The #MiddletownRI schools had a strong opening this week, maybe the best ever. New Superintendent Billy Niemeyer says none of it would be possible without everyone pulling together positively in the same direction across the district.
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
A NEW ERA
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (SEPTEMBER 6, 2024) – When she saw him, the first words out of Erica Bulk’s mouth were heartfelt and real.
Not just because the principal of Aquidneck School was speaking to her boss, but because they were true.
“Best opening ever,” Bulk told school Superintendent William “Billy” Niemeyer, standing outside the main office of the Reservoir Road elementary school Friday morning. “It was perfect. The best I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”
True to form, Niemeyer said without outstanding administrators, teachers, staff, students — and community itself, a strong opening week or other positives in the district wouldn’t be possible.
“Thank you, but we’re all here for the kids,” Niemeyer said. “That’s what it’s about and always has been about. The kids and how to help them succeed. Seeing this today, it makes me so proud to be here.”
By every account at Aquidneck and Gaudet Middle School, the first week of classes in Middletown went extremely well, maybe the “best ever” as Bulk and a number of her colleagues said first hand Friday during visits by Niemeyer.
Moving forward, Niemeyer said one of his goals will be to start his day — or spend at least part of it — in one of the district’s four schools, to witness and support all the amazing things happening across Middletown.
Based on his interactions and comments Friday, it’s clear Niemeyer misses being surrounded regularly by students.
That’s obvious when you watch Niemeyer interact with eighth graders leaving an assembly in the Gaudet cafetorium, where he was principal before taking over the top job in the district.
Students appeared to be genuinely happy to see Niemeyer, who joked, complimented and fist bumped his way through dozens of 12 and 13 year olds, most who he knew by name.
“It’s been a good opening, went really, really well,” new Gaudet Principal Jerry Haas said, watching Niemeyer work his magic. “I’m so grateful for the support and the welcome here. The staff, the students, it’s felt like a homecoming and I marvel at what our educators are doing here.”
Downstairs in the Gaudet Learning Academy — which serves fourth and fifth graders — Principal Kaitlin Gibbins wasn’t in her office, looking at emails or in a meeting.
When Niemeyer walked in the Aquidneck Avenue building unannounced just after 9 am, Gibbins was sitting in a common learning space with a fifth grade homeroom, getting to know one another in a low key, informal setting.
Then, Gibbins went around the circle of about 20 students and said each of their names from memory, a tremendous feat in itself after less than four days of school.
“You can feel the energy, the positive vibe,” Gibbins said. “And it’s not just the teachers and staff. It’s the students, the parents, everybody. It’s noticeable and it’s something beautiful, exactly how it should be.”
Niemeyer said he was extremely pleased with everything, from Day 1 of school Tuesday to making sure everyone got paid Friday.
“This is our first week and we’re just getting started,” Niemeyer said. “Everyone has been overwhelmingly positive and that’s always the way you want to start. But it’s about more than our first week. We want to keep this going and make sure it permeates everything we do here as a district.”
Unsolicited, a number of teachers and staff approached Niemeyer offline and thanked him for what he’s trying to accomplish so far.
For making sure their requests for supplies and supports were heard and honored as much as possible. For having an “open door” policy and listening to their suggestions and ideas about how to make the educational system better.
For clearing the decks to hold an opening day cookout for educators from the concession stand at Gaudet Athletic Complex, an upbeat event that got a rousing response. For welcoming outside support from the community, like the Middletown Senior Center, which flooded Aquidneck and Forest Avenue School across town with crayons, markers, sanitary wipes and other supplies.
“We want everyone to be proud of our schools and what we’re doing,” Niemeyer said. “Without everyone helping pull in the same direction, it’s not going to be possible. Are there going to be slip-ups and set backs? Sure there are, but we own them, learn from them and move on together.”
Niemeyer applauded Bulk, Forest Avenue Principal Becky Silveira, the teachers and staff on the elementary level for assimilating new staff and routines into each classroom seamlessly.
“At the elementary level, it’s no secret we’ve had a fair number of new teachers join the district, but you wouldn’t know it,” Niemeyer said. “Our veteran teachers and staff have brought everyone right into the fold and welcomed them to our teams. We are so excited for the teachers and staff we’ve brought on board to Middletown this year."
Haas, Gibbins and their teams earned strong praise too.
“Everyone knows that fourth and fifth grade aren’t easy, and especially middle school, but look in our classrooms,” Niemeyer said. “I see smiling faces. I see learning. I see a safe school environment and we’re giving our students and staff opportunities to succeed.”
And around the corner at Middletown High off Valley Road, Niemeyer said Principal Donna Sweet and her staff were knocking it out of the park.
“Change is happening in Middletown,” Niemeyer said. “If you look in any one of our classrooms, it’s a lot more diverse than most people would realize unless you’re in our buildings. That’s part of what makes Middletown great, that diversity.”
Niemeyer said he was particularly happy at MHS with the development of new Career Pathways to help better prepare students for life after high school.
He also spoke about new Mixed Language Learning coach brought into the district to help improve instructional strategies. The coach will support all Middletown teachers so all students get a better experience, not just those who were learning English.
“I know we talk about our MLL students a lot, but it’s about all our students,” Niemeyer said. “We’re trying to raise the bar here in Middletown and that doesn’t happen overnight, but it can happen. We need it to happen and it will happen over time.
“Saying that, I know I personally appreciate all the support I’ve received and our educators do to. We’re trying to make a difference here.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/New
