Shaw's Continues School Donation Program, Removes Limit On Funds For WHS

Even with all of the end of the year celebrations going on last week, I found out about a special community business partner that is raising funds to support Woonsocket High School.  Please read through the article because this group is willing to continue their fundraising for Woonsocket High School into the summer. 

Woonsocket High School Graduation, and Awards Ceremonies

These events were spectacular.  The was held at Wright's Farm as has been tradition for a very long time.  For the first time the Woonsocket High School Awards Ceremony was held in the evening instead of during the afternoon at the Woonsocket High School Auditorium.  This was done to provide parents with the opportunity to see their children get their awards and scholarships.                                      

The for the class of 2011 was perfect.  Although Mother Nature threw us a little curve with the downpours in the morning, the High School Gymnasium was comfortable for graduation and not too hot and humid as it has been in the past.   The Auditorium was also opened so that the overflow of guest could see a live video of the ceremony in there. 

I am amazed every year at the number of students that we, as educators, get to know.  Over the years and during the time that they spend with us, we get to see them mature into great young adults with great promise for our future.  The high school graduation is the pinnacle ceremony, not only for the students but also for the educators to reap the rewards of public education.

Shaw's Supermarket, Pepsi, and Frito Lay Donate to Woonsocket High School

A couple of weeks ago I was informed that I would be attending a donation ceremony at the on Diamond Hill Road.  On Thursday I went to Shaw's and received a donation of $750 for use by Woonsocket High School. 

I met the representatives from Shaw's and Pepsi/Frito Lay and they explained that Shaw's has been working with Pepsi and Frito Lay to raise money for local organizations. The program was called "Working Together For Our Community."   The Management of Shaw's choose Woonsocket High School

Between March 25, 2011 and May 19, 2011, 1% of Frito and Pepsi purchases were donated, up to maximum value of $750.  They had a banner and numerous signs throughout the store explaining the program to customers.  The participation was overwhelming allowing the store to give the maximum donation. 

As a result of the overwhelming response of customers; Shaw's Supermarket, Pepsi and Frito Lay have decided to run the program again. 

Phase II will run from June 17, 2011 to August 4, 2011 and the donation will equal ten cents per unit for each qualifying product purchase.  This time there is NO LIMIT to what the participating organization can earn.  There will be signs and banners throughout the store again explaining the program.

The Woonsocket Education Department is extremely grateful to these community/business partners that appreciate the importance of public education and help support our efforts.  I would also like to thank Rob Ceprano, Assistant Store Director for being the liaison between Shaw's and the Woonsocket Education Department. 

Globe Park Boundless Playground

On Saturday, June 18, 2011 the opening ceremony/ribbon cutting for the Boundless Playground was held at 11:00.  This event as well as the total project was run perfectly by the Globe Park Playground Committee Chairperson, Jessica Frechette.  The media was there and the speeches were culminated with the official cutting of the ribbons with a large pair of card board scissors.  As soon as the ribbon was cut everyone went in and had fun trying out the different activities on the playground.  It was a very heartwarming moment for all of us.

Sincerely,

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

Superintendent of Schools                             

Woonsocket Education Department  

"A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward it's achievement.

Bo Bennett

"A successful individual typically sets his next goal somewhat but not too much above his last achievement.  In this way he steadily raises his level of aspiration."

Kurt Lewin