Dear KHA Community,
As the leaves begin to change colors and fall to the ground and we enter the season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the important role you play in making Kingston Hill Academy such a special place to learn and grow. November is a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together this fall and to look ahead to the many opportunities awaiting our students in the months to come.
This fall has been full of achievements for our schools. From outstanding performance and growth on state assessments, an Attendance recognition from The Governor and Commissioner of RI and A Healthy School Award and Citation from Senator Morgan our students continue to impress us with their creativity, determination, and kindness. I’d also like to recognize our dedicated teachers and staff who work tirelessly to support student success each and every day.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for November 10th. There is no school for students.
These meetings are an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and set goals for the rest of the school year. We value this partnership and encourage every family to attend. Please reach out to your child’s teachers for a conference. All Staff will be in attendance on November 10th for families.
Veterans Day Observances
On November 11th, we will honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Many of our classrooms will focus on classroom activities to help students learn about the importance of this day. We express our gratitude to all The Veterans in our community! There is no school for staff and students on this day.
Thanksgiving Break
Our Thanksgiving break will take place from November 26th-28th. I hope this time offers everyone a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. We are truly grateful for our supportive community and the dedication of our students and staff. School resumes for students and staff on December 1st.
Wishing you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving season!
Please feel free to call the office and/or email and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours. Please email [email protected]. Please feel free to email us @ [email protected]/[email protected] or call the office at 401-783-8282. Please feel free to leave a message.
Sincerely,
Marcella Terranova Clark
Chief Administrator/Superintendent
Kingston Hill Academy
*This school year, every Friday is A Spirit Day! Wear Blue and/or your favorite KHA gear!
11/3-KHA- No Homework Day For All Students!
11/4- Election Day- KHA School Day!
11/5- Quarter 1 Ends!
11/6- LAC Meeting- 6pm-7:15 pm- KHA Maker Space Room and childcare will be provided; Agenda to follow!
11/10- Parent/Teacher Conference Day- No School For Students Only
11/11- Veteran’s Day- No School For Students and Staff
11/12- KHA Building and Finance Committee
11/13- KHA PTO Meeting- 5:30pm- KHA Maker space Room- Virtual Option and childcare available;
11/14- ELPS begins for all students at KHA!
11/16- PTO Event- Bowling
11/18-Second Grade Field Trip
11/19- KHA School Improvement Team Meeting- 3:45pm-4:45pm-KHA Maker space Room
11/19- KHA Board of Trustees Meeting- 6pm-KHA Maker space Room
11/25- Harvest Assembly for All Grade- Quarter 1 Awards
11/26-11/28- Thanksgiving Recess- No School For Students and Staff
12/1 School Resumes!
KHA’s Attendance Committee meets monthly to discuss proactive measures to increase attendance at KHA for students. Supports such as Hazel Health, Social Work, Nurse support are provided to our families. Letters, meetings and The Nudge Tool will be utilized by KHA. Ask your child about “The Woot Woot Wagon”!
Here’s how it works:
Each day that a class has 100% attendance, they will earn one fish sticker.
Fish stickers will be added to the tracking chart outside of Nurse Judy’s office.
The goal is to collect as many fish stickers for your grade level.
At the end of each week, the grade level with the most fish stickers will win a visit from the “Woot Woot Wagon” The Woot Woot Wagon” will visit the winning classrooms on the following Monday.
Also there will be a special prize awarded at the end of the month for the winning grade band. Examples of monthly prizes are special assemblies, extra recess, etc.
Why this matters:
Improving daily attendance supports stronger academic outcomes and builds a sense of community. This contest is a light-hearted way to make attendance exciting for students— we are “Happy To SEA Them” every day! Please encourage your students to take pride in earning their daily fish. Thank you for your support in helping our students show up and shine every day!
