TAKING IT TO THE TOP

MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 30, 2026) – The ceremony Friday morning outside the new Middletown Middle High School was about more than just the placing of the final steel beam. 

Students, local leaders and those involved seemed to understand the event was the culmination of years of work to get the community the schools it needs — and deserves. 

As the white beam was lowered into place and secured by two ironworkers wearing orange hardhats, loud cheers erupted despite the blustery conditions under threatening skies. 

“This is an exciting day for Middletown and an exciting day for the kids of Middletown,” Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “We’re on time and on budget and it’s important that we’ve hit every milestone. I want to thank our construction team and everyone who’s really behind this project. The reason we make decisions like this is because you think about your own family and your own children and the entire Town of Middletown and leaving it better than you found it." 

“The placement of this final steel beam symbolizes major progress in the construction phase; but we know there is still much work ahead before completion,” School Committee Chairperson Greg Huet said. “I believe the symbolism in placing the final steel beam is also reflective of the present state of our school district. We are making significant progress, but we know that there is still much work ahead before the job in reaching our lofty academic goals are accomplished.” 

For decades, town and school officials have talked about the need to update and improve the school buildings and grounds. 

In November 2023, voters gave the go-ahead to an aggressive plan to do just that, with the 211,000-square-foot grade 6-12 school serving as the lynchpin just north of the existing Gaudet Middle School.  

At the same time, renovations are underway at the existing Middletown High School building at 130 Valley Road. Once completed and opened for the start of the 2027-2028 school year, that building will be the home to the district’s grade 2-5 program as well as school administrative and maintenance offices. For more, visit https://mdl.town/NYCU-VES online. 

Around the corner, Forest Avenue School is being considered for sweeping upgrades, with the Town Council awarding an architectural study of the facility. If approved, the school will become the district’s prekindergarten through first grade learning center. For more, visit https://mdl.town/NYCU-FAS-Improve online. 

Serving as master of ceremonies, Superintendent Billy Niemeyer said there were plenty of people to thank.  

First and foremost, Niemeyer said the project would never have happened without the support of the Middletown community itself.  

The volunteer School Building Committee guiding the effort was critical, as well as the Town Council and School Committee, Niemeyer said. 

Project managers Colliers, designers HMFH and DBVW and builders Gilbane also earned high praise along with all the tradespeople and everyone who’s contributed to making Friday’s event a success, he added. For regular work updates on the new school and more, visit https://mdl.town/SBC online. 

“This Topping Off Ceremony dates back centuries with roots in Scandinavian construction, where builders completed the highest point of a structure, they’d place a tree — or a branch — atop the building as a sign of respect for the materials, the workers and the community the structure would serve,” Niemeyer said. “This school is going to be a beacon for us in Middletown.”  

Before the beam went up, students who would be attending the new school were invited to sign the beam with permanent magic markers. Signatures and sayings decorated the metal everywhere, the pride and excitement shining through. 

Representing Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Middletown native George “Andy” Andrade said Friday’s event was part of a drive across the state to improve education. Andrade serves as the RIDE’s Special Assistant to the Commissioner and Liaison to the Board of Education. 

Sharing some data, Andrade said the Middletown Middle High School was one of a “school construction surge” across the state. Since 2018, Andrade said Rhode Island has approved $5.5 billion dollars to upgrade and modernize schools throughout The Ocean State. 

“I drive by this every single day and see the progress is amazing,” Andrade said. “This is what’s possible when the state and the local communities of Rhode Island work together…As a state, we’re focused on transformation, not temporary fixes.” 

Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Top

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

Media Contact

Matt Sheley

Public Affairs Officer

401-842-6543

msheley@middletownri.gov

STUDENT OF THE WEEK:

MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL NINTH GRADER NATALIE LOPEZ

MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 27, 2026) – In each of the schools across Middletown, there are students doing excellent, noteworthy things. As part of a feature from the town, a different student will be spotlighted for their efforts to make Middletown a special place to live, work and play. 

Name: Natalie Lopez

School: Middletown High School

Grade: Ninth

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Nancy Lopez-Llamas and Carlos Lopez

Accomplishment(s): “Natalie is a bright and motivated student who consistently prioritizes her grades while balancing her involvement in volleyball, softball and social activities,” Mathematics Teacher Aleah Meyer said.

Quotable: "Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.”

Dream Job: “Veterinarian because I want to help animals."

Favorite Meal: Taquitos

Free Time: Watching movies, playing volleyball and playing softball

Who I Look Up To: “My parents because they both work incredibly hard to give me and my brother everything they didn't have as kids.”

