithfield

• North Smithfield High Adds EMT Class Under Federal Grant (upriseri.com)

Cumberland

• MORTGAGEE'S SALE 157 Old Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 The (woonsocketcall.com)
• Operator extricated after 18-wheel dump truck overturns in Cumberland (coastalabc.com)
• Tiffany & Co. Renews its Role as US Open's Official Trophy Crafter, and Other News. (surfacemag.com)

Lincoln

• Pawtucket Man Charged With Reckless Driving: Cops (patch.com)

Ok Woonsocket! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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