23/24 SHOWCASED STAFF MEMBERS

Mrs. MJ is always helping the kids and community raise awareness and promote inclusion. She goes over and above to help everyone without even thinking twice. She works so hard to naturally offer accommodations and keep everyone included. She is so creative and always doing something fun for the kids! Her positive attitude rubs off on all. She deserves to be recognized for everything she is!

Michelle goes above and beyond daily to provide an energetic, inclusive, and supportive classroom community each and every day. She collaborates with RIC practicum students, plans unforgettable themed days that tie into curriculum, and is always finding new ways to engage her students that encourage each student’s individuality and creativity. Each student in her class is able to show their abilities in what way works for them. It is a privilege to be her coworker and learn from her as a newer teacher. Her positivity is contagious!

Michelle is a ray of sunshine in both students lives and colleagues lives. Her passion for teaching and love for her students is contagious. Michelle puts her students first and holds ALL students to the highest of standards. With her guidance, support, and of course laughter, she helps her students reach these goals. Many of Michelle’s colleagues look up to her as a role model as we strive to be fun, uplifting, and impactful as she is. Her students enter her room with a smile on their face knowing they are loved and cared about each and every day.

Mrs. Bernardin has created a warm and welcoming intensive special education classroom. She is responsive to the needs of her students. In addition, she has facilitated a program where peers are able to buddy up and spend time in her room working with students on craft projects or playing games. She is an unsung hero in our schools!

Kayla is such a wonderful teacher who goes above and beyond for her “kids.” She spreads positive energy everyday within her classroom while teaching, whether it teaching the curriculum or teaching the students on the court for Unified Basketball.

There is nothing negative to be said about Mrs. Bernardin. She is so kind and encouraging. With helping the students to giving advice, Mrs. Bernardin is always there. She comes in each and everyday with a smile on her face which helps encourage students and help their mindset to look forward to the school day. She is so supportive and never fails to advocate for inclusion throughout GMS. Mrs. Bernardin is a great example of someone who impacts our community of students in the Smithfield School District.

My son has a laundry list of acronyms. He’s pulled out for reading, writing, math, OT, PT, and at the beginning of the year for Speech. Mrs. Corbielle truly and whole heartedly included and supported my son. She provided a safe and nurturing place for him to learn and grow. She has been his biggest cheerleader and a huge support and comfort for him. Her dedication to her students and their families is out of this world! Mrs. Corbielle teaches third grade, but more importantly she changed my third grader’s life!

She has worked in the Smithfield school department for 15 years. She’s dedicated to her students and keeps her families informed each week on what the students did that week. She makes learning fun by coming up with silly songs to remember contents such as multiplication tables. She’s also aware of the one who needs extra help or extra attention if they have problems with learning.

Kelly Marshall works with every single English Language Learner in every school in the district. She spends her day traveling school to school making sure that each of her students get the services they need. She gets to know her students so well along with their families. Mrs. Marshall also does a wonderful job connecting to other students in her students classes and has a remarkable relationship with all teachers working with all of her students. The best attribute would be that Mrs. Marshall is the best advocate for her students but also teachers them to use their voice to advocate for themselves. Mrs. Marshall is the teacher version of superwoman in every way possible. She rightfully deserves to be noticed and recognized.

My daughter has been suffering severe anxiety this year. When she’s still feeling”off,” Lisa sits with her and talks, sings, or just holds her hand until she feels better. Lisa is always taking special care of her friends on the bus. She puts a big smile on their face and it’s such a comfort knowing she is with the,. Lisa also works as a PASS worker for students in the community and the joy on her face while she’s watching their successes and accomplishments is amazing to see. Kindness, warmth, supportive, determined, fun, and the list goes on. Lisa goes above and beyond EVERYDAY for these students.

Many think a bus monitor has little or the least impact on a students over the course of a full school day, however they are typically the first and last face they see each day. It can be an amazing start and end to a day. We have been blessed with the best!❤️

She brings out the best attitudes and work in kids. She is an exceptional special educator. She is dedicated to her students’ success. She is approachable, engaging, and has expert skills in her field. Her positive attitude encourages her students to do their best work, and she provides options, always looking at the big picture to ensure that her students receive the bests possible education. She makes results happen.

As a special education, Joanne Squillante is compassionate, attentive, and responsive to the needs of her students and their parents. She always reminds me that me husband and I are part of the IEP team. She likes to collaborate ideas with team members and us. No question is too small, unwarranted, or silly. She is willing to give us the time and space along with her input to help us navigate through the overwhelming IEP process.