Best Part Of Middletown: Afterschool activities and sports

Inspirations: “My father because he always encourages me to be better and work hard.”

Top Hangout: Downtown Newport

Recommended Reading: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Best Subject In School: “Math because I enjoy the material.”

Teacher/Staff Member I’d Like To Thank: “Kevin Zahm and Kevin Lendrum because during volleyball season we were allowed to hang out in their classrooms and draw on the board.”

Comment From Teacher/Staff Member: “Natalie consistently demonstrates kindness, strong effort and dedication to her academics and activities. She is a positive presence in the classroom and very deserving of this recognition,” Meyer said.

Document Link: https://mdl.town/SOW-Natalie-Lopez

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant community located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

Media Contact

Matt Sheley

Public Affairs Officer

401-842-6543

msheley@middletownri.gov

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HITTING THE MARK 

MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 23, 2026) – Construction on Middletown Middle High School continues its steady march towards the finish line. 

In every report to the Town Council and School Committee, project managers Colliers have said everything remains squarely “on time and on budget.” 

This despite a less than ideal winter, which hasn’t slowed things down — minus Winter Storm Hernando, which caused a few headaches. 

“We’re really pleased with the progress on the project,” School Building Committee Chairman Ed Brady said. “Colliers and (architects) HMFH/DBVW have been very responsive and (builders) Gilbane have delivered each step of the way. I know everyone is proud of what we’ve accomplished here.” 

After a recent tour of the worksite, Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said it was hard not to be impressed. 

“Like any big project, there’s been some skepticism about what we’ll be able to accomplish,” Brown said. “We’ve hit every benchmark and met every deadline, which is something we want to note given the complexity of this effort and the number of moving parts.” 

In November 2023, voters approved a sweeping overhaul to the entire school district during a special election. 

As part of that proposal, a new 211,000-square-foot middle high school is being built on the former Starlight Drive-In property just north of the existing Gaudet Middle School. 

There, sixth through eighth graders will go to classes in one part of the building, with ninth through twelfth graders in the other wing.  

Around the corner, the existing Middletown High School is undergoing renovations for the new Middletown Valley Elementary School for grades two through five as well as district administration and maintenance offices. To learn more, visit  https://mdl.town/NYCU-VES online. 

Both buildings are slated to open in time for the start of the 2027-2028 school year in late August 2027 or early September 2027. 

Earlier this month, the Town Council engaged an architect to prepare designs and budget estimates for wide-ranging work at Forest Avenue School, making that building the entryway for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students coming into the district. For more, go to https://mdl.town/NYCU-FAS-Improve online. 

Importantly, the state Department of Education has pledged to reimburse the town 55 cents on every dollar spent on the project. 

The way the debt schedule is planned, there will be no spike in local tax bills in Fiscal 2027 — or beyond — as a result of the addition of  the new middle high school, conversion of the existing high school to Valley Elementary and the updating Forest Avenue School to serve as our entryway school.  

Rather, because of sound financial planning and good management, town officials said the price for the project is now built into the tax rate. 

Based on current figures, the complete cost for the new schools and all the other work is projected at $1.40 per day in Fiscal 2027 for a median residential property owner with a home valued at $634,150 — or $511 a year. That’s well less than the $2 a day — or a cup of coffee — the town advertised leading up to the vote on the new school and related work.

For regular project updates, visit the School Building Committee’s website at https://mdl.town/SBC online. 

“We’ve put a lot of time and energy into this project and have made a lot of promises along the way,” Brown said. “From Day 1, we’ve laid out what we were going to do and we’ve delivered on absolutely everything we said we were going to do — and more. This project will help bring our schools up to the standard they should be and everyone benefits — the students, our educators, our community.” 

School Superintendent Billy Niemeyer invited everyone to a March 27 ceremony at 10 am from the Gaudet Athletic Complex, 259 Turner Road, for a “Topping Off Ceremony.” During this community event, Niemeyer said the last beam will be moved into place and the steelwork will be complete.

“All are welcome,” Niemeyer said. “We continue to be amazed by the progress made on this building. It is a terrific project to watch.”  

Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Mark

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

Media Contact

Matt Sheley

Public Affairs Officer

401-842-6543

msheley@middletownri.gov

STUDENT OF THE WEEK:

GAUDET MIDDLE SCHOOL EIGHTH GRADER AVRAAM AMARANT

MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 20, 2026) – In each of the schools across Middletown, there are students doing excellent, noteworthy things. As part of a feature from the town, a different student will be spotlighted for their efforts to make Middletown a special place to live, work and play. 

