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We piloted this early elementary program in grades k-2 last year.  Volunteers became a part of the school community here at Spaziano.  They hosted classes about education, and development so parents can better understand how to help their children be successful in school.  They have been a tremendous asset to our school and our families.

The 2015-16 school year was our first year of Kids Bridge.  It is a Pre K program that is open to all of our incoming K students.  The goal is to get students ready for their Kindergarten experience.  Students learn the basic skills they will need as well as gain exposure to the rituals and routines that occur daily in a school.  We hope that this will help the participating students be more successful academically and socially next year.  Kinder classes that have Kids Bridge students in them will also be provided extra volunteer support in the upcoming school year. 

We work closely with the education department to provide practicum opportunities for aspiring Elementary teachers.  Last year we hosted almost thirty teachers in our classrooms, so they could learn from our expert teachers, develop exciting and engaging lessons for our students, and get a taste for what they are working towards.  We are expanding the number of classrooms that will host the students this year. 

Every year for a number of years, seniors from Lincoln school come to Spaziano and work in our classrooms, paint our playgrounds, and develop lasting relationships with our teachers and students.  The young ladies have made a number of improvements to our facilities that we have grown to love.

Annually the fourth grade classes from Hamilton Elementary School visit our annex.  Students and teachers bring books, hats and gloves for our Kinder students.  Students from both schools have a great time reading and eating lunch together.  This is a long standing relationship between schools that was set up by long time teacher Colleen Hanley. 

More recently this relationship grew.  The NK students invited our fifth grade students to join them to visit the ballet and watch a performance of "The Nutcracker".  Our students enjoyed the performance and articulated that in a survey to the ballet.  The Ballet company sent a representative with coupons for free dance lessons for students that expressed an interest!  We look forward to seeing this relationship continue.

Envisions Eye Care works closely with Nurse Karen Short to check the sight of all of our student here at Spaziano.  They are often able to provide glasses to students in need, free of charge.  They have also donated furniture to our school.  We look forward to working with the to make sure eyesight isn't impeding education. 

The Rotary Club has had a long standing relationship with the school.   They come to our students to share their vision of service.  Every year they have donated dictionaries to every student in the third grade classes.  These dictionaries get used a lot and become a cherished possession of our students. 

GTECH has been a huge supporter of our Spaziano Cheerleading Squad for a number of years.  We have a volunteer that works closely with our fifth grade teacher Mrs. Duffy-Golec to train the students.  They have reached out to provide clinics for our squad.  This year our squad performed at the Brown Literacy football game, and was given a clinic from the Brown Cheer staff and team.

Roger Williams Zoo had provided a number of PD opportunities to our teachers.  When they participate in the trainings, classes are given free field trips to experience all that our great zoo has to offer.  Teachers and students enjoy learning about the natural world as well as being able to experience it. 

Our fourth grade has a strong relationship with Save the Bay.  In addition to large amounts of PD provided over the summer, so teachers can teach high quality relevant lessons in the class, STB provides fantastic hands on field trips for our students.  Our classes were able to take a number of boat rides this year on large scientific research vessels.  Students went on seal watching adventures, and had an opportunity to dredge the bottom of the bay and explore the life forms that live there.

Students also developed plans to help the environment and presented these at a Save the Bay seminar at their headquarters.  Spaziano was well represented by teachers and students alike.  This partnership is one that connects our students to the sea that surrounds us.