School attendance is a powerful predictor of student outcomes. Rhode Island defines chronic absenteeism as the percentage of students who miss 10% or more of school days during the year (or two days per month). Research shows that chronic absenteeism is associated with a number of negative consequences for students, including lower achievement, disengagement from school, course failure, and an increased risk of dropping out. Attendance each day is even more critical to help get students on track in the wake of the pandemic. We know some absences are unavoidable, but any absence makes it more difficult for children to keep up with the daily learning needed to grow and succeed. Absences may also speak to larger issues around school climate, which is why it is important schools use their data to problem solve and provide students with necessary support and interventions.
While more work remains ahead to continue to curb chronic absenteeism, under the statewide, cross-sector #AttendanceMattersRI campaign, chronic absenteeism during the 2024-2025 school year declined approximately 2.6 percentage points, bringing the statewide chronic absenteeism rate from 24.7% in school year 2023-2024 to 22.1%. This represents 667,510 fewer absences from the height of the pandemic in 2021-22, representing 3.7 million additional instructional hours for students and bringing Rhode Island to nearly 12 percentage points below the 2021-2022 school year rate of 34.1%.
Professional Learning Opportunity (2 PLUs): Preventing Chronic Absenteeism
What We Know About Chronic Absenteeism in Rhode Island flyer
Attendance Tool (log in)
Additional Resources, including Attendance Tool Overview
DOWNLOAD AND SHARE! 2024 Attendance Tracker/Calendar for Students and Families (printable PDF) | Spanish
Please click on the link below.
*Please plan vacations accordingly in reference to the school calendar. Vacations are considered unexcused absences by KHA and RIDE. Thank you for your support!
***School Times: 8:45 am -3:15 pm Please report to the office after 8:45am and after 3:30pm.
Please note: Arrival Map
Staff will direct families and students. Please drive to the back of the lot.
Adults please remain in cars. Our arrival and dismissal is a Drive-Thru process. Please follow with the traffic flow and designated areas for drop off/pick up. There will be signs and staff to direct traffic.
If you need to send in a note to the office regarding changes to your student’s dismissal procedure for that day or a child’s absence, please send it to [email protected]. You will receive a confirmation email when the note has been received. Please send your dismissal changes before 2 pm. All dismissal changes are sent to the classrooms at that time. This procedure will eliminate handwritten notes sent from home getting lost. This email will not be monitored after 2 pm – Please DO NOT send an email after 2 pm. Please call the office for any emergencies after 2:00 pm. Please take a minute to add this email address to your devices. A link will also be on the KHA website. Thank you.
Please consider packing an extra set of clothes in your child’s backpacks. It is getting chilly! Please dress in layers and dress for the weather. It is coat and jacket season and soon hat and mittens!
Please call Nurse Judy or send an email to [email protected] if your child will be absent from school.
Please send in a snack and water bottle daily with your child.
Please email Nurse Judy and arrange a time to drop off and complete any forms for medication at school.
Please get plenty of rest at night! School is a busy place with lots of learning! 🙂
Please click on the link below: 2025-2026 Bus Routes
Please click on the links below for more information.
AM-KARES Club
PM-YMCA
Please see the attached flyer showcasing our first session of after school enrichment programs being offered in October/November. If you have any specific questions, please email the staff facilitating the program directly. Sign-up forms including more details will be sent out by the program coordinator.
Sign Ups for Session 2 will be coming soon!
Based on the recent Family Survey, Information will be shared by:
* Black Board Connect- KHA Emails/tests, and Robo Calls
* Phone calls
* Web page
* Newsletters: KHA and Classroom
* Class DOJO- Announcements only and photos!
* Families- Please use email! Class DOJO can not be utilized for communication and messages are not monitored! Thank you!
* RI Broadcasters Closing Alert System- Please sign up for alerts for school closings!
https://www.ribroadcasters.com
As a community, we are working on creating healthy boundaries as a staff so everyone’s personal needs are able to be met outside of school hours. We encourage a healthy work/life balance. We encourage all our families to communicate with their child’s teachers and together form a partnership while establishing healthy boundaries with one another in means of communication and style. Class DOJO will be utilized ONLY for announcements/reminders and photos this year. Staff and families are encouraged to utilize email correspondence for communication and/or phone calls. Please be conscious that your child’s teacher will be teaching during the school day and only have access to emails during breaks, lunch, and before/after school.
