End Of Year Events In Woonsocket Education

As the school year draws to a close, there are many important education events going on around the city. 

Last Saturday, I was pleased to be part of the Boundless Community Build at Globe Park Elementary School.  Next Saturday we have the Boundless Playground Opening Ceremony / Ribbon Cutting Day.  Also next week we have the Woonsocket High School/WACTC Awards ceremonies and graduation.  In the final week of school we will have the Woonsocket Middle School Eighth Grade Graduations.

Globe Park Boundless PlayGround

I was honored to be a member of the community who helped at the Globe Park Boundless Playground Community Build Day on last Saturday June 11, 2011.  By 7 a.m., over 75 volunteers had already signed in and began building the structures for the playground.  There were parents, teachers, administrators, custodians, members of the Woonsocket Police and Fire Departments, business volunteers (from the Gap Inc.,) spouses and friends from all of these groups, and of course the staff from O'Brien and Sons, who were the general contractors on this project.  While it rained much of the day, everyone was devoted to finishing this project and by the end of the day all of the structures were build and cemented in place.

I can't tell you how many times individuals stated to me how honored they were to be part of this project for such a great cause.  Jessica Frechette  is the teacher leader who chaired the playground committee and did an inordinate amount of the work that made this project become a reality.  She explained to reporters and anyone who would listen as to the importance of a boundless playground.  This playground will provide children with disabilities the opportunity to be integrated in play and therapy with all students. While the playground is located at the school, it is a community playground for all to use.  Jessica was elated knowing how much this was going to help the students that she teaches every day. 

Jessica should also be commended for the scope of work that was accomplished.  The original idea was to use America Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funds to build something that would last the community for many years to come.  However, Jessica's devotion to this project helped to gain an additional 30% of the cost of this project through donations of money, products, and services from local businesses and individuals.

This week the contractors have several finishing steps to complete this project but on Saturday, June 18, 2011 the opening ceremony/ribbon cutting for the Boundless Playground will be held in at 11 a.m.  I would once again welcome everyone to attend.  There will be guest speakers from the city and school departments and it will be the official opening of this incredible resource. 

Woonsocket High School/WACTC

On Tuesday June 14, 2011 the WACTC Senior awards night will be held at Wrights Farm from 6 to 8 p.m.  This is an annual tradition for the WACTC.  On Wednesday June 15, 2011 the Woonsocket High School Senior Awards Ceremony will be held at the Woonsocket High School Library from 5:45 to 7 p.m., and the ultimate celebration of academic success in Woonsocket will culminate at the Woonsocket High School/WACTC Graduation on Friday June 17, 2011 from 4 to 6 p.m.  As always, in good weather it will be held at and in inclement weather it will be held at the Woonsocket High School Gymnasium.

Woonsocket Middle School Graduations

In the final week of school we will be holding multiple graduations for the eighth grade classes at Woonsocket Middle Schools.  While it has been tradition to have one large ceremony for all of the students together, it was hoped that we could have more personal graduation ceremonies by team or grade cluster.  These events will take place at the Woonsocket Middle Schools on June 21, 2011 and June 22, 2011.  Information has been sent out to parents and guardians to help organize this change in procedure.

My Farewell

Finally, in the last week of June, I will be ending my work in Woonsocket.  I hope to have a couple of more Education Spotlight Articles because there are so many positive things happening in the Woonsocket School Community that I never tire of writing about them.  However, as the year winds down, so will my column.

I would like to graciously thank all of the members of this community who have supported me during my three years in Woonsocket.   Even in these challenging times, I have made good friends who I hope to stay in touch with after my departure.  I am optimistic that the economy will turn around and we are in for better days in Education.  I wish the Woonsocket School Community well.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Gerardi, Jr., Ph.D.                         

Superintendent of Schools                             

Woonsocket Education Department  

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.  And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

(An  Irish Blessing)