Name: Avraam Amarant

School: Gaudet Middle School

Grade: Eighth

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Debbie & Leon Amarant

Accomplishment(s): “Avraam goes above and beyond to help out the staff and everyone in class,” Spanish Teacher Michael Goodreau said.

Dream Job: “Becoming a software engineer because my dad is one and I went to his office and it was really cool.”

Favorite Meal: Aquidneck Pizza

Free Time: Video games and sports

Who I Look Up To: “My parents because they always take care of me.”

Best Part Of Middletown: The harbor

Inspirations: Doing my best

Top Hangout: The turf field at Gaudet because I can play sports

Recommended Reading: Anything by Percy Jackson

Best Subject In School: Math

Teacher/Staff Member I’d Like To Thank: Mr. Goodreau

Comment From Teacher/Staff Member: “Avraam is very helpful and someone who makes a big difference in my classroom,” Goodreau said.

Document Link: https://mdl.town/SOW-Avraam-Amarant

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant community located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

Media Contact

Matt Sheley

Public Affairs Officer

401-842-6543

msheley@middletownri.gov

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK:

MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL NINTH GRADER JULIANNE REMILLARD

MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 13, 2026) – In each of the schools across Middletown, there are students doing excellent, noteworthy things. As part of a feature from the town, a different student will be spotlighted for their efforts to make Middletown a special place to live, work and play. 

Name: Julianne Remillard

School: Middletown High School

Grade: Ninth

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Sarah & Michael Remillard

Accomplishment(s): “Julianne came right to mind for someone to nominate for Student of the Week due to her continuous dedication to her academics, as well as her kindness and care to those around her,” Mathematics Teacher Aleah Meyer said.

Quotable: “Strive for progress, not perfection.”

Dream Job: “My dream job would be to direct, write AND star in my own movie.

Favorite Meal: Sushi

Free Time: Watching movies

Who I Look Up To: “Miss Meyer because she is so hardworking.”

Best Part Of Middletown: The community

Inspirations: “Leadership and setting a good example.”

Top Hangout: “The beach because it is fun with friends.”

Recommended Reading: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Best Subject In School: “Math because my teacher makes it fun and easy to understand.”

Teacher/Staff Member I’d Like To Thank: “Aleah Meyer because she is supportive and accommodates to students' needs.”

Comment From Teacher/Staff Member: “Julianne is a thoughtful and motivated student who consistently comes to class prepared and ready to learn,” Meyer said. “Her kindness, positive attitude, and genuine dedication to her work make her a joy to have in class and very deserving of this recognition.”

Document Link: https://mdl.town/SOW-Julianne-Remillard

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant community located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

Media Contact

Matt Sheley

Public Affairs Officer

401-842-6543

msheley@middletownri.gov

STUDENT OF THE WEEK:

MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL NINTH GRADER COLIN AGREN

MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 6, 2026) – In each of the schools across Middletown, there are students doing excellent, noteworthy things. As part of a feature from the town, a different student will be spotlighted for their efforts to make Middletown a special place to live, work  and play.

Name: Colin Agren

School: Middletown High School

Grade: Ninth

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Ashley & Michael Agren

Accomplishment(s): “Colin was nominated for Student of the Week for his strong academic performance and dedication both in and out of the classroom,” Mathematics Teacher Aleah Meyer said. “He balances his responsibilities as a multi-sport athlete, participating in hockey, soccer and baseball, while consistently maintaining great grades.”

Quotable: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

Dream Job: “Something sports-related because I have been in a variety of sports my whole life and I enjoy them.”

Favorite Meal: Chicken Parmesean 

Free Time: Hockey practice, studying, sleeping

Who I Look Up To: “My parents and my older brother because they push me to be the best version of myself.”

Best Part Of Middletown: “How everyone knows everyone. I love the small town feel.”

Inspirations: Kindness of others

Top Hangout: Downtown Newport because of the variety of stores and restaurants.

Recommended Reading: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Best Subject In School: “Math because my teacher makes math fun and math comes easy to me.”

Teacher/Staff Member I’d Like To Thank: “(Science Teacher) Kevin Lendrum because he is super kind and gives positive energy,” Agren said. “He makes science class fun.”

Comment From Teacher/Staff Member: “Colin is a hardworking and respectful student who takes pride in his academics and extracurricular activities,” Meyer said. “He manages his time well, comes to class prepared and consistently puts forth strong effort. He is always kind and caring to his peers.”

Document Link: https://mdl.town/SOW-Colin-Agren

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant community located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

Media Contact

Matt Sheley

Public Affairs Officer

401-842-6543

msheley@middletownri.gov