Staff are expected to respond within 24 hours. In case of an emergency and/or an immediate concern, families are encouraged to call the office and messages will be communicated with staff appropriately. If there is a concern in the classroom, we kindly request that it is brought to your child’s teacher first, and then the Principal, and Chief Administrator if necessary. Any emergency information can and should be sent to the Principal/Chief Administrator immediately. We thank you for working with us on establishing healthy boundaries for staff and families as well establishing a chain of command for concerns and/or questions. We look forward to an excellent partnership this school year in supporting your child with you!
We understand that the current government shutdown may be creating financial hardship and uncertainty for some of our families and staff. At KHA, we believe in supporting one another—especially during challenging times. To help those affected, KHA will be collecting monetary donations to assist families in need within our school community. If you are able, we encourage you to contribute. Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward helping our KHA families and staff. Donations will be accepted by Venmo, cash or check made out to KHA. Please mark envelopes Attention: Allison Scott. See attached flyer for Venmo QR code. If your family is experiencing hardship as a result of the shutdown, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school office or contact Allison Scott at [email protected] or our school’s Social Worker, Wendy Gariglio at [email protected]. All requests for assistance will be handled with compassion and confidentiality.
Thank you for being part of a caring and generous school community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for one another.
Thank you,
Mrs. Clark and The Health and Wellness Committee
Attachments:
Supporting_Our_KHA_Families_During_the_Government_Shutdown_-_Google_Docs.pdf (325.0 KB)
Literacy/English Language Arts: Literacy/English Language Arts at KHA focuses on providing high-quality instruction, identifying potential reading difficulties, and developing literacy skills so that students may become life-long readers. Descriptions of the programs we use are below.
Wonders: Wonders is an evidence-based K–5 ELA program that empowers students to take an active role in learning and exploration. Students will enjoy unparalleled opportunities to express and assess themselves through reading, writing, and speaking. Students encounter the right content at the right moment in their learning journey to promote strong educational outcomes for all.
UFLI: UFLI is an explicit and systematic program that teaches students the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. It follows a carefully developed scope and sequence designed to ensure that students systematically acquire each skill needed and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence. The program is designed to be used for core instruction in the primary grades or for intervention with struggling students in any grade.
Mathematics: Every student needs and deserves a rich and rigorous mathematics curriculum that is focused on the development of concepts, the acquisition of basic and advanced skills and the integration of problem-solving experiences. KHA encourages educators to provide challenging mathematics opportunities to foster the growth of intelligent, thoughtful, and mathematically literate members of society. At KHA we use an integrated approach to mathematics outlined in the program description below.
Eureka Math is a math curriculum for grades pre-K through 12 that aims to help students develop a solid understanding of math concepts, procedural skills, and fluency. The curriculum was written by teachers and math experts to align with college- and career-ready standards that emphasize critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and deeper learning. Eureka Math is designed to make math more enjoyable to learn and teach by connecting math to the real world.
Science: A foundation in scientific literacy prepares students to be confident and capable lifelong learners who are equipped with the skills needed to access, understand, evaluate, and apply information in various contexts. The science curriculum aligns with the NGSS, Next Generation Science Standards, and provides students a foundation for life-long problem solving and fact-based decision-making skills. Regardless of their academic standing, all students should have access to a rich and challenging science curriculum that will promote scientific literacy, while inspiring and supporting advanced study and science-related careers. Descriptions of the programs we use are below.
FOSS Web Next Generation Edition: FOSS (Full Option Science System) is a research-based science curriculum for grades K-8 developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley. FOSS has evolved from a philosophy of teaching and learning that has guided the development of successful active-learning science curricula for more than 40 years. The FOSS Program bridges research and practice by providing tools and strategies to engage students and teachers in enduring experiences that lead to deeper understanding of the natural and designed worlds.
