Daniel Kelley
Principal
Smithfield High School
90 Pleasant View Avenue
Alan Tenreiro Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917-1845
Assistant Principal Tel: (401) 949-2050
Renee Palazzo Fax: (401) 949-2052
Assistant Principal
August 2009
Dear SHS Students & Parents,
Welcome back to another school year. As I approach my fourth year as principal of Smithfield High School, I thank you and the
community for positively supporting me in my endeavor to have all of our students reach their academic potential. I am proud to be
a part of a community with a legacy, history and commitment to student success. It is my hope that you will continue to support our
school and provide the positive parental support that is necessary to sustain the high academic standards. I would like to take this
opportunity to share my vision and expectations for the coming school year.
Academics:
In our ongoing evaluation of the educational program, the Smithfield High School community seeks to instill high expectations for
all students in their academic, civic, and social endeavors and to provide them with opportunities to succeed both in higher education
and the global marketplace. In order to accomplish our Mission, the school community has identified learning expectations for all
students. These academic, civic, and social expectations specify what students should know and be able to do upon graduation. Our
educational program is designed to engage students in active, collaborative learning that emphasizes the development of critical
thinking skills to be applied to real-world concepts. Further, we believe that an educational program which is academically challeng-
ing and student-centered will provide our young adults with a strong foundation for future success.
Academics continue to be the top priority at SHS and our focus this year will be based on working together to increase student
achievement. We need to make sure that our students arrive for the new school year with the belief that education is important and
requires hard work. Our students need to value their class assignments and realize that a studious individual is the one who spends
an extra twenty minutes reviewing their social studies notes or doing an extra math problem. Our students must believe that academ-
ics are a priority and call upon their inner drive to fulfill this commitment. Parents also need to stress the importance of responsibil-
ity, attendance, and self motivation as we strive to educate our young people. As the meaningful adults in their lives, parents and
teachers must do all they can to support the development of academic and organizational skills.
This year’s senior class, the Class of 2010, is the third class to fully participate in the new graduation requirements. Members of the
Class of 2010 will be required to complete a minimum of 20 credits, complete Comprehensive Course Assessments (CCA’s), suc-
cessfully complete a graduation portfolio which includes common tasks, successfully complete the community service requirements,
complete the state assessments, and create an Individual Learning Plan. Please visit our website for a more detailed description of
the graduation requirements for each class.
In compliance with the Rhode Island Department of Education Graduation by Proficiency regulations, SHS seniors are required to
complete a graduation portfolio, based on SHS “Common Tasks,” and then sit for an interview where the skills and concepts learned
will be discussed. Students will build a portfolio of student work in preparation for their senior year. Students currently complete a
minimum of four common tasks per course, and by the end of their junior year will have approximately 80 common tasks to select
from for their graduation portfolio. Students will select artifacts for the final portfolio that demonstrate communication skills, prob-
lem-solving skills, personal responsibility, and proficiency on the Grade Span Expectations. More specific information regarding
portfolio development is located on the high school website.
I understand that there is some anxiety on the part of students and their parents in completing these requirements. Our goal is to
guide students and parents through the process so that students will enter their junior year prepared to organize a portfolio that will
meet the proficiency regulations and earn a diploma. The key to success for all students is to earn a passing grade on common tasks
in order to successfully build their portfolios. Additionally, common tasks, rubrics, and reflections should be stored at home in a
safe place. It is suggested that copies are kept at home both on paper and on disk. It is suggested that photographs of larger projects
be filed also. Advisors will provide an area for portfolio storage in school; however, the student and family bear primary responsibil-
ity for portfolio storage and security. Student progress with these required documents will be monitored through the advisory period
and by guidance. Parents can support this initiative by reinforcing the importance of preparing for the common tasks and closely
New England Association of Schools and Colleges Member
The Smithfield School Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color,
disability, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
monitoring school progress.
General Information:
On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, all students in grades nine through twelve will be photographed by Lifetouch, Inc. Underclass-
men should be receiving a packet in the mail from Lifetouch (Prestige Portraits) concerning the purchase of school photographs.
Students in grades nine through eleven should bring this order form with them on the day of school portraits. Underclassmen who
wish to have their photo retaken can do so on October 1, 2009.
Please note that seniors will be photographed again on September 2, 2009 for the sole purpose of a school identification card. With
respect to formal senior portraits, all seniors should have their portrait taken at Lifetouch, Inc Studios by Monday, September 21,
2009. Any senior who does not take their formal portrait by this date will be asked to do so during the school day on Thursday, Sep-
tember 24, 2009.
A reminder to all seniors that their senior photograph should meet the requirements stipulated last spring. The formal yearbook pic-
ture must have a solid background and be a picture from the waist up (no hands). The administration encourages a formal dress
blouse for the ladies and a dress shirt, jacket, and tie for the men. Please have your senior dress appropriately!