If I need something, Joanne gets back to us immediately. This is not expected but appreciated.

She is passionate about her work and makes sure that her students receive the support they need to succeed. Overall, Joanne Squillante is to be an excellent special educator who is committed to helping her students achieve their full potential. Parents know that she cares for our kids, and they are in the best hands. SHE IS WONDERFUL.

Mr. Gavitt works hard to ensure that students receive any extra help they need. He makes himself available before and after school.

Mr. Gavitt has been my son’s case manager for the past 2 years. He is always quick to respond when I have questions or concerns. He has helped my son build his confidence and advocate for himself. This year was challenging because of the change in service delivery. Mr. Gavitt alleviated my son’s anxiety about this (it’s the first year he hasn’t had a separate period with his special educator) while providing a high level of support.

I feel that Mrs. Jacob deserves this award because she has an outstanding ability to bring positivity and happiness to all students. Every time I went to their room he has this spark that made not only my day, but my week, 100 times better. I knew everyday that I had something to look forward to and that was seeing her and her bright smile light up the room and bright laughter to all of us.

Mrs. Jacob always comes to school with a positive attitude, ready to teach. She always has a smile on her face.

Mrs. Jacob will let us talk to her about anything we would like without making us uncomfortable at all.

Mrs. Jacob has a heart like no other. She is a dedicated, loving, and caring person always looking to help others. While on my journey of starting my nonprofit, there have been challenges and bumps in the road, but she has guided me and been by my side gauranteeing we will push through it. She has a smile that brightens the room and a laugh that is contagious. She is known for making people’s days and she most definitely has made mine more times that I can count. If anyone deserves this award, it would be Mrs. Jacob.

Camille has such a positive glow about her - every time I see her, she is smiling, emanating positive energy to staff and students. Each time I walk by her room, I hear and see her students so engaged and truly happy to be with her. Camille travels to many buildings in the district which must be very difficult. You wouldn’t know it because she is that awesome!

My son has him and has a 504 plan. Cole is making him LOVE school and just gives him soooo much confidence in himself. He is also helping him learn how to take responsibility for his own actions. I am thrilled with his progress this year.

Mr. Firth is such an asset to our district! He is one of the most inclusive, thoughtful, kind, and smart teachers that we have had in our 7 years at PVES. He brings energy and brightness to every day and makes learning fun. I cannot say enough about his ability to teach and appreciate every child for each of their abilities. Mr. Firth deserves to be acknowledged for all his hard work and genuine ability to be a natural leader.

Cole and Robin are part of the fifth grade team that I have been assigned to this year. Right from the start I could tell that this was going to be an amazing year. Mr. Firth made it known right from the start that we are three equals and we are a team to support all the students in 5F and the entire school. We have worked collaboratively since the start to make sure all students are valued and that their strengths are highlighted while utilizing strategies to help narrow their learning gaps. Cole and Robin recognize that each student has a unique learning profile and they both work effortlessly to ensure success for all students. As a special educator it is quite inspiring to have two dedicated professionals brainstorming, consulting, and advocating for each student to promote inclusivity for all learners. Cole and Robin have created a classroom atmosphere where all students are accepted, valued, and loved so global growth can take place. On top of all that, the students are having fun while learning.

There is a dynamic duo within LaPerche’s integrated preschool program deserving of recognition - Mrs. Alicia Grieco (teacher) and Mr. Josh Loiselle (paraprofessional)! Mrs. Grieco is a teacher with high expectations for all of her little learners. Her commitment to collaboration and forming relationships with students and families creates a partnership to ensure academic and social success! She is flexible, creative and always willing to try something new. Mr. L is kind, supportive, and always smiling. His positive demeanor lets his students know he is there for them and believes in them, no matter the challenge. He is active in the Smithfield community and never hesitates to say hello and make time for his students, even during non school hours. Mrs. Grieco and Mr. L have sparked a love for learning with my daughter! She is always smiling and happy to attend school, thanks to them! Our family is very thankful for Mrs. Grieco, Mr. L, and the entire preschool team!

Terry Viera has been an integral part of my son’s IEP team this year and I don’t know where we would be without her support. She has gone above and beyond to help bridge the communication gap we have struggled with since the start of this year and will go out of her way to send positive updates and let me know when my child is doing well and that she is proud of his successes. In a school as large as PVES, Terry has been able to step in and get to know the names of all her students and family members very quickly. My children look to her s a trusted adult in the building and try their hardest every day to continue making her proud.