Social Studies: Social Studies at KHA helps students understand the world in which they live and prepares them with the knowledge and skills to become informed, thoughtful, and active citizens in a culturally diverse democratic society and complex world. KHA creates conditions for every student to think critically and collaboratively, and act as a creative, self-motivated, culturally, and globally competent learner. The Rhode Island Social Studies Standards guide the lessons.
Physical Education: The goal of physical education at KHA is to teach students the concepts associated with health and wellness and provide students with the tools to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students learn about various exercise and sports techniques, health issues, cooperation, safe play, and self-care. Emphasis is also placed on teamwork and good sportsmanship. KHA’s physical education program complies with all governing state laws and regulations.
Health: The goal of health education at KHA is to teach topics that cover all aspects of physical, mental, social, emotional health, and safety.
The Great Body Shop: The Great Body Shop promotes wellness through the integration of ten health content strands including substance abuse and violence prevention, injury and personal safety, fitness and nutrition, disease and illness prevention, body systems, growth & development, illness & disease prevention and consumer and environmental health. Social and emotional learning, as well as substance abuse and violence prevention skills and messages are integrated into every unit (if developmentally appropriate)
State Testing: RICAS is administered to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students each spring. This test is an assessment of student aptitude in the areas of Language Arts (Reading and Writing) and Mathematics. The Next Generation Science Assessment (NGSA) is administered to 5th graders each spring. Students are expected to meet proficiency levels in all areas of the test. KHA’s overall approach to its curriculum is designed to help students achieve proficient levels on these assessments.
Art- We will begin the year at KHA with grade levels rotating for art instruction every 6 weeks. Miss Meghan will be instructing art in addition to health classes starting at the beginning of the year. Classroom teachers will be sharing the art rotation cycle with families.
Music: Each week students receive music instruction. Music at KHA is intended to teach students about an art form based on creating, performing, and responding. KHA believes that the more students understand the basic elements of music the more they will enjoy the experience and enhance their appreciation. Music class at KHA offers a variety of opportunities to explore methods of artistic expression and enhance personal creativity.
To: KHA Families and Staff
Subject: Spring 2025 RICAS Results
Dear Kingston Hill Academy Community,
Today, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) shared publicly the 2025 results of RICAS and SATs. These are tests given across all Rhode Island Public Schools. In Spring 2025, Kingston Hill Academy students in grades 3-5 took the RICAS tests in Math and English. Also, students in grade 5 took the NSGA Science Assessment. Below are our proficiency and participation listed as a district.
Kingston Hill Academy had 100% participation with all assessments.
RICAS ELA: 66.9% Proficiency and increased by 8 points since 2023
RICAS Math: 65.3% Proficiency and increased 1% since 2023
NSGA Science: 63.6% Proficiency and an increase of 5.5% since 2023
Please keep in mind that RICAS scores are just one way to measure your child’s progress and they offer valuable insights into learning and growth. They help us as a school see where we’re strong and where we can grow as a community. With continued effort, support, and a focus on growth, we will move forward. Let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and stay focused on the possibilities ahead. The journey of learning is long, and RICAS is just one snapshot along the way. Please reach out with any questions/concerns. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Of Note:Our School’s Accountability will be released this Friday. Please stay tuned!
The Family and Student Handbook is currently available. Please note there were significant changes made to some sections and should be reviewed at your earliest convenience. Thank you!
Please Also Note:
2025-2026 PTO Board:
President-Samantha Motulski
Vice President,-Nicole Tumblin
Treasurer-Nicole Campbell
Secretary-Pam Zagadsky
Room Parent-Jess Mathis
Purchase your KHA Attire! The KHA Squadlocker store. The PTO gets 10% back from anything purchased.
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/lockers/277980/download_flyer
Please click on the link below: PTO Events
A special Thank you to our PTO, Staff, Volunteers, and Families as well as KHA’s Students for making this year’s Fall Festival a fun and well attended event!
Welcome Kathleen O’Coonor as KHA’s newly appointed Art Teacher! she will begin on November 12th. Thank you to Ms. Hackett for quarter 1 of art instruction!
