To The SKHS Learning Community:
I hope that you are having a restful summer and we cannot wait to welcome our students back to SKHS on Tuesday, September 2nd (grade 9 only) and Wednesday, September 3rd (grades 9 through 12). We are spending this summer planning for a great school year. Construction of our new high school is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 4th. This exciting milestone brings us one step closer to meeting our goal of opening a new building for the 2027-2028 school year. We also plan to add new athletic facilities at the site of our former middle school at Curtis Corner. You can follow along with our progress through the website skschoolproject.com.
In preparation for the new building, we have created 6 SKHS Committees focused on (a) furniture and fixtures, (b) technology, (c) programs, (d) bell schedule, (e) attendance, and (f) promotion. Preparing for our new building has been a whole staff effort that we are excited to continue in the 2025-26 school year.
We are entering into the second year of the South Kingstown School District having a K to 12 cell phone policy: Students are not allowed to use their cell phones during the school day. All SK students must store their phones in Yondr pouches upon entering the school building each day. Last school year, students appeared more focused during class time, and students were regularly observed having phone-free conversations with each other.
I am happy to share some additional news about our 2024-25 school year:
- More than 75 percent of our upperclassmen have earned college credit or are on pace to complete a CTE program.
- Our football team was the Division II State Champions.
- Multiple individual student-athletes were state champions along with other student-athletes who earned 1st and 2nd team All-State.
- Our award winning theater production of Shrek was the product of a collaborative effort between our Theater, Music, and Construction Tech CTE programs.
- We were recognized as a PLTW Distinguished High School, a US News and World Report Best High Schools List, and State of Rhode Island 4 Star School.
- We strengthened our partnerships with URI, CVS, the Hera Gallery, and the RI Home Show.
- We continue to improve our offerings of clubs, activities, and events that provide our students with opportunities to have fun and to showcase their many talents.
- For the first time in Rhode Island, high school students were able to partner with NASA on a project. The students were SKHS students.
- The SK Teacher of the Year and the Rhode Island Civics Teacher of the Year are from SKHS.
Listed below is some important information for the start of the 2025-26 school year:
- On Tuesday, September 2nd, all 9th graders will report directly to their advisories between 7:15am and 7:30am. We have planned activities throughout the school day for students to get acquainted with SKHS. Students will receive their Yondr bags and laptops during the school day.
- Wednesday, September 3rd is a Blue Day (Periods 1, 2, 3, and 4). All students in grades 9 through 12 are expected to attend. Please note that the doors to the school open at 7:15am on each school day. The first period begins daily at 7:30am. Breakfast is available in the cafeteria beginning at 7:15am. Dismissal is 2:02pm (Monday through Thursday) and 1:10pm (Friday). Grade 10 to 12 students will receive their Yondr bags.
- Some key dates for the beginning of the school year:
- The Fall Sports Meeting is Tuesday, August 12th at 6pm in the SKHS auditorium.
- 9th Grade and New Student Parent/Guardian Information Night is Wednesday, August 27th at 6pm. Please note that this is a Zoom meeting and not in-person. A link will be sent to parents and guardians at a later date.
- The SKHS Open House for SKHS Parents/Guardians is Wednesday, September 17th at 5:30pm.
- Spirit Week is October 14th through 17th.
- The Community Showcase Night for Students considering coming to SKHS is Thursday, November 6th, beginning at 6pm.
- Paper copies of 9th grade and new student schedules will be mailed prior to the start of school. Returning students are expected to check their schedules through Skyward beginning on August 20th.
We are excited to welcome your children to SKHS, either back to our school or for the first time. If you have any questions feel free to email me at [email protected], or call 401- 360-1003.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chip McGair