Dear KHA Community,
As we welcome October, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support. The school year is well underway, and it’s been wonderful to see our students settling into routines, engaging in learning, and participating in the many activities that make our schools such vibrant communities. This month brings opportunities to reflect on our progress, celebrate student achievements, and look ahead to the important work still to come. In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll find updates, reminders, and highlights from our school/ district. As always, thank you for being a vital part of our school community.
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
Chief Administrator Updates will be sent at the beginning of each month during the school year. To improve communication and our partnership with The KHA community, we will also be sending Short Weekly Updates/Highlights From The Principal. Stay tuned!
*This school year, every Friday is A Spirit Day! Wear Blue and/or your favorite KHA gear!
10/3- Move-A-thon Winner Reptile Show Assemblies
10/6- Kick Off To Bullying Prevention Month
10/6- Wear a BLUE SHIRT Day!
10/6- ROAR Show- Bullying Prevention Assembly
10/6- After School Programs Begin!
10/7- KHA Health and Wellness Committee Meeting- 3:45pm-All Welcome To Join!
10/9- KHA PTO Meeting- 5:30pm-7pm
10/9- KHA Picture Retake Day! Please have your child return the photo package if you are planning on having your child retake photos. Original Photos will be sent home 10/6.
10/10- No School For All Students/PD Day For All Staff
10/13- No School For All Students/Staff- Indigenous Peoples’ Day
10/15- KHA School Improvement Team Meeting- 3:45pm-4:45pm
10/15- KHA Board Of Trustees Meeting 6pm
10/21- KHA Vaccination Clinic 4-6pm
10/25- KHA Fall Festival- 4pm-7pm
10/31- Halloween
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 click on the link below for digital access to all the important information your family needs to start the school year!
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.
School Dismissal Sheet is linked in The Welcome Packet.
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.
All K families: Please return all current physical forms.
Please consider packing an extra set of clothes in your child’s backpacks.
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 for this year’s Vaccine Clinic Information.
Please click on the link below:
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.
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!
* 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!
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. Your child’s score reports will be sent home by next week. Please reach out with any questions/concerns. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
The Family and Student Handbook is currently in draft form and will be shared with families soon. There were significant changes made to some sections that are still being finalized.
Please 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
Volunteer Opportunity at KHA:
Our annual Fall Festival is coming soon on Saturday, October 25. This event is for our community, by our community. We could use your help! Please check out the following Signupgenius to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044BA9A729A5FD0-59052745-khafall
Matthew Lonergan- (Special Education Teacher/TA)
Jessica Mooney- Speech/Language Pathologist
Lindsey Peixoto- COTA working with Lauren Howard- OT
Susannah Blair- Data/Enrollment Coordinator
We are in the process of hiring for a TA and an Art Teacher!
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.
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 every day, to our families for their support and partnerships, and to The Attendance Committee for all their hard work on attendance this past year!
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.
DTOY:
Congrats to Katie Smith for representing KHA on Saturday, September 27th at Water Fire In Providence as our District Teacher Of The Year! She was honored by The RI Governor and Commissioner of Education with other fellow teachers across the state.
Please click on the link for photos. DTOY Photos
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