Welcome Eliza Roubinek – Teaching Assistant
We wish Mrs. Donna DeMarco best wishes with her retirement on Dec. 12th!
*KHA and URI are official partners for hosting URI Student teachers and Practicum students. We are 1 out of 8 Districts that are included in the partnership. KHA is considered a model school for teaching and learning.
Welcome to All our Student Teachers and Practicum students. They are learning from the best educators in RI!
Please click on the link below to learn more about our campaign!
Kingston Hill Academy (KHA) is dedicated to providing students with the opportunity for an inclusive, individualized, and challenging curriculum that supports them to reach their full potential.
We know that staying mentally healthy is critical to engage in learning. According to the National Center for Education Statistics: 70% of public schools say more students are seeking mental health services. This school year, we’re proud to offer all students with access to online therapy and counseling services, through our partnership with Hazel Health. Services are 100% safe and confidential. Your student can speak 1-on-1 with a licensed therapist from the convenience of school or home, with your consent. Hazel Health provides high-quality care for all students.
Hazel Health’s licensed therapists can help students navigate a wide range of issues, including:
Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss
Separation anxiety, worry, fear
Social skills, bullying, peer & family relationships
Academic stress
Hazel’s short-term online therapy program has been proven to reduce symptoms of common mental health concerns — and gives kids tools to cope with challenges they face at school and beyond. Thank you!
Parents/guardians can also visit https://getstarted.hazel.co/district/kingstonhill to find their district, create an account, complete consent, and submit a referral. Guardians can also call 888-541-7063 to submit a referral. Support available from 9am – 9pm
Attachments:
doc02044720250428122808.pdf
Please email Miss Wendy, our school social worker as well for any support, questions, and/or concerns @
Wendy Gariglio [email protected]
KHA has been recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for 2025!
Thank you to Nurse Judy, The Health and Wellness Committee, and all staff, students, and families in making this award possible for our school/district. Thank you to all who assisted with the application and a special “shout out” to Nurse Judy for submitting on our behalf!
KHA was mentioned in The Governor’s office press release!
Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green today kicked off the Attendance Matters RI campaign for school year 2025-26 with a third consecutive year of decreased chronic absenteeism and released the Attendance and Academic Achievement Guidance prioritizing early identification, engagement, and support for students.
LOWEST RATES Elementary Schools
Sowams Elementary School, Barrington
Hampden Meadows Elementary School, Barrington
Nayatt Elementary School, Barrington
Oak Lawn Elementary School, Cranston
Primrose Hill Elementary School, Barrington
Kingston Hill Academy, Kingston Hill Academy Charter
This is great news on the first day back at school! Thank you to all the staff for making KHA a place where students want to come and learn everyday, to our families for their support and partnerships, and to The Attendance Committee for all their hard work on attendance this past year!
Lastly, Senator Morgan paid a special visit to KHA at the end of October to present our school with a citation of excellence for being a Healthy School Award recipient.
Attachments:
IMG_4356_%281%29.jpg (54.3 KB)
IMG_4352_%281%29.jpg (50.8 KB)
IMG_0682_%281%29.jpg (48.0 KB)
The Star Rating system for schools summarizes overall school performance, classifying schools from 1 to 5 stars to provide families and school communities a transparent, accessible, and easy-to-understand snapshot of school performance. For 2024, KHA has been awarded a Five Star Rating. Our rating is driven by the following: Achievement and Growth in the areas of ELA, Math, and Science and School Quality and Success. This combination of scores led to the highest rating a school can receive on the accountability report card.
Dmitry Zagadsky; Chair; [email protected]
Dr. Alicia Storey; Vice Chair; [email protected]
Lauren Nkwocha; Treasurer; [email protected]
Joe Garcia; Trustee; [email protected]
Tiffany McClanaghan; Trustee; [email protected]
Kirsten Yagoobian; Secretary; [email protected]
Lori Filiberto; Trustee; [email protected]
Alex Petrucci; Trustee
850 Stony Fort Road
Saunderstown, Rhode Island 02874
Phone: (401) 783-8282
Fax: (401) 783-5656