Seniors who have taken their formal portraits for the yearbook must inform Lifetouch, Inc. as to which qualifying pose they would
like placed in the senior section of the yearbook. In order to meet fall yearbook deadlines, the Yearbook Advisor will select a quali-
fying pose for any senior who does not do so by Monday, September 21, 2009.
Mandatory freshmen orientation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2009, from 6:00-8:00 pm. All freshmen and their parents
are to arrive at the auditorium at 5:45 pm. At least one parent must attend with their child. This event is meant to help students tran-
sition to high school, to socialize with other ninth graders, and to meet many of the teachers. Students will receive their schedule,
learn about the rules and expectations, and have a tour of the building.
Every student at SHS will receive a school planner. This outstanding booklet, which has been personalized for SHS, provides a cal-
endar, rules and regulations, along with other items to help students become organized. It is not necessary for the students or their
parents to purchase an assignment book at the “Back to School Sales” because the planner is free.
One goal of SHS is to provide a distraction free learning environment. We are also aware that technology is all around us. Do not
allow your child to bring headsets, iPod’s, or PSP’s to school or on the school bus. Cell phones should not be seen or heard during
the school day. Electronic devices are not allowed by district policy and RI law. Confiscated devices are returned to the parent only.
Maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment is also a top priority. Many current styles of clothing do not conform to the
dress code policies of Smithfield Public Schools. Short shorts, mini skirts, tank tops, and low cut shirts are not permitted. Please
review the dress code policy with your child. A brochure is available in the main office outlining what is appropriate dress for your
child. Students with inappropriate clothing will be asked to change, given a shirt to cover up, or sent home to change. The admini-
stration has the final say in what is appropriate for school. Clothing should not be a distraction to the learning process.
We have a limited amount of parking spaces available for students and staff due to lack of space and local fire codes. Parking for
students will be limited to seniors only. Seniors must be in good attendance and disciplinary standing from the previous year in or-
der to be eligible for a parking pass. If additional spaces are available, they will be available to juniors in good standing and se-
lected through a random drawing. Beginning Monday, August 17th through Tuesday, September 1st any senior choosing to drive to
school must come to the main office to register their car and obtain a parking pass. Juniors may sign up Wednesday, September 2nd
or Thursday, September 3rd. There will be a $10 charge for a parking pass. Replacement passes will cost $20. All parking spots
have been numbered. Parking by number will begin on September 4th. Parking in an unassigned spot, on the grass, in a fire lane, or
in a restricted area may result in disciplinary action, fines, and possible towing. The parking situation will be closely monitored by
the Smithfield Police Department. Driving to school is a privilege, and this privilege will be denied if school policies are not fol-
lowed.
We have had a number of staff additions. Please join me in welcoming:
Math Special Education Physical Education Special Education
Cassandra Kelly Julia Tanski TBA TBA
Lastly, a number of documents will be sent home the first few days of school. Be sure to ask for these documents so you can com-
New England Association of Schools and Colleges Member
The Smithfield School Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color,
disability, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
plete all necessary forms. Please return the parent signature page to your child’s advisor by Friday, September 4th.
I am very proud of the students, teachers, and staff of SHS. We will continue to build on the strong traditions of Smithfield High
School. Best wishes for a productive and healthy end of summer. I am looking forward to the opening of school and the opportunity
to continue to enhance Smithfield High School.
Sincerely,
Daniel P. Kelley
Principal
Important Dates
PLEASE VERIFY ALL DATES PRIOR TO THE EVENT!
September 1 First Day of School! School Improvement Team
September 2 School Portraits 1st Meeting on October 6 @ 6pm
September 7 NO SCHOOL! Labor Day
September 9 Parent Council – Meet the new staff Parent Council
September 17 Open House September 9, October 14, November 18
October 3 Homecoming
October 12 NO SCHOOL! Columbus Day NECAP (Mandatory for Class of 2011)
November 1-4 NEASC Visit October 6,7,8,13,14,15
November 6 End of First Quarter
November 11 NO SCHOOL! Veterans Day PSAT
November 19 NO SCHOOL! Parent/Teacher Conferences October 17
November 25-27 NO SCHOOL! Thanksgiving
December 24-1 NO SCHOOL! Holiday Break SAT
January 8 Winter Ball, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet October 10, November 7, December 5, January 23, March 13,
January 18 NO SCHOOL! MLK Day May 1, June 5
January 25 Midterm Exams Begin
January 29 End of Second Quarter ACT
February 15-19 Mid Winter Break September 12, October 24, December 12, February 6, April 10,
March 12 NO SCHOOL! PD Day Staff June 12
April 2 NO SCHOOL! Good Friday
April 9 End of Third Quarter
April 19-23 NO SCHOOL! Spring Break
April 28 Portfolio Day
April 30 Sophomore Semi
May 28 Junior Prom
May 31 NO SCHOOL! Memorial Day
June 4 Senior Prom
June 7 Honors Night
June 13 Senior Athletic Banquet
June 15 Graduation, Bryant
June 17 Last Day Students
New England Association of Schools and Colleges Member
The Smithfield School Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color,
disability, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.