Annual Report
As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many milestones, memories, and moments of growth we’ve experienced together. At the heart of our work this year were two guiding goals: that every student who steps foot into West Kingston feels welcome, safe, and that they belong, and that we function as a true professional learning community—one that supports one another in service of our students. From academic achievements to community celebrations, this year has been a shining example of what’s possible when we work together to create a school where both children and adults feel seen, supported, and valued.
We began the year with our traditional Popsicles on the Playground event, bringing students, families, and staff together in August to reconnect and launch the year on a joyful note. In September, we honored our local first responders through High Five for Heroes, where students showed their gratitude—especially for fan favorite Officer Leo the dog! In October, staff members competed in our first-ever Great Inflatables Race as part of our Hawk-a-thon kickoff, and a big congratulations goes to Mrs. Short for taking home the trophy. The Hawk-a-thon itself broke records for laps run and funds raised and principals slimed, much to the delight of our students. Halloween brought a Minion Takeover, with teachers showing their school spirit in full costume as part of our October R.I.S.E. assembly.
During the winter months, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students attended URI’s Education Day and cheered on the women’s basketball team. We celebrated the grand opening of our new playground—with 5th graders proudly taking the first official play. Throughout the season, our talented students filled the halls with music during our chorus, band, orchestra, and recorder concerts.
In the spring, we hosted our Multicultural Night—a vibrant, well-attended celebration of the cultures and identities that make up the heart of West Kingston. Families shared traditional foods, clothing, music, and customs, making it one of the most meaningful community events of the year. We also celebrated with our annual Nigh of the Arts which highlighted not only our musical artists but our visual artists as well. Students and families enjoyed an exceptional evening celebrating the talents of our students.
Academically, we launched the Eureka Math² curriculum, which encouraged deeper mathematical thinking and problem-solving. Across grade levels, teachers focused on strengthening writing instruction, helping students build confidence and clarity in their communication skills. Additionally, our entire staff began training in Conscious Discipline, a trauma-informed, relationship-centered approach to classroom management and school culture. Through a book study of Creating the School Family, professional development, and coaching from a certified trainer, we laid the foundation for a more connected and emotionally responsive learning environment.
This year, we also prioritized student attendance as a critical component of success. Through a combination of weekly High Five Fridays, our March Attendance Challenge, and the development of a schoolwide Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for attendance, we focused on building belonging and intervening early. High Five Fridays created consistent, positive routines to end each week, while the March Attendance Challenge offered creative incentives to boost engagement during a month that has historically been difficult for student attendance. Meanwhile, our School Improvement Team developed a tiered intervention model that gave teachers clear tools to address early warning signs and provided family-centered supports for students with more chronic challenges. This multi-pronged, collaborative approach led to a 12% improvement in overall student attendance—a powerful testament to what’s possible when we come together to support every child.
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, we remain committed to continuous growth and improvement. Our priorities include establishing a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework for social-emotional learning, ensuring that students’ emotional needs are met alongside their academic growth. We will also work closely with our kindergarten and grade 1 teams to expand early intervention opportunities, supporting our youngest learners from the very start. Additionally, we will collaborate as a faculty to identify and implement instructional practices that promote equity, engagement, and success for all students.
None of these accomplishments would be possible without the dedication of our incredible staff, the energy and curiosity of our students, and the continued partnership of our families and community members. I am deeply proud of all that we have accomplished together this year, and I look forward to continuing this work in 2025–2026.