Have you noticed all the activity in the classroom next to the gym? A wonderful new program has begun at Melville. The inclusive preschool program runs Monday through Friday. The morning session is for 3 year olds and the afternoon is four year olds. There are still available slots for children who participate in a screening process and are deemed eligible. Screenings are currently held on Fridays. Please call Ann Marie McAndrews at 683-3570 if you have questions or want to schedule a screening.

If you are cleaning out a closet, basement, or whatever, the new preschool is in need of some items. If you want to donate any of the following, please contact Patti Powell, 683-1650.

large plastic doll and bed

plastic Little Tykes easel

big beads for stringing

big books or books on tape

wooden puzzles and puzzle holder

plastic animals

games for 3 & 4 yr. olds

trikes, big wheels for playground

musical instruments

diaper pail with lid

recyclable art materials- sponges, yogurt containers, toilet paper rolls...

large pieces of fabric

big blocks for building

The garden outside the main entrance is called Dr. Carter's garden in honor of the previous principal at Melville. In late summer Emily Copeland weeded, edged, and planted new bulbs and shrubs. The new plants were donated by Donna and Jim Pember Many thanks to Donna and Jim for helping spruce up our landscaping and to Emily for her hard work.

Donna Combra' students are going batty. Her class is undertaking a thematic unit on bats. Their research will result in each student publishing their own tome on bats.

The third grade will be busy this month as they will visit Plimouth Plantation Oct. 22. In class, they are studying plants and then it’s on to the wild world of crayfish.

Want a unique way to celebrate your child's birthday? Donate a new book to the Melville library in honor of your child. An attractive book plate will be placed in the book with your child's name and his/her picture will be displayed on the Birthday Book bulletin board in the cafeteria.

There are several options in choosing where and when to purchase a book. Island Books (Wyatt Square, 575 East Main Rd., Middletown) offers a20% discount if you mention the purchase is for the Melville library Birthday Book program. Many parents purchase a book at the Melville Book Fair sponsored by MPTG in November. This option supports a school fundraiser and the library at the same time. Of course, you also purchase a book elsewhere at anytime!

Contact the Melville Librarian, Marie Aylward, for further information or if you have any questions.

Welcome to our new preschool teacher Mrs. Patti Powell and our new office clerk Mrs. Anne Burns.

Congratulations to Mrs. Karyn Straka on the birth of her daughter. We thank Mrs. Christine Dutra for her dedicated teaching in Mrs. Staka's absence.

Melville School is looking to fill vacancies. A general school aide (10:00 - 1:30) is needed as well as substitute teachers. Applicants may submit a resume at the School Department central office at 29 Middle Road.

Great job to our students on the 2002 New Standards Exam. All Rhode Island 4^th graders were tested last spring in three areas. The math portion tests students' math skills and problem solving ability. English/Language Arts looks at reading comprehension as well as analysis and interpretation of various pieces. The writing section asks students to write an essay based on a given prompt and tests knowledge and use of conventions. Melville students improved 20% in Mathematics portion, 17% in Writing, and 4% in English/Language Arts. We exceeded all state averages and exceeded the district average by 6% in writing. The state of Rhode Island requires a 3% increase in the number of students meeting the standard per year. We exceeded the goal! Congratulations to the students and thank you to their dedicated teachers.

Fourth graders will be participating in a unique program called Teens Leading Children(TLC). Trained high school students will lead the elementary students through four topics:

1. What is a drug and how does it affect your body?

2. "Me Week"...You are special!

3. Problem solving and making choices.

4. Drinking and Driving - ways to avoid a dangerous combination.

The high school students are trained to use specific lesson plans and will lead the 4^th graders through each topic with an adult.

Some messages from the Melville VIS coordinator: