Stony Lane Student Council presents revamped newspaper to community

The North Kingstown School Committee meeting on May 20, 2025, showcased the impressive efforts of the Stony Lane Student Council newspaper team, comprised of enthusiastic third, fourth, and fifth graders. The students presented their revamped newspaper, highlighting their commitment to enhancing community engagement through original articles and creative content.

Principal Nicole Hitchner introduced the team, emphasizing their dedication to making the newspaper more enticing over the past three years. The students, led by President Grace Groves and Vice President Scarlett Fitzpatrick, shared their roles and the collaborative process behind their articles, which cover a range of topics from school events to interviews with peers. Their goal for the year is to produce a multi-page newspaper that encourages reading and writing among their classmates.

The presentation not only demonstrated the students' creativity but also their understanding of the importance of communication and teamwork. They expressed their desire to include contributions from other school teams, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within Stony Lane Elementary.

Following the newspaper team's presentation, the committee heard from various school principals, including those from Fishing Cove and Forest Park, who discussed their school improvement plans. Fishing Cove's principal highlighted their focus on improving academic outcomes in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science, while addressing chronic absenteeism, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Forest Park's principal emphasized the need to close achievement gaps, particularly for students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students, and outlined initiatives to enhance student engagement and support.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and community involvement. As the school year approaches its end, the collaborative efforts of students and educators alike aim to create a positive impact on learning outcomes and school culture in North Kingstown.